How do I improve my posture? -- Improving Posture with Strength Exercises...

Your posture has a significant effect on your how your body functions, and slouching can have lasting consequences later in life. Fortunately, you can improve your posture with the right strength training. Here's a great link for more information: http://www.livestrong.com/article/213450-strength-exercises-to-improve-posture/

Karma -- "The Law of Mirrors"

Yoga articles for neck and back pain

Yoga is great for flexibility and range of motion. It's also good for lowering stress.

Check out these articles about yoga for neck and back pain:

http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yoga-and-health/yoga-for-neck-and-upper-back.asp

http://www.livestrong.com/article/393571-yoga-spine-alignment/

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the more common "repetitive motion injuries" that I've seen. To read more about this condition, please see my most recent post on Facebook, and please "like" my page if you haven't done so already. Mahalo!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -- What is Carpal Tunnel?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the more common "repetitive motion injuries" that I've seen. To read more about this condition, please see my most recent post on Facebook, and please "like" my page if you haven't done so already. Mahalo!

Another cute massage meme with cats :)

Another meme I got from the web. I love cats. Enjoy! :)

And this funny one for my fellow science nerds:

Massage Therapist Meme...Just wanted to share...

Found this on the web and just wanted to share...

Reflexology -- What is Reflexology?

If you're like me, you're probably on your feet for most of the day. Maybe you're in food service, work in sales, or another job where you're standing all day. The hard wood or linoleum floor feels like concrete. Maybe you're in construction, or you're in the military, running miles and miles with a giant, heavy backpack weighing and pulling down on your shoulders. Either way, you're in pain...your arches are aching, your ankles are sore, or maybe you feel your knees give out. Even your back is starting to hurt and you can't wait to sit down and relax. Well today's your lucky day my friend, because there's a massage for that!

Let me first explain that your entire body is connected. The health of your feet can affect the alignment of your knees, and the position of your knees can affect your back, which is connected to your neck and shoulders. Your entire body is one, it is truly whole, and reflexology is a beautiful example of this. It's not just a regular foot massage, although your feet will feel amazing either way.

According to Eastern philosophy, various points in your feet (and hands) correspond to the organs and structures in the rest of your body. Some believe you can "massage" your eyes and ears, and even your heart, liver, and intestines through certain areas of your feet. The idea is that a "blockage" in any of these places can be felt and treated through different pressure points in the foot. While I can't personally validate the science behind this, it's been accepted in the massage community and many Eastern schools of thought. So why not give it a shot? It's worth a try, right? Even if you're not healed of your inner ailments, the aches and pains in your feet will definitely be relieved.

I do a full hour foot massage/reflexology session and often use hot stones to further soothe and ease any built up tension. The heat penetrates the deeper muscles and helps you relax that much further. And really, who doesn't love a foot massage?

Happy birthday to my fellow therapist, Katana Bell, LMT

I just want to take time to say Happy Birthday to a fellow massage therapist. Katana Bell is an amazing person, skilled therapist, and her dedication and passion are what make her stand out among the rest. Her enthusiasm is unparalleled and her deep tissue massage is the best! She's currently not booking appointments, but I invite you to please "like" her page on Facebook for when she's back up and ready to go. She's located in Guam and definitely worth the wait!

"I know, it's only rock n roll, but I like it..." What kind of music relaxes you?

                                               

Let's talk about music today. I LOVE music! Just this afternoon I was learning something new on piano and guitar. Music can really pump you up and make you feel alive!

Music can also relax you. Most spas play nature sounds, new age, or soft instrumental "elevator music" for ambiance. I used to play mixed CD's during my sessions and people loved it. I've massaged to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album many times.

My questions to you are:

How do you feel about....

...traditional spa music?

...Pandora?

...bringing your own music?

...requesting specific music? 

...meditation or guided imagery? 

I can't wait to read your comments!

Neck pain -- How can you manage neck pain between massages?

Neck pain is extremely common...Especially after slouching, sleeping the wrong way, or sitting at a computer for too long. Chronic tension in your neck and shoulders can also lead to headaches. So what can you do between massage appointments?

I often recommend light stretching to my patients. Of course, it's important to talk to your doctor or therapist for more individual instructions because you don't want to over stretch your neck if it's recently injured. There's head and shoulder rolls and other gentle movements to keep your joints moving freely.

You want to stretch slowly, and only to your level of comfort. Don't ever push yourself more than what you can handle. Do a little bit at a time, and try to make it equal on both sides. Hold for no more than 20 seconds at a time. Your doctor will tell you which stretches to do and which ones to avoid.

Another thing I advise is a hot compress...even better if you do this before you stretch. You can use a heating pad from the pharmacy, or moisten a hand towel for a minute in the microwave (or until hot...but not too hot) and place it around your neck and shoulders. You can do this safely up to 20 minutes to melt the tension in these areas. Your muscles love heat and will thank you for it.

If you have a strain or inflammation, however, you'll want to use ice instead. Ice is good to reduce swelling and redness. There's a 20 minute time limit for this as well, and eventually you can alternate between heat and ice, but always start and end with ice.

Warning: If you have been in an accident or suffered a severe injury, I require my patients to see a doctor first and get a note before seeing me for treatment or before trying any of these tips. This is for your safety and to minimize any further harm. Take care of yourself. Til next time...

Sports Massage -- What is a Sports Massage?

If you're an athlete, workout junkie, or love outdoor adventure, a sports massage keeps you on top of your game. Because your needs come first, it's important to let your massage therapist know what your goals are for each session. Whether you want to prepare your muscles for a big game, need help recovering from an injury or a long workout, your therapist will help you go the distance. It's also great for basic maintenance and upkeep. Getting regular massage as part of your fitness routine may be the edge you're looking for, if only because you can go longer and recover faster each time. Plus, it just feels good. Got massage?

Swedish Massage -- What is a Swedish Massage?

Swedish Massage -- Ah, the most basic type of massage...It's what most Americans think of when they walk into a spa. It's the first style I was trained in, and probably my favorite to receive. If you have the weight of the world on your shoulders; You're frazzled, stressed out, or having a case of the "Mondays", Swedish massage relaxes, soothes, and eases your tension. We all fall on hard times, have worries or troubles at some point and these hardships can manifest not just in your mind, but in your body as well. You're tired, overworked, and haven't had your coffee yet. Chances are, your shoulders are slouched and hunched over, your head is in an overly forward posture, and getting out of bed seems impossible. 

We all can experience "holding patterns" in our posture, usually caused by repetitive motion from our jobs, hobbies, or other daily habits. Even sitting at a computer for long hours wreaks havoc on your neck and shoulders and can potentially cause headaches. I always feel renewed after a good massage and try to get one at least every other week. If you have stress in your life, mentally or physically, you owe it to yourself to get a massage.

If you have questions about the therapeutic benefits of Swedish massage, I'll be happy to answer them. Stay tuned, and stay classy Honolulu.

Deep Tissue Massage -- What is Deep Tissue Massage?

What is a deep tissue massage, you ask? Deep tissue is by far my most requested service. When I worked for a Chiropractor on the East Coast, I helped people manage their pain on a daily basis. It's truly the most rewarding part of my career to see the improvement and results in my patients over time -- The same patients who might have had an obvious limp, walking with a cane before their 1st session, or walking with knee supports, to walk again without those aides. I've also had people tell me they were less dependent on pain medications. Massage is not a cure, but it makes a huge difference. 

Deep tissue massage helps relieve tension, with the main focus on pain relief. Whether it's a chronic ache that lasts over time, an injury, or too much physical activity, this is the style for you. It's especially great for stiff necks, tight muscles, and tense shoulders. It also helps increase range of motion in joints where movement may have been restricted.

What does a deep tissue massage feel like? It really depends because techniques and treatments vary. Truth be told, it's not always the most relaxing, and you may have a slight discomfort at times and possibly a muscle ache the following day. That being said, I personally like to combine my deep tissue techniques with Swedish (relaxing) massage together, and many patients fall asleep during treatment. I also give recommendations to reduce post-massage soreness, which is often a small price to pay for how great you will feel otherwise. It's important, however, that you communicate any pain or if there's too much pressure being applied. The saying "no pain, no gain" is truly not necessary. Your personal comfort level is always important.

Many people are surprised at how strong I am with such a small body frame. I assure you, the technique is the most important part of the massage. I use a combination of fingertips, hands, knuckles, forearms, elbows, and specific body mechanics to increase pressure as necessary. In fact, my experience in medical massage has made deep tissue one of my specialties.

Do you have any questions about deep tissue massage? I'll be answering your questions and addressing other types of massage in following posts. Stay tuned! Same blog spot, same blog time...

31 Posts in 31 Days

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The world is meant for change, and WILL change, whether we like it or not, and we need to keep up with the world instead of resisting it. Overcoming fears helps us develop courage, confidence, and a new sense of self. This blog itself is my newest challenge; My goal being 31 blog posts in 31 days. The topics will be massage related to hopefully build a clientele. 

If you have any pressing questions about massage, stress or pain management, injuries and treatment, or how your body works, please feel free to ask and I'll try my best to answer them.

Please follow my blog, Twitter, and facebook accounts if you haven't done so already. I'll be focusing mostly on your needs and offering tips on reducing pain and stress levels, increasing basic levels of fitness, and occasionally injecting some humor. Thanks for reading!