Massage Proves To Have Medical Benefits

While Massage may have developed a reputation as a decadent treat for people who love pampering, new studies are showing it has a wide variety of tangible health benefits.  

Research has found that massage therapy boosts immune function in woman with breast cancer, improves symptoms with children with asthma, and increases grip.

A March 2012 article on Fox News dwells on the multiple benefits of massage therapy. While it is traditionally regarded as a method of relaxation, recent scientific studies suggest that massage can reduce cortisol and cytokine proteins, which are responsible for stress and inflammation, respectively, while boosting infection-fighting white blood cells. These benefits are what cause a growing number of people to go for therapeutic massage in Mid-Atlantic establishments.

In Seattle, Washington, they are noted for their vibrant coffee culture. The city’s residents typically enjoy a good stiff brew as a morning pick-me-up, or to cap a particularly stressful day. While coffee is rich in antioxidants and offers several health benefits, massage might just be what any stressed-out individual needs to get some much-needed rejuvenation without relying too much on caffeine. As many people there have since discovered, an hour-long massage may have more overall benefits to one’s body than a good cup of Joe.

Interest in the health possibilities of massage therapy has undoubtedly surged in recent years. Massage might appear to be nothing more than a series of physical manipulations on a passive subject’s body; but one experiences almost immediate relief during and after each treatment, all thanks to massage’s stress-reducing and immunity-boosting effects. Studies by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society even go so far as to posit that massage can help treat lower back pain.

It’s a good thing, then, that in the land of pleasant living, locals can turn to massage treatment centers like Muscular Harmony for a variety of personalized massage services. Most Massage Therapists know a variety of techniques which allow them to go beyond deep-tissue relaxation, and approach the patient’s health and wellness concerns from a holistic perspective to also address emotional and spiritual issues. In any case, patients are advised to seek the services of a qualified massage therapist to maximize the health benefits and avoid possible complications.

People need not spend a fortune to undergo massage therapy, as many facilities charge reasonable rates for various massage treatments. Some establishments might specialize in massage for particular areas of the body in need of attention, with such focused services being more affordable than a full-body procedure. Meanwhile, those who wish to experience the immune-boosting effects of massage therapy and other associated services might want to check out what Muscular Harmony have to offer.

While science has yet to completely understand the full benefits of massage therapy, it is clear that massage can be part of a healthy lifestyle or even specific treatment plans for a variety of medical conditions. The next time you’re hankering for a sip of energizing coffee, you might want to try spending the next hour on a massage table, instead. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel after a single session.



This article was originally published in the Wall Street Journal on March 14, 2012 - it is being re-published here with references more suitable to our Mid-Atlantic readership.

10 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know...

Being a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), you see all kinds of people, hear all types of concerns and treat all types of conditions - from the routine, to severe, to weird, even funny.  In my practice, I've seen some common re-occurrences emerge.  After consulting with some colleagues, they seem to have noticed a few patterns too.  So, I've compiled 10 items that stick out the most and what your LMT are really thinking (despite their polite response):

1.  Confirm Your Self-Diagnosis

While Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) have some medical training and will do our best to answer your questions within our scope of practice, if you are really concerned GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR.  We will probably refer you if we are concerned or notice something unusual.  Sometimes, we can provide you with specific questions to ask or offer possible alternative-care remediies which your doctor may not necessarily initially consider, but will understand (and know the potential side effects) as they apply to your unique situation and health status.

2. It Really Doesn't Matter That You Haven't Shaved (or didn't apply your make-up or fix your hair). 

Seriously, We truthfully don't even notice....until you mention it.  it has absolutely no affect on our treatment.  If it does, that is what oil and lotion is for - I mean it!

As for applying make-up and fixing your hair - it's probably better if you did NOT take the time to do those things as they only get messed-up during your massage.  Your make-up will be left on our face cradle for us to try and wash out.  And, if we can't, then we have to throw away the face cradle cover and replace it - which costs us money (and could cause us to have to raise our prices).  Odds are we are going to either keep moving your hair (if it's not pinned up) or leave you with 'massage hair' from laying on our massage table.  If you are planning on going out after your massage, then feel free to take a few moments to tidy yourself in our restroom before you leave.

3.  Do Your Stretches

And your exercises, and drink your water, and do your home care, and... Any homework LMTs are giving you is designed, along with your treatment plan, to help you resolve your pain and dysfunction.  If you want to get better (and truly avoid potential worsening of your  condition or issues), you need to do your homework.

4. Your Body Is Beautiful

Licensed Massage Therapists treat hundreds of patients; that means seeing and touching their bodies.  Guess what?  They are all different.  Not a single one looks like what you see airbrushed in the media; male or female. A few may come close, but no cigar.  It breaks our hearts when we see patients who are insecure about their bodies.  Each Client is uniquely beautiful - each in their own way.

There is only one condition your body should be in, male or female, young or old: HEALTHY! And, that looks a little different for everyone.  Your LMT is here as a vessel for health.  We are NOT here to judge.  And, we want to tell you: Your body is beautiful, just how it is, as long as you are on your journey to health.

5.  "NO Pain, NO Gain"

While you might hear this phrase when you are working out with your trainer or at the local health club, generally it does NOT apply to massage - or, shouldn't.  In most cases, massage does not need to hurt to be effective; especially if your massage therapist knows what he or she is doing.  As LMTs, we have studied the human body's muscles and our job is to coax them into relaxation.  'Pain' is a symptom that something is wrong.

So, please - SPEAK UP and tell your massage therapist when he or she is doing something that is causing you pain or discomfort.  Don't think you need to 'suck-it-up' or 'man-up' or whatever other silly phrase is currently circulating.  SPEAK UP - and the sooner, the better so your therapist will know the exact area experiencing the discomfort.  This will go further in helping your therapist treat your condition or issues as it will help them pin-point the underlying muscles which are inflamed and work connecting muscles towards achieving relief. 

6. Please Do Not Call Us "Masseuses"

We are Massage Therapists; with years of training, education then certification, licensing, experience and legal responsibilities.  The word "masseuse" really has developed a negative connotation and some massage therapists find it very offensive.  It's associated with under-the-table, sketchy, 'happy ending' type of massage.  And, that is NOT what we do.  LMTs provide well thought out, research-based treatment plans to assist our patients return-to or maintenance-of health.  Please refer to us by our hard earned titles:  Licensed Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist or simply LMT.

7.  Don't Be Shy About Your Butt (or Belly).

In our world, your 'bum' is a large muscle....well, actually, it is three muscles.  We call your 'bum': gluteals or glutes.  it is not a booty or ass and we don't see it as fat, tiny, jiggly, bony, lumpy or flat.  We observe your body in a clinical sense, and if you have pain associated with your lower back, legs, hips and/or gluts, don't be shy.

The same is true with your belly.  Your stomach is surrounded by a bunch of different muscles, including your diaphragm.  If you are having trouble 'pooping' (yes, I said it), we actually have a technique which can assist in getting things moving again.  If you are having other problems, like breathing, we have techniques which can help with that as well.  We are here to help, let us know!

8. ...But, Please Do NOT Un-Drape Yourself

As Licensed Massage Therapists, we are legally required to follow draping protocals to protect you and ourselves.  We only undrape the area being treated at that time, then re-drape fully, before un-draping any other areas.  Please keep yourself covered.  And, no, we are not interested in seeing your 'bits' (see #6 if you need clarification of what we do - and do NOT do).

9.  Bodily Functions Are Normal

Most massage therapy treatments have some component or relaxation.  During which your parasympathetic nervous system starts to shine, meaning the rest-and-digest functions are in gear.  And, yes, that means stomach grumbling and growling, snoring, even passing gas are normal.  It doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, that's a good sign you are relaxed.  As healthcare professionals, it doesn't faze us.  We don't judge, we are here to help you.

10. We Care 

Yes, we rally do care if you how you feel, if you are doing better, if you do your home care.  yes, it really matters what you tell us and how you are feeling.  And, yes, even though we shouldn't, we worry about you when you are struggling.  Your success is our success.

We hope we can make it better, that's our goal, that's why we do what we do.  That's also why LMTs may refer you to other practitioners, because we truly think their training, tools, experience and knowledge could help your recovery.  Because your recovery is our priority and you matter to us. And, most importantly, because we really care about you and your health.

Next time you see your Massage Therapist, keep these 10 points in mind.

Know we love what we do, helping people is the best job in the world.  We truly feel just as good as you do after a rockstar treatment!  we are genuinely grateful when you consider trusting us with your health, and we consider it a privilege to share that time with you!

(c) Muscular Harmony, Inc (2015)

Dog Gone?! The Right and Wrong Way To Get Fido To Come Home: Part 3 of 3

Ok, so where did we leave off.  You have produced your flyers and have your friends out plastering them all over town.  You have contacted the local shelters, provided them with a flyer, filled-out any paperwork they may have and checked all their kennels just to make sure your dog has not been overlooked.  If your pet is chipped, then check with your service and make sure your information is up-to-date and your pet's status is changed to 'missing' or 'lost'.

In the meantime, you are frantically pacing the fibers from of your carpet and looking out the door every 10 seconds for any signs of Fido - True?

Well, let's get you doing something productive towards getting Fido to come home....

First Question:  Do you have an idea where he/she might be?  Where was he/she lasted seen?  Are there any sources of water and/or food in your general area (or, the area where the dog was last seen)?

While you wait for your K-9 trackers to arrive (assuming you hired them), you can begin by setting up a "SCENT TRAIL".

What is a "Scent Trail"?  It is a combination of items which have YOUR SCENT ON THEM (YOU - the dog's owner), as well as, other enticing smells your dog will recognize and appreciate. But, before we get into details, allow me to explain why this is important.

At some point shortly after your dog goes missing, he (or she) is going to freak-out; panic and go into what the experts call "FLIGHT MODE".  Once a dog enters 'flight mode', they are not necessarily going to recognize your voice.  Besides, your voice is going to sound different in this new wide-open, unfamiliar space - at least to your dog.  Once your dog enters 'flight mode', all these strange voices are going to become frightening to him/her, which is why you don't want people calling for your dog. Strange sounds could ultimately drive your dog further away in search of a 'safe place'.  Again, just another reason why you don't want to go running through the neighborhood like a banshee.

But, there is ONE SENSE which does fail - and you can come to count on:

YOUR SMELL!

(By the way, this is the reason you don't want to go running all over town - dropping your scent everywhere as you go.)

So grab an old sheet and rub it all over you.  I ran around my house and broke out in a sweat just so I could sweat all over the sheet which I had wrapped around my naked body. (Yes, there's an image you should be glad you can not see).

Once you feel confident that the sheet smells like you, then start cutting it up into thin strips.  (In my case, after I cut the strips, I stuffed them inside my shirt until I needed them).

Next, get a bunch of cans of really stinky cat food.  So I am told, the cheaper the cat food, the more stinky it is.  I found some really cheap, stinky cat food at WalMart for $.30 a can....and it really stunk!

Once you have you cat food, you are going to make 'CHUM', which is a mixture of one can of cat food dumped into a jug of regular water. (a gallon or half-gallon jug should work just fine).  Again, fill the jug with water, put in a can of stinky cat food and shake it up (with the lid on, of course).

Finally, grab a baggy and put some of your dog's food in it.  If your dog eats dry kibbles, that's great. If they eat wet food, then you might want to mix some of their wet food with some dry kibbles (and, prepare yourself for messy hands in this next step)

CREATING THE 'SCENT TRAIL'

Put on your Walking Shoes and grab your 'scent strips' (again, I wore mine), bottle of 'Chum' and baggy of dog food.  Basically, we are going to walk a path from your house to the area where your dog was last sighted; especially if this area has a water source close by.

As we walk, we are going to sprinkle the 'Chum' in a line parallel to the line in which you are walking. You can achieve this simply by opening the jug, holding your arm at a 90-degree angle from your body and pouring out a little at a time.  Every 2-to-3 paces, you want to stop and drop a dog food kibble.  Every 3-to-4 feet, you want to pull out a 'Scent Strip' and drop it.  (Now, if your neighbor's yards are all well-manicured, then they may see your 'scent strip', think it's trash, pick it up and throw it away.  If this is your neighborhood, then try to locate a location within the landscaping where you can tuck your scent strip out of plain view.  If they can not see it, they won't remove it - and, don't worry, your dog will be able to find it.  However, if you can't locate a place to 'tuck it', then simply knock on the door, explain your situation and ask.  Just remember, once your dog is found, go back and pick up the 'scent strip' or replace it as necessary while keeping the homeowner up-to-date on the pet's status.  Oh, and ask them NOT TO TOUCH IT!  It needs to have YOUR SCENT - not theirs)

So, in doing this, you are creating three things:  The path you are walking, along with your 'scent strips' is creating a path with your scent on it.  The dog food kibbles create a line of food, as does the smelly 'Chum'.  Now the NOSE knows where to go.....

BUT STOP!  BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO CROSS STREETS - especially busy ones - as you are creating your scent trail, be sure NOT to lead your dog right into traffic and have him/her get hit by a car.

This is where you need to think about the path you are going to lead your dog.  Yes, you want to make it as easy as possible, but avoid well-walked areas if you can (all those different scents could confuse your pet) and ABSOLUTELY AVOID CROSSING STREETS!

In my case, when Charlie got lost, I actually crawled through a small culvert drainage pipe which ran under the street and allowed the stream to run under the road.  Frankly, I was amazed I was able to do it - but, it got my Charlie home safe.  However, be careful.

Beyond this, I still recommend contacting Dogs Finding Dogs, the K-9 tracking team.  Even if you do NOT live in the Mid-Atlantic region, this organization has affiliates in other parts of the country, as well as, other similar organizations which exist - and, most important, know what they are doing with EXPERIENCE.  Some of these organizations even have funding sources if you are considered 'low-income'.

In the meantime, maintain your scent trails; especially after storms.  At the very least, you will want to go out once a week to refresh the scent and replenish the kibbles (as other dogs and animals may nibble on your 'treats').

Also, contact your local shelter regularly as your paperwork might get misplaced.  Some shelters only hold 'lost dog flyers and notices' for a set period of time.  In my case, one shelter only held it 30 days, while others held it indefinitely.  Still, you want to go and check the kennels also - just to make sure everyone is paying attention.

Keep your flyers and online notices fresh.  Provide them with updates.  Follow-up on reported sightings.  If your pet is chipped, make sure to update the status on their tracking system and make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

Finally, it does not hurt to get down on your bended knees and say a specific prayer for your lost pet. In my case, I prayed to please keep Charlie safe and allow him to come home safe and sound.  The next day, I opened the front door and found Charlie in my front yard - he was safe and he was home.

And, I pray that your beloved pet comes home safe and sound soon also ~

Dog Gone?! The Right and Wrong Way To Get Fido To Come Home: Part 2 of 3

When our story last ended, I was on the phone with the Director of Dogs Finding Dogs, a K-9 search group located in the Mid-Atlantic who help locate missing pets.  While this very compassionate, understanding woman listened to me re-play every single detail of my missing dog ordeal, she ever-so-politely informed me of one thing, which she made perfectly clear -  

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I HAD DONE SO FAR WAS WRONG!

Yes, you read that correctly - just about everything I did was wrong!  

And, this is why I needed to bore you with my 'Charlie story' (from Part 1) because everything I did is EXACTLY what MOST people do when their pet goes missing:  

GO OUT AND LOOK FOR THEM!

Each of us throws our dignity out the window and goes bellowing through our communities like little mini-freak shows in search of our beloved pets.  Isn't that what we should do?  

NO! According to the (real) expects:  ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Instead, here is something you SHOULD do (and why):

1.  Make up Flyers and plaster them everywhere!  

Yes, Plaster them everywhere: Stop Signs and telephone poles, local businesses (especially local coffee houses and convenience stores), online (your Facebook page, local rescue Facebook pages and websites, local shelter’s websites, etc), and take copies of your flyer to your local shelter(s).

Did I make flyers? Yes, but I simply provided far too much detail.  Instead, your flyer should simply say: "Missing", an up-to-date clear photo of your dog, describe a couple of key features, mention the location where the animal was lost (or, last seen) and a contact phone number. (See Photo)

Notice what's missing?  

Do NOT mention the dog's name!  Why?  Because dog lovers, professed dog rescuers, random lunatics and others will be running around in the area calling out your dog's name.  Once your dog goes into 'flight-mode' (I’ll discuss this in Part 3), he/she probably isn't going to recognize YOUR VOICE let alone all these other crazy people and it is likely to further scare your animal and drive them further into hiding.  Sure, some of your friends and neighbors may know the dog’s name, but are likely to respect your wishes when you ask them NOT to call-out for him or her.  Simply ask them to keep a look-out for your pet and contact you if they see him/her.

Do NOT provide all markings and details!  Instead, hold-back some key details or features.  Why?  If someone contacts you with a reported sighting, then you can ask them to describe the dog found (or sighted) and have some level of confidence that some scam artist (or worse) isn’t reading the description off of one of your flyers.  (Be safe!  At times like this, you are vulnerable.  So, take some precautions to protect yourself...and your pet).  Oh, and please understand, not everyone is out to take advantage of you.  Sometimes well-intended people just mean to be helpful.  Like one guy who SWORE he had found my dog, Charlie.  However, while the dog he described sounded identical, the behavior he described clearly wasn’t my Charlie (and, I drove 2 ½ hours one-way just to confirm it was not my dog).

Do NOT list a reward unless you are prepared to hire a staff of people to answer your phone which will begin to ring constantly.  Additionally, by listing a reward you could put your pet in a position where someone does find him and decides your reward isn’t high enough, especially if it’s a pure-bred dog.  By listing a reward, you’ve tipped your hat that you are willing to pay to get your dog back.  Now, you could find your dog being held for a handsome ransom.  The truth is most people just want to see the lost pet reunited with its loving family; thus don’t expect to be paid.  If someone does help and you want to give them a ‘thank you’ card or token of appreciation - that’s fine, but do NOT advertise it.

Another safety issue issue is listing your name, especially if you are a single woman.  Once you start plastering flyers and online posts of your flyers everywhere, your personal information is going to get multiplied and seen by many, many people….including some undesirable characters.  While you want people to get involved, you also want to limit your exposure to crazies....and, please trust me - “They are out there and they will call”, she said from personal experience.

And, one more very important thing:

Have someone else put up your flyers for you!

As you will see in Part 3 of this series, you (the dog’s owner) do not want to have your scent all over town.  Instead, ask a friend or two to help you by hanging flyers.  If you happen to run into one of those ‘professed dog rescuers’ that you just know is going to go searching for your dog despite your pleas not to - then, give them a job putting out flyers.  At least for awhile, it will keep them busy and doing an activity which is actually IS HELPFUL.

Now, make sure to check out Part 3 of our 3-Part Series to learn what to do to lead Fido back home safely (and on his/her own)!

Dog Gone?! The Right and Wrong Way To Get Fido To Come Home: Part 1 of 3

Let me start this 3-Part Series by introducing you to Charlie. (Yes, he has his own Facebook page because his antics are bordering legendary.) He is a 3-year old Blue-Tick Coonhound which I adopted from a local shelter in August 2014.  Among his many 'talents', Charlie is an escape artist and, frankly, his skills rank rather close to Houdini.

Now, before I get into the 'Right' and 'Wrong' way to find your dog, I need to bore you with a short 'Charlie story'.  I share it as an illustration, so stick with me.

Charlie has escaped our fenced yard 5 times since I brought him home.  Each time, he has used a different exit.  Most times, he just went to visit the next-door neighbor and I was able to get him right away.  However, Charlie decided to celebrate his 1st anniversary as a member of our family by squeezing himself under the fence and taking a 10-day vacation by himself.

What made it worse - I saw him do it!  It was 10:30 pm when I discovered him standing in the neighbor's yard.  I bolted out the door and tried to coax him back.  But, he must have thought I was playing and scampered down the street.   Of course, I tried to catch him.  I chased him down the pebbled street in my bare feet and watched as he ran into the woods.  Then, "POOF!" my predominantly black dog disappeared among the trees, brush, over-growth and darkness of night.

Frantically, I walked the tree line calling his name.  I went back to the house, got his favorite squeaky toy (a Red Fox) and went back to pace the treeline begging him to come to me.  Desperate, I posted "HELP ME FIND CHARLIE" on my Facebook page and a couple of friends responded by joining me in my search.

At one point, Charlie popped out of the woods and stood in the middle of the street. My friend saw him and gave chase....he ran.

By 2:30 am, there had been no more sightings and my friends had to go home.  I continued walking through the neighborhood until almost dawn.  I continued calling his name and squeaking his toy. I wandered through people's backyards, front yards, across fields, around trees, poked through gardens while randomly criss-crossing streets as I went.  (and, yes, one of my neighbor's did call the police to report a crazed woman in her yard.  When the officer arrived, I tried to convince him to help me search and was personally shocked when his efforts were not as committed or extensive as my own).

As the sun began to peek through, I decided to return home to draft flyers to plaster around the community.  You should have seen them (my flyers).  I thought they were masterpieces, detailing every known fact I could think of including a brief life history (to convey how special Charlie was) and every identifying mark on him.

While I was waiting for my masterpieces to complete printing (a couple 100 copies), I began reading some of the responses to my Facebook post.  I was desperately looking for any sightings, but there were none.  Instead, several of my friend's had suggested I contact an organization located here in the Mid-Atlantic, called Dogs Finding Dogs, which uses K-9 tracking to locate missing pets (of all kinds).

Now, I know if you are still reading this it is probably because you love your animals as much as I love mine.  Charlie is like my son....who just happens to wear a fur-coat 24-7-365 (minor details).  Anyway, someone suggesting I hire a K-9 group to track down my son did not seem at all excessive for this frantic mother - so, I called....and, this is where my education began!

I spoke to a very compassionate, understanding woman, who happened to be the Director of the Organization.  She listened to me re-play every single detail of the ordeal starting from moment one.  She asked specific questions and spoke with authority which clearly came from extensive experience and multiple success stories.  However, there was one thing she made perfectly clear -

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I DID WAS WRONG! 

Yes, you read that correctly - just about everything I did was wrong!

And, this is why I had to bore you with my 'Charlie story' because everything I did is exactly what most people do when their pet goes missing:  GO OUT AND FRANTICALLY LOOK FOR THEM! 

Make sure to Read Part 2 of 'The Right and Wrong Way To Get Fido To Come Home' as we cover the first steps on THE RIGHT WAY to get Fido home.