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 Linda McRae, Tyra Quesenberry, Laura Yoo |
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GENERAL MASSAGE Massage releases chronic tension and pain in muscles, improves
circulation, increases flexibility in the joints, and reduces mental and
physical fatigue. In addition, massage is one of the most effective means
to reduce stress. However, many people who have not had a massage wonder,
"What is a massage like? What are the Benefits of Massage?
What kind of massage can I get? The therapists at Bishop Arts Massage and Wellness Center have many hours of advanced training in specialized massage, bodywork and energy work modalities and techniques that can used singly or in combination. For example, there are special techniques to relieve painful trigger points, relax contracted fascia (the muscle’s protective coverings), realign and support injured tissue to heal, aid lymph drainage, or restore the natural balance and flow of energy throughout the body. Your therapist can design a session to fit your individual needs. What is a Swedish massage? Swedish massage is what many people think of when massage is mentioned. It involves the use of oils or creams and uses a variety of strokes which encourages the return circulation of the blood and lymph to the heat and improves joint movement. It is soothing, relaxing and helps relieve stress. A Swedish massage usually begins with a light steady touch, followed by broad gliding strokes. These strokes warm the muscles, calm the nervous system and release tension. Gradually, as your body relaxes, your therapist will work more deeply to relax specific areas. What will the first appointment be like? There are some conditions where massage is not appropriate so your therapist will have you complete a general intake form and answer questions about your general health and reasons for seeking massage. The form will also provide information to you as required by the State of Texas. Your responses will help your therapist in her initial evaluation and to design a massage or program to suit your individual needs. Your massage will take place on a table especially designed for stability and comfort with an adjustable face rest for support for the head and neck. One of the rooms has an electric table that can raise and lower to make getting on and off the table easier. Your therapist will leave the room while you undress to your personal comfort level and relax on the table between fresh sheets. The room will be warm and quiet, with soft music to help set a relaxing mood. Most commonly, people remove most or all of their clothing for a full body massage and are covered with a sheet throughout the session except for the area massaged. Undress as much as is comfortable for you. You may choose to wear underwear or other garments. Some bodywork modalities do not require you to undress completely or at all. Those techniques would not use lotion, creams or lotions. If you do not undress then wear loose comfortable clothes that allow easy movement. If you are uncomfortable about receiving a massage for this or any reason, be sure to discuss your concerns with your massage therapist. What should I do during a massage? Make yourself comfortable. If your massage therapist wants to adjust your position, she will either move you, for example, lifting your arm, or tell you what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. You may wish to close your eyes and relax completely during your massage. You may even find it so relaxing, you fall asleep. You may wish to talk. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask them. Will I feel embarrassed about the massage therapist seeing my body? Massage therapists are there to help you feel better, not judge you. They work with a wide variety of body shapes and sizes sand are aware that each client is an individual. Will a massage hurt? A massage should feel relaxing and enjoyable. Effective massage works with the body’s natural responses, not against them. If your massage therapist is working in areas of injury or chronic pain there may be some initial discomfort which should quickly ease. If you do experience pain during a massage always let your therapist know so that she can adapt to your comfort level. Will a massage tickle? Ticklish people are often surprised that massage does not tickle. The massage touch is completely different from tickling. The intent is relaxation; the pressure is gentle, but firm. In addition, the therapist chooses strokes that gradually accustom you to the touch involved. If you are extremely ticklish, let your therapist know so she can work carefully, or avoid your areas of sensitivity altogether. How long is a massage? An hour is a common length for a massage. This is enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, such as back, neck and shoulders. A half-hour can be an excellent introduction to massage, with time for a partial massage, such as back, neck and shoulders or legs and feet. One and a half hour is enough time for a full body massage with special attention to a problem area. Different modalities of massage, bodywork or energy work may have different time requirements depending on the goals of the session. What do I do after the massage? When your massage is finished, your therapist will leave the room while you dress. Be aware that massage can be profoundly relaxing, and it affects all of your body’s systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the table. Massage flushes toxic lactic acid from your muscles so be sure to drink lots of water in the hours following your massage. How will I feel after my massage? After a massage most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up from months of tensions or repetitive activity in their daily life. After an initial period of feeling lethargic, people generally experience an increase in energy that can last for several days. Sometimes muscle soreness may be felt the next day or so. This may be the result of the body detoxing from the massage. The initial soreness usually resolves itself into new freedom of movement. Call your therapist if you have any concerns. Sometimes the immediate effects of your massage may seem mild. Watch for further changes over the following days, such as pain relief, increased mobility or reduced stress. Self care includes drinking lots of water after your massage to help your body flush any toxins such as lactic acid that may have been released. A warm Epsom salts bath is also helpful.
What is lymph drainage therapy? Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is a powerful boost to your immune system that enhances your wellness program. The strokes can be used in a specific area or over the entire body, including face, hands and feet. It is a gentle manual technique that stimulates lymphatic circulation and promotes healthy fluid flow throughout the body.
What is lymph and why have it drained? Lymph is the fluid that is contained in lymphatic vessels and flows through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a key player in the immune system. Lymph drainage can increase lymph flow by 10%. Lymph picks up proteins, enzymes and hormones circulated by blood, as well as cell debris, waste, and toxins. Lymph carries nutrients to cells and carries the wastes and toxins to the immune organs, helping keep your tissues in peak condition. Anytime fluid waste accumulates in tissues more than 30% of normal, swelling and pain can occur. So, having lymph drainage helps boost your immune system, nourishes cells/tissues, and detoxifies your body, and eases areas of pain and congestion.
Does it hurt? LDT strokes are painless. Hand pressure varies from moderate to feather-light, gently stimulating lymphatic re-circulation. The strokes are rhythmic and deeply relaxing.
What are the benefits of LDT to the body? How does it promote wellness?
What are some specific uses of LDT? Congestion – Swelling from accidents, bruises, surgery, sinus blockage, arthritis, etc.Detoxification – Immune system improvement, chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, weight loss/diet change, recovery from illness, and allergy relief. Skin regeneration – Scars from burns, surgery, illness, injury, acne, insect bites, and chronic skin conditions. Skin rejuvenation -- Promotes younger looking skin
The technique is so gentle. How can it possibly work? LDT was developed to precisely move fluid through the lymphatic system. Most of the lymph pathways are just under the skin (dermo-epidermal junction). Improving surface fluid flow stimulates the deep lymphatics to improve circulation.
How many sessions will I need? The number of sessions varies, depending on the reason you are receiving LDT and on your overall health. Usually, one to three sessions before surgery are helpful. Post surgery, you may receive LDT as soon as 24 hours after your procedure with your doctor’s approval. LDT is applied two to three times per week for intense work or one to two times per month as a preventive for chronic problems. For an immune system boost, receive LDT four to six times per year.
How do I prepare for my LDT session? Eat lightly and drinking extra water for a few days pre and post session produces the best results and aids the lymphatic system in toxin removal.
How will I feel after receiving LDT? RELAXED! Many people report feeling "lighter," breathing deeper and moving easier. The most common comment: I feel great!
What is Prenatal Massage? Prenatal massage is therapeutic body work which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience.
What are the Benefits of Prenatal Massage Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman’s body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways, Massage gives special attention to the mother-to be which, in turn, nurtures the new life that grows within her. Massage during pregnancy helps to:
Is Prenatal massage for any Expectant Mother? Generally, yes, but your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with you pregnancy. If you are, then you therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any bodywork.
What is Postpartum Massage? Postpartum massage is designed to help in restoring you body to its pre-pregnancy condition and to address the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn.
What are the Benefits of Postpartum Massage? In the postpartum period, the new mother suffers from fatigue, soreness from overused birthing muscles, hormonal changes, and is in need of attention and pampering. Massage will enhance not only the physical but psychological recuperation process. In the postpartum period massage therapy can:
How soon after delivery can one receive a massage? Postpartum massage can safely begin 24 hours after delivery. If there were complications or a cesarean section was performed, a written release must be provided by you physician. General massage can be done approximately six weeks after giving birth.
Massage Therapy
After your childbearing period, you can continue to derive the benefits from a full body massage. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile, metal needles into the skin at specific points on the body for the purpose of pain relief and treatment of various other ailments by balancing energy flow.
What do you do other than needles? Laura's scope of practice also includes electrical therapy, application of heat/cold, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, and herbal prescriptions.
Do the needles hurt? Often, the patient barely feels the needles. The initial sensation may, as expected, feel like being pricked with a pin, especially in less "meaty" areas of the body. If there is continued discomfort (which is rare) after the needle is adjusted, it will be removed and a more suitable location will be chosen.
Do you do ear staples for weight loss? In Laura's opinion, ear staples carry too much of a risk for infection.
She does have small, sterile needles that can be taped into the ear and
left in for a few days. "There are no shortcuts. Losing weight is hard work. Acupuncture can help reduce stress, normalize emotions, release endorphins, and promote digestion. It's still going to be hard work, but if you make the lifestyle changes, you'll look and feel better and more energized, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces risk for many health conditions. You have my respect and my support for making healthy changes."
Is oriental medicine safe? The needles used are sterile and disposable. They are used once, then put in a sharps disposal container. Compared to hypodermic syringe needles, acupuncture needles are small, solid, flexible, and tapered. Rather than a sharp edge, there is a sharp tip, causing less damage to the tissue, thus less contamination.
Is oriental medicine effective? According to the WHO, "Acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia." In Laura Yoo's experience, as the patient or the practitioner, she has seen acupuncture and herbs to have great effect on all kinds of pain, the common cold, allergies, depression, shingles, digestive issues, gynecological issues, and even vision problems! What is Bowenwork? Bowenwork, also known as Bowtech, is a gentle and effective manual therapy
which creates a state of deep relaxation by balancing tension patterns in the
body. Is Bowenwork gentle? Bowenwork is extremely gentle and is appropriate for anyone. What is Bowenwork good for? Bowenwork can assist in recovery from many conditions including; Traumatic
Injuries, Overuse Injuries, High/Low Blood Pressure, Stress Reactions, Arthritic Pain,
Fatigue, Fluid Retention, Ear/Throat Problems, TMJ Problems, Insomnia, Depression, Stroke Recovery, ADD/ADHD, and Developmental Delays.
What happens in a Bowenwork session? Fingers or thumbs are placed on the skin over precise points on muscles, tendons or other soft structures.
Gentle rolling pressure is then applied to effect a change in the underlying tissue. These
changes stimulate a rebalancing of the body's autonomic nervous system. Once this occurs, the body can initiate a healing response on structural and energetic levels. How many sessions are needed? Three to five sessions, one week apart, are usually all that are required for most sport injuries, work-related injuries, and problems brought about by long-term overuse. What should I wear for my Bowenwork session? You should wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing. Or you may choose to wear your underclothes and be draped for modesty and comfort. What should I expect in a Bowenwork session? A health history will be taken and you'll be asked about the reason for your visit. The actual hands-on work may take only a few of the twenty to sixty minutes of the session. After each series of moves your body will be given time to begin responding. What should I expect after my session? Some changes may be noticeable right away, including; reduced pain, greater range of motion, and a sense of relaxation and well-being. The benefits will be enhanced by following simple guidelines:
Homework? If you're assigned homework exercises, you should do them daily beginning on the day after your session. This is an essential part of your care and will improve your results.
What is a detoxification reaction? Bowtech encourages proper functioning of all body systems, including
those responsible for eliminating toxins. If your body has stored
unnecessary materials, you may experience one or more of these
detoxification sensations for a day or so after a Bowtech session:
Massage Therapy for cancer patients and caregivers?
Massage is rapidly gaining support in the oncology community for its documented benefits for cancer patients. The American Cancer Society and reputable hospitals across the country now advocate massage for people at all stages of treatment and beyond: diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Benefits include:
Massage therapy can help reduce stress, fears, and pain – all of this without side effects "...it makes patients feel better and allows them to better deal with their illness or treatment. I look forward to the day when this feature is available to all appropriate patients in our hospital."
- Roger E. Alberty, M.D., Director, Department of SurgerY Is Massage Therapy safe for cancer patients? Massage for people with cancer or cancer histories must be tailored for comfort and safety. Oncology Massage therapists are trained to provide a safe, healing touch for cancer of every type and at every stage of treatment. These therapists know how to make accommodations for low white blood cell counts, low platelets, lymphedema, bone fragility, central lines and other medical devices, and other side effects of treatment. We work with patients and their medical providers to make massage a nurturing experience that enhances the healing process, even for those who are seriously ill.
What adjustments will be made for cancer patients? Depending on a patient’s history, a Therapist trained in Massage Oncology might make the following adjustments to accommodate conditions related to cancer or cancer treatment:
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