Saturday, December 26, 2015

The Benefits of Fascial Release Therapy

The Benefits of Fascial Release Therapy
Everybody has fascia throughout the body; it is an elastic band that surrounds every muscle in the body making the muscles loose and flexible. When there is some form of fascia trauma, the muscles in the fascia becomes stiff, making the muscle sore and tender. The difference between typical stiff muscles and fascia pain will be found in trigger points; points that hurt in one spot instead of the entire muscle.

Additionally, fascia trauma or pain cannot be seen in any radiology tests such as X-rays or MRI's making it extremely difficult to diagnose. The good news is that fascia pain is easy to treat with a specialized form of massage therapy. The benefits of fascial release therapy consist of increased flexibility, decreased pain and better mobility and range of motion. Once you go through this therapy, you can enjoy your life just as you did before your trauma happened.

Many people live in chronic pain; pain that cannot be explained by any tests or radiology procedures. Due to the fact that the pain is simply unexplainable pain, it is very difficult to diagnose if you have had some form of trauma to your fascia, your doctor may try some other tests simply to rule out torn ligaments or tendons before putting you through the fascia release therapy. As you go through this therapy, you will find that the pain becomes reduced a bit after each session until the pain is gone completely, this is how the doctor determines for certain that you have had some form of fascial trauma.

What is Fascia Therapy?

Fascial release therapy is a type of massage therapy which can be performed by a wide range of physicians, massage therapists and chiropractors; as long as they have had the proper training and certifications. This therapy takes the soft tissue that surrounds and gently stretches the fascia that has been affected. This type of therapy is not designed to be a quick fix, in fact, it takes the same shape as you would find post-surgery.

You should expect to have an initial appointment that pinpoints the affected area that is where the therapist will focus their treatment. After that, you should see the therapist on a set schedule for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of the pain as well as the rate of recovery. Each fascial release therapy session should take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on what the therapist recommends, as well as what you can handle.

Cost Effectiveness

There are times when a physician is sure that there are torn ligaments cartilage but, like fascia trauma, does not always show up on radiology tests. This is when the doctor feels that they should just go in and operate to repair the problem.


This solution is a fine way to fix the problem so the pain stops and you can go back to living your normal life; however, it is not uncommon that when the doctor simply suggests the fascia therapy first instead of sending the patient straight into the operating room, the problem goes away. Simply put, this means that if your doctor has you go through a fascial release therapist before surgery, you could feel better and not need the surgery after all. Not only will this save you pain and time, but it also saves you and your insurance carrier thousands of dollars in expenses occurred in an unnecessary surgery.

Added Mobility

The majority of patients who go through the fascia release therapy program find that they are not only pain-free, but they have their mobility back as well. Since the elastic parts that hold the muscles in place are now back to being elastic as opposed to stiff, the muscles can now move about freely, giving you back the flexibility and mobility you once thought you lost.

Fascial release therapy is the best way to get your mobility back, lose your chronic pain and take your life back. Always ask your doctor about any new treatment program that you feel could help you become independent and pain-free.


Eugene Wood is a leading NYC and Long Island Massage Therapist and the Education Chair for the NY Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association. Eugene has offices in Manhattan and Wantagh, Long Island. Learn more by visiting his website at: http://www.nyc-massage.com.

The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep

The Importance of a Good Nights Sleep
A shocking 64% of Americans say that they do not get a proper amount of sleep each night. While an occasional bout of insomnia from time to time is normal, getting less than seven hours of sleep each night is not. Lack of sleep can lead to mental issues, health issues and can take a toll on your personal appearance.

An average adult needs roughly six to eight hours of sleep each night. The amount can vary from person to person. Women generally need more sleep than men. Experts say that this amount needs to stay consistent daily, trying to catch up on sleep on weekends does not help.

So what happens when you don't get the proper amount of sleep each evening?

1. Your immune system becomes weak.


If you notice that you easily catch colds and flu, consider how much sleep you get on an average. You may need more. With lack of sleep, you may feel worn out or weary. Your immune system becomes suppressed and cannot work to its full capability. The result, your body will pick up illnesses quickly.

2. Your brain cannot work properly.


Studies have placed drunk drivers and sleep deprived drivers side-by-side. The result? Sleep deprived drivers performed worse than those who were inebriated. Lack of sleep over time will reduce hand and eye coordination. It can also reduce memory skills. This can also lead to emotional problems such as anger and depression.

3. Your heart works overtime. 


Our bodies need a full night of sleep to repair and rejuvenate. With lack of sleep, our heart begins to work overtime. Inflammation can set in leading to strokes and heart attacks. For many who are lacking sleep, they reach for caffeine to get them through the day. Studies have shown that adults as young as 18 can damage their hearts by drinking too much caffeine.

4. You begin to pack on the pounds.
 


Scientists still do not know why, but they know it happens. Those who lack sleep, pack on the pounds quickly. Some scientists believe it has to do with hormones. Others believe it is because the body is never able to recover fully and works overtime. If you're trying to lose weight, the best thing you can do is get a full night of sleep.

You've cleared out your schedule and made time to get an adequate amount of sleep each evening. Yet you toss and turn, each night leads to no sleep. There are prescriptive medications to help you sleep each evening. However, these medications can be highly addictive and have steep side effects. The good news is that there are natural remedies for insomnia.

1. Ban electronics from your bedroom. 


Turn over your cell phones and keep the television off. The light from the electronics can keep you up.

2. Create a consistent bedtime routine.


Try to go to bed and wake up the same time each day, even on the weekends.

3. Watch what you do before bedtime.


Eating big meals, drinking caffeine and exercising can keep you up. Drinking alcoholic beverages may make you fall asleep, but it can wake you up in the middle of the night.

4. Create a mood.


Lower the lights in your house a few hours before your bedtime. Take a warm bath or read a book an hour before bed. There are also many candles and room sprays that can create a sleep induced mood.

5. Reach for the Melatonin.


Melatonin is a natural hormone that is produced in our bodies and regulates sleep patterns. Sometimes our bodies do not produce enough, and it can lead to insomnia.

6. Try holistic healing.


Sometimes our bodies carry too much stress, and it becomes hard to unwind at night. If you have back pain, visit a chiropractor. If you have muscle pain, visit a massage therapist. If you feel stressed, try acupuncture.

Eugene Wood is a leading Massage Therapist on Long Island and New York City. He provides massage therapy treatments for a multitude of health conditions that relieve pain and improve overall health and well-being. Learn more by visiting his website at: http://www.nyc-massage.com.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

10 Things You Didn't Know About Massage Therapy

Person receiving Massage Therapy for better health
Massage is often synonymous with images of wealthy individuals dressed in luxurious bath robes lounging around the spa, enjoying the lap of luxury. However, massage is much more than that. This alternative form of therapy is used to treat a number of different ailments from chronic pain to sleep disorders and even depression.

In fact, massage therapy can be viewed as a healthy treat you can enjoy in more ways than one. These ten things you didn't know about massage therapy will help you view massage in a new light.

Your Body Craves Touch

You've undoubtedly heard the stories about newborn babies in neonatal intensive care who, after receiving affection several times a day, miraculously got better. Well, as it turns out, the human body craves touch as part of its overall well-being. So, though you may have scheduled an appointment with your massage therapist to relieve pain in your lower back, know that it is okay to sit back, relax and enjoy the gift of affection that goes along with it.

Less Is More

Though your massage therapist offers 90-minute massage treatments, it may not always be warranted. For example, scheduling a 90-minute session for just a single area of concern could result in you becoming bored and your massage therapist becoming bored. Furthermore, insisting your therapist manipulate just a single area the entire time could overwork the area and cause it to become worse. When in doubt, consult your therapist about issues of concern, and allow them to recommend a massage session for you.

A Butt Massage Can be Beneficial to Your Health

Your derriere is one of the most neglected muscles in the body, and can often lead to stiff and painful muscles, especially if you have a job that requires you to sit for extended amounts of time. Butt massage helps relieve stress and threats of diseases, and can even help relieve back pain and make delivery easier. Combined with a full body massage, it promotes overall relaxation. Keep in mind, a butt massage may not be for everyone, and it is okay to request a therapist of the same gender to help make your session more comfortable.

Massage Helps Stimulate Hair Growth

The scalp is another neglected muscle of the body. A scalp massage is not only good for relieving headaches; it also revitalizes the brain, improves concentration, and can even strengthen the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

Massage Therapy is Preventative Health Care

Massage therapy has been proven to help prevent some chronic pain. In fact, it has been used in China for years to help individuals stay healthy. So, no more guilt about going to the spa. Just inform your partner that it's helping you stay healthy.

Don't be Alarmed if You Pass Gas

Massage improves digestion, so don't be alarmed if you are on the massage table fully relaxed, and your stomach makes noises, or you pass gas. This is a good sign that the massage is working; your therapist understands.

Massage Helps Keep Your Skin Healthy

Skin is the body's first line of defense, and besides holding our organs in place, it also helps regulate body temperatures and helps the liver remove toxins. Kneading and rubbing the skin on a regular basis, increases blood flow, helps plump the skin, releases built-up toxins, and improves nutrient absorption, which helps keep your skin stay healthy, firm and radiant.

Massage Therapy Can be Done In-Home

A licensed massage therapist can perform massage therapy in the comfort of your own home, vacation home, hotel, office, business or hospital, etc., for added convenience. Check for a licensed therapist in your state for in-home services.

Massage Helps Relieve Side Effects of Cancer
Light touch, Swedish, and foot massage have been shown to reduce many symptoms associated with cancer such as fatigue, nausea, pain, depression, and stress. Cancer patients have reported less pain, better sleep and an overall improved quality of life after massage sessions.

Infants Enjoy Massage, Too

Touch is important for babies to bond with parents and caregivers. Infant massage has been proven to help babies sleep better, gain weight, and it helps improve their immune system.

Now that you know some surprising benefits of massage therapy, no more excuses about scheduling a massage. Be sure to book your session with a licensed professional who has undergone strict training in massage practices and ethics to avoid injuries and misunderstandings. Also, be sure you are honest with your massage therapist about your health history in order to ensure your safety and to reap the full benefits of your massage.


Eugene Wood is a Licensed Massage Therapist with offices in New York City and Wantagh, Long Island. Learn more by visiting his website at:  http://www.nyc-massage.com

Monday, January 26, 2015

Tips on Getting Started with Romantic Massage Techniques for Your Partner



Husband giving wife a romantic massage
A romantic massage can be a great way to help your partner unwind at the end of the day, the perfect gift for birthdays or Valentine's Day or a sensual way for married couples to bond. Setting the right mood as well as making a loving connection makes all the difference between a simple massage and a romantic experience. Follow these tips to get you started.

Prepare Yourself

Educate yourself on proper massage techniques, beforehand, to prevent injury to your partner and to ensure your massage is the relaxing treat it was meant to be. Enroll in a massage class or study books on massage techniques. You can purchase massage books from any bookstore or rent them at your local library.

Select a Space

Select a firm, stable massage area such as a pallet of blankets, a futon or a large table padded with foam, towels, pillows or blankets. You want to avoid areas that are too soft, so your partner doesn't bounce around during the massage. The ideal area should allow easy access to both sides of your partner's body.

Set the Mood

Eliminate potential distractions, beforehand. Arrange for children to be away, turn off all phones and lock the doors.

Set the temperature in the room so it is neither too cold nor too hot so your partner enjoys a relaxing massage without excessive temperatures. Select a large towel or sheet to cover the areas of the body that are not being massaged.


Dim the lights and light lots of scented candles to create a romantic glow and soft fragrance. If you prefer, use unscented candles to create a romantic glow and use a potpourri pot or diffuser to emit a soft scent. Turn on relaxing music such as jazz or classical etc.

Select a Massage Oil

Massage oil makes it easier to massage, knead and rub your partner's fatigued muscles. Choose unscented massage oil or one with a soft scent such as lavender or jasmine. Steer clear of intense scents which can be overpowering. Heat the oil in hot water before you begin. If you prefer to use scented oils, please visit my page on aromatherapy massages.
 
Prepare For the Massage

The person receiving the massage should be freshly bathed or showered. For a spa-like touch, provide a soft robe and slippers. Before you begin the massage, make sure your partner isn't thirsty, hungry, has to use the bathroom or has just consumed a large meal. Laying face down on a full stomach could be uncomfortable.

Be sure your partner is comfortable. Exit the room while they get undressed and cover up as much or as little as they wish. Before you begin, ask your partner if there are specific areas you should avoid or pay close attention to, then steer clear of or focus on those areas.

The Massage

Be sure the massage fits your relationship. This should be a relaxing time for your partner, so keep the massage platonic so your partner isn't constantly on guard.

The purpose of a the massage is to relax your partner's entire body and make them feel loved. Devote equal time to each body part from head to toe. During the massage, periodically ask your partner what feels good and what doesn't, then adjust your touch accordingly.

Wear loose clothing and pull your hair back to avoid distractions. Have your partner lie down. Place pillows under their ankles, knees and neck.

If you are pressed for time, just ask your partner where they would like to be massaged. If they have knots in any particular area of their body or just enjoy having their feet etc. rubbed, then just focus on that. Giving the royal treatment to just one area of the body can be more heavenly than a head to toe massage.

There is no right or wrong way to begin your massage. Where you should start depends on what is natural for you. Some recommend beginning with the feet, then legs, then up to the upper body, before slowly working your way back down to the stomach and pelvic area.

Experiment until you find what works best for you and your partner. Just focus on your partner's response, then adjust the massage accordingly. The more you practice, the more it will become second nature to you. In the meantime, romantic massage is all about the quality of touch, so stay in the moment, and don't worry about doing it right.


Eugene Wood is a Licensed Massage Therapist with offices in New York City and Wantagh, Long Island. Learn more by visiting his website at:  http://www.nyc-massage.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

When Children May Benefit From Regular Massage Therapy

A child receiving massage therapy for pain relief
Adults know the benefits of massage. Massage is relaxing, calming and provides pain relief. Did you know massage is also beneficial for children? It stimulates their immune system, offers pain relief, stress relief and helps them socially.

Studies have shown that kids who have a regular massage are happier, healthier, and more social than kids who have never had a massage. It also helps athletic and special needs children to live up to their full potential, while helping premature newborns get a fighting chance at life. Regular massage helps kids stay happy and healthy from infancy to adulthood.

Stimulates Immunity

Kids with chronic illness such as cancer and cystic fibrosis, suffer stress and anxiety different than other kids. They are constantly going through medical procedures, hospitalizations, and missing school because they are sick. Stress and anxiety are common factors in kids who are chronically ill, although when the anxiety is helped, the child begins to heal.

Massage is a top treatment in helping anxiety and stress in chronically ill kids; in fact, it is offered in hospitals so kids can get a massage while waiting for their procedure. While it might not cure the disease, it will help with relief of the symptoms, stress and, in some cases, the pain.

Even healthy kids suffer stress and anxiety. Adults typically do not see this, but they do. When kids become too stressed, they get sick. Massage helps stress, therefore, it builds immunity.

Pain Relief

Kids show pain different than adults. They may not say their muscles are tight, but often they suffer the same pains as adults. These are referred to as "growing pains". As the body grows, the bones and muscles stretch, causing pain, sometimes excruciating pain. Regular massage helps reduce growing pains in kids of all ages by relaxing the growing muscles.

Massage is beneficial for kids who are involved in sports. Kids (and adults) who play sports are often given a massage before and after games and practices. These are called "pre-event" and "post event" massages and each one serves a different purpose. Most kids who suffer pain from sports will stop doing that sport, so it is important that they remain pain free while they play. If a child is injured during some activity, massage will help to promote physical healing. Physical therapists and doctors often include massage therapy into treatment plans for back, leg, and shoulder injuries in kids.

Social Aspect

Kids who are given regular massage are known to be happier and more relaxed throughout the day. Teachers report that students, who have massage focus better in school, make more friends and are generally more relaxed than students who do not. This makes them do better in school, get better grades and go on to become productive members of society.

Special Needs Kids

Kids who have special needs are often tense. They don't sleep well and they wear out themselves and their parents. It is not unusual for special needs kids to only get a couple hours of sleep at night and wake up ready to rule the world. Regular massage helps them to get a full night's sleep and be more rested and relaxed throughout the day. Since massage is known to reduce stress and pain, it also helps the special needs child to relax and sleep; which also allows the parents to relax and sleep.

In premature infants, the sense of touch is often a lifesaver. Many newborns that were born early are given light massage, after which their vitals improved and their immunity is helped. Massage helps improve circulation, which then helps all other aspects of the newborns vital organs. Their heart rate and breathing both improves, which greatly increases their chance of survival. While these preemies often have a low chance of survival, simple things like touch are often the gestures that save their young lives.

From infancy to adolescence, regular massage helps all kids remain relaxed and pain free. It helps them to become more active and social while helping them to focus and do well in school. Regular massage helps kids in all aspects of life and growing up, not just the physical pain.


Eugene Wood is a top Certified Massage Therapist in NYC and Wantagh NY. Learn more by visiting his website at NYC-Massage.com