If you suffer from sciatica, you’re not alone. You know how debilitating the pain can be. The good news is that massage may be able to help! In this blog post, we’ll discuss what sciatica is, what causes it, and how massage therapy can provide relief.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the legs. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause pain in the lower back, hips, and legs. Sciatica can also cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected leg.
Sciatica can be caused by a number of things, including:
posture
spinal misalignment
herniated discs
spinal stenosis
degenerative disc disease
piriformis syndrome
pregnancy
Activities such as sitting for long periods of time or lifting heavy objects can also contribute to sciatica.
Thankfully, there are treatments available that can help ease the pain of sciatica. One such treatment is massage therapy. But does massage really help with sciatica? Let’s take a closer look.
How Massage Can Help Relieve Sciatica Pain
There are a few ways in which massage can help to relieve sciatica pain.
First, massage can help to loosen any tight muscles or tissues that may be putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. This pressure is often what leads to the pain associated with sciatica.
Second, massage therapy can increase blood flow and circulation to the affected area. This increase in blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Finally, massage therapy can help to release endorphins—the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals—which can further help to ease sciatica pain.
If you’re considering massage therapy as a treatment for your sciatica, it’s important to choose a qualified therapist who has experience treating this condition. Be sure to book a consultation beforehand so that you can discuss your goals for treatment and make sure that massage is right for you.
Conclusion
If you suffer from sciatica, you know how painful and debilitating the condition can be. Thankfully, massage therapy may be able to help! Massage can help to increase blood flow to the area, reduce inflammation, and release tight muscles that may be pressing on the nerve. If you’re looking for relief from your sciatica pain, consider scheduling an appointment with All Body Kneads today!
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 517-898-2899 or book online.
We look forward to helping you feel better and have a more pain-free lifestyle.
When it comes to facial massage, there are countless benefits to be had. From improving your skin’s texture and complexion, to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, facial massage can do wonders for your appearance. But that’s not all – facial massage can also help improve your overall mood and sense of well-being.
BONUS: If you book a massage or sauna session in September, receive a complimentary facial mask add-on!
So if you’re looking for a way to take care of yourself both inside and out, facial massage is a great option. Here are five of the top benefits of facial massage.
1) Improved skin texture and complexion
Massaging your face regularly helps stimulate blood circulation, which in turn helps keep your skin healthy and radiant. We all know that spending time in the sun can really damage our skin and make us look older, but did you also realize how important it is for your face to stay healthy? Regularly massaging with gentle pressure helps stimulate blood circulation which keeps any toxins from building up on top of each other! The more they are pushed away towards those pores at their source-the faster this will happen because there’s no space available anymore. And who wouldn’t want a brighter-looking complexion?
2) Reduction in wrinkles and fine lines
The gentle massaging motion helps promote collagen production, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over time. Facial massages have been shown to increase circulation in the face, which promotes oxygen and blood flow in the skin. Not only does this result in reducing puffiness or dark circles around your eyes – but it also creates a brighter appearance by increasing collagen production! You can get that ‘natural face lift’ without surgery with just one 20-30 minute session each week at home using our favorite method: a facial massage therapy.
3) Improved mood and sense of well-being
Just like a full-body massage, facials are a great way to relax and de-stress. The therapeutic effects of facial massage can help improve your mood, and sense of well-being overall while also helping you achieve that all-important relaxation! Massages work our facial muscles by releasing tension while lifting the skin and making them firmer. Think of it as an anti-aging treatment and natural therapy. Remember, Self-Care is Not Selfish!
4) Removal of Excess Waste in the Body
One of the best parts about facials is that they can help you have a clearer complexion. The massaging motion helps dislodge any built-up toxins from your face, which in turn will leave behind an even more beautiful and glowing skin tone for everyone to see!
5) Increased absorption of skincare products
By increasing blood flow to the area, facial massage also allows skincare products to be better absorbed by the skin, leading to improved results. So if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your beauty routine, add some regular facial massages into the mix!
Book Your Massage in September and Get a Free Facial Mask Add-On
The benefits of facial massage are vast and varied. From reducing wrinkles to relieving tension headaches, it’s no wonder this form of massage is growing in popularity. If you haven’t given facial massage a try yet, we highly recommend it.
Bilky Joda-Miller, massage therapist and owner of All Body Kneads is skilled in many types of massage, including facial massage. You can get it as an add-on to any massage or sauna appointment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 517-898-2899 or book online.
We look forward to helping you feel better and have a more pain-free lifestyle.
How to Give Yourself a Facial Massage
JAWLINE & CHEEKS: Use the pads of your fingers to massage your chin, jawline, and cheeks in upward circular movements.
FOREHEAD: Use your fingertips to smooth your forehead with a firm lifting movement. Starting at the eyebrows and finishing at the hairline. Next, use the pads of your fingers to make small circular movements beginning between your eyebrows, and working toward the temples.
EYES: Use your pinky fingers alternately and tap the delicate skin underneath the inner eye, working outward toward the temples.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce inflammation and ease pain, then cold stone massage might be the solution for you.
The cool stones used during massage can help contract muscles, increase circulation, and alleviate bloating. By cooling down the muscles and skin, cold stone massage therapy feels soothing, calming, refreshing, and rejuvenating throughout the body, which can also reduce stress, relieve tension, and boost energy levels.
First, we chill smooth stones on ice and then gently place them or roll them over the face, neck, or other areas of the body. This is also called cryotherapy and the cooling of the skin causes the blood vessels to constrict. This can reduce swelling and pain in sore areas.
Benefits Of Cold Stone Massage
Cool Body Temperature
Cold stones are a great way to cool down your body when you’re feeling too hot. Not only do they help alleviate the discomfort of high temperatures, but coldstone therapy also has benefits for other conditions and doesn’t cause desensitization like ice does!
Increase Circulation/Lower Blood Pressure
Massage therapy using cold stones can be a great way to help improve circulation and reduce high blood pressure.
Improves Range Of Motion & Flexibility
Pain is usually a symptom of inflammation. When your muscles are inflamed, they are also usually in pain. Cold stones can reduce inflammation which increases your range of motion and flexibility.
Relieve Migraines
By rolling or placing cold stones on the temples, forehead, and sides of your face you can reduce the blood rushing to these areas which may relieve migraines and less severe headaches.
Soothes Sinus Pressure
The cold temperature of these stones during a massage can improve lymphatic flow by opening up nodes and draining fluids. This helps alleviate symptoms like sinusitis and allergies, as well as any other pressure build-up.
Eases Menstrual Symptoms
When cold stone massage therapy is applied to the abdominal region, it can reduce swelling around the uterus. This can help alleviate pain, bloating, and discomfort.
Improves Skin
As cold stones stimulate the skin, they oxygenate cells which encourages cell repair and reduces cytokines. This improves the complexion by reducing puffiness or redness on the face.
Relieves Minor Injuries
Sore muscles, joint pain, and tendinitis may benefit from cold stone massage therapy. Cold stones are easier for the skin to handle than direct ice for inflammation and reducing swelling.
Where to Find Cold Stone Massage
Bilky Joda-Miller, massage therapist and owner of All Body Kneads is skilled in cold (and hot) stone massage. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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 CouplesMassage Work? for more information.
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
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.
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.
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.