Who wants a laugh??

Laughter is good for the soul! What other thing do you know that is so powerful that it can increase happiness and your immune system, reduce stress and pain, can bring about peace and harmony, make you forgot your burdens, bond strangers and enemies and inspire the hope of peace?? Aside from music and an amazing massage that is?? LAUGHTER! One of the few things I don't mind being infected by.

So have a go at it. You may not realize how bad you needed it.


Here are just a few videos that always give me a chuckle. What puts a smile on your face and/or laughter in your belly?

Whisper Wednesday: How to Make an Ice Pack

For those loyal readers I have, I'm sure you remember my post about when to use ice vs heat on a muscular injury. For a recap go hither: HEAT or ICE??

Lately, my household has become overrun with ice packs. Why, you ask? Because one or more of the members in my household can't help but occasionally fall off a horse; pull a muscle lifting several pounds in pool supplies; have a aching lower back from standing on their feet for hours at a time; or, our favorite, getting bruised and battered from breaking aka bboying. With such a combination of fun, tedious and strenuous activities, we're sore, aching and limping quiet often.

The cost and size of our ice packs started increasing, so what idea did my crazy, fun and adventurous friend, Tammy come up with?? "Let's make our own ice packs!!" So off to the Dollar Store we went. It was easier than I realized. All you need are: plastic Ziploc bags of desired size and rubbing alcohol or dishwashing liquid containing alcohol. We purchased rubbing alcohol and dishwashing liquid. Both came out pretty well and stay cold for several hours.

Add dishwashing liquid to ziploc bag.
*If you're using the rubbing alcohol instead, the mixture is  1 part alcohol to 2 parts water.* 

Cool, right??!

Before sealing, leave at least 2 inches of space
so that the liquid has room to expand once it freezes. 

Finally, place in freezer, let freeze and Voilà!!

A VERY flattering picture of myself using one of the three ice packs Tammy made.
Shinsplints are no joke! 

And that's it!! Easy right??! I believe ice packs are an essential household item next to toilet paper and water. So have at it!! :D

Whisper Wednesday: Benefits of Epsom Salt

Had a long busy day at work?? Did you have a great workout at the gym?? Train extra hard to perfect that dance or power move?? Now you're sore from head to toe and just need to take a breather to soothe and relieve your aching body.

A solution to those needs: EPSOM SALT BATH. Soaking in this amazing chemical compound of Magnesium Sulfate can do your body wonders!

Epsom Salt is used by many athletes for its ability to reduce inflammation, soreness, fatigue and muscle cramps. However, it is just as beneficial for the non-athlete. Such as reducing headaches, improving circulation, relaxing nerves and muscles and reducing blood pressure. Magnesium alone is required for the function of over 300 enzymes in our body. This means nearly every system and organ of our body directly or indirectly requires the use of magnesium to function.

As a result of many foods, drugs and/or medical conditions, our digestive tract can't effectively absorb magnesium causing many of us to be/become magnesium deficient. Suffering from cerebral flatulence?? You're probably magnesium deficient. Just kidding....no, but seriously.

The amazingness of Espsom Salt is that it allows the magnesium sulfate to be readily available just by soaking in it! So get that bath ready! Just wade in a tub of warm/hot water, turn down the bathroom lights, maybe light a few candles, have your favorite music playing in the background and you've created a relaxing retreat while also increasing your bodily health and stimulating a few brain cells.


Happy Soaking!!

***This product is not intended to medically diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your health care provider before using any supplement.***

Sitting Is KILLING You!!!

I have several massage clients with jobs that require they sit for 5+ hours at a time and they all complain about the same exact aches and pains. Stress/tension/stiffness/aching in their neck, shoulders, lower back and hips. And the really bad ones have the added numbness/tingling down their arms and into their fingers. No bueno!!

Sitting slouched and crouched over a desk + staring at a computer + head tilted on the phone + hands writing or typing away for several hours without a break = Decreased blood circulation from prolonged sitting, sleeping legs and feet, stiff and tired neck, shoulder and back muscles. And then...we do it again 5-7 days a week!

I always regurgitate the same recommendations: "Try to get out of your seat every hour to walk and/or stretch to stimulate circulation and break out of the repetitiveness of your sustained working position."

Sometimes they hear me, often times they don't.  So from now on I'm going to direct them to this blog post in hopes that it will spark a fire for them to get of their chairs more often! haha

Thanks to a couple friends of mine, I came across a very informative and eye catching report about the dangers of sitting all day. I don't know if I agree with all of their stats (i.e. an 8% increase in sitting doubled our obesity rates), but the graphics definitely accomplish scaring someone straight! Next they should do a report on how some foods are just as at fault for killing us slowly as is prolonged sitting. I'd love to see the graphics on that! 

Share your comments and opinions on the stats and graphics!!

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Need help falling asleep???

Hello again! Has a month really past since my last post?! Sheesh!
Well, a lot has happened in that time frame. Aside from work, work, work and finding time to dance, Nick and I have a new roomy!! One of my best girfrans, Tammy. ^_^
Moving day for Tammy was quite....adventurous! A few of our friends rallied together to move all her belongings from her one bedroom apartment to fit into our guest room and her new bedroom. Thanks to Tammy, our guest bedroom is now an art supply store/gallery! hahaha

Photo courtesy of Michael Nagel

So, last night was one of those nights where I was excited to fall asleep. There was a nice thunderstorm that allowed for some of the most comforting and deep sleep. And I just learned that it's supposed to rain for the next 5 days! Oh the sweet, sweet sleep that will be had. ::sigh::

For those rain and thunderstorm admirers hopefully you'll enjoy this video. Most of my clients favorite cd to listen to while getting massaged is of natural sounds; waves crashing, wind chimes chiming, light rain and thunder. Relaxes them and puts them to sleep nearly every time. Are you getting sleepy?? I think I'll take a little nap while listening to this.

Also, a tip to better enjoy this video...go to the bathroom first! LOL

AWKWARRRRDDD...Meet, Señor Butts

::Chatting in grocery store line with friend::

A: ...hahaha!

Me: Smh..sigh..yeah, never a dull moment with him! lol

Señor Butts: 'Scuse me. Aren't you dat masseue, eh, massager person that works for the doc???

A: ::stares at Señor Butts then at me::

Me: Massage therapist. Yes...??

S.B.: Yeah, I thought I rekognized ya!

Me: ::awkard smile::

S.B.: So..you massage butts, right??

Me: ...Glutes? Yes.

S.B.: Butts??

Me: Yes...the glutes...

S.B.: Hmm. Well, er..dat other masseuse they had dere didn't do butts. I always axed her to massage my butt, but she neva did....I didn't like her much. And I like havin' my butt rubbed REAL good.

A: ::snort::

Me: ::glare at my friend then at S.B. ::
Well...having a good gluteal massage often goes neglected by clients and sometimes MASSAGE THERAPISTS. But..er..However, you're right a good gluteal massage can do wonders. It's a muscle too and it works hard.

S.B.: ::Nods head::
Good..good...so if I make an appointment with ya, then I'll be guaranteed to have my butt massaged??

Me: ::Inhale deeply:: Yes...along with the legs, arms, back and neck.

S.B.: Yeah..yeah, ok. Well, I'll be calling up there to make an appointment wit ya soon. I'll see ya later! ::Walks off::

A: ::Burts out in laughter::

Me: .......Yeah, I'm not touching his butt.



**Needless to say, he never made that appointment with me. For shame.**
**Names and location were altered to keep the anonymity of the people involved. :) **

Whisper Wednesday: Heat or Ice???

Ice, Ice Baby

This is a question I commonly get asked when someone is trying to treat a sports injury. Most people are aware of the R.I.C.E Treatment for an acute soft tissue injury, but are unsure when to use heat. If you're unsure as to which to use, it's a better bet to use ice before using heat.

ACUTE INJURY:
Typically you'll want to use ice on an acute injury. Such as from a sprain, strain or fall. For the Bboys/Bgirls working on those power moves. These injuries are often sudden and as a result can cause swelling at the site of injury, pain, tenderness, redness and skin hot to the touch.
 
Wrap the ice/ice pack in a towel and apply to the skin for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Make sure the skin returns to its normal body temperature before using it again. If applying the ice to an area of skin with little fat or muscle do not exceed 10 minutes.


CHRONIC INJURY:
Because chronic injuries develop over time and are often the result of repetitive use, both ice and heat can be used.

Cold Therapy:
An athlete such as a Bboy/Bgirl who has recurring knee pain that gets worse after dancing will want to ice the knee AFTER they're done dancing. This will prevent the occurrence of inflammation or reduce inflammation that has already occurred.


Heat Therapy:
Heat can also be used on a chronic injury that DOES NOT result in inflammation or swelling, such as muscle tension or stiff joints. That same Bboy/Bgirl with the recurring knee pain can also use heat BEFORE they dance to help reduce muscle tension and/or spasm. The heat can also help to increase flexibility of joint tendons and muscles.

Moist heat is most ideal because it penetrates the muscle deeper. Use a towel when using heat to prevent burning the skin and apply for 15-20 minutes.

If the symptoms of your injury do not improve or worsen in 48 hours, you should call your doctor. 


Hope you were paying attention! There will be a pop quiz soon!

Male vs Female Massage Therapists

When it comes down to it, there aren't any pros or cons to having a male MT vs a female MT. Sure, men are generally stronger than females, however the aim isn't to inflict the most amount of pressure as possible. That's the opposite of healing. Unless you're looking to get manhandled, then...I don't know what type of massage you're looking for. haha

But, if you're looking for an individual who listens to and addresses your needs and is professional you'll get both from either a male or female. So why is it typically difficult for men to succeed in the world of massage therapy? According to the American Massage Therapy Association, 85% of massage therapists are female. And from the poll that was taken a few months ago on this blog, out of 13 people that voted, 53% preferred a female and 46% said it didn't matter.  

In my opinion either a male client isn't comfortable with another man touching him and/or a female client is anxious at the thought of a man touching her and acting inappropriately. Unless you have a history of sexual abuse or are extremely conservative, then I don't think there is a reason for such bias. Regardless of my thoughts, obviously, you're free to choose whomever you like. Free will and all that. Although I do believe it's a form of discrimination and sexism. The most important factor should be ones skill and not gender.

A man can be just as nurturing as a female. If male nurses and gynecologists can be trusted and respected so can and should male massage therapists.

When thinking about the issues some male massage therapists face in this female dominated profession, I immediately thought of my good friend, Ronald Brister. You all may remember him from his On The Table interview in November. Ronald has been a massage therapist for 8 years and is quite successful in terms of his client base. Aside from the fact that Ronald has skills that come close to my own (lol), he has always had the right attitude when it came to his potential accomplishments as a massage therapist. If you go into ANY venture with a negative attitude, then you've already lost!

Ronald had this to say about how he's dealt with discrimination as a male MT and words of advice for prospective male massage therapists:

"I have met with some discrimination by men and I am sure some women. I realized from the beginning that not everyone is comfortable being touched..by anyone. Men are usually more hesitant to get massaged by another man. I have many theories to this..but none that really matter. I do not try to talk anyone into getting a massage by me. However, I do try to educate anyone who is interested in massage, in the procedures and the extra care I take in protecting my client's modesty. I try to explain how massage has come a long way in establishing itself as a viable and successful stress and pain-relieving therapy. I sometimes joke that it is no longer the HOUSE OF HAPPY ENDINGS. I stress the use of massage therapy in chiropractic and physical therapy. For men starting out [in massage therapy], I would suggest that they take extra care in how they touch the client. Draping is NUMERO UNO in making a client feel more comfortable. The rest will come in time."

How do you feel about this subject? If you only choose female massage therapists, do you do so consciously or unconsciously? And why?

*UPDATE*:
Also, gentlemen check out THIS blog post about common misconceptions about massage therapy. 

On The Table with Glenda Campbell

Happy New Year!!! I hope you all made it out in one piece and new resolutions in hand. ;)
For the new year I'd like introduce an amazing woman, Glenda Campbell, that has been involved in the world of massage therapy for 12 years! She is an inspiration for us all to maintain a healthy lifestyle and state of mind at any age.

Glenda Campbell, LMT

MW: How long have you been a MT and what inspired you to start?
GC: I've been Licensed by the National and State Boards as a massage therapist since 2002.  I practiced without a license since 1999.  I was inspired to start after receiving my first massage 14 years ago-- following the death of my father.

What kind of work place are you located at?
I work at Downtown Fitness Center [in New Orleans, LA] which is located at the Sheraton Hotel and Canal Place for 9 years as an on-call therapist.  I perform chair massages at the convention center, doctors' offices and a couple of gyms. I host workshops teaching individuals how to massage their loved ones. I'm on-call for a company out of California to do chair massages on movie sets and companies. I've also worked at Massage Envy Spa (4 days a week for 4 hours each day) doing sports, prenatal, deep tissue, hot stone, aromatherapy, reflexology and Swedish massages.

What modality/technique(s) do you specialize in and/or would you like to learn more about? 
I specialize in Swedish, Sports, Pre-Natal, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Deep Tissue Massage.  I would like to learn more about Shiatsu Massage.

What is your mission statement as a massage therapist?
My mission statement as a MT is to be the best I can be in bringing people to a state of total relaxation.

For someone considering going into the MT profession, what advice would you give them? And what should they and shouldn't they anticipate from such a career?
Think long and hard about going into this profession.  You should already be in top-notch physical condition-- if you are not, get fit immediately before going to MT school-- allow yourself at least 6 months.  I was lucky because I was already teaching all forms of exercise classes (step, body sculpting, hip hop dance, water aerobics, kickboxing, jazzercise, etc.) for 28 years.

Expect to work hard in this career.  Four to eight hour chair massages; three hours, back to back, table massages which may mean 60 - 90 min. massages followed by 3 more massages.  Also, expect to receive no paid holidays, no paid sick time, no Christmas bonus and no real respect from owners of spas.

For example, I worked at Massage Envy for 13 months (Sept. '09 - Oct. '10).  I didn't plan to get the job there, but only tested the waters as people over age 45 are rarely hired by companies such as these.
In the beginning, I was given 30 hours a week to work at this company.  I soon realized that I didn't want to work that many hours and after three months I had an opportunity to set my own hours.  I immediately selected 20 hours, then soon downsized to 16 hours.  This was the beginning of the end.  I worked from 2pm until 6:30 p.m., four days a week.  The money was okay but nothing to brag to mom about.  My husband told me later that I was being raped ($15/$20 per hour, plus tips).  I know I was, but I did not need the money.  I only wanted to stay busy for a few hours a week.

When Massage Envy opened two other locations (one in New Orleans and one in Kenner) which were not too distant from the Metairie location, business started to plummet at all locations-- the division was too much for this economic drought to bear. I was layed off in October and was elated that I was "free at last, free at last, think God almighty, I am free at last."  About a week later, I started to think "why did I not receive any lay-off papers."  So I called and requested them.  About a week later, an e-mail arrived and said I was not "layed off" but "terminated."  I was livid . . . never have I been fired, nor did I deserve to be by this lame company.  After further investigation, I discovered that the company thought I was seeking unemployed compensation; so, they concocted this story to cover their own ass.

I have so far survived and am doing very well on my own.  Thank God for resiliency.

You've gone through many ups and downs in your career as a MT. Do you have any hobbies/pastimes that shape you into more than just a MT?
I enjoy reading, writing, walking, dancing and yoga.  I am also a certified fitness instructor and am considering teaching step aerobics and yoga.

What's your favorite book?  
My favorite book(s):  anything by "Daniel Steele."

What is one thing most people don't know about you?
Most people don't know that I have a pretty good singing voice and that I love singing in church.

When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
God has truly blessed me to be 55 years of age and look and feel around 35.

What is one song you always have to crank up and sing along with? 
Just Fine by Mary J. Blige.