Before we can define trigger point massage, let’s talk about what a trigger point is. A trigger point is a spot that is sensitive to pressure, mainly in muscle tissue, and often associated with aching and stiffness. You might think of them as muscle knots.
The good news, in a way, is that almost everyone gets them. However, some people get more of them, and they range in degree of pain. They go by many names, but typically in the medical or massage word, we refer to them as myofascial trigger point (TrP).
What causes a trigger point to hurt?
There are varying medical opinions and diagnosis on this subject, which in turn creates varying advice on how to treat them (more on that later). For the sake of this article, we will report on common and more popular beliefs.
The cause of trigger points is typically believed to be that an area of muscles gets tightly conracted (like a mini muscle cramp). The “cramp” or “knot” restricts blood flow to that muscle area, which causes irriation and often pain to that area.
Other thoughts and diagnoses include a trigger point is a sensory disturbance. Or the pain is a result of irritated peripheral nerves, a type of peripheral neuropathy. Regardless of the true medical reason for the trigger points, they are painful and annoying. Depending on the severity of the pain, it could be mild discomfort at the site of the trigger point, or be more severe and include aching and stiffness that spreads out around the site.
If you have several trigger points grouped together this is referred to as myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). As you can imagine, this can be quite miserable and debilitating.
Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Point Symptoms
Sore spots in the muscle that are sensitive to pressure.
A dull, aching, pain.
The pain is deep and feels like it’s in the muscle (not the joints).
If your limb(s) are affected they may feel a little weak, heavy, and stiff.
The pain is in a specific area and has a center it radiates from.
The pain can not be associated with a clear injury or cause.
Flare-ups can occur in response to extremes of position, exercise, or temperature.
The pain generally comes in episodes or flare-ups, but these can last a long time (weeks or months).
The pain may move around a bit (for example, to the opposite side of your body).
The pain is not typically sharp and is not linked to movement or injury (like a sprain or strain).
Note: myofascial pain syndrome is not the same thing as Fibromyalgia, but they often have similar symptoms that can overlap and be hard to differentiate and diagnose properly.
Things that can help with Trigger Point Pain
There are many treatments available to relieve the pain caused by trigger points, depending on the severity and the individual patients and their preferences. However, the following things are easy to do and typically provide some relief.
Hot showers and baths.
Stretching and exercise.
Acupuncture
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Point Massage
Since trigger points involve muscles, massage therapy can quite effective in providing relief. A skilled massage therapist knowledgeable in trigger point massage will work with you to locate the source of discomfort. He or she will use alternating cycles of pressure and release to ease the knotted muscles.
Restricted muscles can be stubborn and have created patterns of pain. You will most likely experience relief and sometimes soreness (the good kind) after one massage. However, it may take a few treatments to eliminate the pain and “un-knot” the muscles, depending on the severity and time they have been restricted.
Are You Interested in Trigger Point Massage Therapy?
We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about the pain you are experiencing and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:
Business Phone (517) 898-2899 E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4 Lansing, MI 48911-6912
You can also schedule an appointment online at here.
Stress is the root cause of many diseases and complicates our lives in small and big ways. Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults in the United States? Stress is hard on the heart, so anything we can do to lower our stress levels will help our hearts.
What Is Cortisol?
Cortisal is often called “the stress hormone” because it is a naturally-occurring steroid hormone that plays a key role in the body’s stress response. It also contributes to many of the body’s processes. Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal glands and involved in the regulation of the following:
Blood pressure
Glucose metabolism
Immune function
Inflammatory response
Insulin release
What Happens when Cortisol Levels are too High?
As you can see, cortisol is important. However, when levels stay too high, you might experience a range of unwanted symptoms such as:
Blood sugar imbalances such as hyperglycemia
Decreased bone density
Decreases in muscle tissue
Higher blood pressure
Impaired cognitive performance
Increased abdominal fat
Lowered immunity
Slower wound healing
Suppressed thyroid function
In rare cases, very high cortisol levels can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, a rare but serious disease.
Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol and Stress
Luckily, there are several things you can do to lower cortisol levels. One of the most enjoyable and relaxing things you can do is get a massage. There are numerous benefits of massage, and of the main ones is relaxation and lowering stress. You can book a massage today and start lowering your cortisol levels for a great night’s sleep.
Additional things you can do to lower cortisol include:
Get enough, good sleep every night
Maintaining a good bedtime routine
Moderate Exercise
Eat a good diet
Relaxation techniques
Taking up a hobby
Laughing and having fun
Avoiding caffeine at night
Cultivating healthy relationships
Getting a pet
Taking fish oil and ashwagandha supplements
Drink chamomile tea, and other soothing herbal teas
Spending time in nature
Meditation
Yoga
Which one are you going to try this week?
We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your health plan and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:
Business Phone (517) 898-2899 E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4 Lansing, MI 48911-6912
You can also schedule an appointment online at here.
All Body Kneads is excited to announce we are now offering steam sauna treatments. We have our own Steamy Wonder portable steam sauna. Add a steam sauna treatment to your massage. You don’t even have to leave the massage table. Stay comfortable and enjoy.
During the treatment, your head remains outside allowing the lymphatic system and organs to heal themselves.
https://youtu.be/2au8g-elPNA
Health Benefits of a Steam Sauna
Steam therapy has been used for thousands of years to help improve health and beauty. You may have heard of (or experienced) Turkish baths, sweat lodges, saunas, steam rooms, or other forms of steam treatment.
Weight loss: A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams of sweat in a sauna-the equivalent of running three to four miles or 475 to 600 calories. While the weight of the water loss is regained by re-hydration, the calories burned are not.
Lymphatic drainage
Post chemotherapy therapy
Improved skin: hydration, and reduces acne and wrinkles
Reduced stress
Improved breathing: Steam inhalation is an effective treatment in respiratory conditions and is highly recommended for the treatment of sinusitis, bronchitis, allergies, and asthma.
Detoxification: Regular sweating can help detoxify your body as it rids itself of an accumulation of carcinogenic metals (lead, mercury, zinc, nickel, and cadmium) as well as alcohol, nicotine, sodium, sulfuric acid, and cholesterol.
Improved Circulation & Reduces Inflammation: Steam therapy assists in alleviating inflammation and edema. The increased peripheral circulation provides the transport needed to help eliminate the edema which helps to end inflammation, decrease pain, and help speed the healing process.
Improved immune system: Traditionally, the benefits of steaming include increased energy, decreased incidence of infections, and fewer colds and flu. Many regular steam or sauna bathers have experienced that a good long sweat bath at the early onset of a cold or flu can help ward off the disease before it manifests as actual symptoms.
Massage therapists can be a very integral and important part of your health plan. As they work with you regularly, they get to know your body and your trouble spots. They learn the specific issues and health struggles of each patient. He or she can show you stretches and things to do in between appointments to improve and support your health. This could include meditation, aromatherapy, sleeping positions, good pillows to use, self-massage tools, hydration, ergonomic work practices, and more.
If you are recovering from a specific injury or disease, your massage therapist can become part of your care team to treat and support all aspects of your healing. Most people who become massage therapists do so because they have compassion for people, want to help people, and have an innate understanding of the body and its relationship to pain and healing.
Many people only think of massage therapy as a “treat” or for relaxation. Massage can be relaxing but it can also be part of physical therapy or be included in the treatment for a variety of different issues – some minor and some pretty major.
Massage therapy can help with a surprising number of things you may not have thought about. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with any of the following, please consider massage therapy. Lansing has many talented massage therapists and we at All Body Kneads are happy to help you.
Massage Therapist Can Help with Many Things
The variety of things massage therapists help with is truly remarkable. It is also worth noting that they can also help to maintain your good health as a maintenance plan when you achieve your health goals. It is a good way to manage stress and promote good sleep.
For patients who are living in a state of confusion, a calming massage can relax, reassure, and comfort. Caretakers and patients benefit from the relaxing, meditative results from the calming touch and grounded state provided by a massage.
A massage helps bring Alzheimer’s patients back to the present and returns them to their bodies to deeply relax and relish human contact. For those who are separated from family and friends, this caring, gentle touch can ease the fear and loneliness often associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. All Body Kneads is honored to work with your family member, friend, or patient who is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. We use a specially formulated lotion to address the thinning skin of elderly patients and we make sure the space is always warm, serene, and welcoming. Click here for more information.
Facial massage can help keep the skin looking young, smooth, and firm. During a facial massage, your massage therapist will use upward, gentle, yet stimulating strokes. In addition to helping your face look younger, massage therapy helps your entire body and your soul. Our emotional age can feel years beyond our physical age when we experience excess stress, worry, and anxiety. Take the time for some self-care by managing your stress and feel like yourself again. Click here for more information about facial and full-body massage.
It is important to find a massage therapist who is knowledgeable in relaxation techniques and is aware and sensitive to acute anxiety and anxiety disorders. It is also important that the massage studio atmosphere is welcoming, calm, and comfortable. Nothing about the experience should trigger more anxiety. Click here for more information on how massage can help with specific types of anxiety.
Massage therapy is gaining recognition as an effective medication-free treatment for arthritis. Massage accomplishes this in two ways: by loosening up the joints, and by improving circulation. There are several different types of massage that can alleviate arthritis pain. Click here for more information.
Eighty percent of adults experience back pain sometime in their life. Not sure if that makes you feel better, but it certainly doesn’t make the back pain go away. The good news is that massage can really help. If you are thinking about surgery to ease your back pain, often massage therapy and chiropractic care can help you avoid surgery. But not always. Regardless, massage can absolutely help with the symptoms before, after or as an alternative to surgery. Click here for more info and a list of the main causes of back pain.
Studies have also shown that massage seems to offer both physical and emotional benefits for people with cancer. If you are concerned about massage therapy during chemotherapy read Can You Get Massage During Chemotherapy.. All Body Kneads is also associated with the non-profit Mid-Michigan Massage Therapy Insitute which provides reduced or free massage to cancer patients, survivors, and caretakers. For more information, click here.
Massage therapy is often prescribed as a regular, non-evasive, non-addictive pain management tool. If massage therapy can help relieve pain for even a few minutes, it’s worth it. Just ask someone who suffers from chronic pain. More often it provides longer-lasting relief as well. Chronic pain can cause other symptoms like loss of sleep, elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. These issues, coupled with the pain, create a vicious cycle of pain for those who suffer from the problem. Massage therapists can help with many of these things. Click here for more info.
Massage can help with both a detox of toxins out of our system for health reasons and help with recovering from addictions and drug use disorders. As a massage therapist my belief is that, no, the massage itself does not remove toxins from the body. However, it can assist the body in eliminating them and alleviate some symptoms. Click here to find out how.
Fatigue is something that most of us have experienced at one time or another. It is usually due to overexertion or an unusual amount of stress and will go away with rest and relaxation. However, some people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People who suffer from CFS frequently complain of extended periods of extreme fatigue with seemingly no perceivable cause or reason. Massage therapy can help. For more information or a list of CFS symptoms, click here.
If you have Fibromyalgia, or you suspect you do, you know all too well the frustrating pain that comes and goes and moves around. It doesn’t help that your pain is compounded by the negative effects of everyday stress. Pain is stressful. It’s a vicious cycle. Massage can help break that cycle. The symptoms of Fibromyalgia can vary from mild to severe. Some patients find massage helpful even during severe flare-ups. Others prefer to wait until their pain is at a lower level to receive massage. Your health care provider and massage therapist may be able to help you decide, but ultimately you know what is best for you! Click here for more information.
While massage alone probably won’t control diagnosed high blood pressure, it can certainly be part of an overall treatment plan. Often times stress is also a contributing factor to elevated blood pressure–so finding healthy ways to relax and find balance and calm will help. Massage can help with a wide range of issues and symptoms having to do with a lot of conditions, not just high blood pressure. Click here for a list of causes and symptoms of high blood pressure.
The best way to achieve healthy sleep habits is by natural medication-free means. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy reduces fatigue, promotes relaxation, and contributes to high-quality sleep. The benefits of massage are both immediate and long-term. People who receive massages experience a more restorative type of sleep, both immediately following the massage and even several hours afterward. Their bodies are more relaxed, with reduced aches and pains, and able to fall more quickly into a deep sleep. Click here for more information.
Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help with joint pain and those suffering from arthritis. Find out more.
One of the first things to address with mental health is stress. Stress makes everything harder so managing your stress will help you better be able to handle what life throws at you. Click here for some more things that will help.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, research supports massage therapy as a useful intervention for several of the symptoms associated with the disease. Daily exercise is recommended for people with Parkinson’s Disease and massage can help keep the body flexible and able to handle more activity. The frequency and type of massage will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Click here for recommendations and more information.
Massage before and after birth can help the delivery and recovery go smoothly. There are many things to consider with pregnancy massage and it is important you find massage therapists who are specifically trained for prenatal massage. Bilky Joda-Miller, owner of All Body Kneads is an experienced prenatal massage therapist and is also doula. Click here for more information.
Management of scar tissue through massage, stretching, and exercise is essential to ensure proper remodeling of the scar takes place and normal mobility and function are restored. In general, the scar must be fully closed and no scabbing present to begin scar massage. Your primary doctor should assess your scar before beginning scar massage. Click here for more information.
Are you interested in working with our massage therapists?
We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about your health plan and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:
Business Phone (517) 898-2899 E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4 Lansing, MI 48911-6912
You can also schedule an appointment online at here.
Do you have joint pain? Do your knees pop and click when you walk down the stairs? Are your knuckles inflamed and sore? Massage therapy can often help with joint pain, in addition to muscle pain and tightness.
Joint pain can be caused by several factors and sometimes it is simply temporary. However, some people experience chronic joint pain in the form of arthritis, the type of job they have, or other conditions. Please see our article Massage Therapy Can Help with Arthritis Pain for more information.
Massage reduces swelling caused by fluid retention in the joints of the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. It improves blood circulation and promotes greater flexibility. A knowledgeable and skilled massage therapist will know the right techniques to use to help with joint pain and those suffering from arthritis.
Most types of massage therapy include massaging various joints. A full body massage will concentrate on all major muscle groups and major joints, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, and toes.
Reflexology for Hands and Feet
Reflexology is the practice of using reflex points on the hands, feet, and head that are linked to every portion of the body. A reflexology massage will work on the joints in your fingers, wrists, toes and ankles. If you work with your hands a lot for typing, manual labor, cooking, cleaning, etc. this type of massage may provide great relief. Also, if you stand a lot for your job, in customer service, food service, and more, reflexology massage can help your feet and ankles.
Paraffin treatments provide warmth and comfort to painful hands and feet. First, we dip your hands and/or feet in warm, melted paraffin (like wax but softer). Essential oils are often infused into the paraffin to help soothe and moisturize your skin. Paraffin treatments are available as Add-on Services to any massage. You can add a paraffin treatment to any massage or get the treatment by itself.
An Infrared Sauna session is another gentle but effective way to help ease muscle and joint pain. It helps relaxation, detoxification, and increased circulation. You choose the level of infrared technology you prefer; near, middle, and far. These levels refer to different infrared wavelengths and heat intensity. Testing has shown that near-infrared levels are excellent for the healing of wounds and increasing the function of the immune system. The middle levels are better for improving circulation as well as enhancing the relaxation of muscles.
Sore, painful joints can occur due to an injury, overuse, or chronic condition. If you perform work regularly that causes stress and overuse of your joints you will eventually experience pain. Also, pregnancy can be hard on the joints due to extra weight and swelling, particularly in the third trimester.
Pregnancy Massage (Prenatal Massage)– No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, you already know that your body is undergoing tremendous changes. Some of the changes can be uncomfortable, and prenatal massage can help!
Parkinson’s Disease – Massage Therapy can help with musculoskeletal pain and joint stiffness associated with this complicated and debilitating condition. The tremors and shaking that accompany Parkinson’s Disease is very hard on the joints and muscles and massage can greatly help alleviate some of these symptoms.
Retail Workers and Cashiers – Retail workers spend a lot of time standing, lifting, stocking, stretching, carrying, and more. These types of activities are hard to endure for long periods of time day after day.
Teachers and Instructors – Teaching is a calling, not just a job. Like health care workers, it is very easy for teachers to forget about self-care while taking care of everyone else. There is no denying that today’s classrooms are stressful places, with online learning and all the recent changes teachers have had to embrace. We know that teachers didn’t really get a summer vacation this year while preparing for shifting to online teaching. You deserve a massage.
Road Construction Workers – Chances are, if you live in Michigan you know, and maybe even love, a road construction worker. I can’t think of a more prevalent job this time of year where massage therapy could really help with the physical and stressful aspects of their jobs than road workers.
Landscaping & Grounds Keeping – Overexertion (doing too much) causes the most minor (non-fatal) injuries among landscape workers. Excess stress on the body like lifting, digging, twisting, turning and carrying are all actions that landscape workers do frequently. These actions, if done incorrectly or just too repetitively, can cause pain and injuries . Massage can help.
Are you interested in Massage Therapy to help with Joint Pain?
We at All Body Kneads would love to talk to you about the pain you are experiencing and create a service plan that can best address your issues. Please contact us at:
Business Phone (517) 898-2899 E-Mail: bilky@allbodykneads.com 6910 South Cedar Street, Suite #4 Lansing, MI 48911-6912
You can also schedule an appointment online at here.
Are you a current cancer patient, survivor or caregiver to a loved one who is battling cancer? Did you know that there is a non-profit in Mid-Michigan that provides discounted or free massage therapy services to those in need? It is not just for cancer patients, but for many qualifying people who are experiencing a hardship and cannot regularly afford the healing benefits of massage therapy and other techniques.
“Helping cultivate strong, empowered families by providing supportive massage care and educational opportunities.“
In addition to providing massage therapy to those in need, MMMTI also provides ongoing training and education to massage therapists as well as a community of support.
The organization was started by Bilky Joda-Miller, owner of All Body Kneads Massage. Bilky is also a breast cancer survivor and understands first-hand the healing benefits of massage. It is currently run by a board of directors who are a group of licensed therapists and interested individuals passionate about sharing the benefits of massage
In addition, All Body Kneads offers a 25% discount to breast cancer survivors and a 20% discount to all other cancer survivors. Caregivers get $5.00 off plus a free add-on service.
Massage for Lansing Area Cancer Patients Helps the Healing Process
Often, cancer patients experience drops in their mood, energy and physical dexterity. With massage as a supportive treatment, most of these debilitating ailments can be lessened for the patients. Massage can help in the following ways:
An Infrared Sauna session is another gentle but effective way to help ease the side-effects of cancer treatment. It helps relaxation, detoxification, and increased circulation. You choose the level of infrared technology you prefer; near, middle, and far. These levels refer to different infrared wavelengths and heat intensity. Testing has shown that near-infrared levels are excellent for the healing of wounds and increasing the function of the immune system. Middle levels are better for improving circulation as well as enhancing the relaxation of muscles.
Are you interested in these services?
If you are interested in finding out more about these services and to see if you qualify, please contact MMMTI here.
If you are a massage therapist who would like provide these services to those in need through our program, please contact MMMTI here.
Please note that as a service provider you to get compensated through the organization. MMMTI is funded through generous community donations, grants, and fundraisers.
As many people have adjusted to wearing face masks, working from home, and social distancing, there has been a lot (a really lot) of information on how to keep ourselves and our environments clean and safe. However, there has not been enough discussion on the topic of how all of this is affecting our mental health. Sure, we know this is hard. But are we taking a good, long hard look at what these extreme changes are doing to our mental health? And then, what are we doing about it?
We watch the news and ingest stories of people raging at each other and pulling knives and guns out over masks or other seemingly minor issues. “People are losing their minds.” “It’s so hard to know how to feel about all of this.”
We say these things about other people, but are you checking in with yourself? Sleeping normally? Eating normally? Crying more? Fatigued? Sad?
This article addresses three things you can do today to help you feel relaxed and more balanced. If you have been experiencing prolonged depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact a doctor or therapist for additional help.
How is your mental health?
It is ok, and perfectly normal, to feel these things. What isn’t ok is not addressing this added stress to our mental health and not doing something to help with it. It is also really important that we are checking in with our family members and friends. Kids are particularly susceptible to depression as school districts and colleges and universities are still so up in the air about what they are going to be offering.
Things you can do right now to boost your mental health
Are you the type of person who recognizes stress first in your emotions (state of mind) or your physical body? For some, the shoulders get tight, headache sets in, and then fatigue creeps in quietly and steals our peace. For others, we get weepy, emotional, or mad.
Regardless of how you first recognize stress , the key is to know your warning signs and attend to them as soon as they happen. Recognizing them in others, especially those close to you, is important too. Sometimes it is easier for others to see it for us. “You have been looking really tired.” “Are you ok, you seemed really down.”
One of the first things to manage when addressing mental issues is stress. Stress makes everything harder so managing your stress will help you better be able to handle what life throws at you. Here are some things that can really help:
Massage Therapy
A professional massage from a licensed Massage therapist or self-massage techniquesat home can provide immediate relief from stress and mental health anxiety. Massage minimizes anxiety and restlessness, improves sleep quality and creates an overall feeling of well-being.
Aromatherapy and diffusing certain smells can also instantly calm the mind and improve your mood. This works really will with children and teenagers. If your kids have been emotional, stressed, overtired, or sad, running a diffuser in either their bedroom or a centrally located spot in the can help the whole family. Some essential oils and blends that are good for improving mental health and reducing stress and anxiety include:
Lavender
Cedarwood
Frankincense
Chamomile
Grapefruit
Bergamot
Yuzu
rose otto
Sage
Jasmine
Rosemary
There are a lot of synthetic and impure essential oils on the market. Since you inhale them, it is important to read the labels and make sure there a no harmful chemicals and additives in the essential oils that you use. Young Living and Doterra are two brand that are trusted and used by many massage therapists and aromatherapy experts.
Meditation and Deep Breathing
In a world that is in constant turmoil and throwing 24-hour news cycles at us constantly, it is important to find time regularly to calm our minds and bodies. Guided meditation and deep breathing are two ways to still our minds and reconnect with our bodies. It is like a reset button for ourselves. A daily meditation practice, even if done for only 5 minutes, can really help our mood and reduce tension.
Some people find meditation intimidating at first or aren’t sure exactly how to do it. While there are lots of ways meditate, you can apps and audio recordings to help you get started. However, simply sitting quietly for a few minutes and concentrating on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth can reset your mood too. Sometimes the simple things are what work the best.
No matter what you do to support you mental health and check in with yourself and your loved ones, please remember that our mental well-being is just as important as our physical health. Even if we are wearing a mask, sanitizing our hands, practicing social distancing, and boosting our immune system, if you are ignoring your mental health, it will affect you physically as well. You need both physical and mental health for a happy, balanced life.
All Body Kneads is here to help. We offer many healthy services and even have discounts for qualifying clients through our non-profit Mid-Michigan Massage Therapy Institute. Click here to see if you qualify.
As Michigan businesses open back up and life resumes some normalcy, we have been getting a lot of questions about social distancing with massage therapy.
Massage therapists all over the state have been virtually meeting, chatting, and discussing going back to work and conducting safe practices. We have been given specific guidelines and recommendations from joint efforts by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Agency (MIOSHA), and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Rest assured, All Body Kneads will be adhering to this guidelines and providing a safe, clean, and relaxing atmosphere for you to resume your massage therapy appointments. The even bigger news is that we have moved locations!
Our new location is 6910 South Cedar, Suite #4, Lansing, MI 48911. We are across the street from Lowe’s and in the buildling right next to Cause Way Bay Hotel to the south.
This move was in the works before the stay-at-home order was given, and the prolonged directive has given us time to move in, get settled, and make the space perfect to re-open. Stay tuned for specific open dates (tenatively Monday, June 15) and a Grand Opening celebration.
I don’t think anyone has escaped this world-wide situation and experience without some level of stress and anxiety. It varies for each individaul, of course, but stress can sneak up on you and appear in subtle or unlikely ways. If you switched to working from home, your new “office” may not be ideal or all that comfortable. Your shoulders and upper back could be paying the price.
Are you experiencing any of the following hidden signs of stress and anxiety?
Frequent headaches. The cause of this can be from clenching your jaw, tensing muscles in your neck, shoulders or even your face, and possibly grinding your teeth (sometimes in your sleep – so you don’t even realize it.)
Body Aches. Stress activates the body’s fight-or-flight response and blood rushes to major muscle groups with the anticipation of some action. However, most of us don’t react by taking of in a sprint to escape a lumbering predator. Your body still reacts like you ran a marathon – hence the muscle soreness.
Restlessness. Are you finding yourself tapping your foot (or hand), shaking your leg, or possibly experiencing restless leg syndrome while trying ot sleep?
Upset Stomach. It is really common for us to feel emotional stress in our stomach in the form or pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or a mild upset stomach.
Skin issues. Stress can also cause acne an eczema flare ups. When you are stressed your body produces cortisol (a stress hormone) which can increase acne. Stress can also increase inflammation of the skin which can trigger (or worsen) exzema.
Increased sweating. As if you didn’t have enough to worry about, adrenaline is a by-product of stress and can cause you to sweat more.
Sleep issues. If you are experiencing stress and/or anxiety, it is common to suffer from insomnia, nightmares, sleepwalking, or other sleep disturbances. Chronic stress increases rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and decreases slow-wave or deep sleep. This throws off the body and disrupts cell and body maintenance and repair, resulting in sleep issues. When you are overly stressed, anxious, AND tired, life can become quite difficult
Immune deficiency. Besides producing more cortisol, stress also causes the body to overproduce hormones that regulate the immune system and affects your ability to produce white blood cells that fight infection. This weakens our immunity – the exact opposite of what we need during a pandemic.
Sexual problems including fertility. When we are stressed, anxious, or overly tired we often don’t feel in the mood for sex. We also may not be able to get aroused even if we try. There is a scientific reason for this. While stress causes the body to overproduce some hormones, it also causes the body to underproduce the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the body’s main sex hormone. This can lead to reduced sperm count, ovulation, and sexual activity.
Anxiety and panic attacks. We can only handle so much. Sometimes, when people are under too much stress they can experiene a panic or axiety attack. These can be very scary and sometimes feel like a heart attack or other physical issues.
Massage therapy can definitely help reduce stress. It may not fix or completely eliminate all the things in the above list, but it can definitely help.
Everyone in Michigan has been experiencing a heightened level of stress these past few months. When you feel ready we are here to help you unwind, relax, achieve better sleep, and practice self-care.
Please call (517) 898-2899 to schedule an appointment or book online.
Regardless of why you get massage or how often, you are probably feeling the absence of your regular massage treatments. We’ve created this guide to help you get through this time until you can visit your massage therapist again. We miss our clients too and can’t wait to see you again!
If you have any questions or want more ideas, please email us and we will get back to you quickly! Bilky@allbodykneads.com
Before you try out any of these suggestions, here are some things to keep in mind:
Even though your regular massage appointment may be an hour or more, you only need to massage yourself for a few minutes on each area.
For best results, massage each problem area at least 2x a day
Isolate the general area where you feel pain and gently explore until you find the specific spot that is especially painful.
Start by applying light pressure and build up to more pressure. Don’t applying too much pressure so that it is extremely painful. Gradually work your way up.
Fatigue is something that most of us have experienced at one time or another. It is usually due to over-exertion or an unusual amount of stress and will go away with rest and relaxation. However, some people suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). People who suffer from CFS frequently complain of extended periods of extreme fatigue with seemingly no perceivable cause or reason.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:
prolonged and unexplained feelings of tiredness
muscle and joint pain
headaches
sore throat
insomnia
painful lymph nodes
forgetfulness
impaired mental functions
There are an estimated one million (or more) people who have this disorder in the U.S. alone. Both men and women can experience it but it is most common among women aged 40 to 50. Unfortunately, there is no cure, although you can manage the symptoms in a variety of ways.
Massage Therapy is one of the best ways to treat fatigue
Massage is one of the most recommended types of alternative therapies to treat the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Here is what it can help with:
physical manipulations of the skin and muscles help promote good circulation
improves blood circulation
creates an overall feeling of well-being
If you are experiencing fatigue of any kind or suffer from CFS, massage therapy may be able to help you manage your symptoms and find some relief. We’d love to help you. Please email us to discuss your symptoms and concerns and to schedule an appointment.
