Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane uses Sports Massage to enhance the
health regime of athletes. During spring, requirements of the body are changed
as focus is directed to outside sports such as Golf, Tennis and Running. Whether
professional or amateur, all athletes are susceptible to injuries from their
sport of choice, and all can benefit from Therapeutic Sports Massage.
Therapeutic Sports Massage highlights the healing of injuries to tendons and
ligaments and helps to ease built up tension and stress the body develops during
physical activity.
Golfers who are working to reclaim their club shots after our long winters
need to be aware of the main stresses on the body. The golf swing and hunched
over putters stance are the primary contributors to back, neck and shoulder
pain. Therapeutic Massage prior to golfing can be beneficial in increasing
flexibility and range of motion, both of which are necessary for the golf swing.
Other common injuries include carpal tunnel, and knee pain both of which can be
addressed before and after injuries by working to increase flexibility and
circulation to the areas.
Tennis players suffer from two types of injuries, overuse and acute
(traumatic). Overuse injuries happen over time as stress to the muscles, joints
and soft tissues are unable to properly heal between uses. If not treated early,
overuse injuries that begin as a small ache or pain can become debilitating. As
with golfers, Therapeutic Massage can work to increase the circulation, range of
motion and flexibility to help avoid overuse injuries. Acute injuries such as
rotator cuff tendonitis, shoulder tendonitis, achilles tendonitis and tennis
elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) can benefit from Massage to help reduce stress
to the body and mind in order to help advance the return to the courts as well
as reducing inflammation to the areas through an increase in circulation.
Runners put specific repetitive stress on their bodies which is different
from most other sports. Lower body injuries are the most common and destructive
to a runner. Preventative massage may help runners avoid injuries such like
pulled hamstrings by stretching the muscle and increasing flexibility. The
benefits of massage can help with hip bursitis, where pain is caused with hip
movement, and snapping hip syndrome, which encompasses three distinct hip
problems, by increasing the circulation to the affected areas to help reduce
inflammation. Itiotibial Band syndrome, an inflamed fibrous band spanning from
the hip to the shin that lends stability, and tibial stress syndrome (shin
splints) can be helped by massage to reduce inflation and reduce stress on the
areas.
Most spring sports and physical activity in general are extremely susceptible
to knee injuries. From a golfer twisting a knee with the swing, a tennis
player’s jerky movements and quickly changing directions, to a runner’s repeated
impact to the joints, the knee takes a lot of abuse. Massage before activity may
help prepare the joints for the change in activity and can be used after sports
to reduce stress and increase healing time to avoid injuries.
Elements Therapeutic Massage understands that each sport has its own unique
impact on the body and uses different muscle groups. Spring sports such as golf,
tennis and running are just a few examples of the many available sports in the
Spokane area and we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy sports as part of a
healthy lifestyle. The benefits of physical activity are seen in both the mind
and the body. At Elements, our therapists are specially trained in Therapeutic
Sports massage, and we are here to help keep you in the game before, during and
after.
We provide individually customized Massage in Spokane to best fit your health
and wellness regimen. Contact one of our 3 Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage
locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Benefit of Massage for Seniors
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Seniors
It’s no secret that the fastest-growing segment of the American population is 65 or older. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the number of people 65 and older numbered 39.6 million and represented 12.9% of the US population in 2009. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million people 65 and older, or 19% of the population. As this population group grows, there will be an increased emphasis on health,
quality of life and well-being.
Massage therapy offers many possibilities to this senior group of citizens. Therapeutic Massage at Elements Spokane can provide relief from various types of muscle tension and overall discomfort for seniors who are still very active as well as those who are living with limiting conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
Therapeutic massage, provided by a licensed massage professional, has been proven to do the following:
Our licensed massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane are knowledgeable of the conditions that can occur in seniors, and can provide light to medium touch massage for specific, individual need. Our therapists are sensitive to each client’s sense of modesty and privacy and will respect and accommodate special requests. Before undergoing any massage session, it is always recommended to discuss your needs and make sure the therapist is trained in massage techniques for seniors.
Some may wonder if a physician’s approval or a prescription is required for massage therapy, and it is generally not. However, there may be instances when a client should consult with their physician to insure safety before beginning a massage program. For example, someone who has an acute illness, is undergoing chemotherapy, has osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or has had recent surgery, should talk to their doctor first.
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our 3 Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
It’s no secret that the fastest-growing segment of the American population is 65 or older. According to the Department of Health & Human Services, the number of people 65 and older numbered 39.6 million and represented 12.9% of the US population in 2009. By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million people 65 and older, or 19% of the population. As this population group grows, there will be an increased emphasis on health,
quality of life and well-being.
Massage therapy offers many possibilities to this senior group of citizens. Therapeutic Massage at Elements Spokane can provide relief from various types of muscle tension and overall discomfort for seniors who are still very active as well as those who are living with limiting conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
Therapeutic massage, provided by a licensed massage professional, has been proven to do the following:
- Decreases anxiety and stress
- Lessons the symptoms of depression
- Stabilizes blood pressure
- Helps alleviate sleep disorders
- Increases circulation
- Improves joint mobility
- Decreases inflammation
- Increases the sense of well being
- May lesson dependence on pain medications and other types of medications
- Improves the flow of lymphatic fluid
- Improves digestion
- Provides much needed touch and nurturing
Our licensed massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane are knowledgeable of the conditions that can occur in seniors, and can provide light to medium touch massage for specific, individual need. Our therapists are sensitive to each client’s sense of modesty and privacy and will respect and accommodate special requests. Before undergoing any massage session, it is always recommended to discuss your needs and make sure the therapist is trained in massage techniques for seniors.
Some may wonder if a physician’s approval or a prescription is required for massage therapy, and it is generally not. However, there may be instances when a client should consult with their physician to insure safety before beginning a massage program. For example, someone who has an acute illness, is undergoing chemotherapy, has osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or has had recent surgery, should talk to their doctor first.
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our 3 Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
Hot Stone Massage in Cold Winter Months
Seasons change, colors change and moods can change as old man winter blows out summer’s warm, sunny weather and replaces it with cooler temperatures, shorter days and less sunshine rays. Prepare
your mind and body for the changing seasons this year by incorporating hot stone massage into your overall health and wellness regimen. This wintertime favorite massage technique can help combat the negative effects that less sun and cooler temperatures can take on your body by warming your muscles and your mind from the inside out.
Warm Muscles Make Way for a Healthy Body your mind and body for the changing seasons this year by incorporating hot stone massage into your overall health and wellness regimen. This wintertime favorite massage technique can help combat the negative effects that less sun and cooler temperatures can take on your body by warming your muscles and your mind from the inside out.
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 18 million U.S. adults and 700,000 children had received massage therapy in the previous year. People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including relief from pain, rehabilitation from sports injuries, reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as to increase relaxation and your body’s general wellness. Hot stone massage in particular is best for easing muscle tension without deep pressure, thereby being an excellent treatment for deep muscle strains and tight muscle knots associated with stress and/or injury. This massage therapy technique has been around for hundreds of years and is routinely used for increasing your body’s circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. All of these traits can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from arthritic conditions or stiff muscles and joints, which typically is more bothersome as the weather temperatures become bitter and cold in the winter months.
Warm Attitudes Make Way for Happy Times
Hot stone massage also can help combat the mental doldrums that old man winter can blow your way by creating a deep sense of calmness and relaxation. By putting your mind at ease, hot stone massage can leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle any challenges you may face during the hustle and bustle of the winter months. As the holiday season rolls in and hectic schedules become the norm, hot stone massage can help create a meditative relaxing effect that balances the health and well-being of your mind and body. This popular massage technique enhances a regular deep tissue or Swedish massage session by incorporating hot, smooth stones on specific trigger points throughout your body. The leading purpose of using these stones in your massage therapy session is to open up your body’s energy channels, thereby significantly reducing muscle tension and improving relaxation throughout your mind and body.
Revive and rejuvenate your mental and physical well-being during the cold winter months by trying a hot stone massage therapy session. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to take the chill out of the air and your body this winter season.
Preparing for Winter
Prepare Your Body for Winter Activities with a Combination of
Stretching and Massage Therapy
Staying fit during the winter holiday season comes with a long list of unique
challenges and obstacles, but staying injury free can take even more of an
effort when you introduce new, winter-specific activities like skiing, skating
and sledding into your fitness routine. Before the winter activity season is in
full swing, take steps today to warm up and loosen your muscles so you can hit
the slopes or the rink pain free, as well as minimize after-activity soreness
and fatigue.
Warm Up and Engage New Muscle Groups during the Pre-Season to Stay
Injury Free
Before carving fresh tracks down the slopes this winter or lacing up your
skates to hit the rink with your kids, it is important to incorporate a
combination of regular stretching and therapeutic massage sessions for an active
and injury free winter season. The key to keeping active during the winter
months and staying off your family’s injured list is to focus on body
flexibility and lengthening your muscles in the pre-season. Many of the popular
wintertime activities (skiing, snowboarding and skating) physically impact your
lower body, thereby creating a need for you to focus your stretching and
strength efforts on hip, hamstring and trunk/lower back flexibility.
According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, there are two
common types of stretching – static stretching and dynamic stretching – that are
good for promoting overall flexibility. Research indicates that holding a static
stretch for 20-30 seconds allows your muscles time to relax and elongate,
thereby increasing joint range of motion. Dynamic stretching on the other hand
includes low intensity exercises that mimic sport specific movements. These
types of stretches are good for warming up your body prior to a sports activity,
as they help increase circulation, reduce muscle tightness and help your nervous
system’s ability to contract muscles forcefully.
To kick off your winter pre-season regimen, it’s a good idea to combine
consistent stretching sessions with routinely scheduled monthly massages 8-12
weeks prior to the start of your favorite wintertime activity. Regular
therapeutic massages prior to your desired activity allow your body to release
the toxins found in tight muscles, while increasing overall flexibility and
circulation. Additionally, your massage therapist can assess and monitor your
body’s flexibility range, while suggesting specific stretches and other
techniques that will focus on lengthening and strengthening your body’s problem
areas.
Remedy Your Winter Aches and Pains with Regular Massage Body
Work
As the snow begins to fall and the barometric pressure takes a dive south,
your body faces some unique challenges, especially as you get older and recovery
times for muscle injuries and overuse get longer. Even when you focus on
preparing your body for winter wear and tear before the season starts, there
still may be an unfortunate event where you will become injured or experience
some sort of ache and pain associated with muscle overuse and fatigue.
Lower back pain, in particular, is a common injury culprit in the winter as
you can overdo it shoveling snow, incorrectly bending over to push your
children’s sleds or accidently slipping and falling on ice covered sidewalks. In
fact, research indicates that 70-85% of the population will experience low back
pain at some point and lower back pain is one of the most common and costly
musculoskeletal problem in modern society. Luckily, research supports that
massage therapy can minimize pain and disability, while increasing the speed of
return to normal function. Massage specifically is beneficial for patients with
subacute (lasting four to 12 weeks) and chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks)
non-specific low-back pain, especially when combined with exercises and
education. Furlan AD, Imamura M, Dryden T, Irvin E. Massage for low-back
pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001929.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub2
Additional research from Group Health Research Institute, the University of
Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, and
the University of Vermont in Burlington revealed that massage therapy has helped
reduce pain and improve function more rapidly than usual medical care in people
with chronic low-back pain. Back pain is a health problem that affects millions
of Americans and is the most common medical condition for which people use
complementary and alternative medicine practices, such as massage therapy.
Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine.
2011;155(1):1–9
Whether you are preparing yourself for family fun winter activities or
recovering from a wintertime sports injury or accident, therapeutic massage
sessions combined with a consistent stretching regimen should be your go-to
strategy for minimizing aches and pains this winter season.
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best
fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
Stretching and Massage Therapy
Staying fit during the winter holiday season comes with a long list of unique
challenges and obstacles, but staying injury free can take even more of an
effort when you introduce new, winter-specific activities like skiing, skating
and sledding into your fitness routine. Before the winter activity season is in
full swing, take steps today to warm up and loosen your muscles so you can hit
the slopes or the rink pain free, as well as minimize after-activity soreness
and fatigue.
Warm Up and Engage New Muscle Groups during the Pre-Season to Stay
Injury Free
Before carving fresh tracks down the slopes this winter or lacing up your
skates to hit the rink with your kids, it is important to incorporate a
combination of regular stretching and therapeutic massage sessions for an active
and injury free winter season. The key to keeping active during the winter
months and staying off your family’s injured list is to focus on body
flexibility and lengthening your muscles in the pre-season. Many of the popular
wintertime activities (skiing, snowboarding and skating) physically impact your
lower body, thereby creating a need for you to focus your stretching and
strength efforts on hip, hamstring and trunk/lower back flexibility.
According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, there are two
common types of stretching – static stretching and dynamic stretching – that are
good for promoting overall flexibility. Research indicates that holding a static
stretch for 20-30 seconds allows your muscles time to relax and elongate,
thereby increasing joint range of motion. Dynamic stretching on the other hand
includes low intensity exercises that mimic sport specific movements. These
types of stretches are good for warming up your body prior to a sports activity,
as they help increase circulation, reduce muscle tightness and help your nervous
system’s ability to contract muscles forcefully.
To kick off your winter pre-season regimen, it’s a good idea to combine
consistent stretching sessions with routinely scheduled monthly massages 8-12
weeks prior to the start of your favorite wintertime activity. Regular
therapeutic massages prior to your desired activity allow your body to release
the toxins found in tight muscles, while increasing overall flexibility and
circulation. Additionally, your massage therapist can assess and monitor your
body’s flexibility range, while suggesting specific stretches and other
techniques that will focus on lengthening and strengthening your body’s problem
areas.
Remedy Your Winter Aches and Pains with Regular Massage Body
Work
As the snow begins to fall and the barometric pressure takes a dive south,
your body faces some unique challenges, especially as you get older and recovery
times for muscle injuries and overuse get longer. Even when you focus on
preparing your body for winter wear and tear before the season starts, there
still may be an unfortunate event where you will become injured or experience
some sort of ache and pain associated with muscle overuse and fatigue.
Lower back pain, in particular, is a common injury culprit in the winter as
you can overdo it shoveling snow, incorrectly bending over to push your
children’s sleds or accidently slipping and falling on ice covered sidewalks. In
fact, research indicates that 70-85% of the population will experience low back
pain at some point and lower back pain is one of the most common and costly
musculoskeletal problem in modern society. Luckily, research supports that
massage therapy can minimize pain and disability, while increasing the speed of
return to normal function. Massage specifically is beneficial for patients with
subacute (lasting four to 12 weeks) and chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks)
non-specific low-back pain, especially when combined with exercises and
education. Furlan AD, Imamura M, Dryden T, Irvin E. Massage for low-back
pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD001929.
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub2
Additional research from Group Health Research Institute, the University of
Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, and
the University of Vermont in Burlington revealed that massage therapy has helped
reduce pain and improve function more rapidly than usual medical care in people
with chronic low-back pain. Back pain is a health problem that affects millions
of Americans and is the most common medical condition for which people use
complementary and alternative medicine practices, such as massage therapy.
Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine.
2011;155(1):1–9
Whether you are preparing yourself for family fun winter activities or
recovering from a wintertime sports injury or accident, therapeutic massage
sessions combined with a consistent stretching regimen should be your go-to
strategy for minimizing aches and pains this winter season.
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually customized to best
fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
Massage for Men Too
Therapeutic Massage is for Men TOO
It’s a proven statistic. More women than men enjoy the benefits of regular
therapeutic massage. According to the American Massage Therapy Association
(AMTA), statistics from their 2009 national studies reveal 40 percent of women
and only 29 percent of men reported seeing a massage therapist in the past five
years.
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 therapist (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….
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 regularly 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! There are an increasing number of credible massage studios
that always welcome women and men with convenient locations,
plus evening and weekend hours. 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!
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually
customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our
Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one
of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
It’s a proven statistic. More women than men enjoy the benefits of regular
therapeutic massage. According to the American Massage Therapy Association
(AMTA), statistics from their 2009 national studies reveal 40 percent of women
and only 29 percent of men reported seeing a massage therapist in the past five
years.
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 therapist (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….
- 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 discretely 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. - 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 condition 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
really are subconscious about, just ask the therapist to avoid it. - 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
anything is uncomfortable or you if forgot to mention something
during the pre-massage consultation. - 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. - 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.
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 regularly 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! There are an increasing number of credible massage studios
that always welcome women and men with convenient locations,
plus evening and weekend hours. 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!
At Elements Therapeutic Massage Spokane, each massage is individually
customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen. Contact one of our
Spokane Elements Therapeutic Massage locations to book an appointment with one
of our specialists for your Spokane Massage.
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