Whisper Wednesday: Pains in the Butt: True Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome

Recently, my homegirl, Bgirl Xtrav of Who's Your Daddy Crew, had been complaining of issues of sciatica. It has yet to be determined if sciatica was the true cause of all the symptoms she experienced however, the symptoms can commonly relate to those of piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is the result of a tight piriformis muscle which compresses on the sciatic nerve which can run through the piriformis muscle or underneath it. Also, being that Xtrav is a bgirl who practices and battles quite regularly, her gluteus minimus could also be a contributing factor to the referral pain being experienced. On the other hand, true sciatica is a set of symptoms resulting from compression on one or more vital nerve roots in the lumbar or sacral regions. It could be the result(s) of either a misalignment of the lumbar spine, spinal herniation or degeneration. Depending on the severity and duration of the pain a MRI, CT scan or spinal X-Ray may need to be administered to determine which nerve is being compressed. There are also a number of self "tests" that can be performed to help identify the problem.

For those that are experiencing referral pain and other symptoms similar to sciatica and piriformis syndrome (striking/electric pains, numbness, burning, tingling) in your buttock and sometimes all the way down to your foot, massage, ice and stretching will be your go to's unless your doctor suggests otherwise. And for some individuals, namely men, the problem can easily be attributed to sitting on your wallet that is left in your back pocket. It can also result from sitting for long periods of time without taking time to stretch out your legs and lower back.

Here are a few stretching exercises that are perfect to combine with the massage and icing. Please heed the warnings at the beginning of the video.



If these stretches don't adequately target the intended muscles, then massage therapy would be a great next option. The massage therapist may perform Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy or another massage technique to decrease the trigger points causing the referral pain. Discomfort and/or increased referral pain may be experienced briefly until the trigger points are released.

Xtrav began doing the above stretches in combination with icing and taking a NSAID and says that her pain and symptoms have significantly improved. Luckily, she asked for help and began addressing the issue ASAP rather than letting the symptoms progress into a chronic issue which could have made her recovery time a lot longer.

Have any of you experienced the symptoms mentioned above as attributed to piriformis syndrome or sciatica? Did you have some form of manual therapy performed to alleviate your pain or discomfort? How was your experience? Please share! 

Whisper Wednesday: High Heels Gotcha Down?

So who doesn't love a sexy pair of pumps or stilettos?? We can't all be models, but wearing them does give the wearer an added star quality and sex appeal. They give the illusion of longer, leaner legs, a fuller butt and firm calves. Who wouldn't want that? However, here is the lowdown on high heels. For those of you that wear these sexy devils regularly you will eventually experience shortened calves, shorten tendons, bunions and pain.

Our bodies are very proficient at adapting and compensating for prolonged mechanical stress and movement patterns. Consequentially function, strength and range of motion may also decrease. Of course some women and men(can't forget about the fabulous drag queens!) live by the motto that "Beauty is Pain" but, for how much suffering?

I've massaged a countless number of female clients who complain of foot, leg and lower back pain and they are clueless as to why. When I ask what types of shoes they wear regularly, a majority of them confess to wearing heels more than 4 to 5 days a week. While the client is lying prone, I can feel the tension in their gastrocnemius as if it is in constant contraction. Their hamstrings are also, not surprisingly, tense with fibrous adhesions. While the client is lying supine, it is clearly obvious that the calf muscles are shortened, resulting in the foot pointing in plantar flexion (think ballet pointe). When I attempt to gently rotate the ankle, it is very stiff and has reduced range of motion as a consequence of a stiffened Achilles tendon. Not a good look ladies..and queens!

How many of you experience pain and/or discomfort when wearing flat shoes or walking barefoot? This is a result of the Achilles tendon not being able to stretch properly due to being shortened while in heels.

So..what can be done to reverse the effects of this adapted movement pattern and chronic muscle/tendon shortening and stiffness?? One word.... STRETCH. Stretching is pertinent for the muscle fibers, as well as, the fascia connective tissue. 

*Stretching should not be painful. If pain is present then reduce the tension or discontinue the stretch. 

Calf Foam Rolling:

Calf Stretch:





Achilles Tendon Stretch:




Arch Foot Pain:




I hope these videos help to save a few legs and feet.Wear your stilettos pain free, ladies and queens!

**This post is not meant to diagnose or treat injury or illness. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise or stretching routine.**

Whisper Wednesday: How To Gain Body Awareness

Body awareness. It's an expression and ideal that I am constantly surrounded by at work, when dancing or when exercising.

Nearly every time I give a massage I hear, "Wow, I didn't realize how tight my legs are" or "I don't know what I did to make that so tender" or my favorite, "You never realize how sore you really are until you get a massage". And why is that? Why are so many people unaware of the physical condition of their bodies? Or if they are, they think it's normal to live in frequent pain? With the expectation of those who living with pain as a result of injuries or congenital, degenerative and autoimmune diseases we should not think of pain as a normal state of being. If the source of the pain/discomfort can't be easily explained such as from repetitive physical labor at work, being sedentary at the cubicle, stress on the job or accidentally bumping into the corner of a coffee table or wall, then either someone is beating you up in your sleep or you may have reason for concern to have a chat with your doctor.

So...what can you do about it? How can you gain more body awareness? Well, here are a list of my top 5 picks to help enhance your body awareness.

1. My new favorite activity, YOGA.

Yoga is the perfect blend of focusing on balance, breathing, flexibility, movement and strength. There are said to be hundreds of various styles of yoga each focusing on a different goal and philosophy. The link above shares 20 popular styles of yoga and what to expect from each.





2. DANCING

Whether you're a professional, amateur or anywhere in between, dancing is a great way to gain body awareness. You build awareness by using your sense of sight, sound and touch as well as, stimulating and strengthening your core for balance. You also become aware of your breathing and body parts in order to move more efficiently and if there are any restrictions in your flexibility or strength you can practice to increase those limits.



(Yes, that is me breaking on the left with my manfriend. Had so much fun at this jam! Miss my girls, Erika and Katie!)


3. MEDITATION

As with yoga, there are various types of meditation and each has many wonderful benfits. The goal for each can range from increasing relaxation, concentration, breathing, visualization or body scanning. This technique of awareness can be especially beneficial for those that experience high stress levels and/or need a moment of solitude to recenter.




4. EXERCISE 

I think it goes without saying that exercising is a quick eye opener about the state of ones body. Whether it be to lose weight, increase strength, build muscle or improve your sports performance, you'll discover many things about yourself. Such as the level of your determination and will to set and reach a goal, your current health conditions, myoskeletal imbalances and compensations to name a few.





5. Last but not least, MASSAGE.

Photo courtesy of Tammy Tso

Only makes since, don't you think? ;) Through manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, you become aware of tension and stiffness, myoskeletal compensations, limited circulation, inflammation and neuromuscular deficiencies. Massage also makes you aware of your level of stress; how ergonomic your work station is; your posture while working in a sedentary working environment; ways to prevent of repetitive stress disorder and trigger points and their referral pain patterns. With this knowledge you can choose whether to adopt one or more of the above listed activities to resolve the listed issues as well as treat those trigger points using a handy dandy homemade massage tool.


Thanks for reading! Hope you learned something new!
Do you do one or more of these activities or something different? How has it helped with your body awareness?


To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear. ~Buddha

New Focus, New Goals, New Year, New Posts!!

Sooooo...it's been a while, right??? I hadn't noticed! Hope you all are well this new year of Twenty12! Things have started off quite productive for me. New part time job working at a fitness center in addition to my full-time job at the chiropractors office makes for a lot of happy, relaxed and pain free individuals! It also means, more work and less play for me. However, I am not complaining because I'm blessed to have employment and in influx in clientele to help educate towards attaining a healthier mind and body.

Aside from work stuffs I am also focusing more on ME!! I am fortunate enough to get regular two hour massages from my gal pal and massage therapist extraordinaire, Cassie! We sorta slacked off a bit because of holidays and other unfortunate events, but now we're back on track! And with that comes a new activity for myself...YOGA!! Yessss...!! When my bestie/roomie/lil sis, Tammy came back from California last summer, she also brought a new out look on her own wellness. Meaning healthier, organic foods, a new gym membership and a overall holistic life style. I'm so proud of this transition she's made after talking about it for quite some time. A big thanks also goes out to a certain Wellness & Performance Coach for sparking this new addiction that Tammy has for wellness. Between the two of us Tammy has NO ROOM for excuses or sympathy! Muahahaha

Anywho..I said all that to say that I am surrounded by other like minded individuals and I'm inspired and motivated to take my health and fitness to a new level. This will also go hand in hand with my bgirling to increase my stamina, strength and flexibility. I'm already seeing great progress! Splits, anyone?? Yeah, I almost got em! Which is saying a lot being that I've NEVER been able to do them before!

May not look like much, but this is a HUGE accomplishment for me!
And no..I'm not screaming out in pain, I'm yelling out, "YEAH!".

With these new goals and lifestyle changes this will also mean regular blog posts! I know that's what you all were waiting for!! ; )
Whisper Wednesday's will be back in full effect giving weekly informative advice on many topics and updates on my personal progress. Also, I will start doing a bi-monthly(maybe monthly) Shout Out to a person of my choosing that has caught my attention for doing something awesome! Anything from achieving a goal, making a goal, being an encouragement, being an inspiration or just being you! So, I'm excited to get started!

The first Whisper Wednesday will be posted next week. I'm going skiing for the first time with my Manfriend and a few other amazing friends for Valentine's Day! ^_^ I'm excited and expect to be very sore when we return home! haha

Until then, take care!!

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.

Whisper Wednesday: A Little Stretch Goes A Long Way

Client: I don't know why I'm always so stiff and aching. Especially in my lower back, neck and shoulders. I don't do anything active and at work I mainly sit at a computer booking appointments and answering the phone.

Me: What do you do when you feel the pain? Have you tried applying ice or heat to area? Does one or the other make it better or worse? And how good are you with drinking plenty of water?

Client: Sometimes I use heat. That makes it feel better for a little while. But I mainly just take an aspirin when I feel the pain. And I drink water. I'm sure I should be drinking more though.

Me: You implied that you aren't that active. Have you tried incorporating any stretches to your daily routine? Also, to make sure you're drinking enough water, TRY THIS.

Client: I can't find the time for stuff like stretching and exercising.

Me: Well, the great thing about stretching is that it allows you to multitask. Being that your job seems pretty sedentary, doing some simple stretches at your desk can greatly improve circulation to parts of your body, reduce muscle tension, increase your energy level and increase your joint range of motion. Also, if you can, get up and walk around every one or two hours to get the blood flowing.

Stretching won't replace all the benefits that massage or exercise can give you, however, with adding stretching to your daily routine you will start to notice a reduction in muscle tension and stiffness which allows me to avoid having to use too much pressure during your massage.

Client: Wow...sounds great! I'll definitely start stretching while at work and even while watching TV or reading a book.

Me: Excellent! Just remember to do a nice five minute warm up before you stretch. For example walking or jogging in place. Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds and make sure you breathe to help you relax. Don't bounce while you're stretching and if you feel any pain while stretching, slowly ease up until you don't feel the pain and then hold the stretch.


For those of you that are active in sports. Stretching is vital for the longevity or your career. It will help reduce the occurrence of injury and decrease recovery time if you have been injured. The better conditioned your muscles and tendons are the more they can endure the intensity of your activity.

Here are a few quick and easy stretches you can try while at home or sitting at work. Don't worry if you aren't as flexible as I am. Just do what is comfortable for you.

Neck & Shoulder

Hamstrings & Lower back

Hip & Glutes (Can also be down laying on your back)

Torso

Chest

Shoulder

Wrist & Forearm

(For Wrist and Bicep stretch, face palm out and fingers toward the floor. Use opposite hand to stretch fingers toward your elbow.)    **This post is not meant to diagnose or treat injury or illness. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise or stretching routine.**

MIA....I'm baaacckkk!!

Hello there!! Hope you haven't forgotten about me so soon! My hiatus was a bit longer than expected. Between, no car for nearly 2 weeks, arguing with mechanics, buying another car and then traveling for the holidays...things have been quite eventful! And fortunately, it all ended on a happy note! ^_^

As for Christmas...Nick and I treated ourselves to a Trailblazer, so that was the extent of our gift exchange. Or it was supposed to be, until he surprised me with the first season of Glee. :D
I always hear such great things about that show. So, I'm excited to start watching it!

How was your Christmas? Anyone get or give any gifts they were really excited about?? Do tell!

Well, Stay tuned for more updates!
Until then, enjoy these funny clips of a couple amazing, massaging cats. LOL

On the Table with Ronald Brister

Everyone say hello to Ronald!!

(Photo courtesy of Ronald Brister)

Ronald is a good friend of mine and a very successful LMT in Slidell, LA. We had the fortune and pleasure of going to massage therapy school together. And he has been kind enough to answer a few questions about his work as a LMT and his various pastimes.


MW: How long have you been a MT and what inspired you to start?
RB: 7 years..I had always enjoyed massaging my friends. A girl I worked with was going to massage school and I thought I would give it a try.

What kind of workplace are you located at?
I worked at a Chiropractor's office for the first two years..now I work at Hairport Salon and Day Spa [in Slidell, LA].

The massage area...where the healing begins!
(Photo courtesy of Ronald Brister)

What modality/technique(s) do you specialize in and/or would you like to learn more about?
Most of my clients come to me for deep tissue, reflexology and myofascial release. I would love to learn lymphatic drainage and am currently learning table thai.

Any hobbies/pastimes?
My first passion has always been theatre and music. I still sing fairly often in churches and gospel programs. I can sang!

What was the most memorable performance/concert/show you've ever been to? 

The most memorable performance,etc..is a hard one since I have been to so many. I always said the Stephanie Mills concert was the only concert that was great from beginning to end..but then so was Tony Bennett. Watching Baryshnikov dance was euphoric. Wicked was spectacular. I don't know girl. Can't narrow it down. 

Where did you last go on vacation?
Miami....and going to New York for Thanksgiving this year.

When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I don't have any wrinkles on my face..considering I am 49 years old. And OMG..I hate my double chin!

If aliens came to grant you one wish, what would it be?
Lots of money.

What is your mission statement as a LMT?
 To provide the utmost professional and caring body work possible.

For people 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?

That it must be something you feel very deeply about. If you have any hangups about touching people, this is not the job for you. Don't expect that you are going to start making lots of money right away. Like any business, it takes time and commitment. You have to earn the trust of your clients. You have to put the time in at the office. So many young therapists are not disciplined enough.

Whisper Wednesday: How To Make Your Own Massage Tool

Being that not all of us have the time or money to receive a massage for the recommended once every 4 to 6 weeks, our bodies tend to accumulate a needless amount of tension, stress and pain. To help hold you over in between those massage sessions here is an inexpensive and easy massage tool you can make yourself in as little as a minute!

I present to you...The Sockball Massager! Sorry, that's as fancy as the name gets.

All you need is a tube sock and three tennis balls. Once assembled, use as needed...legs, back, neck, arms, etc. Use as frequently as needed to temporarily relieve the pain and/or discomfort until you can see your MT.

Leaning on a wall or lying on the floor will allow you to control how much pressure you see fit to use.

Here are the necessary items and how to accessible and use them. 

Tube sock

3 tennis balls

^_^

Place the 3 tennis balls into the tube sock and tie a knot in the sock.

 

Place behind your neck

Turn your head towards the desired side

Place behind your back

Lean towards the desired side

Place on your lower back

Squat up and down to massage your lower back

 There you have it! Happy Sockballing!!

Facing my fear: Podophobia

That's right, those five little piggies used to freak me out more than you'd ever know! You'd never realize it today being that I have such an interest in foot reflexology. One of my massage instructors even told me I was one of her favorites when it came to foot massage and she had no idea about the Podophobia I used to have.

I tried not to let my family or friends know how truly terrified I was of even the sight of other people's feet. Saying the word, talking about them or even looking at pictures of feet would give me the most irrational sense of anxiety and panic. And don't you even think about touching my foot, especially with your own foot, I would have a heart attack!

Growing up I always tried to keep my feet covered using socks, shoes, slippers, sitting on top of my feet, whatever I had to do to protect them from others eyes. If I did confess to someone about my phobia, they didn't hesitate to chase me around trying to give me a close up of their stubby toes. YUCK!!

When and why did this phobia start, I have no idea. I do remember giving my mom foot massages until I was 8 years old, but I can't recall any scarring events dealing with feet. Was never bulled and forced to smell Susie's sweaty feet after P.E. or anything cruel like that. I'm not too fond about how my own feet look, but they function properly and help me walk, so I don't hate them as much as I used to. haha

So, how did I get over this fear of the little piggies?? Slowly...My seven younger brothers were good about testing just how scared I was of their feet. Many wars were started and even more battle wounds were given. Over time I was good enough at faking that the sight of their feet no longer bothered me; and eventually it actually didn't anymore. So immediate family was no longer part of that equation. But that left the rest of the outside world.

When I started massage school, I knew I'd have to touch someones feet as well as have mine touched. The instructor would always demonstrate a technique before we were asked to perform it and with such a small group we usually had one person we worked with regularly. I always tried to partner myself with Ronald. He was hilarious! And having something to laugh at and keep me distracted always helped. Initially, I would never look directly at the foot and taking slow deep breaths helped calm my budding anxiety. When it came to having my own foot touched that was a bit harder to deal with. I would just close my eyes and imagine I was somewhere else. And holding my breathe helped. LOL After months of being immersed in the same situation I grew more and more comfortable with having someone even stand next to me with no shoes on, although I would prefer if they at least had socks on. Sweaty feet to this day gross me out, but I think that's normal. haha

All in all, I'd say I'm cured! I've read many stories of Podophobics and as with any phobia there are varying degrees of severity. Therefore, not everyone is able to get over a phobia of their own will. But, I wasn't going to let a pair of feet stop me from my passion to become a massage therapist!

Hmmm...I think I'll treat myself to a pedicure tomorrow! ;)

Whisper Wednesday: Waiting to Exhale

Breathing is a natural, involuntary and voluntary act that we do every moment that we're alive. Conscious and unconscious. On average a person breathes 23,000 times a day. Of course those numbers can greatly fluctuate depending on how active the person is.

Another factor that can change ones rate of breathing is stress. Stress can cause you to tense up, contracting the muscles of your neck, shoulders and chest which restricts the expansion of your ribs and lungs resulting in short labored breathes. With a daily accumulation of stress it can trigger internal effects such as tension headaches, increased blood pressure, diarrhea/constipation, suppressing your immune system and in some people, triggering panic attacks.

So, take a chill pill, a few deep breathes and relax!! Easier said than done, right?

Well, aside from keeping us alive, certain breathing techniques can significantly decrease your levels of stress and increase your level of relaxation. When these breathing techniques are practiced during a massage session, it can greatly enhance your relaxation and allow for a deeper massage, if so desired. And I'm not talking about the Lamaze "he, he, hoo" breathing. If your massage session is causing you to breath like that, I'd jump off the table quick!

It should also be noted that for those who have problems with hyperventilation or dizziness you should consult your doctor before practicing any breathing exercises. And if you do become dizzy while performing the breathing exercises, you should stop immediately. Not breathing, just the exercise. Smarty pants.

A common breathing exercise used in yoga is called, Ujjayi. It is a perfect breathing technique to use during massage. Especially for those more therapeutic and deep tissue massages. It's a deep, slow technique that causes you to make a sound as you inhale and exhale. Almost like listening to the ocean or a whisper, therefore causing you to focus on your breathing and calming your mind and body.

Here is a guide on the Ujjayi breathing. VERY relaxing.



Happy Breathing!!! Whoo-saaaa....

Shout Out!!: My little brother is off to bootcamp!!

They grow up so fast. Sigh.
It wasn't so long ago that I remember Da'Very as a young teen, saving up his checks for music recording and mixing software. He even organized his closet and made it into a recording booth. He had high hopes of becoming a rapper. And he is quite the lyricist. And not because he is my brother. However, that teen has now become a man is a husband and father to two adorable children!

Da'Very with wife, Dominique and children, Jai'Maree and Jaidyn.
(All photos used courtesy of Da'Very Joseph)

After enduring a couple of job layoffs and a few setbacks, Da'Very sought out many options to help get him and his family back on a forward trajectory. He then spoke to two of our step-brothers who are members of the Army and Air Force. They gave him all the pros and cons of joining the military, what to expect and how it would affect him and his family. Da'Very has always been one to put others needs before his own and this decision to join the Army is an example of that.

He is leaving today for boot camp and will be stationed in Lawton, Oklahoma. Luckily we have family there that he can get reacquainted with.


Here are some family pictures that were taken before Da'Very's leave.

With our father, David; stepmom, Vanessa; and Da'Very's family.

3 generations of Joseph's.

Da'Very with his in-laws. Mother, Tracy; Brothers, Zeb and Dov; Sister, Ocean; Wife and children.

Father and son.

We will all miss you while you're away, Private Joseph!!

Also, a big congrats to Da'Very's wife, Dominique for graduating from Everest College as a medical administrative assistant!