Relieve your Sinus Discomfort Naturally with Massage

Many people have been complaining about their sinuses bothering them this time of year.  The weather is unpredictable, and has been changing from unbearably hot to a nice cool summer day, and back again.  Here are some simple self-massage techniques you can use to relieve any sinus pressure you may have. 

Certified or Licensed Massage Therapist, what's the difference?

What is the difference between a certified massage therapist and a licensed massage therapist? Why do we see the letters LMT or CMT after your name? What do those initials mean?

I was asked this question this week. I figured if one person had the question, maybe more of you do too. Here is the answer for those practicing massage in the state of Illinois.

To become certified as a massage therapist, one must attend a accredited school and finish a minimum of 500 hour program (this will soon change to 600 hours). My initial training was 750 hours, and took 15 months to complete. Once you complete the required program, you take a national exam. There are currently two available to take. The National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCETMB ) and the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). Not all states accept both, but Illinois does. Once one passes this exam, they are a Certified Massage Therapist. They may place CMT after their name.

If you want to legally practice massage therapy in Illinois, you need to get your state license. You must apply for one through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. This is the governing body that regulates many licenses.

There are a few things that you need to have in order to apply for the license. You need to be at least 18 years of age. You need to have passed one of the National tests mentioned above. You need to get fingerprinted for a background check, and you need to pay the $175 fee.

So what does all this mean?

Certified massage therapist has all the information to do their job. Licensed massage therapist is one that can legally perform their job.

In certain states, there is not license needed, so CMT will be more commonly seen.

STD's and Massage (Part 2)

In this series of posts, I will give tips for people with certain conditions to let them know if they should even obtain a massage or not, and what are the important points to go over with your massage therapist.

Yesterday we talked about Mollusum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), Genital Warts (HPV), Syphilis, and Hepatitis. Today the subject at hand is HIV/AIDS.

Can I get a massage if I have HIV?

Since this virus is spread through bodily fluids, and not skin to skin contact, it is safe for a client with HIV to obtain massage.

Your massage therapist needs to take extra care to make sure to not put you at risk for getting sick. She/he may or may not wear gloves as protection for you.

What should I tell my massage therapist?

Inform your therapist what stage of HIV you have. Let them know if you have any other complications related to the virus.

If you are in phase 4-5 of the disease (most advanced stage of AIDS), please tell your therapist. This will affect the type of massage you can receive.

All stages of HIV/AIDS are safe to receive bodywork, but it depends on what phase, and how you are feeling as to what type of bodywork you will receive.

Massage can be a great additional option of treatment for those with HIV/AIDS. In the beginning phases, Swedish massage can be very stress reducing which can help the immune system. In the more advanced stages, energetic work and other non-circulatory massage can become a great source of comfort for a population that is often outcast.

As always, if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about let me know by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

STD's and Massage (Part 1)

In this series of posts, I will give tips for people with certain conditions to let them know if they should even obtain a massage or not, and what are the important points to go over with your massage therapist.

STD's and Massage (Part 1)

Although most sexually transmitted diseases are only spread through sexual contact, there are a few exceptions.

Mollusum Contagiosum Virus (MCV), Genital Warts (HPV), and Syphilis

These viruses can be spread through any kind of skin to skin contact. They can also be spread with contact to contaminated linens. Treat these STDs first and postpone any massage appointments until there is no chance of spreading the infection to others.

If you know that you have any type of STD, make sure you treat your infection. Once the infection is cleared up, you can make your appointment for massage.

Hepatitis

Let your therapist know if you have any open wounds, or small cuts anywhere on your body. Your therapist may wear gloves during your massage as a precaution for two reasons: first to protect you, and second to prevent transmission of the disease. Please do not take offense if they choose to wear gloves. They may have a cut on their hand, or fingernails. I have had quite a few massages where we practiced with gloves during my massage training. If your therapist is good, you won't even realize the gloves are on.

If your Hepatitis is in the acute stage, certain types of massage strokes should not be used, so please make sure your therapist is aware of what stage you are in. If your Hepatitis is in the chronic stage, you may have the option to get a circulatory massage. You may not, if your overall health isn't well. Each person is different, and you should discuss with your massage therapist what your benefits are from having massage. Energy work and non-circulatory massage are options that you might consider during all stages.

As always, if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about let me know by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

I have brittle bones, is massage safe for me?

In this series of posts, I will give tips for people with certain conditions to let them know if they should even obtain a massage or not, and what are the important points to go over with your massage therapist.

Yes, massage can be a safe option for you to relieve any discomfort you are experiencing from having weakened bones.  Keep reading to find out what you should know to keep your massage safe.

Do you have Osteoporosis?

It is very important to inform your massage therapist that you have Osteoporosis. You would not want to get a deep pressure massage, as that could have the potential to fracture your bones. That wouldn't be very relaxing now would it?

That being said, gentle massage can be very beneficial to someone with Osteoporosis. It can naturally relieve the pain and discomfort, however temporarily, that you feel from the loss of bone density.

If there is ever a time where you feel your massage therapist is giving you too much pressure, please tell them right away.  Remember, the time you have on the massage table, is YOUR time.  If you are ever uncomfortable, let your therapist know.  

Do you have a current fracture?

Inform your massage therapist how acute the fracture is, the degree of fracture (hairline fracture or complete broken bone), and the location.

You can not receive massage in the local area of the fracture, but the rest of your body can receive bodywork.

Example of how massage can help you:

If you have a hairline fracture on your left foot, your right leg will be working harder to compensate for the lack of movement from your left leg. You will not get massage on your left foot, but it would be beneficial to you to get massage on your right leg and foot since those muscles are currently working harder than they are used to.

I will continue to post about some other conditions such as Asthma, Cancer, etc... Let me know if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

Arthritis and Massage

A few days ago I wrote about having a fever, cold or flu and obtaining a massage. Yesterday it was Diabetes. I tend to talk about all the times when you should get a massage, such as to relieve tension, ease back pain, or many other times when it is appropriate. In this series of posts, I will give tips for people with certain conditions to let them know if they should even obtain a massage or not, and what are the important points to go over with your massage therapist. Tonight’s topic is Arthritis.

Do you have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Your basic Swedish Massage can help you as long as your RA is not in an acute stage. If it is, you will want to make sure to explain that to your massage therapist, as it will determine the type of strokes they use with you during that time. During the subacute stage of RA, it is safe to obtain a circulatory massage such as Swedish. Massage can help maintain and even increase joint function.

Do you have Septic Arthritis?

Do not get a massage! SA is a kind of arthritis that is brought on by a bacterial infection. Massage would only make that infection spread. Massage is advised, however, once the infection is completely gone. It will help regain some of the range of motion that was lost due to the infection.

Do you have Osteoarthritis?

If you are in an acute stage where you have pain, heat, and redness at the joints affected, then do not get massage in those areas. If you are in the subacute stage of Osteoarthritis, then massage can be very helpful in reducing pain with soft stretches included in the massage.

Over the next few days I will post about some other conditions such as Osteoporosis, Asthma, Cancer, etc... Let me know if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

Diabetes and Massage

A few days ago I wrote about having a fever, cold or flu and obtaining a massage. Tonight I will write about Diabetes. I tend to talk about all the times when you should get a massage, such as to relieve tension, ease back pain, or many other times when it is appropriate. Over the next few days, I will talk about times when you shouldn't get a massage, or should find a massage therapist with extra training that specializes in your condition.

Do you have Diabetes?

Some tips for you if you want to get a massage:

1. Make your appointment at least an hour after you have taken your insulin injection, or before you are going to eat/take your insulin shot.
2. At your appointment, before your massage, inform your therapist where you inject your insulin. This will help your therapist choose what type of strokes to use and where during your massage.
3. Make sure to tell your therapist when you last took insulin.
4. During your massage, if you are starting to feel dizzy, weak, or have any other symptom of insulin shock, please tell your massage therapist. Do not be afraid or embarrassed if you need to stop your massage. Your health is the priority.
5. If you have advanced Diabetes with kidney failure or arherosclerosis, a Swedish massage would not be advised. Find a therapists that specializes in energy techniques instead.

Over the next few days I will post about some other conditions such as Osteoporosis, Asthma, Cancer, etc... Let me know if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

Massage and Fever

I tend to talk about all the times when you should get a massage, such as to relieve tension, ease back pain, or many other times when it is appropriate. Over the next few days, I will talk about times when you shouldn't get a massage, or should find a massage therapist with extra training that specializes in your condition.

Do you have a high fever?

Do not get a massage when you have a fever. There are a few simple reasons as to why.

1. Massage can be taxing for your body. If you have a fever, your body is already fighting something in your system.
2. You should be at home, resting so you can feel better.
3. If you have a fever in conjunction with a cold or flu (or some other underlying infectious disease), you could pass that on to not only your massage therapist, but to anyone that enters the same building after you.
4. Do you really want to get massaged when you have a fever? I know I wouldn't want to.

What if you have a cold/flu?

Massage during a cold or flu can make your symptoms worse, but the duration of your sickness will be shorter. But once again, if you have a cold or the flu, you should stay home and take care of yourself until you are not contagious anymore.

Over the next few days I will post about some other conditions such as Osteoporosis, Diabetes, Asthma, Cancer, etc... Let me know if there are any subjects you would like me to talk about by commenting below, or by sending us an email to info(at)melrosemuscletherapy(dot)com

Stress and Disease

So many problems are related to being overly stressed. Here are quite a few of them:

Loss of sleep

Can't concentrate

Can't seem to remember much

Always tired

Constantly suffering from pain

Anxiety

Depression

Stroke

Heart Disease

Change in your weight

Heart Attack

Headaches

Alzheimer's

Diabetes

Asthma

So what can you do if you are suffering from any of these, or prevent you from getting any of these? How can you change your stress levels to a much lower manageable state?

Figure out what is causing you to stress. What can you do to relieve some of those stressful agents? Just taking a few moments to yourself to clear your mind can help. Turn off every distraction for a moment. Focus on your breathing so that you can't think of anything else. If you can't find a place to be free of distractions, then get a massage. Even a short 30 minutes can help you de-stress so that you can get back to solving any problems that are in front of you.

Living Purposefully and Responsibly

Inspiration from a fellow blogger who has been writing about living with a purpose. You can read his posts here.

The idea of living with a purpose, the way I understand it, is to have goals that you are reaching for and striving for each day. Here is my step by step plan on how to live with purpose.

1. Ask yourself what do you want.

Write down your goals. Do you want to go back to school? Do you want to de-stress your life? Do you want to eat healthier? Whatever it is that you want to attain, write it down.

2. Ask yourself what actions are needed to meet your goals.
   Break down your goals into mini attainable goals if needed. Example: If I wanted to write a novel by next year, I would try to write at least a few pages each week, or day. Each month I would a have a goal of having written at least a chapter. So I have goals set for the year, for each month, and each day. Create a schedule for yourself and try to keep to it.

3. Hold yourself accountable.

Understand that you and only you are responsible for your choices and your actions.

Let us know what you are striving for. How will you live with purpose today?

Helping Students in Need with School Days Supply Drive & Contest

I remember at the end of the school year during my time in elementary school, the teachers were always scrambling for supplies.  We always seemed to run out of paper and chalk and pencils before the year was over.  I vividly remember one year it was October and we didn't have any orange paper left in the entire school.  No pumpkin craft.  We were pretty disappointed kids.  There was another year where we ran out of chalk in each of the classrooms and I remember my teacher purchasing her own to bring in to school.

My elementary school has since closed down, but there are a few schools still in the area.  With state budgets cutting back on school budgets, I figured this year we should do a supply drive for District 89 students and teachers.  To make it a bit more fun, I've included a two part contest as well.

http://www.melrosemuscletherapy.com/Contest.html

I asked the local school district what their wishlist was, and the number one thing on their list was a surprise to me.  White uniform shirts.  Second on the list - socks.  So if you are shopping one day and you see some uniform shirts on sale, please pick up a few, and bring them in, any and all sizes for the kids.  For a complete wishlist, visit the link above.


When you participate, this is what you will get in return- (besides that warm fuzzy feeling) a chance to win a free 60 minute Hot Bamboo Massage.  You also get 10 minutes added to your current massage session and a free Hot Bamboo upgrade to your 30 minute appointment this month.  Oh, and one more thing, if you happen to be the winner of drawing, you also get to pick an area elementary school at which Melrose Muscle Therapy will provide the faculty and staff a day of free massages as a 'thank you' to all they do. =)

Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat

I have been watching the Olympics, and this evening the short distance women runners caught my interest. I used to be a runner during my high school years. I remember how difficult it was to run in the heat during the summer, and at the beginning of the school year. Here are a few tips for you if you are feeling inspired by this years Olympics, and have begun running, or any other activity out in our current heat waves.

Keep hydrated. I say this a lot to my clients throughout the year, but if you are active, it is even more important to avoid dehydration. When you drink anything with caffeine (coffee and teas included), or alcohol, it actually acts to dehydrate you.

Wear cool clothing. Wear lightweight fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. Wear a visor or hat to protect your face. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Pick the most comfortable route. On really hot days, try to run in the morning or evening hours when the temperature is a bit cooler. If you do choose to run in the daytime, find a path that has a lot of shade.

Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF. (If you have already been sunburned, schedule yourself for a 'Cool as a Cucumber' Body Treatment and Massage.)  =)

Don't overexert yourself. Heat exhaustion is no fun. Make sure to listen to your body when beginning a new program, or when adjusting your current routine.

What tips do you have for any new runners, especially in the summer heat? Let us know by commenting below.

Have you ever heard of the 42 lb. head?

To quote Eric Dalton, “According to research, every inch the head moves forward of the shoulders, weight is amplified by 10 pounds. As a result, a 12 pound head held 3 inches forward causes the cervical extensors to isometrically battle 42 pounds against the relentless force of gravity.”

You can see an article that he wrote about this here, complete with a few pictures that you can reference.

When you think about it, it is pretty crazy to think that just a small amount of movement forward, can cause such strain for your neck muscles. These muscles are meant to hold up your head in an upright position quite easily. They are not meant to carry such a heavy load, or force. If you have been having a lot of headaches lately and your neck has been bothering you, you may have what is called upper-crossed syndrome. (More about upper-crossed syndrome in a future post)

What causes you to have a 42 pound head?

Technology isn't helping. If you have a smart-phone, a tablet, or an mp3 player, you may be constantly holding these items down as you look at them.

The same goes for reading too. Watch the way you hold your newspaper, books, magazines, or e-reader. If you are keeping your head held down for a long period of time, you are straining your neck muscles.

What can you do to reverse the damage done?

Raise your electronics up so that they are at your eye level instead of holding them in a way that forces you to look down. This will greatly reduce the strain in your neck muscles.

Get a massage. Actually, get a few of them. This will help remind your muscles how to relax, and this benefit will compound each time you receive bodywork.

If you are having headaches and/or neck pain, make some changes to your daily habits, and make an appointment with us.

Reduce Baby's Fever Naturally

The benefits of massaging an infant are numerous. One benefit is to lower your infant's fever.
Whenever your baby has a fever, please do check in and consult with your pediatrician first.

Before beginning any massage strokes, ask permission from your baby first. Let them know what you are about to do. This may sound silly, but your child will communicate with you to let you know, and the more often you perform massage with your baby, the easier it will be for you to communicate with each other and this will bring you closer to them and help you to increase your bond together.

When performing massage with your baby, you would normally use oil. When your child has a fever, skip the oil, and use warm water instead. When your baby has a fever, it is very important to keep him/her covered. Perform the massage while only working a small section of the body at a time, with the rest of the body clothed. The strokes that you would use during this time would move in a certain direction – from the chest towards the hands, or towards the feet. You will keep your strokes soft and fairly light. The idea here is to soothe your baby and comfort her/him. Dip your hands into the warm water and apply that water to your infant's body using quick massage strokes. The heat from their body should come towards the skin to evaporate the water and help cool them down. If at any time during the massage, your baby looks distressed, stop the massage and listen to what your baby is telling you. She/he may want to be held instead, or the water may be too hot, or too cold. Make sure that your baby is comfortable. Once your child is ready, you may begin the massage again.

To learn more about infant massage, you can visit the websites of Infant Massage USA or the International Association of Infant Massage.

If you would like to take an infant massage class from me, you can find more information here.

Backpacks and Back Pain

Did you know that choosing the right backpack can help prevent serious back pain and injury? Did you also know that the way your child chooses to wear your bag can also affect back pain? Here is a simple list to follow on what to do and what not to do when it comes to choosing and wearing a backpack.

1. Look for a backpack made out of a lightweight canvas material. The lighter, the better.
   
2. Find a backpack with thick, padded straps. Wider straps provide optimal support.
   
3. Adjust the shoulder straps so that the bag sits close to your child's body.
   
4. If you find a backpack with an extra waist strap, make sure your child uses it for even better for weight distribution.
   
5. When wearing the backpack, your child should use both straps, and not carry it on one shoulder. If he/she does do that, it will lead to uneven weight distribution and can lead to long term back problems in the future.
   
6. When filling the backpack, make sure to put the heaviest items in first so they are closest to your child's body. This will help keep your child standing upright and minimize leaning forward.
   
7. Make sure your child's backpack isn't too heavy for them. The full bag should not weigh more than 15% of his/her body weight. So for a 100 pound child, their bag shouldn't weigh more than 15 pounds.
   
   
   While you are purchasing all the basic school supplies such as pencils, pens, notebooks, rulers and so on, make sure that the backpack they keep everything in is right for them.