Dr. Oz loves massage

Dr. Oz, Oprah's Doctor with the answers to everyone's burning questions, reported Monday that he receives massage on a weekly basis and that he believes that bodywork plays a key role in wellness. Citing the benefits received from oxytocin production and the impact massage has on the lymphatic system - Dr. Oz loves massage.

Gift Certificate Specials

SPECIAL - Gift Certificate Packages - SPECIAL

Package includes -

Massage Session Gift Certificate
Peppermint Pedango Foot Cream
Lavendula Lotion
Bath Salts

It's all wrapped and ready to be given to that someone on your list who deserves relaxation.

Your Choice :
1Hour - $ 50 90 min - $75 Hot Stone - $90
Multiple Sessions Also Available

Now accepting Visa and Mastercard
Stop by the office Wed. - Fri.
755 Grattan St. Chicopee, MA 01020

You can, but can you safely

The happy valley is getting it's first storm, a coating to a couple of inches is what they say will happen. The icey conditions are probably a bit more dangerous than just your average snowfall. A swedish study reveals that during the winter months "Most injured are elderly women, but also many young men in the age group 20-29 years were injured. Half of all injuries were fractures; for women 50 years and over two-thirds were fractures, mostly of an upper extremity." Most occuring within yards of the home.
The best advice for avoiding injuries is to use common sense. While this preventitive measure seems simple enough. The statistics for winter falls still remain. The bottom line is that sometimes it is just more important to be safe and take the time to respect the winter conditions rather than make an effort to blaze through them.
Whether the intent is being on time, getting the job done more quickly, or even to prove to yourself or others that you can -insert task here-. Yes you can, but can you safely. The results of these injuries are typically a strong decrease in typical daily activity, a high number requiring assistance for at least six months.

BE THE TORTOISE - the world can wait, and in the end the tortoise won.

Banking Bonus

I will be at Citizens Bank 1283 Memorial Drive - Fri 12/14. Stop by for a chair massage or to get special rates on Gift Certificates. Giving the Gift of Massage is great for anyone. Whether its someone who has enough things, someone who deserves some attention, or even for yourself - you've been good this year, you deserve it.

Stop by next Friday. Mention this post and get a FREE chair massage.

Giving Thanks

The Jolly Jaunt is on its way to Springfield. Participants and contributors will be raising money for the Special Olympics, which is an organization that means a great deal to me as my brother had Down Syndrome. I am thankful for this organization as it brought him much joy to compete and participate in a variety of events. The Thrill of Victory - no matter how large, was one of the many joys of life he taught me to appreciate.

This Thanksgiving I invite you to make a contribution whether through action or donation to an organization that is meaningful to you. We often feel compelled to give to as many as we can, spreading out little bits year after year. However, if we put energy into organizations that touch us more directly we are more likely to do more good. It's the giving that counts, not the thanks.

Kneading Massage ?

Many people ask, "How often should I get a massage?"
or "Will Massage help me?"

As often as you feel comfortable with. It's been noted that Bob Hope received massage on a daily basis - it was right for him, he lived to be 100. Not all of us have Bob Hope bank accounts though. For certain conditions your therapist may recommend twice a week or three times a week. These are typically for brief sessions targeting a specific area. It's dependent on what you are looking for. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, feel stressed or depressed, or suffer from a chronic condition like fibromyalgia. Once a week works well for some while for others, every other week helps them feel more balanced. If you think that one massage will be a cure and refuse to go back if you don't get immediate results - maybe massage is not for you, good luck finding magic somewhere else.

The benefits of massage are well-documented and there are many conditions that your massage therapist can assist with and help your body heal itself. If you've never received a massage before (from an LMT or otherwise certified therapist) take a look at the previous post on what to expect - First Massage? Your LMT will do an intake and also take time to do an assessment of what is contributing to your problem. Your massage therapist can not be expected to instantaneously heal, however, they can work with you and provide reasonable goals as well as referrals to other services that you can take advantage of. From which doctor/specialist could help to translation of "Doc Talk" The more you understand what is affecting you the better you will be at navigating your path to wellness.

Yoga means Union

A great way to reduce stress, relieve tension and especially get your mind in-tune with your body. Yoga has helped me to become more connected to the body. I urge you to take a class and see for yourself. Yoga is about you - truly.

I am pleased to announce that Now and Zen Yoga will be holding classes in Chicopee!
Aldenville Chiropractic Wellness - 755 Grattan Street 2nd Floor

Class Times: Tuesdays 5:45pm - 6:45pm Thursdays 5:45pm - 6:45pm
both classes will be all levels yoga

Class Rates for Chicopee: Drop-in Rate $14 5-Class Card* $60

* 5-class card at Chicopee is valid for 2 months from date of purchase
Class cards are not transferrable from our main studio to our satellite location.
They will accept cash and check payments at this location.

Rain Pain Go Away

The sound of rain on my rooftop makes me think of those with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other painful conditions. While there is limited documentation on the subject, the weather's effect on these conditions is severely noted by those that have chronic pain and old injuries. Most of us have a family member or friend who can tell us that the storm is approaching.

While this feat is not seen as a wonder of nature like parakeet or "spidey" senses. The reality is it does reveal that our joints - knees, shoulder, hips, especially - depend on at least a bit of warmth to stay lubricated. Like the hinge on a door, a little lubrication decreases friction, which softens the squeaks and creaks until they are no more. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of having the oil can like Tin Man, but, what can we do in the rain?

A little heat, movement, and by the way massage. This would be a good day for the stability ball or taking a stroll on the tread mill, keep it light, and keep it moving.

• Curl up with a good book (if this hurts your knees - don't do it) and it's a good time for the heating pad or blanket. There's even a heated throwavailable now. The Big K had these on sale recently and they're also available at "todays neighborhood drugstore".
• Pretend your on the sidelines at a big game. Rub your hands together, then gently show the same courtesy to your knees. They'd probably like soft circular motions.
• Remember, Go For Warmth not fire, less pain not more, say twenty minutes or so. Repeat hourly or when the mood strikes.

New Addition For Fab Feet

Have you heard about the Ionic Foot Bath?


Decrease toxins in the body - Increase energy levels - Sit Back and Enjoy Rejuvenation


Combining treatments with fabulous Foot Massage will have you floating on a cloud.

The “EB” Cellular Cleanse Therapy uses direct micro – current, generating ions between 300 – 400 mV providing energy that is subthreshold, and very similar to low voltage electro-stimulation or cold laser, both of which have been proven to increase and create more cellular ATP (stored energy). This increase in cellular ATP allows the cells to work and purge at a higher rate and to withstand external stressors that can be other physical or chemical.
Both the EB – 305 and the EB – Pro are designed to restore the body’s energy and balance by facilitating the body’s natural detoxification process. The EB – 305 uses state of the art research and development to provide a form of energy that the body via a direct current. This is similar to how the heart generates energy for the body.

Treatment recommendations are to first complete 2 – 3 treatments using the “Balance” time of 18 minutes. This will facilitate balancing the body’s pH levels and prepare it for further detoxification. Then, the patient will complete a series of 10 – 12 treatments using the “Standard” detoxifying time of 23 minutes to regulate the body. Repeating the process will be dictated by the patient’s health.

State Licensing Board Sits

I for one am glad that a board has finally been selected. The current state of town-by-town licensure has an impact on both LMTs wallets and the current state of "regulations". The word is that the Board will have its first meeting next month. Hopefully, there will be good news on the horizon and MTs and massage lovers will be able to breathe easier. The representation seems well-rounded, Central, Eastern, and Western MA being represented equally. Locally, congratulations to Bernadette Nicholson, a highly regarded LMT in the area. I'll be sending her a card soon.

The current list of Board Members can be found here

Massage Break

Chair Massage has been proven to increase productivity, creativity and attendance in the workplace. Across the US companies are turning to chair massage for incentive programs, to show appreciation as well as in addition to the overall benefits package. Chair massage is inexpensive and fits the flow of a typical work day. Replacing the coffee or smoke break with a massage break is not only healthier for the body, but for the mind as well.

While you may be under the impression that massage during the work day will make you sleepy and leave you in an overly relaxed state. The opposite has been proven true. Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who were not massaged. 1
Up to 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints. 2
Stress accounts for $26 billion in medical and disability payments and $95 billion in lost productivity per year. 2
Over 50% of lost work days are stress related which keeps about 1 million people per day from attending work. 2
Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress. 3
40% of job turnover is due to stress. 4
1. Field, Ironson, Pickens et al. (1996). Massage therapy reduces anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations.International Journal of Neuroscience 86, 197-205 2.Occupational Health and Safety news and the National Council on compensation Insurance (U.S.A.) 3..Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 4. American Institute of Stress

Helping Nurses (or yourself) Heal

This past week a couple of chair massage events put me in touch with area nurses. It always amazes me that even people in the health field ignore what their body is trying to say. (yes, myself included on occasion) Body awareness is such an important part of what makes us human. "the body is such an amazing machine, that it can continue - even when it seems it shouldn't" That adrenaline rush that gives you your second wind during extreme fatigue. Being able to suffer-through and work with pain. Using that shoulder or even knee that has difficulty with certain movement.

Taking time to bring awareness of your body into your mind can have a deep impact. Meditation, yoga, these have been around for thousands of years. Why? Because a greater connection of the mind and body has great benefits. Give it a week, even a few days. Take time to think about even the simplest action your body does each day and it can have profound effects.

This is partly how massage "works". It helps bring to light these signals that the body has been trying to get through to the brain. Those aha moments that happen on the table(or in the chair) are on a very basic level amplifications of what your body tries to tell you on a daily basis. Take some time to listen to yourself, it can be very rewarding.

Leaving Northampton

It took me awhile, but I realized that being a massage therapist in Northampton was not unique. It seems as though there are two therapists for every person in town. Sharing I'm okay with, however, I don't think that will work. Things in Easthampton and Chicopee are going well enough that putting extra energy into Northampton is just not worth my while. I do have another location on the horizon, which so far sounds like it will be far better than any of my current studios. There's somewhat of a surprise twist, however, it will have to be seen to be believed. So, Good-bye Northampton, goodbye hundreds of massage therapists, good-bye wonderful space on Main St. , I'll be sure to visit.

The healing power of RICE

A friend of mine recently suffered a knee injury. Let's just say it turned a few too many degrees. She was surprised when nothing showed up on the X-ray. "Something popped. It was so loud." she exclaimed. I don't doubt her. A sound whether snap, crackle, or pop is not necessarily something breaking, these commonly heard sounds are an amplified version of "cracking your knuckles" and most often gas releases (spicy food consumption is not a contributing factor).

Rest - Ice - Compression - Elevation is the best course of action. Elizabeth Quinn author of Your Guide to Sports Medicine on About.com writes:"After a day or two of R.I.C.E., many sprains, strains or other injuries will begin to heal. But if your pain or swelling does not decrease after 48 hours, make an appointment to see your PCP or go to the ER, depending upon the severity of your symptoms.

Once the healing process has begun, very light massage may improve the function of forming scar tissue, cut healing time and reduce the possibility of injury recurrence." The muscles can also be affected by strain/sprain injuries. Stretching and contracting during compensation periods can be taxing on the surrounding muscles and tendons. Massage can help the muscles return to working together as they should - moving freely leads to better rest, less pain, and best of all your happiness.

-There are over 600 muscles in your body. Make them happy.-

Fun in the Sun

The Special Olympics was in town over the weekend. Actually, they were all over Western MA, events included bocce, baseball, cycling, fishing, and on and on. I had the great opportunity to provide sports massage to competitors in Easthampton at Nonotuck Park.
I had such a great time that I nearly wore myself out. I had forgotten the RE rules of summer; re-apply, re-hydrate, re-fuel.
A good rule of thumb for sunblock is to reapply at least every two hours and ultimately, if you have to think about how long it's been since you applied - re-apply.
Rules for re-hydration, nearly constant, drink water and more water, juice and -ades can be okay, iced coffee and alcohol don't count as hydration even worse - they can have the opposite effect which can be very dangerous.
Re-fuel - be sure to eat something. Have snacks throughout the day, PB&J is a great take-along - any combo of carbs, protein, and maybe a little sugar - the more sugar the more often you will feel the need to eat - think of sugar as filling your gas tank to just above empty while proteins get you closer to full, and carbs are most useful in the morning and better in moderation throughout the day.
Luckily, I did not get sun damage, dehydration, or any of the other summer dreads. This could have been partly because my station was arms length from the First Aid station - Thanks Jeanne :). As summer winds down we all start to relax about the rules - keep them in mind and have a good time.

Massage - OutSide?!

I love doing events, my portable table or chair can go just about anywhere, and I can see a number of people over the course of a few hours. This past weekend I had two gigs that were great. I was able to be outdoors, doing what I love- massage and meeting all kinds of people. I even had some well-deserved barbecue and corn on the cob.

How can you perform massage outdoors? You ask. Simple. All I need is a shady spot, music (portable Ipod docks are great), my portable table or chair, cleaning supplies (for me and my equipment), and of course me. Noone needs to get undressed, not one bit. Typically sessions will last 10-15 min. that way many can enjoy. It's a great retreat for event-goers, whether they're riders, runners, walkers, or just having fun. I use the table mainly for post-event massage, cycling, running, etc. It's a regular massage table, the same I use in my office, but no sheets, the face cradle covers are soft and best of all disposable. The massage chair is well, not your typical chair. There is a seat but it is made to cradle you in a position that leaves your back shoulders and neck exposed - like a supported fetal position. It's great.

This coming weekend I'll be at Nonotuck Park with Special Olympics, which I'm really looking forward to. I'm always looking for events - rides, walks, and get-togethers - that could use something a bit extra to make them memorable.

Talking Massage?

Clients and massage therapists are sometimes hesitant to ask questions no matter how much they are encouraged to do so. The goal of massage should always be to best benefit the client. Maybe you have had occasion where a session felt more like you were "being worked on" rather than "worked with". I've heard bad experiences and they seem to have the same theme - Communication is key and assumption ... you know the rest.

I'd like to dispel the myths like

"to be effective it should hurt",

"I have to get naked, right?", etc.

I'd like to hear any questions or comments regarding massage. No need to name names or even locations. All will be kept confidential to encourage open communication.

Massage & Health Insurance

The question of whether or not massage is covered by health insurance is often asked. The answer however, is not simple. It's often "maybe?!" While the facts regarding the benefits of massage are clear and growing in number thanks to research being conducted by Dr. Tiffany Fields and others. Insurance companies themselves are either requiring a lot of documentation or they are offering listing services for LMTs in exchange for providing discounts to their plan members. Unfortunately, there are few Massage-Loving health care plans - these are plans that merely require the massage client to submit their receipts and they are then reimbursed up to 50% by the company directly - a true win-win- leaving clients and LMTs very happy.

While there is a possibility that massage could be prescribed for you. Your doctor's prescription pad is typically reserved for medications and while your LMT may provide Massage Prescription Forms it's not easy to get them in the hands of every local doctor -let alone having it within reach when they need it. Talk to your LMT to see if they have a form that you can bring to your next doctor's visit.

Some massage therapists will forego the headaches of submitting to a health insurance company by finding a schedule that is right for your needs and offering discounts on multiple visits. This makes for less paperwork for everyone - an instant de-stresser.