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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Massage Can Help Improve Energy Levels

On March 1, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Massage Can Help Improve Energy Levels

We are deep into winter in the Mid-West and many people’s energy levels are waning. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), lower vitamin D levels, less exercise, and irregular sleep patterns can all contribute to lower energy. Oh, if we could all be like bears and hibernate through the winter.

energy levels

However, life goes on through all seasons and even a global pandemic. Anxiety and depression can also make you feel tired and lethargic.

So, what are some natural and safe things we can do to boost our energy levels?

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can help improve energy levels in several ways. First, it improves sleep, which is essential not just for physical health, but also for mental and emotional well-being. Anyone who’s had only 4-5 hours of sleep during the night can attest to the negative effect on an entire day. People who literally bounce out of bed in the morning, ready to take on anything that comes their way, are more likely to be those who have slept 8 hours or more.

Massage therapy also helps with anxiety and depression by helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Cortisol is often called “the stress hormone” because it is a naturally-occurring steroid hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response. If you lower your stress, you lower your cortisol levels which is a chemical byproduct of stress. Less stress = less cortisol = more energy.

energy levels

Improved Sleep Routine

As mentioned above, good sleep habits are essential to maintaining energy levels throughout the day. We all know what it feels like to slog through the day on very little sleep. Everything seems harder. Are you aware of how much sleep you get on average? Ideally, we should be getting 8 hours of RESTFUL sleep. This does not mean that we can count eight hours from when our head hits the pillow to when our alarm goes off in the morning. If you toss and turn, wake up, get up to go the bathroom, etc. you are not getting eight hours. If this sounds like your sleep pattern you may need to go to be earlier or get up later in order to get a solid eight hours of restful sleep.

Maintaining the same sleep schedule throughout the week, including the weekends, can really help as well. Sleeping too much can also make you feel tired and lethargic during waking hours.

There are many apps and tools that can assist you in created the perfect sleep environment for your preferences.

energy levels

Eating Healthy to Improve Energy Levels

Food is the fuel for our body so what you eat directly effects your energy. High sugar foods will give you a boost and then a crash. Too much caffeine could have the same effect. Many people feel really sluggish after eating a high-carb meal when the body starts processing the carbs into sugar. To figure out what your body needs to feel energized, start a food diary. Write down what you eat, the time of day, and how you feel afterward. After a few days or weeks of keeping track of this information you will see some patterns start to emerge. Also, getting some food allergy and sensitivity testing done will help you discover foods that are causing you problems.

energy levels

Moderate Exercise

Moving and exercise, even moderately, every day helps in so many ways. It keeps us active and our muscles moving so we don’t get stiff and sore. Typically, you will sleep better if you exercise regularly, and it reduces stress. These are all things that contribute to over all higher energy levels.

Here are some ideas for Winter Workout at Home!

energy levels

Are You Interested in Massage Therapy?

We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your low energy levels and create a treatment plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

You can also schedule an appointment online at here.

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What is Trigger Point Massage?

On January 21, 2021   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
What is Trigger Point Massage?

Before we can define trigger point massage, let’s talk about what a trigger point is. A trigger point is a spot that is sensitive to pressure, mainly in muscle tissue, and often associated with aching and stiffness. You might think of them as muscle knots.

The good news, in a way, is that almost everyone gets them. However, some people get more of them, and they range in degree of pain. They go by many names, but typically in the medical or massage word, we refer to them as myofascial trigger point (TrP).

What causes a trigger point to hurt?

There are varying medical opinions and diagnosis on this subject, which in turn creates varying advice on how to treat them (more on that later). For the sake of this article, we will report on common and more popular beliefs.

The cause of trigger points is typically believed to be that an area of muscles gets tightly conracted (like a mini muscle cramp). The “cramp” or “knot” restricts blood flow to that muscle area, which causes irriation and often pain to that area.

Other thoughts and diagnoses include a trigger point is a sensory disturbance. Or the pain is a result of irritated peripheral nerves, a type of peripheral neuropathy. Regardless of the true medical reason for the trigger points, they are painful and annoying. Depending on the severity of the pain, it could be mild discomfort at the site of the trigger point, or be more severe and include aching and stiffness that spreads out around the site.

If you have several trigger points grouped together this is referred to as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). As you can imagine, this can be quite miserable and debilitating.

Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Point Symptoms

  • Sore spots in the muscle that are sensitive to pressure.
  • A dull, aching, pain.
  • The pain is deep and feels like it’s in the muscle (not the joints).
  • If your limb(s) are affected they may feel a little weak, heavy, and stiff.
  • The pain is in a specific area and has a center it radiates from.
  • The pain can not be associated with a clear injury or cause.
  • Flare-ups can occur in response to extremes of position, exercise, or temperature.
  • The pain generally comes in episodes or flare-ups, but these can last a long time (weeks or months).
  • The pain may move around a bit (for example, to the opposite side of your body).
  • The pain is not typically sharp and is not linked to movement or injury (like a sprain or strain).

Note: myofascial pain syndrome is not the same thing as Fibromyalgia, but they often have similar symptoms that can overlap and be hard to differentiate and diagnose properly.

Things that can help with Trigger Point Pain

There are many treatments available to relieve the pain caused by trigger points, depending on the severity and the individual patients and their preferences. However, the following things are easy to do and typically provide some relief.

  • Hot showers and baths.
  • Stretching and exercise.
  • Acupuncture
  • Trigger Point Massage

Trigger Point Massage

Since trigger points involve muscles, massage therapy can quite effective in providing relief. A skilled massage therapist knowledgeable in trigger point massage will work with you to locate the source of discomfort. He or she will use alternating cycles of pressure and release to ease the knotted muscles.

Restricted muscles can be stubborn and have created patterns of pain. You will most likely experience relief and sometimes soreness (the good kind) after one massage. However, it may take a few treatments to eliminate the pain and “un-knot” the muscles, depending on the severity and time they have been restricted.

Are You Interested in Trigger Point Massage Therapy?

We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about the pain you are experiencing and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

You can also schedule an appointment online at here.

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Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol Levels

On December 28, 2020   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol Levels

Lower your stress and lower cortisol levels.

Stress is the root cause of many diseases and complicates our lives in small and big ways. Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States? Stress is hard on the heart, so anything we can do to lower our stress levels will help our hearts.

What Is Cortisol?

Cortisal is often called “the stress hormone” because it is a naturally-occurring steroid hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response. It also contributes to many of the body’s processes. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the regulation of the following:

  • Blood pressure
  • Glucose metabolism
  • Immune function
  • Inflammatory response
  • Insulin release

What Happens when Cortisol Levels are too High?

As you can see, cortisol is important. However, when levels stay too high, you might experience a range of unwanted symptoms such as:

lower cortisol
  • Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
  • Decreased bone density
  • Decreases in muscle tissue
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Impaired cognitive performance
  • Increased abdominal fat
  • Lowered immunity
  • Slower wound healing
  • Suppressed thyroid function

In rare cases, very high cortisol levels can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, a rare but serious disease.

Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol and Stress

Luckily, there are several things you can do to lower cortisol levels. One of the most enjoyable and relaxing things you can do is get a massage. There are numerous benefits of massage, and of the main ones is relaxation and lowering stress. You can book a massage today and start lowering your cortisol levels for a great night’s sleep.

Book Your Massage Now!

Massage for Business Executives 2

Additional things you can do to lower cortisol include:

  • Get enough, good sleep every night
  • Maintaining a good bedtime routine
  • Moderate Exercise
  • Eat a good diet
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Taking up a hobby
  • Laughing and having fun
  • Avoiding caffeine at night
  • Cultivating healthy relationships
  • Getting a pet
  • Taking fish oil and ashwagandha supplements
  • Drink chamomile tea, and other soothing herbal teas
  • Spending time in nature
  • Meditation
  • Yoga

Which one are you going to try this week?

We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your health plan and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

You can also schedule an appointment online at here.

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Steam Your Way to Better Health with Our Steam Sauna

On December 28, 2020   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Steam Your Way to Better Health with Our Steam Sauna

All Body Kneads is excited to announce we are now offering steam sauna treatments. We have our own Steamy Wonder portable steam sauna. 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.

https://youtu.be/2au8g-elPNA

Health Benefits of a Steam Sauna

Steam therapy has been used for thousands of years to help improve health and beauty. You may have heard of (or experienced) Turkish baths, sweat lodges, saunas, steam rooms, or other forms of steam treatment.

The many health benefits of steam sauna include:

  • Reduced joint and muscle pain
  • Arthritis relief
  • Fibromyalgia relief
  • Weight loss: A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams of sweat in a sauna-the equivalent of running three to four miles or 475 to 600 calories. While the weight of the water loss is regained by re-hydration, the calories burned are not.
  • Lymphatic drainage
  • Post chemotherapy therapy
  • Improved skin: hydration, and reduces acne and wrinkles
  • Reduced stress
  • Improved breathing: Steam inhalation is an effective treatment in respiratory conditions and is highly recommended for the treatment of sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, and asthma.
  • Detoxification: Regular sweating can help detoxify your body as it rids itself of an accumulation of carcinogenic metals (lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, and cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid, and cholesterol.
  • Improved Circulation & Reduces Inflammation: Steam therapy assists in alleviating inflammation and edema. The increased peripheral circulation provides the transport needed to help eliminate the edema which helps to end inflammation, decrease pain, and help speed the healing process.
  • Improved immune system: Traditionally, the benefits of steaming include increased energy, decreased incidence of infections, and fewer colds and flu. Many regular steam or sauna bathers have experienced that a good long sweat bath at the early onset of a cold or flu can help ward off the disease before it manifests as actual symptoms.

Ready to book your steam sauna treatment?

Contact All Body Kneads by phone or book an appointment online here.

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

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Surprising Things Massage Therapists Can Help With

On November 1, 2020   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Surprising Things Massage Therapists Can Help With

Massage therapists can be a very integral and important part of your health plan. As they work with you regularly, they get to know your body and your trouble spots. They learn the specific issues and health struggles of each patient. He or she can show you stretches and things to do in between appointments to improve and support your health. This could include meditation, aromatherapy, sleeping positions, good pillows to use, self-massage tools, hydration, ergonomic work practices, and more.

If you are recovering from a specific injury or disease, your massage therapist can become part of your care team to treat and support all aspects of your healing. Most people who become massage therapists do so because they have compassion for people, want to help people, and have an innate understanding of the body and its relationship to pain and healing.

Many people only think of massage therapy as a “treat” or for relaxation. Massage can be relaxing but it can also be part of physical therapy or be included in the treatment for a variety of different issues – some minor and some pretty major.

Massage therapy can help with a surprising number of things you may not have thought about. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with any of the following, please consider massage therapy. Lansing has many talented massage therapists and we at All Body Kneads are happy to help you.

Massage Therapist Can Help with Many Things

The variety of things massage therapists help with is truly remarkable. It is also worth noting that they can also help to maintain your good health as a maintenance plan when you achieve your health goals. It is a good way to manage stress and promote good sleep.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

For patients who are living in a state of confusion, a calming massage can relax, reassure, and comfort. Caretakers and patients benefit from the relaxing, meditative results from the calming touch and grounded state provided by a massage.

A massage helps bring Alzheimer’s patients back to the present and returns them to their bodies to deeply relax and relish human contact. For those who are separated from family and friends, this caring, gentle touch can ease the fear and loneliness often associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. All Body Kneads is honored to work with your family member, friend, or patient who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We use a specially formulated lotion to address the thinning skin of elderly patients and we make sure the space is always warm, serene, and welcoming. Click here for more information.

Anti-Aging

Facial massage can help keep the skin looking young, smooth, and firm. During a facial massage, your massage therapist will use upward, gentle, yet stimulating strokes. In addition to helping your face look younger, massage therapy helps your entire body and your soul. Our emotional age can feel years beyond our physical age when we experience excess stress, worry, and anxiety. Take the time for some self-care by managing your stress and feel like yourself again. Click here for more information about facial and full-body massage.

Anxiety

It is important to find a massage therapist who is knowledgeable in relaxation techniques and is aware and sensitive to acute anxiety and anxiety disorders. It is also important that the massage studio atmosphere is welcoming, calm, and comfortable. Nothing about the experience should trigger more anxiety. Click here for more information on how massage can help with specific types of anxiety.

Arthritis

Massage therapy is gaining recognition as an effective medication-free treatment for arthritis. Massage accomplishes this in two ways: by loosening up the joints, and by improving circulation. There are several different types of massage that can alleviate arthritis pain. Click here for more information.

Back Pain

Eighty percent of adults experience back pain sometime in their life. Not sure if that makes you feel better, but it certainly doesn’t make the back pain go away. The good news is that massage can really help. If you are thinking about surgery to ease your back pain, often massage therapy and chiropractic care can help you avoid surgery. But not always. Regardless, massage can absolutely help with the symptoms before, after or as an alternative to surgery. Click here for more info and a list of the main causes of back pain.

Cancer

Studies have also shown that massage seems to offer both physical and emotional benefits for people with cancer. If you are concerned about massage therapy during chemotherapy read Can You Get Massage During Chemotherapy.. All Body Kneads is also associated with the non-profit Mid-Michigan Massage Therapy Insitute which provides reduced or free massage to cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers. For more information, click here.

Chronic Pain

Massage therapy is often prescribed as a regular, non-evasive, non-addictive pain management tool. If massage therapy can help relieve pain for even a few minutes, it’s worth it. Just ask someone who suffers from chronic pain. More often it provides longer-lasting relief as well. 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 therapists can help with many of these things. Click here for more info.

Detox

Massage can help with both a detox of toxins out of our system for health reasons and help with recovering from addictions and drug use disorders. As a massage therapist my belief is that, no, the massage itself does not remove toxins from the body. However, it can assist the body in eliminating them and alleviate some symptoms. Click here to find out how.

Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue is something that most of us have experienced at one time or another. It is usually due to overexertion or an unusual amount of stress and will go away with rest and relaxation. However, some people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People who suffer from CFS frequently complain of extended periods of extreme fatigue with seemingly no perceivable cause or reason. Massage therapy can help. For more information or a list of CFS symptoms, click here.

Fibromyalgia

If you have Fibromyalgia, or you suspect you do, you know all too well the frustrating pain that comes and goes and moves around. It doesn’t help that your pain is compounded by the negative effects of everyday stress. Pain is stressful. It’s a vicious cycle. Massage can help break that cycle. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia can vary from mild to severe. Some patients find massage helpful even during severe flare-ups. Others prefer to wait until their pain is at a lower level to receive massage. Your health care provider and massage therapist may be able to help you decide, but ultimately you know what is best for you! Click here for more information.

High Blood Pressure

While massage alone probably won’t control diagnosed high blood pressure, it can certainly be part of an overall treatment plan. Often times stress is also a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure–so finding healthy ways to relax and find balance and calm will help. Massage can help with a wide range of issues and symptoms having to do with a lot of conditions, not just high blood pressure. Click here for a list of causes and symptoms of high blood pressure.

Improve Sleep

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. Click here for more information.

Joint Pain

Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help with joint pain and those suffering from arthritis. Find out more.

Mental Health

One of the first things to address with mental health is stress. Stress makes everything harder so managing your stress will help you better be able to handle what life throws at you. Click here for some more things that will help.

Parkinson’s Disease

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, research supports massage therapy as a useful intervention for several of the symptoms associated with the disease. Daily exercise is recommended for people with Parkinson’s Disease and massage can help keep the body flexible and able to handle more activity. The frequency and type of massage will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Click here for recommendations and more information.

Pregnancy Massage

Massage before and after birth can help the delivery and recovery go smoothly. There are many things to consider with pregnancy massage and it is important you find massage therapists who are specifically trained for prenatal massage. Bilky Joda-Miller, owner of All Body Kneads is an experienced prenatal massage therapist and is also doula. Click here for more information.

Scar Tissue

Management of scar tissue through massage, stretching, and exercise is essential to ensure proper remodeling of the scar takes place and normal mobility and function are restored. In general, the scar must be fully closed and no scabbing present to begin scar massage. Your primary doctor should assess your scar before beginning scar massage. Click here for more information.

Are you interested in working with our massage therapists?

We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your health plan and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

You can also schedule an appointment online at here.

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Can Massage Help with Joint Pain?

On September 24, 2020   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Can Massage Help with Joint Pain?

Do you have joint pain? Do your knees pop and click when you walk down the stairs? Are your knuckles inflamed and sore? Massage therapy can often help with joint pain, in addition to muscle pain and tightness.

Joint pain can be caused by several factors and sometimes it is simply temporary. However, some people experience chronic joint pain in the form of arthritis, the type of job they have, or other conditions. Please see our article Massage Therapy Can Help with Arthritis Pain for more information.

Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help with joint pain and those suffering from arthritis.

Most types of massage therapy include massaging various joints. A full body massage will concentrate on all major muscle groups and major joints, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, and toes.

Reflexology for Hands and Feet

Reflexology is the practice of using reflex points on the hands, feet, and head that are linked to every portion of the body. A reflexology massage will work on the joints in your fingers, wrists, toes and ankles. If you work with your hands a lot for typing, manual labor, cooking, cleaning, etc. this type of massage may provide great relief. Also, if you stand a lot for your job, in customer service, food service, and more, reflexology massage can help your feet and ankles.

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Paraffin Treatments for Joint Pain

Paraffin treatments provide warmth and comfort to painful hands and feet. First, we dip your hands and/or feet in warm, melted paraffin (like wax but softer). Essential oils are often infused into the paraffin to help soothe and moisturize your skin. Paraffin treatments are available as Add-on Services to any massage. You can add a paraffin treatment to any massage or get the treatment by itself.

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Infrared Sauna Treatments

An Infrared Sauna session is another gentle but effective way to help ease muscle and joint pain. It helps relaxation, detoxification, and increased circulation. You choose the level of infrared technology you prefer; 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. The middle levels are better for improving circulation as well as enhancing the relaxation of muscles. 

Lansing area cancer patients. Infrared sauna

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Occupations and Events that Promote Joint Pain

Sore, painful joints can occur due to an injury, overuse, or chronic condition. If you perform work regularly that causes stress and overuse of your joints you will eventually experience pain. Also, pregnancy can be hard on the joints due to extra weight and swelling, particularly in the third trimester.

Pregnancy Massage (Prenatal Massage) – No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, you already know that your body is undergoing tremendous changes. Some of the changes can be uncomfortable, and prenatal massage can help!

Parkinson’s Disease – Massage Therapy can help with musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness associated with this complicated and debilitating condition. The tremors and shaking that accompany Parkinson’s Disease is very hard on the joints and muscles and massage can greatly help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Retail Workers and Cashiers – Retail workers spend a lot of time standing, lifting, stocking, stretching, carrying, and more. These types of activities are hard to endure for long periods of time day after day.

Teachers and Instructors – Teaching is a calling, not just a job. Like health care workers, it is very easy for teachers to forget about self-care while taking care of everyone else. There is no denying that today’s classrooms are stressful places, with online learning and all the recent changes teachers have had to embrace. We know that teachers didn’t really get a summer vacation this year while preparing for shifting to online teaching. You deserve a massage.

Road Construction Workers – Chances are, if you live in Michigan you know, and maybe even love, a road construction worker. I can’t think of a more prevalent job this time of year where massage therapy could really help with the physical and stressful aspects of their jobs than road workers. 

Landscaping & Grounds Keeping – Overexertion (doing too much) causes the most minor (non-fatal) injuries among landscape workers. Excess stress on the body like lifting, digging, twisting, turning and carrying are all actions that landscape workers do frequently. These actions, if done incorrectly or just too repetitively, can cause pain and injuries . Massage can help.

Are you interested in Massage Therapy to help with Joint Pain?

We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about the pain you are experiencing and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:

Business Phone (517) 898-2899
E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com
6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4
Lansing, MI 48911-6912

You can also schedule an appointment online at here.

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Lansing Area Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caregivers Can Receive Massage Discounts

On August 31, 2020   /   Massage Therapy   /   Leave a comment
Lansing Area Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caregivers Can Receive Massage Discounts

Are you a current cancer patient, survivor or caregiver to a loved one who is battling cancer? Did you know that there is a non-profit in Mid-Michigan that provides discounted or free massage therapy services to those in need? It is not just for cancer patients, but for many qualifying people who are experiencing a hardship and cannot regularly afford the healing benefits of massage therapy and other techniques.

Mid-Michigan Massage Therapy Institute (MMMTI) is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit and their mission is:

“Helping cultivate strong, empowered families by providing supportive massage care and educational opportunities.“

MMMTI logo

In addition to providing massage therapy to those in need, MMMTI also provides ongoing training and education to massage therapists as well as a community of support.

The organization was started by Bilky Joda-Miller, owner of All Body Kneads Massage. Bilky is also a breast cancer survivor and understands first-hand the healing benefits of massage. It is currently run by a board of directors who are a group of licensed therapists and interested individuals passionate about sharing the benefits of massage

In addition, All Body Kneads offers a 25% discount to breast cancer survivors and a 20% discount to all other cancer survivors. Caregivers get $5.00 off plus a free add-on service.

Related: Can you get massage during chemotherapy?

Massage for Lansing Area Cancer Patients Helps the Healing Process

Often, cancer patients experience drops in their mood, energy and physical dexterity. With massage as a supportive treatment, most of these debilitating ailments can be lessened for the patients. Massage can help in the following ways:

  1. Increased mobility
  2. The breaking up of scar tissue
  3. Loosening of mucus in the lungs
  4. Sinus drainage
  5. And relief of pain, arthritis, constipation, colds and fatigue
  6. Improved sleep
  7. Help with anxiety

Please read The Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients for more details.

different types of massage

Infrared Sauna Therapy

An Infrared Sauna session is another gentle but effective way to help ease the side-effects of cancer treatment. It helps relaxation, detoxification, and increased circulation. You choose the level of infrared technology you prefer; 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. 

Lansing area cancer patients. Infrared sauna

Are you interested in these services?

If you are interested in finding out more about these services and to see if you qualify, please contact MMMTI here.

If you are a massage therapist who would like provide these services to those in need through our program, please contact MMMTI here.

Please note that as a service provider you to get compensated through the organization. MMMTI is funded through generous community donations, grants, and fundraisers.

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