Posts Tagged ‘massage’

Personal Wellness

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

After returning from a great weekend at a spa resort, relaxation and wellness  are definitely on the top of my mind.  I am an admitted spa-junkie.  I love the calm, quiet atmosphere and the luxurious feeling of being pampered.  I love to take care of my skin and my body, with facials, body treatments and massage. It is what relaxes and centers me the most. I believe that everyone has a different definition of  wellness, and this is how I define wellness for myself..

Wellness can be defined in many ways. Some see it as physical well being, or medical health others think of mental well being and state of mind.  Tranquility, peace of mind and an overall healthy feeling are what make up wellness to me. At the spa I can indulge in some pampering, get some much needed R&R and eat delicious well prepared healthy food.

A weekend without stress is just what I need to make me feel balanced again. Especially now, during this busy holiday season, with shopping and parties and work and kids; a little “detox” time is perfect to promote a peaceful state of mind and mental wellness for me.  A trip to the spa, or any resort, all alone may be just the thing you need if you’re feeling totally overwhelmed and like you are spinning out of control.

If massage and spa treatments don’t do it for you, maybe a weekend in the country is a better idea.  Consider a log cabin in the mountains, or possibly a relaxing weekend on the beach. Even a big highrise hotel can be a place where you find your center again.  Lock yourself away from the world, stare out the window for hours, take naps, enjoy a good book or a few movies. Any of these activities, or lack thereof,  are a great way to unwind and get yourself  back on track again. Taking time for yourself can help promote wellness within anyone.

Find what interests you and makes you your most comfortable you, and take some personal time to create your own wellness, however you might define it.

Pain Relief with Graston Therapy

Sunday, November 30th, 2008

If you are experiencing chronic pain and want to avoid surgery or pharmaceuticals as a solution, the Graston Technique of deep tissue massage may be the right choice for you. The Graston therapy is an increasingly popular technique used mostly by chiropractors. It is a deep tissue massage technique that employs the use of  specialized tools that resemble items out of your toolbox. These tools are used to break up scar tissue from old injuries or previous surgeries.

Many people being treated with the Graston technique are active and athletic, those who are adamant about remaining so.   The recovery time from surgery is just not an option for many people such as professional athletes, golfers or airline pilots. This technique is strenuous and patients can be left with some bruising.

The specific tools used help break up fibrous tissue and build up of lactic acid better than any other form of massage therapy. Most patients see significant increase in pain relief and flexibility immediately.This treatment is recognized nationally as a positive low risk alternative therapy.

Those who are experiencing pain or loss of motion/function following surgery, injury, trauma and tendonitis may benefit greatly from the Graston Technique.

Some injuries and conditions which have responded well to the Graston Technique include:

* Wrist pain – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Foot & arch pain – Plantar Fascitis
* Neck pain – Cervical Strain/Sprain
* Low back pain – Lumbar Sprain/Strain
* Ankle pain – Achilles Tendinitis
* Shoulder pain – Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
* Knee pain – Patellofemoral Disorders
* Tennis elbow – Later Epicondylitis
* Golfer’s elbow – Medial Epicondylitis
* Scars
* Adhesions
* Restrictions
* Muscle Spasms
* Trigger Points
* Tendinitis
* Muscle Strains
* Shin Splints

Massage is used to treat a wide variety of health related conditions, and the Graston technique massage therapy is one such method of treatment to consider, without the use of drugs or surgery.