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5 Things About Massage

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Often times massages can seem like the ultimate splurge, but in the end it's just as good for you as it feels.

Newsweek recently outlined a few things about massage that you may not have known, and here are five highlights:

It provides all over pain relief. Massage creates chemical changes that reduce pain and stress throughout the body. One way it does this is by reducing a brain chemical called substance P that is related to pain.
It may boost immunity. Several studies have found dramatic decreases in cortisol, which is produced when you are stressed. Cortisol kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or another illness while under stress.

There are more surprising discoveries about massage so

Fit Tip: Massage Your Feet and Lower Legs Before a Run

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

As you may well know, running is really tough on your feet and the muscles in your lower legs. These often neglected body parts do a lot of the work and absorb most of the shock of your run. Ignore them and you can end up with cramped, achy, throbbing, or even numb feet, shins, or calves from running, which not only sucks due to the pain, but can prevent you from getting in a good workout.

So before you slip on your socks and sneakers, give your feet and lower legs a good rub down. Spend a few minutes on each leg's foot, shin, and calf. Knead your fingertips and the heel of your palm firmly into your muscles to bring blood to those areas, which will warm the muscles up. If the muscles are warmed up, they'll be less likely to ache or get injured while running.

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Massage: Don't Get Rubbed the Wrong Way

FitSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

When you make an appointment for a massage, you're expecting it to feel good, that it will release tension, stress, and ease tight or sore muscles. You should know that that's not all you can expect though. In rare circumstances, getting a massage can present health risks including nerve damage, a pulled muscle, temporary paralysis, or internal bleeding because of too much pressure. Having sore muscles the day after a massage is one thing, but if you are experiencing shooting pains, muscle weakness, or tenderness that lasts more than two weeks, you should call your doctor.

To make sure your massage is everything you expect it to be

Try It: Hendrickson Massage

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:30:00 -0800

I have had deep-tissue massages that have left serious bruises, but barely made a dent in my tight muscles. I have also had Swedish massages that felt like I was being tickled for 60 minutes no matter how many times I told the massage therapist to increase the pressure. Recently, I went to see a massage therapist who has studied the Hendrickson Method (formerly called orthopedic massage, but so many independent therapists use that descriptive that the man who created this technique decided to name it after himself).

The massage uses strokes that work to lengthen tight muscles by following patterns of observed tightness, as well as muscle energy techniques (MET), which are similar to PNF stretching. You engage the tight muscle and then relax it and the massage therapist stretches the muscle. It works like magic. This technique is great for relieving pain and changing bad muscular habits. It works well on chronic injuries and over-use syndromes, so it is a perfect therapy for endurance athletes.

Although the highest concentration of therapists practicing the Hendrickson method are in Northern California, where Baz Lurhman thinks people go soft, more and more body workers are becoming certified in the technique across the country. If you are looking for a massage therapist in your area, go here.

Relax Already: Get an Aston Patterning Massage

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 09:30:00 -0800

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is important to make sure you fit in a little "you time" every now and again. I was given the opportunity for some serious "me time" during a recent Aston Patterning Massage (APM) session compliments of Tre Balm Beauty Boutique and Skin Care Studio here in San Francisco and let me tell you, it was much needed.

For anyone that has never had this type of massage before, APM is basically a massage technique that combines deep tissue work, massage, and movement all in one. Don't be surprised if you hear the occasional bell ring, your leg gets turned in directions you never knew it could, or if you find your massage therapist on top of the table pulling your arms into the air — it's all part of the treatment. I tend to be a little OCD when I am getting a massage and will calculate what is going to happen next, but APM therapists make the most of unique body types rather than trying to force them to conform to an ideal, so each movement is totally different. Sure it may sound a little wacky, but I left my session feeling absolutely amazing and totally refreshed. I went in worrying about holiday presents, travel, and work but by the time my appointment was over I had forgotten it all.

Not only is it a fabulous way to relax, but APM can also minimize the dreaded effects of repetitive movements on the body that many people experience on a daily basis, like say, sitting at a desk and typing all day. If you live here in San Francisco I highly suggest setting up an appointment with Tre Balm (and Nadja, the fabulous massage therapist), but if not then be sure check with your local spa to find out if they offer APM.

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Active Release Therapy Is ART

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 02:00:00 -0800

I don't think I am alone when I say I love a massage. However, when it comes to recovering from a sports injury, your basic Swedish massage just doesn't cut it. The long strokes might be relaxing, but they won't work out the deep kinks that accompany overuse injuries from serious training. That is why I appreciate the art of active release therapy (ART). It is like no other massage technique I have tried when it comes to healing a chronic injury.

ART is a soft tissue massage technique that is movement-based and can be used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Plus, it is patented, so practitioners using this technique are certified through the ART program. This technique resolves chronic injuries quickly by creating length in scar tissue; it is this scar tissue that shortens muscles, binds nerves, and adds to tendinitis pain. All these injuries create the kind of pain that can make you inactive.

An ART session combines evaluating the tissue and the movement patterns around the injured area. The massage element combines active stretching while the therapist provides a tension to the stretch targeting the tight, scarred tissue. Injuries are generally resolved in two to ten sessions and sessions are generally 15 minutes long per area being treated.

To find an ART practitioner in your area, check out this provider search and get on with the process of healing!

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Relax Already: Thai Yoga Massage

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:45:00 -0700

The latest in relaxation involves a little more work than just laying on a massage table and getting rubbed down.

Thai Yoga Massage (some people call it "Thai Massage" only) is a massage where the practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures while massaging along the body's pressure points. Ultimately it is a full body massage performed on a floor mat with a practitioner who uses hands, feet, arms, and legs to guide the client into various yoga postures. Why, you ask? Well Thai Yoga Massage has been said to relieve muscular tension, improve circulation, boost the immune system and strengthen flexibility. All while burning a few more calories than a regular massage, I can imagine. Not a yogi? No problem because no previous experience with yoga is needed by the client. I still can't decide if it looks painful or relaxing, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Right now it is being offered at the Nicolas Christies Day Spa in Massachusetts, but visit ThaiYoga.com for a list of therapists near you.

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What's the Deal With: Naturopathic Doctors?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I'm sure you've also used natural remedies to heal yourself. Peppermint tea or ginger for a tummy ache, aloe for a burn, and tea tree oil for poison ivy or acne. These remedies all come from Naturopathic medicine, which is based on the healing power of nature. It is often used in conjunction with conventional medicine.

Naturopathic doctors (also called Naturopaths) seek to improve their patient's health, treat illness, and prevent disease with natural methods that support the body's own healing abilities. Naturopaths also help their patients make lifestyle changes (through diet and exercise) that are necessary for the best possible health.

These doctors have a holistic approach, which means they care for the whole person - body, mind and spirit. They don't just treat the symptoms of illness, they try to figure out what's causing those symptoms in the first place. For example, if you were to have stomach pains every time you ate, instead of taking Pepto Bismol after every meal, a Naturopath may have you go on an elimination diet, to see if a certain food was to blame.

Naturopaths prefer not to use invasive surgery or most synthetic drugs, but rather use different forms of natural medicine to treat and prevent disease. These methods include acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, aromatherapy, counseling, herbal medicine and massage therapy.

Fit's Tips: If you are thinking about going to see a Naturopath make sure that they are licensed, and that they graduated from an accredited university. Also check to see if your state has licensing laws that govern the practice of Naturopaths. To locate a qualified Naturopath in your area, contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) at 206-298-0125. Or visit their website at www.naturopathic.org.

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Relax Anywhere: Achy Feet

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:45:00 -0700

After a long run, my feet can be quite achy. Aside from complaining to my husband a lot, I usually just deal with it. However I recently discovered a fabulous and easy technique for massaging your sore feet, and all you need is a tennis ball.

Here's what you do: While seated, place a tennis ball under the ball of your foot. Roll the ball back and forth under the arch of your foot several times. Use as much or as little pressure as is comfortable for you. I usually do about a minute under each arch.

That's it. I promise it will ease those tired feet. Also, if you know you're going to be walking a lot on your next vacation, throw a tennis ball in your suitcase. Feet ache after a long day at work? Keep a tennis ball in your desk for a mid-day massage. Try it and let me know what you think.

When was the last time you had a massage?

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Getting a massage is a luxury. But when you are training for something: a marathon, a triathalon, a wedding - massages should be part of the regimen. Plus a massage is a great way to relax tense muscles caused by everyday stress. I really do wish getting a massage didn't seem like a luxurious indulgence. A massaged body is a much happier body.So, I want to know...

Ease Sore Muscles with The Stick

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

Got enough muscle soreness to complain but not enough extra cash to be able to afford a masseuse?

You may want to try The Stick. The Stick is a great product to help anyone ease muscle soreness on your own. It has been tested to prevent & predict muscle injuries, prepare muscles for physical activity, disperse the effects of lactic acid (the initial burn while lifting) following activity and accelerate muscle recovery. The Stick is simply a rod that is surrounded by spindles, which are then rolled independently over the muscle. This allows people to self-perform general massage procedures with a higher degree of precision than normal.

Basically there are all these really scientific and biomechanical reasons why you should use the stick but in an effort to save you from boredom, consider this: After (or before) a good workout, it just feels really, really good. The most popular model is the Original Body Stick ($34.95) because it's 24" length and has 15 working spindles that can address most muscle groups with ease. Buy it and other models directly from TheStick.com.

Relax to the Max

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 02:00:00 -0800

OK, now this puts relaxation on a whole new, absolutely brilliant level.

This leather couch designed by Jacob Mathew uses the vibration of music to soothe. Be enveloped by the sound waves that flow from the speakers. Sink into the supple cushions and feel the bass from the three subwoofers reverberating beneath you, soothing your muscles and mind. They range in price from $2,500 to $7,500 - a hefty price for a lovely idea. Musical massage still sounds like an amazing concept and the speakers won't clutter up your living room.

Get Physical: Massage Deck

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 05:45:00 -0800

It's the weekend and we're all looking for a way to relax. Most of us also use the weekends to catch up with the significant other in our life, which is not always as relaxing as one would hope. This weekend, get physical (and relaxed) by giving each other massages. Worried that your massage skills are a little rusty?

Then you need to get The Massage Deck ($14.95) which features 50 easy to follow, beautifully illustrated methods for giving and receiving the perfect massage. Color coded by body region this portable deck includes detailed instructions for each technique, a reflexology card and suggested sequences for 20 and 60 minute massages. Learn how to soothe away stress and tension, relieve headaches and muscle pain as well as enjoy complete relaxation.

Also, you'll burn calories giving a massage as an 150 lb person who gives a 15 minute massage (while standing) will burn around 68 calories. Buy The Massage Deck online from Vickerey.

Rolfing Rhymes With Golfing

FitSugar — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

Ever heard of Rolfing? Well, let me tell you it is a kind of bodywork involving soft tissue manipulation. Named after its creator, Dr. Ida P. Rolf, it can dramatically alter a person's posture and overall structure.

Rolfing is similar to deep tissue massage, but it is also so much more. Using deep manipulation of the body's soft tissue and bones, it realigns and balances the body's muscular structure.

Rolfing can also help relieve chronic pain, improve breathing, increase energy, and decrease physical and emotional stress. A basic Rolfing treatment consists of 10 sessions that last between 60 and 90 minutes and cost about $100 each. The sessions are spaced a week or longer apart.

Fit's Tips: The bad thing? Since Rolfing involves vigorous deep tissue manipulation, it is often described as uncomfortable and sometimes painful, especially during the first several sessions. Talk to your Rolfer first to find out what your experience might be like.

Fit Find Follow Up: Spa Day Package

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 15:30:00 -0800

It was the first time the Fit Find was something other than a tangible product and you all did well coming up with great spa day packages. Let me tell you all that I cannot wait.

My favorite was submitted by crispet and boy does it sound marvelous.

The six hour Maximum Package from Skintology includes:

Farm Fresh Facial
Ear Candling
Age Defying Body Polish
Japanese Hot Stone Massage
Seaweed Wrap
Spa Souffle Manicure and Pedicure
Lunch
Wine

I think it was the wine at the end of the list that pushed me in this direction. It is, after all, a day of indulgence.

In case you are in the market for a spa day yourself here's the other spa packages for you to check out.

If the term "Fit Find" is new to you and you would like to learn about it, check out geeksugar's explanation of our bookmarking system.

Another Reason to Head to the Spa

FitSugar — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 04:00:00 -0800

Stress can lead to the tensing of muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders. If this sounds like something you can relate to then you must need a massage.

To give yourself another reason (as if you needed one) to head to the spa,