"Alternative" to what?

How did massage therapy once championed by a number of influential doctors become considered alternative?

  A group of physicians in the late 19th century advocated for the inclusion of physiotherapeutics, including manual therapy, as a third branch of medicine(alongside surgery and pharmaceutics). Other physicians shunned it as the purview of charlatans.

  In the end, physical modalities did find a less central place in the conventional establishment, becoming a specialty called physical medicine and rehabilitation. The profession of physiotherapy/physical therapy, organized by physicians' assistants, found a place as allied health care. Independent massage practitioners, despite having similar skills to early physiotherapists, remained in tradition of drug-less and natural healing and were left with the status of alternative. these outliers became the nucleus of the emerging massage therapy profession.

'Excerpted from The Emergence of the Massage Therapy Profession in North America'                                                                                                                         

Executive Spa and Massage

Fascia bodywork and massage

http://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/494122-may-june-2015/66

Glutes, why are these ignored in your massage session?

When I ask clients if their last massage therapist worked on their gluteal muscles, I am always surprised to hear some of their answers.

  "I asked, but they said they couldn't."

 "I was too uncomfortable to ask."

" I don't have an issue in that area so I request not to."

  Sadly, these days, a full body massage is not always a "full body." Certain body segments have become part of the "no touch zones" that are intentionally left out of massage and bodywork sessions.

This trend includes the pectorals, abdominals, and most notably the glutes. It's a problem that is increasingly exemplified in some franchise spas that are trying to protect themselves from the lawsuits of a sometimes litigious clientele, and in schools that aren't always prepared to teach their students the importance of gluteal work. 

  I try to inform the client to help them understand the importance of these muscles, what they do for the body, and why they on occasion need to be addressed and worked. With that said, the client is in control; if he/she is still uncomfortable then of course the gluteal region will not be part of the session. Usually it's not so much as being uncomfortable as it is uneducated on the purpose and function of the muscle group. This goes also for the massage therapist, sometimes schools aren't always prepared to teach the importance of gluteal work, the trend seems to be growing, experts are concerned about it's impact on the profession.

 Three muscles make up the Gluteal group, these are:

Gluteus Maximus

Gluteus Medius

Gluteus Minimus

  These are part of the structure that literally holds the legs to the pelvis, these are critical player in your posture, gait, and special movements. The glutes help stabilize the pelvice, spine and creates powerful movements at the hip joint. Not working these muscles is doing a disservice to the client. This muscle group effects the lower back, hip, legs, and knees. If the gluteal region is dis functioned then it causes misalignment and pain in other areas.

On your next appointment with your therapist ask about gluteal work and if it would be beneficial for you.

"Wisdom, is to the Mind, as Health is to the Body."

Bonnie Haldeman, LMT

Executive Spa and Massage

Massage Joplin Mo

Executive Spa and Massage

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www.massagejoplinmo.com

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417-439-0324

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5 ways to help your freaked out Neck and Shoulder Pain

Don't be freaked out by your sore neck and shoulders. 5 ways to schedule appointment here help your freaked out pain.

  Practice good posture. Posture has more to do with neck pain than people realize. The head and spine balance in relation to gravity. When poor posture pulls the curve of the lower back forward, the upper back curves farther backward to compensate. In response, the neck curves forward, in a strained position. So do what your mother told you and sit up straight!

  Relax. Emotional stress can trigger muscle tension. Pay attention to what stresses you: your drive to work, your rush to get dinner on the table each night, meetings with your boss, and so on. After you've identified your common stressors, think creatively about ways to reduce your stress. One way to manage stress is through relaxation techniques, such as progressive relaxation or abdominal breathing, a glass of wine, 2 glasses of wine(just kidding),video games,etc...Just whatever works for you.

  Heat it up. Heat increases circulation and can be effective for easing stiff muscles. Use a wet towel or a hot water bottle, or stand in a hot shower. But don't keep it up for too long. Too much heat can aggravate symptoms and cause more pain. You might even want to try following up your heat application with a few minutes of cold treatment.

  Ice it. Ice effectively numbs pain and decreases inflammation. Put crushed ice in a plastic bag and cover the bag with a pillowcase (a terry towel is too thick to effectively transmit the cold). Apply the icepack to your painful neck for 15 minutes at a time.

  Use massage. Massage can help ease tense muscles and give lasting relief, and it may help you sleep better. First, take a hot bath or shower to relax the muscles. Then, have your partner use oil or lotion and rub your neck and shoulders using the fingers to apply gentle pressure in small circular motions. Next, have your partner rub your neck and shoulders using firm pressure and long, downward strokes. Don't forget the upper chest area. If you don't have a willing partner, try rubbing your own neck and upper chest area with oil or lotion for 10 or 15 minutes. Or even better call me! Bonnie Haldeman, Licensed Massage Therapist. I am educated to identify issues in soft tissue and help relieve and heal..... Get rid of your freaky pain today!schedule appointment here

Massage a Headache away

All of us suffer from a headache at one time or another. Some range from mild to excruciating pain. Did you know that there are massage techniques that can can help relieve your headache..... First off identify the type of headache you have.

Tension Headache is the most common type of headache. Its name indicates the role of stress and mental or emotional conflict in triggering the pain and contracting muscles in the neck, face, scalp, and jaw. Tension-type headaches may also be caused by jaw clenching, intense work, missed meals, depression, anxiety, or too little sleep. Thus a massage to the rescue! A massage on specific muscles to the head, neck region and trigger points can help relieve and relax the constriction, allowing for proper blood flow. Thus, bye bye headache! A Licensed Massage Therapist, is trained to deal with such issues. So call today an schedule your appointment to "MASSAGE AWAY YOUR HEADACHE TODAY"!