You’ve probably had a massage or two that left you with “massage brain” – where the level of relaxation is so profound, you feel a little out of it when you get up from that massage table. You can congratulate yourself (and thank your massage therapist) for giving your body and mind a much deserved rest from all the demands that life brings. But most of us then return to our regular life and unfortunately that feeling of peace doesn’t last until the next massage.
However, there are things you CAN do in between your massage sessions that help maintain some of those benefits of massage. They might even help you slip more quickly into that wonderful massage zone in your next session.
Here are 10 tips to consider between massage appointments to help maintain relaxation and overall well-being:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps your muscles and tissues hydrated.
2. Stretch: Gentle stretching can help maintain flexibility and prevent muscle tension from building up.
3. Practice Deep Breathing: Engage in deep, mindful breathing exercises to relax your body and reduce stress.
4. Maintain Good Posture: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day to prevent muscle strain and tension.
5. Apply Heat or Ice: Depending on your needs, using heat packs or ice packs can help alleviate muscle soreness or tension.
6. Self-Massage: Use self-massage techniques, such as foam rolling or using a tennis ball, to target specific areas of tension.
7. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation to stay centered and manage stress between appointments.
8. Stay Active: Engaging in gentle, low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help keep your muscles active and prevent stiffness.
Wait… If you want me stay active, how can I…
9. Stay Relaxed: Engage in activities you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath, to promote relaxation. Being active and being relaxed work best together (just not at the same time)!
10. Stay Consistent: Maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep to support your body’s overall wellness.
Remember, everyone’s needs are unique, so it’s important to listen to your body and adjust these tips according to your preferences and any advice from your healthcare provider. Come in to see us to once again to “unplug” for 60 or 90 minutes and stay healthy!
Education Update
Nancie Yonker LMT recently completed a 2-day class in the Foundations of Reflexology. The course covered, among other things:
- Contraindications to the application of Foot Reflexology.
- Anatomy and physiology of the foot and lower leg.
- Rehabilitative foot exercises and self-care exercises for the therapist.
- Zone and Reflex theory and the relationship of the reflex point on the feet to the health of the endocrine and organ systems.
- Reflexes to work for particular health problems in all the different systems of the body
Nancie has now added a 30 minute Reflexology session to her menu of services. What a great way to try out this modality and assess it’s benefits!
Can You Help?
One of our staff members is working on a project outside the office and is asking that if you have any vases that you no longer want or use that you drop them in to the office for this project. We would greatly appreciate it.
Therapist of the Month – Mary McGinnis
Mary believes massage is an integral part of a person’s wellness routine and that massage therapists are an important part of a person’s health and wellness team.
Born and raised in Vermont, Mary relocated to sunny Sarasota to attend Sarasota School of Massage Therapy. There she studied anatomy and physiology and was introduced to a number of massage and energy modalities. Her massage technique blends the variety of that experience to create a customized flow that meets each client’s needs.
As a runner Mary has spent many hours on the massage table preparing for or recovering from the stress running can put on the body. She has raised a family and spent many years working in the corporate sector. She easily identifies with her clients and their needs to bring individual quality care to each of them.
“Mary was phenomenal! She listened and worked on my challenged areas. Can’t wait to go back!.” – M.H. Aug 2023
Mary is available for bookings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Mary offers the following sessions: Swedish Massage and Protégé Deep Tissue Massage
Important Dates
September 4 – Office Closed – Labor Day
September 10 – Grandparents Day
September 23 – Autumn Begins
Celebrating a birthday this month: Karen Reinke
Donna’s Corner
Change is an inevitable part of life’s journey. Whether expected or unexpected, change presents us with opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. While it can be challenging and even unsettling at times, how we approach and navigate change plays a crucial role in shaping our personal and emotional well-being.
Change is a constant in life, but your ability to adapt, learn, and grow is equally enduring. By embracing change as an opportunity for growth, focusing on what you can control, seeking support, and practicing self-care, you can navigate life’s transformations with resilience and optimism.
Remember that every change is a chance to shape a brighter, more fulfilling future, even if you don’t believe it today. Everything happens for a reason.
With appreciation for your continued trust in us,
Donna Koehnen
Owner
