Back to School = Back to Routine

Routine is essential when you’re focusing on maintaining your health and wellness. As you plan out the remainder of 2011 and look forward to the new year, now is a great time to get into the habit of reducing stress and enhancing your lifestyle with massage.

Industry research suggests that many diseases are stress related and high stress can be a leading contributor to accelerating the aging process of our bodies, both internally and externally. Regularly scheduled massage sessions make it easy for you to dedicate yourself to a healthy and happy lifestyle by allowing you to take time out for yourself on a monthly basis to maintain reduced stress and increased energy levels. A consistent massage routine will leave you feeling restored, invigorated and vibrant.

Back to School = Back to Health

According to a September 2010 study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Swedish massage produces measurable biological effects and may have a positive effect on the immune system. Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(10):1–10.

Increasing your immune system is important during the fall season, especially for teachers and families returning to school as germs can run wild along school hallways and inside classrooms. Incorporating massage into your back to school routine can help you maintain a stronger immune system during cold and flu season, reducing missed days at work and school.

Back to School = Back to Massage

It never hurts to be reminded of all the wonderful benefits of receiving massage and body work treatments on a consistent and regular basis. According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals (www.abmp.com), massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Massage has many benefits, such as:

1. Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
2. Stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
3. Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
4. Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.
5. Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.R
6. Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
7. Increases joint flexibility.
8. Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.
9. Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
10. Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.
11. Contributes to shorter labor, reduces the need for medications and supports a quicker recovery.

As you get back into the swing of things this fall, remember to get back into massage. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today at 770.622.4000 or visit us online to schedule your monthly massage therapy sessions and start getting back into the groove of a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Combat the natural stressors that can arise on a vacation by scheduling a therapeutic massage before you take off this summer for your family adventure and shortly after you return home. You, your body and your family will thank you. You will return from vacation revived, restored and vibrant – the key ingredients to happy summer memories!

To help you sit back, relax and enjoy your summer vacation, we share the following suggestions for reducing your mental and physical stress while on the road, in the air or sailing around the world.

The Problem: Mental Stress Associated with Chaotic, Busy Vacations

Booking two weeks at a lake cottage with your parents, brothers, sisters and all their kids might sound like a good idea for a family get away. But when 15 family members all descend on the cottage, kids running wild, parents and children bickering and grandparents spoiling the kids, stress can rise up quickly, creating a tense environment that doesn’t support a relaxing, enjoyable experience.

The Solution:  De-Stress Before Your Summer Vacation with a Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. You’ll enjoy benefits of reduced stress, heart rate and blood pressure, as well as an improvement in mood and increased relaxation. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to wait until you are stressed or injured to get a massage. Massage is like a health supplement, or preventative care for your body and mind. Schedule a massage a week or two prior to your vacation to prepare yourself for a successful trip. Since eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether during a family vacation is unrealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help you better manage your stress.

The Problem: Physical Stress Associated with Traveling

Your body can experience a high degree of physical stress while traveling. From sitting for long periods of time during your travels to sleeping in different beds and using various pillows during vacation, your body can be left in knots after you return from vacation. Additionally, irregular bowel movements can be a common side effect of traveling, eating different foods, drinking new water and being in a new environment. These physical factors can greatly increase the stress associated with a family vacation and leave you in physical pain upon your return.

The Solution: Schedule a Post-Vacation Massage After You Return

You can take some easy preventative measures during your vacation to reduce your body’s physical stress such as bringing your own pillows, drinking bottled water and keeping your diet as balanced as possible, but there still will be many factors contributing to your physical stress that will be out of your control. To combat the physical stress associated with travel, schedule a post-vacation massage 3-5 days after you return from your trip. A deep tissue massage can release tension from tight neck and back muscles, as well as get your irregular system running smoothly by releasing toxins and loosening tight pressure points.

The Problem:  Post-Vacation Exhaustion Related to Fatigue and Lack of Sleep

The fun part of any vacation is catching up with friends and family, visiting all of the area attractions and taking part in family activities. This means staying up later than you are used to, running around town non-stop and trying new activities that may take more energy than you are used to exerting. The result? A sleep deprived family upon return from vacation.

The Solution:  Therapeutic Massage to Balance Your Body’s System and Enhance Sleep Quality

According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals, massage has been proven to be beneficial in decreasing anxiety, enhancing sleep quality and reducing fatigue. Therapeutic massage also is known to increase energy levels and body circulation. Following your family vacation, you can relax your mind and body with regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions. This will help you with catching up on lost sleep, as well as increase your energy level.

To schedule your pre- and post-vacation massage sessions, call Elements Therapeutic Massage today. Our highly skilled massage therapists will tailor your sessions to prepare and revive you for an unforgettable summer vacation experience.

According to 2010 research published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, massage to support a healthy lifestyle dates back to early civilization and it is a common technique today for the management and prevention of sport injuries. Massage also has been used to successfully increase flexibility and provide a greater range of motion. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1917-1924, 2010.

These tips will help you to feel restored, pain free and vibrant as you trade in your suit and high heels at the end of the workweek for athletic gear and fun-filled weekend adventures.

TREK DOWN THE TRAINING TRAIL

Just as every training program lays out a master plan for you to succeed in your big summer race, event or tournament series, don’t forget the most important element to any training schedule – regularly scheduled therapeutic massages to repair your tired, tense muscles and relax your training-focused, wired brain. A highly skilled massage therapist can be an extremely valuable member of your training team by helping you reduce the risk of injury, flush out toxins from your body, lengthen and stretch tight muscles and minimize the longevity of injuries.

Experts agree that if you treat common overuse injuries (sore ankles, tight back, sore shoulders and tight hamstrings, for example) with massage as soon as you feel the first muscle tweak or pain, you will be more likely to keep your training schedule on course, while setting up your body and mind for a successful summer event.

Suggested Massage Techniques during Training: Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage

LOOSEN UP PRE-EVENT JITTERS

Before you lace up your shoes and pack your gear for your big summer event, prepare your muscles for the strain and intensity of the planned activity by scheduling a therapeutic massage 2-3 days prior to the event date. The goal of this massage is to release tension in your muscles without leaving them sore, as well as reduce any pre-event stress or anxiety so that you can maintain a positive mental focus on race day. Your massage therapist will loosen any last minute muscle kinks and warm up muscles to prepare you for a successful event.

Suggested Massage Techniques Prior to Event:  Swedish Massage

CELEBRATE YOUR EVENT SUCCESS

You’ve trained hard, raced hard, played hard and now it’s time to treat yourself to an after-event massage. Instead of waiting in a 25-person deep line for an on-site post-event massage that only lasts five minutes, schedule at least a 55-minute massage for the day or two following your event. The goal of this massage is to help your muscles recover from the strenuous activity, as well as improve your body’s range of motion and reduce any spasms or cramping that may have been caused by the event.  You will be better hydrated 24-48 hours following the event and will have more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor as your mind and body relax and unwind through the healing touch of a highly skilled massage therapist.

Suggested Massage Techniques Following the Event:  Deep Tissue Massage

Elements Therapeutic Massage looks forward to partnering with you this summer to help you achieve your goals of living an active, vibrant lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a monthly massage and begin experiencing the Elements difference.

Therapeutic massage is clinically proven to provide a wide number of important health benefits including stress reduction, pain relief, lower blood pressure and improvements to the immune system. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly promoting the benefits of massage to their patients.

In AMTA’s 2009 survey, thirty-nine million American adults discussed massage therapy with their healthcare providers. While physicians led the way in recommending massage, chiropractors and physical therapists also recommended massage therapy when their patients discussed it with them. Additionally, more than three-quarters of massage therapists (76%) indicate they receive referrals from health care professionals.

So to the 71 percent of men out there not experiencing massage, what’s the problem?

According to many experts, including licensed massage therapists, here are some of the questions about massage that men always want to ask, but are too embarrassed to ask….

1. Do I have to undress and if so, will the therapist be there when I undress? Nudity is indeed the number one concern for everyone getting a massage. But don’t worry; you should always undress to your level of comfort. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave on your undergarments and sometimes more, depending on the areas that need attention. If you do disrobe (totally or partially) all clients are discreetly draped under a sheet with only one body part uncovered at a time. Additionally, the massage therapist always leaves the room so you’re alone to remove clothing and get under the top sheet/blanket. Don’t rush, they will knock and ask if you’re ready before coming in – just like at a doctor’s office.
2. What if I have a certain body part that I’m self-conscious about?  People are indeed concerned about their bodies for a variety of reasons: overweight, scars, excessive body hair, etc. Don’t worry, massage therapists are used to seeing all shapes, sizes and conditions of the body and they have an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care provider. However, if there’s a certain part of your body you reallyare self-conscious about, just ask the therapist to avoid it.
3. I always chat when I get my hair cut. Should I talk during the massage? If you want to talk, feel free, but don’t feel compelled to do so. This is your time to recuperate and relax. The therapist should check in with you during the massage to make sure the pressure level is correct and that they’re addressing your concerns. Of course, always speak up if anythingis uncomfortable or you if forgot to mention something during the pre-massage consultation.
4. What if I’m uncomfortable with a male (or female) therapist giving me a massage?  Don’t ever hesitate to specify that you would prefer a female or a male therapist. In fact, most massage studios will be upfront and ask you for your preference, before you have to ask.
5. If it’s a therapeutic massage, am I supposed to tip? I don’t at the doctor’s office. Whenever you’re pleased with the massage services, a 15 to 20% tip is standard. However, if you’re in a clinical/medical setting there really aren’t any ground rules. When unsure, don’t be afraid to ask if tipping is customary – either when you arrive or call ahead.

So your basic questions are answered and you’re ready for a massage. What type of massage do you want to experience?

Most massage studios offer a wide range of massage options, which can also be confusing. For many men, a good place to start is with a therapeutic sports massage. This is a type of massage technique that focuses on treating soft tissue aches and pains associated with recreational activities.

You don’t have to be an Olympian to benefit from sports massage. Whether you are a regular sports enthusiast or an occasional athlete (even just a “walker”), a sports massage is the perfect way to relax tight, overworked muscles with a mix of techniques and stretches. The areas may include the hamstrings, quads, calf muscles and glutes. It also helps reduce adhesions (knots in the muscles), relieving the stress they can place on tendons, ligaments and joints. Sports massage is also good for those with injuries, chronic pain or a restricted range of motion.

For all the men who are hesitant about massage therapy, now’s the time to experience a massage! Whether you choose a therapeutic sports massage or any one of the many other massage techniques available, you’ll soon learn the value of regular massage therapy.

Men: Elements Therapeutic Massage is the perfect place for a “first-ever” massage or regular monthly massage. When you call to book your appointment we will schedule you with the therapist who best matches your specific massage needs. Our therapists will talk with you to learn where the pain is and help you decide what treatment is best for you.

Ladies: help your “significant other” learn about the benefits of massage – treat him to an Elements gift certificate! Learn more, schedule an appointment and purchase gift certificates on our website.

Postnatal massage is a natural therapy designed to help relax and heal a new mother.  The postnatal massage is similar and yet very different from a prenatal massage.  While both massages will relax the mother, the postnatal massage will help get the new mom’s body back into a pre-pregnancy state by focusing on toning and reducing fluid retention.

Regular postnatal massage can help with the following common ailments:

• Lower back pain
• Neck and should pain
• Headaches
• Hand and wrist pain
• Postural dysfunctions
• Depression
• Weakness and fatigue

It can also help in re-establish pelvis structural integrity, healthy lactation, toning muscles, and overall stress reduction.  It can even aid in weight loss!

A variety of therapeutic massage techniques may be utilized during a postnatal massage, including Swedish and lymphatic massage.  Before any postnatal massage, it’s best for new moms to consult with the massage therapist to discuss any specific aliments that the therapist should focus on. 

For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally safe to go for a postnatal massage as soon as they feel well enough.  For those that deliver by caesarian, a good rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks after delivery.  However, in all cases consult with the doctor first.

Regular therapeutic massage during the postnatal period is very beneficial to all new moms.  It addresses physical discomforts as well as nurtures the body, mind and soul, helping each new mom be the best they can be.

If you’re a new mom, Elements Therapeutic Massage can help you with your postpartum healing.  Or, if you know a new mom, an Elements gift certificate is a thoughtful surprise.  Call us at 770.622.4000 or visit us online – you can even purchase gift certificates on our website.

All that being said, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get a therapeutic sports massage! It’s ideal for anyone who’s physically active – as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program at the gym, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine. If you’re a novice athlete, a pre-event sports massage can make for a better, less-painful event. Or, if you’re a “weekend warrior,” a regular therapeutic sports massage may be just what you need to concentrate on a specific problem (sports or otherwise), chronic pain or a restricted range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

• Pre-event Sports Massage – A short, stimulating massage before an event. It is directed towards the parts of the body that will be the most heavily involved in exertion.
• Post-event Sports Massage – Usually this takes place either an hour or two after an event. The objective is to normalize the body’s tissues and prevent stiffness or soreness.
• Restorative Sports Massage – Takes place during training to allow the athlete to train longer, harder and with less possibility for injury.
• Rehabilitative Sports Massage – Should take place on a regular basis and is designed to either alleviate pain, increase range of motion or to restore the body to health.

Because every sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way, there are a variety of methods used to administer a therapeutic sports massage. Generally, this is a type of massage often combined with various forms of stretching. A sports massage will stimulate circulation of blood and lymph fluids and may include one or more of the following techniques:

• Deep Swedish massage – Long, broad and flowing strokes which may be used before, during and after any of the techniques listed here. Designed to increase circulation and remove toxins. It also re-aligns the muscle fibers to get them back to their normal state.
• Deep Tissue massage – Muscle-specific massage for chronically tight or painful areas.
• Trigger Point massage – Designed to break down adhesions and increase range of motion. Left untreated these tender points often lead to restricted and painful movement of entire body regions.
• Lymphatic massage – Stimulates lymphatic-drainage pathways, which improves the body’s removal of excess fluids in the tissues that cause swelling and pain.
• Compression Massage – A rhythmic compression into muscles to create blood flow and to soften the tissues. This is usually a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work.
• Cross-Fiber massage – A friction technique used in a general manner to create a stretching and broadening effect in large muscle groups. This helps reduce adhesions (knots in the muscles) and creates strong and flexible repair during the healing process.

Whether you’re a serious or an occasional athlete, enjoying less muscle pain and stiffness as well as improving your sense of well-being is good reason to take advantage of a regular therapeutic sports massage.

To get the most benefit from a therapeutic sports massage, be sure and ask your therapist about their training and to learn which techniques are right for you. And, no matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should always check in with you about your needs and expectations during the massage.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, you can always find a skilled therapist to help with your sports-related aches and pains. Go to Touchofelements.com/johnscreek or call 770.622.4000 to make an appointment today.

Insomnia comes from the Latin words for “no sleep.” It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficultly staying asleep, waking up too early and poor quality, “non-restorative” sleep. Chronic insomnia is poor sleep every night or most nights for more than six months.

Insomnia takes a huge toll on your energy, mood, and ability to function during the day. Chronic insomnia can even contribute to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

But you don’t have to put up with insomnia. There are a wide variety of methods recommended for treating insomnia. Many of them involve simple life-style and daily habit changes such as not watching TV in bed, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine in the evenings and developing a relaxing bedtime routine. Others involve a variety of medications – some over the counter; others prescriptive. There are also complementary alternative medical (CAM) choices, one of which is therapeutic massage.

Serotonin plays a key role in mood, body temperature, physical coordination, appetite and sleep; and therapeutic massage can work to increase serotonin levels. A 2000 study on back pain and massage conducted by the Touch Research institute and the University Of Miami School Of Medicine demonstrated that in addition to a decrease in long-term pain, subjects receiving regular therapeutic massage also experienced an increase in serotonin levels and improved sleep.*

Therapeutic massage is a healthy and substance-free way to increase serotonin levels for the sleep deprived. Additionally, serotonin is a natural way to produce melatonin, which causes a drop in body temperature and positively influences sleepiness.

If you’re one of the thousands of Americans suffering from lack of sleep, simple changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can always help. But you should also consider massage, as regular therapeutic massage sessions may prove to be the healthy, logical, safe and inexpensive way to put a stop to your sleepless nights.

Not sleeping? The skilled massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage can help you get a good night’s rest. Call Elements Therapeutic Massge Johns Creek at 770.622.4000 or visit us online.

Of course, the first thing on your mind is to start dieting and to get into a regular exercise schedule.  You know eating right and exercise are two sure-fire ways to recover from the holiday fun.  Now, there’s a new element in your annual “get back in shape” plan – this year add therapeutic massage to your New Year’s resolution.

Scientists now confirm what massage therapists have always known:  massage can be a powerful and effective weight-loss tool. Massage is known to lower stress, improve circulation, increase mobility and speed recovery from overdoing it at the gym.  Here’s how massage therapy specifically applies to your weight loss plan.

Massage improves circulation and the supply of nutrients to the muscles.   After muscles are exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied to them so that they can recover and rebuild themselves.  Massage maximizes the supply of these nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the muscles grow and burn more calories.

Massage also helps break down scar tissue built up from damage to the muscles, which further helps circulation as well as mobility.  Also, massage helps flush toxins from the body, meaning your body can focus on the healthy foods you are eating and not the environmental toxins that build up over time, especially during the holidays.

For those on an aggressive workout schedule, massage can greatly improve your flexibility and range of motion.  This will make you less likely to hurt yourself, meaning more productive and pain-free hours in the gym which will result in greater calorie burn.  Massage also helps reduce soreness by stretching, kneading and rubbing the muscles to keep them loose.  With all these benefits, there’s no need to take days off from the gym, rather it’s easy to stay on a regular workout schedule.

If you’re new to massage or one who’s gained more than a few pounds during the holiday festivities, it’s understandable if you feel a little self-conscious about disrobing for a massage.  But don’t worry, massage therapists are sensitive to your feelings and realize that nudity is the number one concern for many people experiencing a massage.  Massage therapists are used to seeing all shapes, sizes and conditions of the body and they have an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care giver.  Additionally, all clients are discretely draped under a sheet with only one body part being uncovered at a time.  Of course, you can always undress to your level of comfort, leaving on portions of your clothing or undergarments.

Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or a diet of any sort, always consider incorporating massage into your weight-loss routine with a bi-weekly or weekly treatment. 

Regular massage is just as important a component as a regular workouts and correct nutrition in any fitness and weight loss program.  Elements Therapeutic Massage will work with you to create a plan for regular, ongoing massage therapy sessions that will fit with your budget and your schedule. To learn more, call 770.622.4000 or  visit our website.

When you’re expecting a baby you’re likely to feel all kinds of aches and pains. The added weight you’re carrying, along with the way it’s centered in the front of your body, can cause changes in your posture and gait as your body tries to compensate for your changing center of gravity. And as the uterus expands, the baby grows and your hormone levels shift, you may suffer from more than just back pain.

There are several ways in which a real prenatal massage is different than the average relaxation massage you receive at a typical day spa. These differences become more important and more pronounced as your pregnancy progresses, with more adjustments made in your second and third trimester vs. in your first trimester.

Prenatal massage techniques are designed to:

Reduce swelling. Special manipulation techniques can be used to stimulate soft tissues to reduce edema (fluid retention). Edema is often caused by the fact that the heavy uterus can reduce circulation and increase pressure on major blood vessels, notes the American Pregnancy Association based on research published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Relieve sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain is a common complication during pregnancy because the uterus rests on the pelvic floor and lower back muscles. The pressure radiates pain through the sciatic nerve into leg muscles, in turn causing those muscles to swell and put pressure on nearby nerves. Massage therapy can reduce inflammation in the nerves by helping to release the tension on nearby muscles. Many pregnant women experience significant reduction in sciatic nerve pain through regular massage.

Balance hormone levels. Recent studies have shown that massage during pregnancy significantly improved regulation of norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin — hormones associated with stress, relaxation and mood. These improvements can help expectant mothers balance out mood swings and reduce the risk of low birth weight or complications with delivery, reports the APA  based on an article on massage therapy effects on pregnant women suffering with depression, in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Keep baby safe. The intensity of the pressure applied to the muscles and tissues, and the positioning of the mother’s body, should be adjusted to ensure that the baby is protected.

5  Tips for Getting the Right Prenatal Massage for You

1.  Tell your massage therapist how far along you are and when your due date is.

2.  Ask for a massage therapist experienced in prenatal massage techniques. These professionals specialize in prenatal and postnatal massages.

3.  Advise the therapist of any particular troubles, concerns, aches … Point out where you’re feeling pain or discomfort, when it tends to be at its worst, and what activities seem to aggravate it or cause it to flare up.

4.  Be specific. “Feels like” comparisons are helpful here — does it feel like a needle in your back every evening, or a dull ache in your hip when you try to bend?

5.  Ask about Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a recommended prenatal massage method because it is effective at relieving many discomforts related to the changes in hormone levels, spinal and joint alignment, and circulation that are often experienced by pregnant women. Swedish massage aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation. The therapist uses long, gliding strokes and kneading and tapping techniques on the top layer of muscles and may also manipulate the joints gently to improve range of motion.

Be sure to consult your doctor first about whether a massage is suitable for your condition.

When you’re nearing delivery, schedule yourself for a postnatal massage. This type of therapy differs from a prenatal massage in that it focuses on toning a new mother’s body and reducing fluid retention. And of course, it can help ease the stresses of all the change you’re experiencing at home (like getting up with the baby in the middle of every night) — and that release and renewal can help you be a better mom.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, we’ll work with you and your practitioner to create a plan for regular, ongoing massage therapy sessions that can keep you healthy while working with your schedule and lifestyle, your health concerns and your priorities.  Call or come in today and let’s talk about how you can get more massage and well-being in your life.

Therapeutic massage can indeed be an effective way to ease the pain of a wide variety of spinal conditions including: muscle tension, spasms, inflammation, aches, stiffness and pain.  A skilled massage therapist will knead, rub and manipulate the affected muscles to increase blood flow (circulation) throughout the body.  This delivers oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and helps eliminate any acids or other waste products that accumulate in the affected area. The outcome is pain relief.

Here are some tips on how to massage away that pain in your back:

• Make sure the massage therapist you use for your back pain has received training from an accredited school and that they have completed 500 hours of training. 
• If you’ve been injured during exercise of some type, consider a sports massage. Sports massage promotes both flexibility and relieves deep muscle tightness and strains.
• For acute pack pain, consider a deep tissue massage, but be prepared for an aggressive massage designed to liberate muscle fiber and detoxify the muscle tissue. There may be a slight level of discomfort, but it should not feel too uncomfortable. The therapist should check in with you during the treatment to determine if the pressure it right, asking “Should I go deeper, stay at the same level or even go somewhat lighter?”
• Try a massage that alternates hot and cold treatments to alleviate back pain caused by sprains.
• A hot stone massage can be very effective as the stones transfer heat into your body, allowing the therapist to work more effectively.
• For a quick and temporary fix, look at investing in a hand-held home massager to take away minor pain. This will not provide all the benefits of a professional massage therapist but it will help you in a pinch.

Not all types of massage are appropriate for all types of back pain.  A deep tissue massage may not be a good idea for someone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative diseases; however, a lighter touch massage might be appropriate.  Be sure to discuss the techniques to be used by your massage therapist before beginning the massage session.  If you have acute back pain, you should also consult your physician before beginning any massage therapy program.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, our therapeutic approach is designed to match you with the therapist and the specific technique that’s best for your unique health and wellness situation.  We also use a proprietary numbering system that indicates the level of work a therapist does, which is very important when dealing with back pain. To find the Elements nearest you, go to http://corp.touchofelements.com/.

*Annals of Internal Medicine, June 2003