20 Secrets Your Massage Therapist Knows About Your Body

In just one hour long session, we can decode everything from whether you need a new pillow to how badly those childhood accidents affected you.  This is only a partial list of things massage therapists can learn....... bwahahaha

Whether you're constipated

Uh-huh, we feel it immediately. Your stomach is firm to the touch. But it's OK—we'll get things moving for you, and teach you some self-techniques too (like tracing the words "I love you" into your stomach). Don't blush: We all tend to need support in that area sometimes.

If your allergies are flaring

You have pressure points over your eyes, forehead, cheeks, and even around your jaw. When these are tender and inflamed, and the quality of the tissue feels different, we know you might be dealing with pesky allergies. Lymph nodes in the chest, around the neck, and under the armpits will also be tender and swollen.

That you cross your legs often

Crossing your legs isn't good for you. Even if you're just crossing at the heels, you put a lot of pressure on your hip flexors. In turn, the glute muscles shoot pain up to the lower back or down to the hamstrings and quads. That area is all connected. Crossing legs also causes an unnatural bend in your pelvic girdle, and prevents proper circulation. Don't do it!

That you might have skin cancer

Massage therapists are the eyes for the back of your body, and we can spot irregularities in places you can't. We've noticed bright red, oddly shaped spots behind the knees or on the back of the hip, and when we do, we'll urge you to get it checked out. Clients have called us saying, "You may have saved my life."

When you need a new pillow

There's a lot of trial and error that goes into finding the perfect pillow. You want to have your spine in as perfect alignment as possible. The pillow should support the shoulder enough to not bunch up around your ears. Over time pillows should be turned around, fluffed, or replaced when their appearance gets a bit deflated or you no longer feel supported in your sleep.

If your head is tilted down or up, it'll put strain on your neck. And speaking of strain, we beg: Don't sleep on your stomach. It places incredible pressure on your spine and neck. Sleep on your back or side. You can tuck a pillow between your knees or under your arms to be more comfortable.

If you're prone to low back pain

We'll know even if you don't say so. When you lay on the table, we'll check to see if one hip is higher than the other. That type of misalignment is caused by tightness in the low back, a result of prolonged sitting or poor posture, and usually results in pain.

When you're on your back, we'll also see how much space is between the table and your low back. Sometimes too much belly weight can cause the stressed gap, which may also lead to aching.

That you've been stressed out

We know you're uptight if you're a bit too chatty or can't focus on relaxing. Plus, your body's response to the massage will be different. Not all massage therapists believe that toxins are released during massage, but those who do take sweating or bad breath as signs that it's the first time you've let loose in a while.

That you work at a computer

You'll have a forward roll of the shoulders from looking at that monitor all day, and your back will be strained from remaining still for hours. An easy fix: quick stretches at your desk. Tense your shoulders up around your ears, squeeze for five to ten seconds, then drop and let gravity pull down your shoulders. Or, rotate in your chair like you're driving a car in reverse, and hold for a count of ten. Believe us, it will make a difference.

That you suffered injuries as a kid

We'll notice the injury patterns even you may have forgotten about. We'll see the aftermath of that childhood sledding accident, or that you once broke your leg, and then you'll tell us about an injury a decade ago. A broken leg is often slightly shorter than the healthy leg, but when we examine you with both legs side by side, it's obvious.

That you're a textaholic

If we rub your shoulders, and you tell us it hurts or it's tight, we wonder how much you've been texting. It's easy to forget how long you hold your head in that downward position, but be sure to look up and stretch every so often, because that prolonged posture will cost you dysfunction and imbalance in the shoulders.

When you're hormonal

"Trigger points" tell us a lot about your body. These are sensitive areas, which feel stickier, tense, hot, or rubbery to us and painful to you. We'll know when you're about to get your period or when you're ovulating because of sensitive hormonal trigger points in your low back. A woman will ask, "What is that?" We'll tell her she's due for her period. Many times, she'll laugh and say she got it that morning.

If you're dehydrated

We can always tell if you haven't been keeping up with your daily eight glasses of water. Trigger points in the upper back will be more tender when you're dehydrated. Drink up, especially on massage day.

That you have physical challenges

Maybe you're extremely right side-dominant. Or perhaps you carry your children on your left hip. Whatever the reason, if we see you're overdeveloped on one side and you're a triathlete, for example, we'll know you have trouble swimming in a straight line. Try doing single arm or leg exercises with the opposite arm during off-season to even yourself out.

If you traveled recently

We're a touch-phobic society. If you spent hours in an airplane, especially with a seatmate who took from your space, you likely sat on only one of your glute muscles and curled yourself away. Your strained spots will have a twisted pattern, caused by a lot of pressure on one side. Likewise, if you have significant stress in your neck, we'll guess you fell asleep without a pillow, likely hanging your head for hours.

That your bra is too tight

Intimate, yes, but easy to tell. We can actually feel where a too-tight bra strap has been cutting across the shoulder blade, because the muscles above the scapula have tightened in response to the pressure. Same goes for a heavy backpack strap or purse—you're overexerting that muscle, and it's fighting back.

When your job is taking a physical toll

Sometimes we see house painters who have predictable indents on both of their shins from leaning against a ladder eight hours a day. Another example: dentists. They have to work in a crooked position all day, so they typically carry their stress on the side of the table they work from.

If you've been chilly

Your posture changes in the winter when it gets cold, because you hunch up your shoulders to your ears. It's instinct. During those months, chances are you come to us carrying stress on top of your shoulders and around the neck, and we know why.

If you've given birth

Even if it's been a year or two since you had the baby, your ligaments may still be very loose. They stretch all over your body, not just in your hips and pelvic region. Some women have ankle and wrist problems, or they developed carpal tunnel during pregnancy. Happily, most of these issues resolve themselves over time.

If you're a heavy smoker

If so, your breathing is heavier, deeper, and harder, or you might try to catch your breath during the massage. Often times, clients fall asleep while we're massaging them, and we can tell if they smoke by how often they gasp for air while snoring.

That you're a runner

If you complain specifically about hip and foot discomfort, chances are you run regularly. The hips and low back will feel tight, and you also have tension in the bottom of the foot. We'll need to stretch you in specific ways to help with the pain.



 






Sources: Jenn Sommermann, LCMT, a massage therapist in Freeport, NY; Jessie Bernstein, LMT, BCTMB, a massage therapist specializing in pregnancy and oncology in Baltimore, Md; Lance Johnson, LMT, a massage therapist in Gilbert, Az; and Alice Sanvito, LMT, a massage therapist in St. Louis, Mo. 

Think You Are Safe in the Gym?

The gym can be an intimidating place for the inexperienced. But in some cases, it's the overly confident gym-goer to be wary of. Fitness fanatics don't always take the time to reevaluate their routine, learn new techniques or prioritize health and safety.

Try as they might to set the record straight, fitness experts can't be everywhere at all times, dispelling efficacy myths or correcting form. That's why we decided to ask them to share the fitness pet peeves they're tired of seeing. Here, seven exercises they wish you'd stop doing:

• 1
  Crunches
  Antonio_Diaz via Getty Images
  "Here's why crunches don't really work that well and are actually dangerous: Imagine your spine is a credit card. In the same way that repeatedly flexing and extending a credit card will eventually lead to wearing out of the card, repeatedly performing the crunching motion can put a lifetime of damaging strain on your back.
  
  You've probably been taught that if you're going to pick a heavy object off the ground and you don't want to hurt your spine, you should bend at the knees and not at the back. But anytime you do a crunch or a sit-up, you're bending at the back -- over and over and over again!"
  
  --Ben Greenfield, certified strength and conditioning coach and sports nutritionist, and HuffPost blogger
   
• 2
  The Seated Hip Abductor/Adductor Machine
  Getty Images
  "It's not super-effective to just target those smaller muscle groups and, quite frankly, most people I see on that machine are talking with a friend or reading a book... not really paying attention.
  
  A better option: Get more bang for your buck and do lunges -- walking lunges, cross-behind lunges, step-ups -- you will engage and use your inner and outer thighs, while also training your whole leg and functional movement."
  
  --Chris Freytag, national fitness expert, author and HuffPost blogger
   
• 3
  Behind-The-Head Lat Pulldown
  Karl Weatherly via Getty Images
  "The move I think is not beneficial and possibly harmful is the behind-the-neck lat pulldown done on gym equipment.
  
  It requires you to have very flexible shoulders, and if you don't, you can impinge your shoulder and suffer great pain in your rotator cuff. Most trainers now recommend pulling the bar down in front of the shoulders, which still has you using your lats but in a safer way."
  
  --Ramona Braganza, celebrity trainer and founder of 321 Fitness
   
• 4
  American Kettlebell Swings (If You're Not Ready For Them)
  Brian Steele via Getty Images
  "I am always hesitant of the American kettlebell swing. This can be a great move, but only if done properly. The traditional kettlebell swing is the Russian kettlebell swing, where the athlete moves a kettlebell from just below the groin up to around a 90-degree angle to the torso. This movement is a power-producing, dynamic movement that is beneficial to the stay-at-home mom or the elite athlete. All of the power is generated from the hips and this exercise utilizes almost every muscle in the entire body.
  
  The American kettlebell swing has the same start point as the Russian kettlebell swing, but it ends with the kettlebell overhead. When a kettlebell is in the overhead position, I see lots of people who overextend their backs to compensate for the weight. This is also seen when someone is fatiguing. This can be fixed by mobilizing the shoulder girdle and the thoracic spine, as well as by scaling the movement to a lighter weight or less repetitions.
  
  You should only complete American kettlebell swings if you have proper core stabilization at the top of the lift, as well as solid shoulder mobility. If done improperly, this can lead to back and shoulder injuries."
  
  --Collette Stohler, author of The Intuitive Athlete, and HuffPost blogger
   
• 5
  Curls In The Squat Rack
  Predrag Vuckovic via Getty Images
  "People need to understand that it is not alright to curl in the squat rack. This is the greatest gym etiquette offense of all and a recurring joke/point of rage amongst experienced gym-goers. You can literally curl anywhere. The weight for curls is relatively light. You could put the weight on the ground and easily pick it up. If you're squatting, you need the rack. You have to put the weight up high so you can comfortably take it out to start your set. The weight compared to most other exercises is much higher, and you need to have the safety/spot bars available in case something goes wrong during the exercise.
  
  If you're curling in the squat rack, you should probably stop because you just might be aggravating the exact person you don't want to get upset, which just might make the squat rack curl the most unsafe exercise to perform of all."
  
  --Pat Davidson, Ph.D., director of training methodology at Peak Performance in New York City
   
• 6
  The Leg Extension Machine
  Wavebreakmedia Ltd via Getty Images
  "I'm a firm believer in challenging the body with free weight and bodyweight-based exercises, as opposed to using standardized machines. Machines are not as 'one size fits all' as they seem, so more often than not, you aren't able to perform the given exercise from a natural position. When it comes to the leg extension machine specifically, it relies on a non-functional movement (we don't replicate that motion in our daily lives). It also places more stress than necessary on the back of the kneecap, which can cause problems not only for those with existing knee pain, but also others who are predisposed to such issues. There are so many more dynamic ways to work the quads (the only muscle the leg extension machine works) that activate other muscles in the legs and core, as well as create a better sense of body awareness when learning proper form!"
  
  --Alena Hall, HuffPost Third Metric Fellow and certified personal trainer
   
• 7
  The Smith Machine
  Getty Images
  "The Smith machine does all of the balancing and stabilizing for you. Due to the single plane, unnatural and fixed motion, using the Smith machine does not allow you to recruit the smaller, surrounding, stabilizing muscles. This takes away the functionality of the exercises and you isolate large muscle groups. Go from squatting with a Smith machine to the motion in a real-life situation -- like lifting a heavy object off of the floor -- and you have the potential to seriously injure yourself.
  
  [The] smooth balance and fixed motion can also make you believe you can lift more weight than you should be. Continue to use the Smith machine and you will get very strong in exactly one plane of motion, which would be great if there was only one plane of motion. Over time you can develop over-use injuries depending on which exercises you are doing with the Smith machine.
  
  The takeaway: Learn proper form with free weights. Strive to be as symmetrical as possible to avoid injuries and build up to heavier weights safely and with the appropriate amount of time."
  
  --Alison Peters, NYU Langone Medical Center exercise physiologist

Kathie Lee Gifford Owes Male Massage Therapists an Apology

First of all let me state that I watch very little network television because I find most of the shows are poorly written and reality shows are not really reality at all.  However, I was getting my nails done today and the salon had on Kathie Lee Gifford's show.....so unfortunately I caught some of the content and boy oh boy did she make me mad.  She and her co-host were talking about butt facials.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Kathie said that she would never let a man give her a butt facial and then she went on to say she would not let a man give her a massage.  Her co-host said she loved deep tissue work so she liked getting massages from men.  This comment sent Kathie Lee thru the roof.  She screeched at her pal in disbelief as to how any woman could feel comfortable with a male massage therapist and then she added this ridiculous comment "How could you get a massage from a man and not wonder what his intentions really were?". 

My first thought was "What a stupid bitch."  Then came my rage at how this person was on national television totally insinuating that male massage therapists were not to be trusted. Kathie Lee basically inferred that male massage therapists must find giving a massage a sexual experience. I wonder if she makes the same assumption about male physicians.  Hello?  Kathie, just because Frank messed around on you does not mean that all men are pigs who are constantly on the prowl for sex.  Stupid comments like this is the reason there is such a gender bias in this profession.  Shame on you!

There are so many things wrong with Kathie's way of thinking, but the sad truth is there are many other women AND men that feel the same way. Male massage therapists receive formal training and are licensed healthcare professionals but they have to work twice as hard as women to make it in this profession.  Why?  Because of ignorant people, like Kathie Lee Gifford, spewing nonsensical crap.


I wonder if Kathie Lee has ever entertained the idea that a female massage therapist might have had less than honorable intentions during a massage.  Kathie, ever hear of a lesbian?  I am sure that this thought never entered your wee little mind.  You're welcome!  I hope you never ever get another relaxing massage again.

Pssst.  You really should apologize.

The 5 Worst Stretching Mistakes You're Probably Making

By Linda Melone

Stretching feels great and increases flexibility -- when done the right way. But not preparing properly or doing the stretch incorrectly can lead to injuries and inflexibility, the exact opposite of the results you want. Avoid these common mistakes for a safe, pain-free and effective stretching routine.

1. You bounce.
Bouncing at the end of your stretch (when done vigorously enough) can cause the muscle and tendon to tear, says Luga Podesta, M.D., sports medicine physician and rehabilitation specialist at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. This “ballistic” stretching triggers a reaction within the muscle that prevents it from relaxing and ends up defeating the purpose of the action. Instead, Podesta recommends gradually elongating and holding the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, then release and repeat several times.

2. You're in the wrong position.
If you don't feel the stretch where you're expecting to feel it, you may be doing it wrong, says Phil Oliveri, a physical therapist with Rockford Spine Center in Rockford, Illinois. "Poor body positioning can cause you to miss the muscle you're aiming to stretch. Use a free hand to feel the muscle you are stretching. It should feel tight and then loosen after the stretch."

3. You stretch an injured muscle.
Stretching an injured muscle can make the damage even worse by worsening a tear, says Podesta. As a general rule, if muscle pain doesn't go away within several days, it's a good idea to get it checked by a physician. Once it's healed, gradually introduce low-intensity stretching according to your doctor's advice.

4. You stretch without warming up.
This is probably the most common stretching mistake: Stretching a cold muscle can cause a tear or rip, says Podesta. "You need a good warmup before you stretch, one where you break a sweat." That's probably 10 minutes or so, but might be longer for some people. A hot shower or heating pad can substitute in a pinch, but these don't work as well, says Podesta. That's because you're not moving and working the muscle like in a traditional warmup. [Note: Consider swapping static stretching for foam rolling in a warmup.]

5. You try too hard.
Like bouncing, pushing the stretch beyond your ability can cause the muscle to tear. "The muscle tendon complex to the bone can be damaged by contracting the muscle and then pushing," Podesta says. You should feel a little bit uncomfortable during a stretch, but it should never be painful. If you still feel tight, repeat the stretch several times while staying within your range of motion.

That's My Winter Coat

Hidden Camera Massage

We secretly replaced the massage table with a large piece of lumber......let's see if he notices.

Heard This Week on the Massage Table

Client Text:  So I thought it was funny, I had a dream the other night that I came for my massage and you were just hanging out talking and said you forgot to put my appointment in.  Then laughed about it and told me you couldn't get me in for another month.  Haha.  I woke up and laughed.  More like a nightmare with the way my back is right now.



Client Text:  Crazy question.  What determines if u get white or brown eggs?
Me:  Lol breed of chicken
Client:  Not the color of the chicken?  Have a bet going
Me:  Nooooo city boy



After a "lively" facebook discussion about how much I hate Groupon, I received this text:

Client Text:  Hey Kim, I know it's short notice but when can you work me in?
Me:  Fri at 3:30?
Client:  I'll be there.  Groupon discount?
Me:  Lmao cya then!



Client:  Well the truth is I always wanted to see you, but it is next to impossible to get in with you last minute!  If you give me a set time and day I will be here!



After discussing a stylist's connection to a massage therapist I used to work with, this gem occurred:

Client:  Wait.  She's a lesbian?  But she knits all the time.  Does that make me sound shallow that I just didn't see knitting and being a lesbian going together?



Me:  Well I have been studying cranial-sacral therapy.  So far everyone loves it and falls asleep almost immediately. 
Client:  You going to show it to me?
Me:  I will gladly show it to you, but not today.  We haven't seen each other in a month and we have too much chatting to get done.  Next time when we can work quietly.....you are in.



Client:  Look at this picture of me after I had my peel.  I look horrible, like a boxer....
Me:  A boxer that went 6 rounds....

So Says Your Massage Therapist

Kung Fu Hillbilly - Training Video

Healing Hands now offers individual and group self-defense classes.  Please don't try this at home!

Heard This Week on the Massage Table

Text from client:  In the vein of The Beatles, I want you, I want you soooo bad.

Client:  "I am not sure what happens but I have the most releases and my belly gurgles every time I see you."
Me:  "Good!  That means I am doing my job."


Client:  "This is Miss Kim and she massages your daddy every week.....and he is still that grumpy."

Client:  "I am so happy that you are rubbing me today."

Me:  "My niece had her baby boy last Thursday.  She was in labor 19 hours before they decided to do a c-section. She named him Dallas and I told her she needed to change his middle name to Ft. Worth since he delayed his arrival for many hours."

Client:  "Remember the last time I was here and I asked what might be causing my leg pain?  You told me that it was probably because I was standing on the outer ridge of my foot.  You were right.  I have been trying to be more aware of my body and after correcting my stance, I have been feeling much better in my legs and hips."

Me:  "Your back is so much better since we have been working on it."
Client:  "It's ALL better since I have been coming here!"


Client:  "Oh my god you are skinny!  How much weight have you lost?  And you need to lose those jeans they are way too big on you.  Now you need to get your boobs reduced."
Me:  "Thanks?"
Another Client:  "People pay perfectly good money for boobs like yours."

Ten Easy At-Work Workouts

***Sharing from Huffington Post**



After a long day at the office, you're exhausted -- and why shouldn't you be? You spent eight hours analyzing, synthesizing, staring at a computer and/or networking with clients, customers or coworkers. You didn't have time for a substantial lunch, and your stomach growls that dinner can't wait until after a workout. You need food now. And the thought of a sports drink and a power bar just isn't as appealing as the idea of glass of Bordeaux, a square of dark chocolate and flannel pants. Yes, it's nearly impossible to trade in your slacks for mesh shorts when what you really crave are your pajamas.
Next time you can't bring yourself to stop at the gym on your way home from the office, don't sweat it. You don't need to force exercise after work, when there's desk-ercise at work.
Here are eight covert ways to work your body while you work your job, without your boss ever knowing the difference.

1) Business as Usual
While seated in your chair, perform leg extensions. Lift your feet off the floor until your knees are completely straight and their muscles contracted. With enough repetitions (and maybe with the added weight resistance of a heavy pair of leather boots), your quads will tone before the end of the quarter. Best part? What happens under your desk, stays under your desk.
2) Regular Raises
Waiting in line at the copy machine? Don't just stand there -- climb onto those tippy-toes. If nobody is looking, lower and lift in sets of 30 repetitions. If you're being watched, hold yourself up in the air. Shapely calves stabilize and empower -- not to mention look sleek and sexy in a pair of heels.
3) Credit Crunch
The upright crunch is one of the most effective conditioning drills you have up your cardigan sleeve. While typing a report, keep your back straight, lift your knees above the chair, and hold them there until your contracted abdominal muscles can't take any more.
4) Turn-Around Time
This exercise requires a swivel chair, and is only suitable in an empty office. Begin with the Credit Crunch, but kick it up a notch. After you elevate your legs, go for a spin. Jerk your knees for momentum and rotate. See how many revolutions you can make before exhausting your core. This one makes getting fit fun.
5) The Floor Trader
Instead of walking down the hall to the nearest restroom, extend your bathroom break by choosing a lavatory on a different floor. And don't use the elevator! The extra stair ascending and descending each day will add up, and result in the positive kind of company loss.
6) Market Pull
Place your hands in your lap with one downturned palm resting on top of the upturned palm. Your arms should form a straight line from elbow to elbow. Start sliding your hands apart, curl your fingers, and lock them together. Now pull as hard as you can without breaking your grip. Rest and repeat. This isometric exercise works your traps, delts, triceps and biceps without you ever leaving your cubicle.
7) Push Production
Place your hands in your lap with palms kissing one another as if in prayer. Now push your hands together. Rest and repeat. This works your pecs, biceps and triceps. Gym membership? Who needs it? You'll be sure to see a return on this investment.
8) Desk Assignment
To reap further benefits of isometric exercise, place your palms under the base of your desktop and push up against its resistance. Alternatively, lay your palms flat on the top of your desk and push down. If you've recently received a nasty memo, slip it under your press for additional motivation.
9) Binding Contract
While perched in your desk chair, tighten your gluteus muscles. Alternate between quick releases and longer holds. Either way, squeeze with all your might. Although, if you have a particularly observant coworker sitting behind you, you might want to opt for the longer, more discreet, holds.
10) Active Portfolio
Have a lunch hour? Instead of spending it reading 50 Shades of Grey in the break room, take the first 40 minutes and walk around the neighborhood, or in bad weather, the building. Then circle back to the office fridge, pick up your lunch and enjoy it for the remaining 20 minutes. You've earned it!

Heard This Week on the Massage Table

Text from client:  My leg feels sooooo much better. Thank u, thank u, thank u! And watched Downton, something for sure.  Sad but good.
Me:  So glad your leg is better!  And so glad you watched it because I was dying inside when you were telling me about the interview with Anna!


Text from client:  Good luck on my neck today.  I think some lil munchkin that ties muscles in knots comes to me every night and ties all of mine like 8 times.


Text from client:  breakout the hot stones and tiger balm....sore as F*ck



Client:  (Husband) was trying to massage me the other night and he said "Come to the bedroom and I will do what Kim does to me."  I asked him exactly what kind of massage he had been getting!


Me:  My dad asked me why I was always getting sick so I told him "You try standing over naked bodies all day long and rubbing them from head to toe and see how many germs YOU pick up."


Client:  How are the chickens doing in this weather?
Me:  Well they basically are on strike.  Can't really blame them....I wouldn't want to be outside working in zero degree weather either. And if  Hubby doesn't get the eggs as soon as they are laid, they freeze and explode. Who knew?


Client:  Is it hard doing a 2 hour massage?
Me:  Are you kidding me?  I could do 2 hours and then some and still not get around all your knots!

Pelvic Floor Pain

I'm a clincher.  I am not sure when this all got started, but throughout the years my body established a pattern of tensing my butt cheeks whenever I was stressed or exerting myself physically.  Over time this clinching produced a multitude of problems throughout my body.  I had chronic low back pain, hip pain, urinary incontinence, menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and painful intercourse.  I sought relief from multiple healthcare professionals, numerous medications, yoga, Kegel exercises, massage, chiropractic adjustments, and surgical procedures but pain relief was only temporary.  Then I discovered internal pelvic therapy (IPT) and my journey to fixing myself began.

Wondering what internal pelvic therapy is?  Simply put, it is massage therapy that is performed in the vagina and/or rectum when external massage cannot effectively reach or treat areas of tightness.  Sounds like a really uncomfortable massage, huh?  I was skeptical at first, but after just one session I felt positive results.  After the second session I was a believer.  Weeks later, here I am sharing my discovery in effort to help others who might be suffering needlessly.

Not sure about what conditions might benefit from IPT? This is a partial list:

• Pelvic floor pain and dysfunction
• Endometriosis
• Painful intercourse
• Urinary incontinence, urgency and/or frequency
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Scar tissue from abdominal and/or vaginal surgical procedures
• Hip, low back, coccygeal (tailbone) pain
• Pudendal neuralgia  
• Spinal misalignment
• Infertility

You might be wondering how my body got to the point of needing IPT.  The short answer is that  I have hypermobile, or super flexible/double jointed hips that can stretch beyond the normal range.  My body had to compensate for this condition by over-working some of the muscles that aided in my core stability.  The long answer outlines how day to day activities, combined with my unstable core,  led to my chronic pain.

Childbirth and surgical procedures brought trauma and scar tissue into my abdomen and pelvis.  The scar tissue pulled my body out of alignment and put further stress on my already unstable core.  The traumatized core muscles shortened and pressed down on my organs.  My first  surgery for urinary problems happened when I was 3 years old, my last was two years ago. I delivered two children, had a tubal ligation, a surgery for cervical cancer, and a hysterectomy.  The scar tissue in my pelvis and abdomen wrapped even tighter around my soft tissue and organs.  I developed stress incontinence and my body dealt with this issue by clinching the muscles in my pelvis so I would not leak urine.  As the incontinence grew worse, my body clinched more and more.  My muscles soon recognized clinching as the norm.  My hip pain increased and my left knee started popping when I stood for long periods of time. I had bladder repair surgery and the incontinence problem was solved, but immediately after my surgery I began having intense pain in my pelvic floor and left hip.

As a massage therapist I pride myself in continually striving to educate myself about massage theories and  modalities. So in my determination to fix myself I read articles and books. I massaged my abdomen, hips, and quads.   I rolled on a tennis ball for my hamstrings, gluts, IT Band, and piriformis.  I stretched.  Nothing worked, but for some reason I just knew that the right kind of massage would relieve my pain.  Then quite by accident, as I was rolling my gluts on the tennis ball, I lost my balance and my life was forever changed.  The tennis ball rolled under my coccyx (tailbone) and I instantly felt the good hurt. After I sat poised atop a tennis ball for several minutes, the muscles in my pelvic floor softened and I began to have hope.

I re-read the pertinent chapters of a terrific book on trigger point therapy and luckily for me I found information about internal massage.  From there I did an on-line search for internal massage and found a great guide to internal pelvic floor self- massage (www.beyondbasicsphysicaltherapy.com).  I began doing internal massage on myself and felt relief almost immediately.   (The hard to reach areas were worked with my husband's assistance).  Still not completely satisfied,  I found a great article written by Dr. Chaitow, an osteopath in the United Kingdom.  For years he treated patients with the assumption that  weak core muscles was the root of their problems and pain.  After structural evaluation, Chaitow found that some of his female patients who had pelvic pain, painful intercourse, and stress incontinence had excessively toned musculature and that Kegel-type exercises exacerbated their problems. He also found evidence that internal vaginal massage could improve symptoms of interstitial cystitis.  But my favorite part of his article, The Pelvic Floor Paradox, was "the tennis ball trick".  I began doing the tennis ball trick and I checked in with myself  regularly to see whether I was clinching or not.  Soon after I began rolling and trying to be more self-aware,  my hip and back pain were reduced considerably.  I alternated between rocking and IPT daily, all the while monitoring my clinching.  I began feeling more open and relaxed in my pelvis and after rocking and performing self-massage  for a week and a half, my pelvis drastically shifted on the left side and my hip pain disappeared.

What followed next was a thing of comedic beauty.  I stood up and marveled at my pain-free hip.  With a big smile on my face I took one step forward and immediately went three steps to my left.  My core muscles had been so jacked up that compensation had changed my gait.  The reason I walked crooked was due to muscle memory.  My muscles were in a new position--their original, optimal performing position, but the muscles moved as if my pelvis was still misaligned.....which made me look like a drunk failing a sobriety test.  I walked wonky for a few days and even bonded with some folks coming out of Rupp Arena that were staggering as well.... but I am happy to report I am now walking upright without any sidestepping.

So back to that clinching thing.....recognizing the problem was half the battle and I can thank Hubby for first pointing out my clinching.  I am trying to retrain my core muscles by checking in with myself many times per day, and if I catch myself clinching, I focus on relaxing my body.  Nowadays, whenever I feel low back, hip, or pelvic tension, I break out the tennis ball,  do a bit of self-massage, and ask my body to just chill the heck out.

I realize this is not an easy thing to talk about for many people and I respect your privacy.  But those of you who are suffering pain like I was and would like more information on how to possibly get pain relief with IPT, please send your questions to:  KimBlackwell1964@gmail.com

8 Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

I found this terrific article on Huff Post 50 and wanted to share.  The way I see it is........ if you come to my office you can knock out several of these at once!





After the holiday high of family time and festivities, you may find the January melancholy setting in. If you're one of 90-some percent of people, you've fallen off the New Year's resolution bandwagon, your bank balance is running low from costly Christmas gifts, and there's no work holiday in sight for a few months.
It's no wonder an estimated one in five Americans suffer from SAD or seasonal affective disorder, often referred to as the winter blues. You may be sleepier than normal, not have the energy to socialize, and be craving carb-laden comfort foods.
Sound familiar? The bad news is we're still a ways away from basking in the warm glow of the summer months. The good news is life doesn't have to stop just because it's colder out than in Antarctica.
While you should talk to your doctor if you feel depressed for several days and have lost interest in things you normally enjoy, there are plenty of do-it-yourself remedies for the occasional case of the seasonal blues. We've rounded up some of the best things you can do to get yourself out of your funk.
Sayonara, doldrums.

• 1
  Take your vitamins
   
  With fewer hours of sunlight, our vitamin D levels drop during the winter months. While there's nothing like getting some actual rays, a study from NYU found people with SAD saw improvements in their mood with supplementing with the vitamin. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends taking 2,000 IU of Vitamin D daily. Another supplement which has been shown to help with seasonal depression is melatonin. The hormone helps regulate your sleep cycle, which can be thrown off by the shorter winter days. There's a different optimal time for everyone to take melatonin, so discuss with your doctor to find out what time of day is best to supplement. 
• 2
  Get moving
   
  Yes, we know. Who wants to brave the blistering cold (and unforgiving workout gear) to go to the gym when you could just as easily stay curled up on your couch with a warm drink and cozy blanket. But exercise can boost your feelings of well-being, help you stay positive, and and even boost your drained energy back up by upping your brains feel-good chemicals. So why not make the most of it and embrace what winter weather has to offer! Get your workout, your sunshine, and even a little fun with activities like skiing, ice skating, or even taking the little ones sledding. Did you know an hour on the rink can burn around 500 calories? Another bonus of getting off the oh-so-comfy couch. 
• 3
  Keep your resolutions
   
  Whether you've been meaning to quit smoking or get to the gym more, staying on track with your resolutions will give you a sense of accomplishment and a goal to keep you motivated. Plus, some studies show a correlation between depression and healthy behaviors. A CDC study found that women with healthy behaviors like exercising and not smoking, experienced fewer depressed day than those with less-healthy behaviors. 
• 4
  Don't be a hermit
   
  After the holiday high of family gatherings and days off from work, in the new year you might feel yourself feeling more isolated with a less packed social calendar. Being socially isolated can make you more vulnerable to mental health problems and just plain lonely. Some researchers believe that one in five people feel sad solely due to social isolation. If you're feeling blue, the last thing you might feel like doing is having to put on your social mask. But doctors say, the more you withdraw, the worse you will feel. So take this time to try something you've always wanted to do, like volunteering or taking a cooking class. 
• 5
  Try light therapy
   
  No, this doesn't mean you need to be stuck under a sun lamp. Just getting outside and taking a walk in early morning sunlight could do you some good, according to WebMD. Morning light exposure is especially effective in treating symptoms of seasonal depression, according to some research. You can also get light boxes, which simulate sunlight and help regulate the brain chemicals that affect your mood. As little as a half hour to a full hour each day can help lift your spirits. Just a few weeks of treatment have been proven to help around 70 percent of patients. 
• 6
  Treat yourself
   
  The start of the year can be stressful with freezing temperatures, new year's resolutions, and several months to go before the next holiday. Though you might be worried about money after the big holiday spending splurge (another cause of stress), it might be helpful to ease up and treat yourself to a little something. To keep yourself active, treat yourself to an outing, whether it's a sporting event, a mini-trip, or even a spa day. Massages have even been shown to lower depression by over 50 percent, by reducing stress hormones and the increasing depression-fighting chemicals, serotonin and dopamine. 
• 7
  Consider aromatherapy
   
  Smells can be a big source of comfort and evoke memories of happier times. If you're a big believer in alternative medicine, or even if you're a skeptic, it's worth giving aromatherapy a shot to lift your spirits. An NIH study found aromatherapy can be an effective supplementary treatment for people with depressive symptoms. Lavender in particular has shown to help with symptoms of depression and insomnia. For seasonal depression, aromatherapy experts recommend oils like bergamot, jasmine, and neroli among others. Try adding a couple of drops of these essential oils to your bath water, in a diffuser, or aroma lamp to help you relax. 
• 8
  Indulge a little
   
  Is there anything a little chocolate can't fix? Some research suggests that dark chocolate (we're talking 70 percent cocoa or more) helps boost dopamine levels in your brain. Good news, just in time for Valentine's Day.

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Release The Kraken

This article really resonates with me.  I do a LOT of massage on women that have fascial holding around their breasts due to bra constriction.  Abdominal tension can contribute to low back pain, IBS, pelvic floor dysfunction, infertility, bladder control issues, and a whole host of other problems.  If you have suffered any of these maladies caused by the "body vice grip" aka shapewear, massage therapy on your abdomen can help.





"I hate Spanx because even though they look so good under your clothes, sometimes mid-wedding I'll be like, 'I feel so nauseous,'" actress Jennifer Coolidge once said. "They're so tight, who knows what you're cutting off?"
Turns out, that star was on to something. While we can all relate to the aforementioned pain and suffering, most of us have no idea about the health ramifications of shapewear. Are we hurting our bodies in the name of smooth garment lines? We spoke to gastroenterologist Dr. John Kuemmerle, dermatologist Dr. Maryann Mikhail and chiropractor Dr. Karen Erickson to find out.

When you wear shapewear, you're compressing your organs.
Shapewear couldn't do its job if it wasn't tight. Unfortunately, this leaves your stomach, intestine and colon compressed, which Dr. Kuemmerle says can worsen acid reflux and heartburn. Restrictive clothing can also provoke erosive esophagitis.
Your digestive tract is also affected, explains Dr. Erickson. The intestines are supposed to contract and move food along, but when they're compressed over a long period of time, the flow of digestion is stifled. "It's like when people eat a huge meal and then unbuckle their jeans," Dr. Kuemmerle says. This damage, though not permanent, can lead to unpleasant symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating and gas.
Another hallmark of shapewear? Shallow breath. When you inhale, your diaphragm expands and your abdomen flares out, Dr. Erickson says, but shapewear restricts this movement and decreases the excursion in respiration.

That includes compressing your bowels.
Those with functional bowel disorders and irritable bowel syndrome should wear shapewear with caution. "In someone who has weakness down below and a tendency towards incontinence," Dr. Kuemmerle explains, "increasing intra-abdominal pressure can certainly provoke episodes of incontinence."
Dr. Erickson also notes that there can be a tendency for those wearing shapewear to not to want to go to the bathroom. "You've got all of this pressure on your bladder from the shapewear pressing down," she says. "If you postpone urinating, it can cause stress incontinence, where you leak, or it can exaggerate stress incontinence with people who already have it."

You can develop tingling, numbness and pain in your legs.
Sitting in shapewear can lead to a reversible condition called meralgia paresthetica, which is when the peripheral nerve in your thigh is compressed. This leads to tingling, numbness and pain in your legs, all of which can come and go or become constant. "It's like putting these giant rubber bands around your upper thighs and tightening them when you sit," Dr. Erickson says. (She's also seen this condition in those who wear too-tight pantyhose and pants.)
This rubber band effect can also decrease your circulation and lead to blood clots. When you sit in shapewear, Dr. Erickson explains that those genetically prone to varicosities can develop varicose veins and lymph congestion, which manifests as swollen ankles.

Your muscles will suffer if you rely on shapewear for good posture.
"Shapewear is not a substitute for having strong muscles," Dr. Erickson says. It's important to develop muscle tone, because it's those muscles that hold your posture in perfect alignment. Many people use shapewear as a crutch to avoid using those muscles, Dr. Erickson says.
And don't be fooled into thinking that shapewear works like a medical back brace. "Shapewear's a little different in that it's not therapeutically designed -- it's cosmetically designed," she explains.

Plus, shapewear can create an environment prone to infections.
Shapewear is occlusive, meaning it traps moisture and anything else under it, which predisposes shapewear wearers to both yeast and bacterial infections. Dr. Mikhail says that the most common infection she sees is folliculitis, since bacteria often gets trapped among hair follicles and causes red puss-filled bumps. "Usually folliculitis can be easily treated with topical antibiotics," she says. "But recurrent infections may develop antibiotic resistance, meaning they get harder and harder to treat."
Dr. Mikhail notes that the risks are higher in overweight individuals, diabetics and those who sweat excessively.

Like everything in life, it's important to exercise moderation: Don't wear them too often.
"Everyone I know owns shapewear -- it's kind of a miracle," Dr. Erickson admits. "But I think we want to be mindful to not wear it on a day-in and day-out basis." It's not a problem if you wear it for an evening or a special occasion, she says, but it's not a good idea to wear it daily and sit in it for hours on end.
If you're exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, all three doctors recommend avoiding shapewear until the issues are completely resolved.

Lastly, choosing the right fit is key.
There are so many different types of shapewear out there. You should pick the right style, but you also need to pick the right size, Dr. Erickson says. "You really want to pick shapewear that actually fits you," she explains. "You want it to do its job, but you don't want to get something so small that it's damaging you." For example, shapewear that goes up to your bra line isn't a good idea for those with acid reflux or heartburn, as that area is particularly sensitive for people predisposed to those conditions.
A good way to tell if your shapewear fits correctly? "It's not cutting in anywhere," says Dr. Erickson, who recommends trying out different brands and materials. "All it really does is smooth out the rough edges and you can easily get in and out of it without a struggle."