My Blog

Massage and Circulation

June 2018

Good circulation is essential to good health because the circulatory system delivers oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to tissues of the body while carrying away waste through the lymphatic system. A sluggish circulatory system can have an impact on how quickly our muscles recover from stress and trauma. But regular massage therapy can help.

Therapeutic massage increases the circulation of blood as well as the flow of lymph. The stimulation of nerve receptors causes blood vessels to dilate; facilitating blood flow. So imagine an area of muscle tension like a blockage in a drain pipe. There is no flow. Stagnant blood accumulates, creating pain and inflammation. Massage to the area breaks up the blockage and opens the vessels so that fresh blood can flow in to help heal the tissues. Where does the waste go? That is where the lymphatic system comes in. Lymph is a milky white fluid that takes impurities and waste away from the tissues. Lymph does not circulate the same as blood so its movement largely depends on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions. And for people with disabilities or health restrictions that cause inactivity this can be a problem. Massage therapy helps stimulate the lymphatic system to do its job so that waste does not accumulate in the body.

Poor circulation can lead to poor health, so it is important to keep moving. And consider massage therapy as a valuable tool to keep your body's circulatory system flowing smoothly.

On-site Massage for Seniors and Special Needs Clients

March 2018

Massage therapy is a powerful tool when combined with a regular healthcare regimen. But not everyone is able to travel to a massage therapist's office.

That is why I have expanded my practice to include on-site massage for seniors and clients with special needs who are unable to come to my office. I provide rehabilitative and restorative massage therapy for seniors and people with disabilities and chronic conditions at their residential or treatment centers. This can include clients' homes as well as assisted living centers, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities.

I am passionate about bringing the benefits of massage to those who need it the most, and am dedicated to making a difference in people's lives through touch.

If you are interested in learning more about this service for yourself or a loved one, please contact me today!

-Julie Dew, LMT

Massage Therapy for Pain Management

December 2017

The following is a great article from the American Massage Therapy Association regarding the effectiveness of Massage Therapy for pain management :

"According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. You might be wondering how to treat your pain, and massage therapy is one option that is showing promise.

Research continues to support the health benefits of massage therapy for pain management. Find out how massage therapy can help these five painful conditions.

1. Low-back Pain - Back pain is a common neurological ailment in the U.S. Research shows that massage therapy can help decrease pain, reduce disability and lower anxiety/depression in low-back pain sufferers.

2. Fibromyalgia - Studies indicate massage therapy can be a beneficial part of an integrative treatment plan for those with fibromyalgia syndrome by reducing pain, improving quality of life and decreasing anxiety, stiffness, fatigue and more.

3. Post-operative Pain - Post-operative pain can complicate recovery, lengthen hospital stays and interfere with a patient’s return to activities. Recent research indicates massage therapy can be effective for reducing pain intensity/severity and anxiety in patients undergoing surgical procedures.

4. Tension Headaches - According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, tension-type headache is the most common type of headache. Research has shown massage therapy can decrease perceived pain, frequency, duration and intensity for those dealing with tension headaches.

5. Arthritis - Research indicates that 60 minute sessions of Swedish massage once a week for those with osteoarthritis of the knee significantly reduced their pain. In addition, research shows that massage therapy can decrease pain and significantly impact some rheumatoid arthritis patient’s ability to control the mobility of their limbs."

So before you turn to medications that only mask your pain, why not try massage therapy as a way of effectively treating the cause of your pain?

Geriatric Massage

November 2017

I am pleased to announce that I just finished Geriatric Massage training with Sharon Puszko, owner and director of Day-Break Geriatric Massage Institute. I am excited to add this wonderful modality to my practice.

The word “geriatric” refers to health impairments that are associated with the later years of life, usually age 65 and older. This type of massage takes age-related health conditions into account. To successfully administer this modality requires academic knowledge and technical skills that go beyond what is usually taught in massage schools, as it is simply not needed in a practice directed toward younger clients. The style of massage taught by Day-Break Geriatric Massage Institute has been proven to be effective, increasing health and wellness among its recipients.

Massage for the elderly population uses different techniques and a maximum time limit of 30 minutes.

I will be offering Geriatric Massage as an on-call service, so please feel free to contact me for more information.

- Julie Dew, LMT