What is Kinesio Taping?

On June 27, 2022   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
What is Kinesio Taping?

Have you heard of Kinesio taping? Chances are, if you are, or were, a high school or college athlete, you may have had Kinesio taping for an injury.

What is Kinesio Taping and what does it do?

Have you ever seen someone with brightly colored strips of tape on their body and wondered what it was? That’s Kinesio taping, but what is it exactly? And what are the benefits of using it? Keep reading to find out!

Kinesio taping is a method of Athletic Taping that uses Kinesiology tape to improve the body’s natural healing process. The tape helps to support muscles and joints and can be used to prevent and treat injuries. Kinesio taping is often used by athletes but can be helpful for anyone with muscle or joint pain. If you’re interested in trying kinesiology tape, we can provide it as an add-on to any massage therapy or sauna appointment at All Body Kneads.

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How is Kinesio Taping from other taping methods of taping?

Kinesiology tape is water-resistant, so it can endure even showers and other moisture contacts. It is strong enough that you may be able to use the same tape application for three to five days without irritating the skin or underlying structures. Kinesiology tape allows you to have a normal range of motion while still providing support.

In contrast, the athletic tape should only be applied a short time before an activity, and removed immediately after the activity, to ensure no further damage is done to the area. It is not water-proof, and the retained moisture it can trap will irritate the skin if left too long. Just the adhesive itself can cause irritation – so, instead of being applied directly onto the skin, it is often advised to use a non-adhesive pre-wrap between the tape and the skin.

(source: https://www.physixgear.com/blogs/sport-and-wellness/kinesiology-tape-vs-athletic-tape-which-one-is-right-for-me)

kinesio taping

What are the benefits of using Kinesio Tape?

  • decreases pain
  • increases circulation and decreases inflammation
  • improves posture and supports muscles
  • Improves athletic performance
  • Allows the internal injury to heal
  • Helps prevent further muscle injury while still allowing motion

Who can benefit from using Kinesio Tape

Kinesiology taping is a simple, effective way to get relief from pain and discomfort. It’s especially good for people who suffer from overused or injured muscles as well as those suffering from degenerative joint disease because it helps support their joints without putting pressure on them!

Kinesiology taping can help:

  • People who have jobs that require hard physical labor and repetitive movements (construction workers, factory workers, gardeners, mechanics, miners, secretaries, etc.)
  • People who work at a desk for long periods of time
  • People who have sedentary lifestyles
  • Athletes and other physically active people
  • People who have bad posture
  • People with joint pain or muscle or tendon injuries of any kind
kinesio taping

Kinesiology tape is commonly used on the following body areas:

  • Back
  • Calves
  • Elbows
  • Hamstrings
  • Knees
  • Shins
  • Shoulders
  • Wrists

Who Can Help With My Muscle Pain and Joint Issues?

Bilky Joda-Miller, massage therapist and owner of All Body Kneads is skilled in applying Kinesio Taping. You can get it as an add-on to any massage or sauna appointment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call517-898-2899  or book online.

We look forward to helping you feel better and have a more pain-free lifestyle.

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Massage Therapy for Veterans

On May 31, 2022   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage Therapy for Veterans

Most people don’t think of massage therapy as a treatment for veterans, but it can be very beneficial. Veterans, you deserve the best of the best when it comes to your health and well-being. That’s why we’d like to let you know about the amazing benefits of massage therapy. From reducing stress and anxiety to easing pain and improving sleep quality, massage can help you feel your best both mentally and physically. Did you know that massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat PTSD?

If you’re a veteran who is interested in trying massage therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if it’s right for you. There are many different types of massage therapies available and it is important to find the right one for you.

Massage therapy for veterans can manage pain and stress

Chronic pain is a major health concern within the veteran population. According to the American Massage Therapy Institute, Musculoskeletal pain is common, with research showing it’s the leading cause of disability among veterans and that up to 70 percent of the veteran population is affected.

Massage therapy can help with chronic pain. Massage therapy is often prescribed as a regular, non-evasive, non-addictive pain management tool.

Besides the pain itself, as if that wasn’t enough, chronic pain can cause other symptoms like loss of sleep, elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. These issues, coupled with the pain, create a vicious cycle of pain for those who suffer from the problem. Massage can break that cycle.

Massage Can Help With PTSD

While massage can help with stress and anxiety, it doesn’t make PTSD go away. It can make it easier to manage. If you, or someone you know, suffers from PTSD, a massage may be a great way to manage triggers and reduce anxiety.

According to Psychiatric Times, massage controls pain severity through its effects on both physical and psychological symptoms. A significant reduction of PTSD symptoms has been seen in veterans after massage therapy. Moreover, findings suggest a reduction in substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, and dissociation.

Massage Can Help with Anxiety

The Mayo Clinic reports a 60-minute massage can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 30 percent after just one session. Stress is a huge part of anxiety and lowering stress is the key to managing anxiety.

If you have been feeling overly anxious lately due to events you can identify or are looking for ways to manage your anxiety disorder in a gentle, relaxing way, the good news is that massage therapy can really help.

Massage Therapy Promotes Better Sleep

Insomnia and sleep disorders are also common in the veteran population. According to the AMTA, “While insomnia is a common issue among the general U.S. population, this condition presents an even greater problem to veterans. A study conducted in 2017 involving primary care providers’ perspectives on veterans showed that more than half of the veterans already enrolled in VA health care centers in the Midwest demonstrated having significantly higher levels of insomnia.

As with so many other conditions, sleep disturbances can lead to other problems. For example, a 2017 study found that sleep disturbances and nightmares may be linked to an increased risk for suicide.

The best way to achieve healthy sleep habits is by natural medication-free means. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy reduces fatigue, promotes relaxation, and contributes to high-quality sleep. The benefits of massage are both immediate and long-term.

People who receive massages experience a more restorative type of sleep, both immediately following the massage and even several hours afterward. Their bodies are more relaxed, with reduced aches and pains, and able to fall more quickly into a deep sleep.

There are many different types of massage, so veterans can find one that best suits their needs

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. The following types of massage could be helpful.

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage. When people talk about massage therapy, they most likely mean a Swedish massage. It is sometimes called a “classic massage.” A Swedish massage is characterized by long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches, and stiffness. It also improves circulation and facilitates healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable and could be very gentle and relaxing.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms, and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. It can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage.

Massage therapy is an effective way to manage chronic pain and improve your overall health. As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. Please contact All Body Kneads and schedule a message today.

Thank you for your service.

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Massage Therapy Benefits for Rehabilitation

On May 2, 2022   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage Therapy Benefits for Rehabilitation

Massage Therapy Benefits for Rehabilitation

If you’re like most people, you probably think of massage therapy as a way to relax and de-stress. And while that’s definitely one of the benefits of massage, there are many others that can be helpful for rehabilitating injuries. Massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. If you’re recovering from an injury, talk to your doctor about whether massage therapy might be a good option for you. You may be surprised at how much it can help!

Before Surgery

Surgery can be a stressful experience, and the anticipation of pain before surgery often leads to higher levels in patients who have never experienced this type of physical discomfort. Addressing these fears early on is crucial for post-surgery management. Massage therapy before a major event like surgery or even difficult physical therapy can help prepare the mind and body to get the maximum benefit from the process.

The post-surgical pain and other common physical issues that many people experience after surgery can also be difficult to deal with. Luckily, massage therapy is an excellent form of treatment for this type of discomfort because it provides muscles with gentle touching which helps alleviate stress on the body’s system as well reduce inflammation from scarring.

After Surgery

Post-surgical pain can be a major issue for patients, and it’s something we have to take into consideration when they are recovering from surgery. Research shows persistent or chronic post-surgical pain lasting two to three months is responsible for nearly 1 in 4 cases of chronic pain. 

We all know that postop recovery isn’t always easy but this task becomes more complicated if you’re experiencing chronic or persistent levels of discomfort which may delay your return back into daily life activities. Studies indicate that massage therapy has a variety of benefits for helping people recover faster from surgeries, and also helps with:

  • Decreasing postoperative pain and intensity
  • Reducing postoperative pain, stress, and anxiety
  • Mitigating sympathetic responses to postoperative pain
  • Decreasing doses of analgesics
  • Boosting levels of calmness and feelings of well-being
  • Reducing inflammation and scar tissue
  • Helping regain full range of motion without discomfort
  • Aiding in the re-alignment of muscles and joints
  • Help improve circulation and reduce swelling

Your Rehabilitation Will Improve with Massage Therapy

Talk to your doctor or therapist about whether massage therapy might be right for you after surgery, an accident, or a major illness. Massage therapy is a great addition to your rehabilitation program. Plus, it just feels good!

If you have surgery or a major health event coming up, consider incorporating massage therapy into your pre-and post-procedure care in order to prepare to the best of your ability and to shorten your recovery time.

Make an appointment today with All Body Kneads. You can call 517-898-2899  or click the link below to schedule online.

Book a massage today!

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What is Frozen Shoulder? How do you fix it?

On January 31, 2022   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
What is Frozen Shoulder? How do you fix it?

Frozen shoulder is a weird thing. 

Frozen shoulder is technically called adhesive capsulitis. It causes stiffness, pain, and discomfort in your shoulder joint. It occurs when the range of motion of your shoulder joint is reduced to the point that it feels as though your shoulder is frozen.

Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years. Who wants to endure three years of shoulder pain and stiffness? Just to hope it goes away on its own? 

Book a massage today!

What Causes Frozen Shoulder

Often it doesn’t seem to be caused by an injury or other event. However, it can be caused by underuse. For example, if you are recovering from a medical condition or procedure that prevents you from moving your arm like a stroke or a mastectomy. 

Sometimes people just get it. It seems to affect people over the age of 40 and women more than men. More research remains to be done on the causes. 

Regardless of what causes it, it hurts and you want the pain to go away. 

According to the Mayo Clinic: 

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly, and in three stages. Each stage can last a number of months.

  • Freezing stage. Any movement of your shoulder causes pain, and your shoulder’s range of motion starts to become limited.
  • Frozen stage. Pain may begin to diminish during this stage. However, your shoulder becomes stiffer, and using it becomes more difficult.
  • Thawing stage. The range of motion in your shoulder begins to improve.

For some people, the pain worsens at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.

What Can I do About Frozen Shoulder? 

We feel it best to try non-invasive, non-drug approaches first to get relief. Massage for frozen shoulder includes focusing on myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the shoulder and surrounding areas.

Be sure to make an appointment with a licensed massage therapist who is knowledgeable about trigger points and frozen shoulders. All Body Kneads will take good care of you. 

Make an appointment today.

Here is a great article from Health Line with examples of stretches and foam roller exercises you can use for frozen shoulder. 

Again, according to the Mayo Clinic, “treatment for frozen shoulder involves range-of-motion exercises and, sometimes, corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint capsule. In a small percentage of cases, arthroscopic surgery may be indicated to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.”

Are you suffering from a frozen shoulder? 

We know the pain is annoying and is limiting your ability to do the things you love, even sleep. Let us help you with your frozen shoulder pain. 

Make an appointment today.

Book a massage today!
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How To Get The Best Massage

On December 15, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
How To Get The Best Massage

Whether you are getting your very first massage or have had them before, these tips will help to enhance your session, feel better after, and generally help you make the most out of the experience and get the best massage possible.

Many people ask us what to expect during a couple’s massage, please read How Does a Couples Massage Work? for more information.

Book a massage today!

Set a Goal

 It’s important to identify what you want to get out of your massage. Are you looking for stress relief? To relax? To help with your headaches? To help with chronic pain? Let your massage therapist know that you want a custom experience. They will take into account any limitations or restrictions you have, like an injury from doing too much yard work over the weekend. They’ll craft your massage based on what will best suit your needs and goals.

Experience Matters

Being paired with the right massage therapist is crucial. When you make your appointment, you will speak with someone regarding pressure levels and experience. Every massage therapist has different types of experience and areas of focus. When you book your appointment, let them know what type of pressure you like (light vs. heavy) so they can pair you with a massage therapist that has a similar pressure level. If you have a massage therapist with a heavy pressure level, they can always lighten up to make sure you are comfortable.

Good Communication

 Before, during, and after your massage, communication is key. Let your therapist know before your session how you’re feeling, your medical history, and what you expect from the session. This will help her or him keep your session focused on your specific goals. During your massage, your massage therapist will check in to make sure the pressure level is what you like. Make sure you speak up if it’s too heavy or if you are uncomfortable. After your massage, your massage therapist will recommend a time to come back and also suggest any after-care tips you may find helpful.

Arrive Early

To ensure that you are 100% prepared for your massage session, it is important to arrive 15 minutes early. This will give you time to prepare yourself and take care of any last-minute paperwork and instructions for your massage therapist.

Turn off Your Phone

Getting a massage is one of the few places where you can, and are encouraged, to leave distractions aside. Clear your mind by leaving your phone and electronic devices in your car or at home so you can literally unplug during your session. Be sure to let anyone who communicates with you regularly (kids, spouse, parent) that you will be unavailable during your appointment.

Remember to Breathe

Relaxing long breaths from your abdomen doesn’t just help you relax mentally during your session, but it also helps your muscles relax as your therapist works out your body’s stiffness and tightness. If you aren’t used to relaxing or are particularly stressed, you may find yourself holding your breath or find you are breathing irregularly. However, it’s important to make sure you focus on this for the best experience.

Make Sure You Are Comfortable

We are committed to making sure that every single one of our clients feels pampered and comfortable. Our goal is for you not only to have an amazing massage but also to be surprised by how much it helps relieve your aches! Do you prefer a heated table? Dim lights? A particular kind of music? A certain scented (or non-scented) massage oil? Everything about your massage should be focused on making you feel good and comfortable. Don’t forget to speak up if you are ever uncomfortable.

Consider Your Time After Your Massage

Schedule extra time after your massage to relax your body and your mind before you head back into the busyness of everyday life. Many people like to schedule their massage later in the day so they don’t have to go back to work or other commitments. Massage is a great way to promote quality sleep, so you may feel tired afterward.

Consider Massage Add-Ons

A massage is a therapeutic way to increase your health and reduce stress. Add an enhancement to your massage, such as hot stones, paraffin, aromatherapy, a sauna session, cupping, and more. Be sure to check out All Body Kneads monthly add-on specials.

Our add-on services include:

Add-On Services

•  Aromatherapy: Using a heat pack to help relax muscles. $15.00
•  Cupping: Cupping will help with circulation and myofascial release. With Massage $25.00  Without Massage $35.00
•  Heat Therapy: Using a heat pack to help relax muscles. $15.00
•  Paraffin: Paraffin dip to soften, moisturize and help with pain. With Massage  $25.00 Without Massage  $35.00
•  Target Hot Stones: Target specific areas/muscles of concern with hot stones. With Massage  $15.00 Without Massage  $20.00
•  Target Cold Stones: Target specific areas/muscles of concern with cold stones. With Massage  $15.00 Without Massage  $20.00
•  Contrast Therapy: Help with pain and swelling with hot and cold stones. $25.00, Without Massage $35.00
•  Vibration Therapy: Used to stimulate and help with circulation and pain. With Massage  $15.00 Without Massage  $20.00

Book a massage today!
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Easy Fixes for a Tight Neck and Shoulders

On December 8, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Easy Fixes for a Tight Neck and Shoulders

Do you suffer from tight, achy neck and shoulder muscles? When you’re stressed out or tense, your shoulders tend to hunch forward. This puts pressure on the back of your neck which can lead to pain and stiffness. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re just sore or actually dealing with an injury like whiplash. Here are some easy things that could help release tension in those areas so you can feel good again!

Tips for Tigh Neck and Shoulders

Heating pad. Place a small heating pad over the neck and shoulders for about 20 minutes.

Foam Roller. Apply pressure to tight muscles with your hands or use a foam roller.

Gentle Stretching. Stretch your neck by tilting your head to one side, then the other. Stretch regularly throughout the day – don’t wait until you’re tired to stretch!

Self- Massage. Massage sore areas with lotion or oil. Check out our article on self-massage tips for more information.

Good Sleep. Get plenty of sleep every night – you need at least 7 hours of sleep each night for healthy muscle function!

Take Breaks. Take breaks from sitting up straight all day long by resting in between tasks, stretching often, and taking walks during lunch break.

Hot Bath. Try a hot bath with Epsom salts and lavender oil

Light Exercise. Take some time out of your day to do neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and arm circles

Good Posture. Practice good posture by sitting up straight in your chair at work or home.

Lighten Your Load. Don’t carry a heave a backpack, purse, or crossbody bag that is pulling on your neck and shoulders.

Reduce Phone Use. “Text neck” is a term that has been coined to describe the posture formed by leaning forward for prolonged periods, for example when viewing a cellphone while reading and texting. This can cause stress injuries and pain.  This posture often results in neck and shoulder pain, and headaches.

If these tips aren’t helping or you are seeking more relief, it is time to call a professional massage therapist. All Body Kneads can provide full body massage or a concentration on your neck and shoulders.

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Massage for Student-Athletes

On September 8, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for Student-Athletes

School is starting back up for K-12 and college and universities. I am already seeing proud parents post about their student-athletes with pictures and accomplishments in games and tournaments.

For high school and beyond, student-athletes typically have access to school-appointed trainers and medical staff. But what can they do beyond the school to help with their athletic performance? What more can we do to give them a competitive edge without resorting to drugs are harmful practices?

Two things come quickly to mind. Massage therapy for student-athletes and manual manipulation therapy.

Here at All Body Kneads massage studio we offer many types of massage from relaxation to trigger point therapy, to supporting sore muscles, and promoting healthy sleep.

Book Today

Why Massage for Student-Athletes?

As parents, we want the best for our children at any age. When they become teenagers and college students, the competition becomes more intense. The commitment to their sport becomes more important. For high school, this could mean scholarships and opportunities they can’t get any other way. And yet, we want them to be safe, happy, and healthy while doing something they love.

Our infrared sauna is also extremely beneficial to athletes. Check out this article to read about all the Healing Benefits of Infrared Suana Treatments.

Making massage therapy a part of their training routine can benefit student-athletes in so many ways:

  • Speed up recovery time
  • Heal overworked muscles
  • Improve circulation
  • Improve sleep for better performance
  • Promote a healthy appreciation for self-care
  • Counter balance overtraining
  • Improve trouble spots
  • Improve coordination
  • Reduce stress

Related: Add Sports Massage to Your Workout Schedule

Making the Most of Your Massage for Student-Athletes

In order to maximize the benefit of sports massage, here are some tips:

  • Schedule your sports massage (30 minutes to 90 minute massage) for after your workout or on rest day.
  • Cool down completely after your workout before getting a massage.
  • Take a shower, sauna, steam bath, or Jacuzzi before your sports massage. This will give you a jump start on relaxation.
  • Communicate with your massage therapist about your recent activity, injuries, or upcoming events so she or he can customize the massage.
  • Be sure to inform the massage therapist about painful areas.
  • Be as diligent with your massage schedule as you are with your training. Regular sports massage means once a week to once a month.

Call All Body Kneads today to schedule your sports massage.

(517) 898-2899

Make an appointment today for your student-athlete

Contact us today!

 You can book online.

All Body Kneads massage therapy has many massage therapy options and an infrared sauna to help with self-care. We are here to help.

Schedule a treatment today and help up their game!

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Self-Care is Not Selfish

On August 2, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   1 Comment
Self-Care is Not Selfish

What do you do for Self-Care?

I was talking with a friend the other day about her very stressful job. She had some really valid points about a situation at work that was complicated and unfair. Much of it was out of her control. I listened. I sympathized. I validated her frustrations. And then I asked her what she was doing to manage her stress. Her response: “Nothing.”

The conversation then took an unexpected turn. We started exploring the concept of stress management and self-care. We talked about the possibility that her work wouldn’t seem as stressful if she was doing more to counteract the stress. I made sure she understood that I wasn’t trying to put it back on her or blame her for stress. Her work situation was very stressful and not her fault. However, her stress related to it was spiraling out of control because she wasn’t managing it.

Too often we feel helpless or at the mercy of a stressful situation because the circumstances aren’t our fault or we can do very little to change it. It is easy to forget that we have 100% control over how we react to situations and how we manage our stress and frustrations.

When you manage your stress you can be a better employee, parent, friend, spouse, sibling, and general human being. And it’s not just you who benefits – everyone around you benefits. This is why self-care is not selfish. It’s necessary to get through life. Remember this every time you start to feel guilt or think you don’t have time to devote to yourself.

Self-Care Practices You Can Start Today

Regular Massage

A lot of people will get one or two massages in their lifetime. Maybe it was on vacation or someone gave them a gift certificate. They think of it as a “treat.” In reality, massage can be one of your biggest weapons against fighting stress and promoting self-care. Regular massage – not just when you are really stressed and feel like you are going to lose your mind. Massage can help prevent you from ever getting that stressed out in the first place.

Massage therapy promotes blood flow, helps you sleep better, relaxes you, and gives you time to focus on yourself. The very definition of self-care.

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Chiropractic Care

Just like with regular massage, regular chiropractic care can help you maintain your body, stay in alignment, fight off allergies, colds, and other illnesses, and generally feel better. Don’t just go when your back hurts. Regular chiropractic adjustments keep your body tuned up and ready to face the world at your best.

Meditation

According to the Mayo Clinic: “Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.”

There are a lot of apps and videos to help you get started. Start small with just a few minutes a day. Give it some time to see if it works for you.

Healthy Eating

Food is medicine or poison depending on what you put in your body. The better you eat the better you feel and the more equipped you will be to face obstacles.

Exercise

Get your body moving and produce endorphins. Your body’s natural response to exercise is a great stress reliever. Exercise also helps you get out of your head and focus on your body. Start easy and work your way up. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard and unpleasant. It doesn’t even have to happen at a gym. Do something you like – walking, hiking, bike riding, swimming, find something you like to do and it won’t be “work” to get into shape.

Making time for your hobbies

If your main source of stress is your job you need to regularly get away from your job and focus on other things. You can’t be at work or thinking about work all the time. That is not living. Get back to your hobbies and the things you love to do, or start something new. Put time on your calendar for your hobbies. It’s important. Schedule “meetings” with yourself for proper self-care. Don’t break those meetings, you are your own most important client.

Good Sleep

We have all experienced that feeling of life seeming way too hard when we are tired or completely exhausted. Everything is literally harder when you aren’t getting proper sleep. The best way to start getting better sleep is sticking to a schedule and routine – just like toddlers do. Go to bed and wake up at the same time – even on the weekends. Create a peaceful environment by hanging blackout curtains, having white noise or music, a comfortable bed, and whatever else makes you feel relaxed. Like I mentioned earlier, regular massage really helps promote good sleep.

Spending Time with Loved Ones

Your loved ones LOVE you. Spending time with them will help remind you who you are and what makes you special. We can lose sight of this when we are busy, working, and stressed out. Laugh with friends. Unwind with family. Do something fun together. It is so important to connect to other humans and have fun. You can even book a couples massage and really double up on your self-care.

Which Self-Care Strategy Will You Start With?

What are you going to do first? Do you have a suggestion that isn’t on our list? Let us know.

What can we do to help you with your self-care and stress management?

Contact us today!

 You can book online.

All Body Kneads massage therapy has many massage therapy options and an infrared sauna to help with self-care. We are here to help.

Schedule a treatment today and focus on YOU!

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Massage for PTSD

On June 28, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage for PTSD

July is right around the corner and many people associate fireworks and celebrations with PTSD. While massage can help with stress and anxiety, it doesn’t make PTSD go away. It can make it easier to manage. If you, or someone you know, suffers from PTSD, a massage may be a great way to manage triggers and reduce anxiety.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that occurs in response to an overwhelming or traumatic event. It is commonly seen in veterans, but sadly, 1 out of 11 people experience these severe, life-changing occurrences.  

According to Michigan Psychological care, trauma can occur in various ways, but a few common experiences are generally known to be traumatic. These can include:

  • Abuse or neglect
  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Divorce
  • Family or parental abandonment
  • Incarceration
  • Job loss
  • Natural disasters
  • Physical injury
  • Serious illness
  • Terrorism
  • Violence
  • Witnessing a crime, accident, or death

Massage for PTSD: How Can it Help?

The relaxation effects of massage therapy can be very beneficial to many types of anxiety and stress, including PTSD.

According to Psychiatric Times, massage controls pain severity through its effects on both physical and psychological symptoms. A significant reduction of PTSD symptoms has been seen in veterans after massage therapy. Moreover, findings suggest a reduction of substance abuse, anxiety, stress, depression, and dissociation.

Massage techniques range from a very light touch to a deep touch. Some use only pressure points; others use oil, rocking, stretching, petrissage, and cross-fiber friction with the patient either clothed or unclothed and draped. At least moderate pressure is required to stimulate vagal activity and induce parasympathetic response.

Types of Massage for PTSD

As a trained and certified massage therapist, I offer a variety of services to suit different needs. The following types of massage could be helpful.

Swedish Massage

This is one of the most well-known types of massage. When people talk about massage therapy, they most likely mean a Swedish massage. It is sometimes called a “classic massage.” A Swedish massage is characterized by long gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the body. Massage lotion or oil is applied to reduce friction on the skin during a session. This type of massage helps ease joint pain, muscle aches and stiffness. It also improves circulation, and facilitate healing after an injury. It is highly adaptable, and could be very gentle and relaxing.

Chair Massage

Chair massages are also known as seated or on-site massages. The fully-clothed client sits on a specially-designed chair, which facilitates the session. The massage is concentrated mainly on the back, arms and hands of the client. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as Swedish and Deep Tissue massages. An advantage of this type of massage is its versatility and portability. 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massages, as the name implies, go deeper into the muscles than a regular or Swedish massage. It can help with rehabilitation after an injury, chronic muscle pain, and conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. It is often combined with other types of massage.

Infrared Sauna for PTSD

Infrared spa treatments are a great way to rid the body of unwanted toxins and can be very relaxing. Environmental chemicals and any heavy metals such as mercury or lead that have built up in the body are excreted through sweating, and the infrared sauna is a way to comfortably sweat, relax, and purify skin.

Infrared technology allows treatments to be available at different heat levels: near, middle, and far. These levels refer to different infrared wavelengths and heat intensity. Testing has shown that near-infrared levels are excellent for the healing of wounds and increasing the function of the immune system. Middle levels are better for improving circulation as well as enhancing the relaxation of muscles. And the far infrared levels? Those are ideal for detoxification. Often new users prefer to start their sauna time slowly, working up to thirty-minute sessions from an initial five minutes to start, but if you use a standard Swedish sauna frequently or have a high tolerance to heat, it’s fine to spend a longer period of time initially in an infrared sauna.

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Weekend Warriors and Sore Muscles

On June 14, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Weekend Warriors and Sore Muscles

Do you have sore muscles most weekends? Are you a weekend warrior trying to pack in too much on Saturday and Sunday? Spring and Summer in Michigan are so short. There are so many things we want to do cram into the beautiful weather. But come Monday, our bodies are paying for it.

sore muscles

Start off your week with a relaxing massage to loosen up those muscles and keep your body going all week. Schedule a massage today.

If you want to do more on the weekends and feel better throughout the week, follow these tips.

Relieve Sore Muscles Throughout the Week

Massage Therapy – All Body Kneads therapeutic full-body massage caters to your wants and needs with a specialized focus on problem areas, tension, stress relief, and relaxation. Deepen benefits with add-ons such as hot stones, aromatherapy, paraffin wax, and more. Add-ons are also available to enhance the experience and healing. Learn More.

Bamboo Fusion Massage – The technique uses warm bamboo sticks for deep tissue massage work. The bamboo tool allows the massage therapist to use more strength and stamina for deeper pressure. The smooth sticks allowed for more penetrating maneuvers and make deep-tissue work easier. Learn more.

Infrared Sauna – Infrared spa treatments are a great way to rid the body of unwanted toxins. The dry heat assists with increasing circulation and healing injuries. Learn more.

Epson Salt Soak – Soaking in Epson salts may relieve sore muscles. The theory is that when you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these minerals get absorbed into your body through the skin. This may help relax muscles, reduce swelling and pain from arthritis, and relieve pain from fibromyalgia and various causes.

Drink Lots of Water – Dehydration can make the recovery period from sore muscles feel even worse. Drinking water is beneficial in speeding up that recovery time and eradicating feelings of soreness – removing toxins from your body and keeping your muscles in proper working order.

Steam Sauna Therapy – Add a steam sauna treatment to your massage. You don’t even have to leave the massage table. Stay comfortable and enjoy. During the treatment, your head remains outside allowing the lymphatic system and organs to heal themselves. Learn more.

What can we help you with today?

All Body Kneads massage therapy has many options to help with sore muscles due to over exertion. We get it – the weekend may be your only time to get things done and have fun. We are here to help.

Schedule a treatment today and feel good all week. You can book online.

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