Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Massage and Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, massage can be helpful in arthritis patients in two ways. First, by reducing muscle pain that is caused by spasms. Secondly, massage increases your body’s ability to produce the endorphins that reduce pain.

There are really two issues with massage therapy as it relates to arthritis. The first is what it accomplishes. That is, that massage helps the arthritis sufferer by loosening up his or her joints. Primarily, massage helps to loosen and release the adhesions in the muscles and ligaments that slow or hinder motion. And, when gentle joint stretching is done it can actually stimulate the production of synovial fluid (which acts as a cushion around the joints). This reduces inflammation and pain.

Just like all therapies, massage will require more than one appointment to make it most effective. Sure, the first time you go in you will gain some relief. But, to get the most out of it you really need to do massage therapy on a regular basis and it is best to use a therapist with experience.

The best schedule seems to be seeing a therapist once a week for about a month and thereafter, once or twice a month should be sufficient, according to your needs.

To learn more about massage therapy, or to schedule your appointment visit:
www.RelaxYouDeserveIt.com

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Can Massage Help My Whiplash? Corey Proffitt Studios Therapeutic Massage - Lexington, KY

I recently received a phone call from a client who had been diagnosed with whiplash by her physician. Her main concern was whether or not she could still come in for her regular massage therapy appointments, and whether or not massage therapy and bodywork would help with her condition.

Massage is contraindicated for Whiplash during the acute phase to allow healing to begin. However, in the sub-acute phase, massage may be very helpful in the healing and treatment of soft tissue. The Massage Therapist should respect splinting, and may need to work with the Physical Therapist or Chiropractor as a team throughout the process of recovery. For patients who are taking NSAIDS for pain relief, the Massage Therapist should take a very conservative approach to prevent over-treatment, because tissue response will be altered by these drugs. It is best to do Massage Therapy when these drugs are at their lowest level in the body.

Massage Therapy is very beneficial in treating the symptoms of Whiplash, and in helping recover from it. Massage helps to restore range of motion, eliminate swelling, reduce headaches, and improves muscle strength, tone and endurance. During the healing phase, the body forms connective tissue. Massage helps encourage the body to form such tissue correctly, while also lowering muscle tension around the injury site. This may potentially result in the body needing to produce less connective tissue for healing, in turn allowing a better range of motion. As stated above, massage therapy is contraindicated in the acute phase of Whiplash. This generally lasts approximately 72 hours after the injury.

Corey Proffitt, LMT, NCTMB
http://www.relaxyoudeserveit.com/

Friday, October 16, 2009

Hot Stone Massage Therapy In Lexington, KY Just In Time For Cool Weather

By Corey Proffitt, LMT, NCTMB

It's getting cold outside in Lexington, Ky! But, no matter what happens outside, you can still come inside Corey Proffitt Studios to experience ultimate relaxation, and stay nice and cozy. We've been working hard to provide a Fall and Winter setting with all of your comfort in mind. Among our most recent upgrades, you will find a luxurious memory foam massage table, with optional heat, an all new memory foam face cradle with fleece padding on top, and of course the wonderful and soothing Hot Stone Massage.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Hot Stone Massage Therapy, it is similar to Swedish Massage Therapy, but with smooth heated stones used to provide the massage strokes. The stones are also sometimes placed on certain areas of tension while other areas are massaged. The therapeutic benefit of the heat goes beyond feeling good; as it warms the muscles fibers it also softens them, allowing release and relaxation, and also allows deeper pressure when desired. Hot Stone Massage also increases blood circulation, and improves joint mobility.

If you've had hot stones before, then need I say more? If you've yet to experience just how wonderful Hot Stone Therapy can be, then plan a trip to Corey Proffitt Studios this fall. You won't be disappointed.

All My Best,

Corey Proffitt, LMT, NCTMB
http://www.relaxyoudeserveit.com/