“I am blown away by the consistency of perfection with Melissa and Mending Hands. I have been a client of hers for many months now and I wouldn't think of going anywhere else. She always takes the time to sit and review my personal trouble areas every visit ensuring that I get the very most of my experience with her. She is an incredibly thorough, talented, and a dedicated therapist. I would recommend her to anyone!! Thank you a million times over Melissa!”
- Katelyn P.
“I came to Melissa last winter with extremely painful stress-related muscle tension in my neck and back. Not only was Melissa able to relieve my pain, but her kind nature and knowledge about the body kept me coming back. Melissa did a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu on me which I enjoyed because I think there are benefits to both.
In addition to relaxing massage therapy, Melissa is also talented at relieving sports injuries. I injured my hip this summer and Melissa has been immensely helpful in recommending stretches and helping reduce inflammation.
The best part about seeing Melissa is choosing the aromatherapy! She always has the best choices! All in all, Melissa's warm nature and power to heal are unmatched. She is super professional and I am thankful to have found her!”
- Erin M.
“I had my last massage with Melissa while on a recent vacation to Sarasota. As a loyal client when Mending Hands was located in Brooklyn, it was wonderful to book a session with my favorite massage therapist! Sarasota is so lucky to have her well-trained and magical hands.
I was thrilled to see her beautiful new studio! The environment is just so pretty and relaxing. After my massage, I left the appointment feeling blissful. One of the many things that I have respected about Melissa is her dedication to keeping informed about the massage therapy field. She is always ready to provide tips, exercises, and stretches to do in between appointments. My experiences with her different massage styles have all been wonderful. I will always book a session when I'm in town!”
- Karina R
“I have been seeing Melissa regularly for several years now. She is incredibly kind and professional. There's nobody else in Sarasota that I would go to for a massage. I also love the recommendations for self-care Melissa gives for in-between appointments!”
- Taylor R.
“I have been to Mending Hands on multiple occasions and can't say enough about the wonderful service provided by Melissa. Melissa is attentive, caring, and extremely talented at helping people relax, ease pain and learn to take better care of their bodies. A few key examples to explain a bit more about my great experiences at Mending Hands:
I treated my mother to a massage with Melissa as a thank you gift a few months ago. My mom loved it so much, she booked massages for my entire family as a Christmas gift. Melissa was able to accommodate us all over the holidays, and we had a wonderful, relaxing start to Christmas.
I recently injured my neck (old age, I guess!) and Melissa spoke to me on the phone, offering helpful advice for easing the pain at home, and booking me a massage for a couple of days later. After seeing Melissa, my neck is finally starting to feel better. She really listens to problems and targets them, rather than just giving the same massage to every client.
I highly recommend having a session with Melissa - you will be getting a great, personalized treatment from a great massage therapist!”
- Gena K.
“My experience was so wonderful that I booked 5 more appointments. Understandably, it took a while to get my initial appointment and I'll rest more easily knowing I'll be back to her capable hands on a regular basis. Our conversations were an added bonus...what a lovely woman!”
- Ami P.
“Melissa is incredibly knowledgeable and superbly talented. During my first session, I received a full body deep tissue massage. Melissa adapts to what you want & how you feel. She is very friendly and takes the time to listen, providing a fantastic all-around experience. It's more than worth the money.
I work out a lot and had a couple nagging aches and pains. Melissa identified the problems while giving me an awesome massage. She also told me some helpful tips to keep my muscles healthy while continuing to stay active.
During my second visit, we decided to focus more on specific muscles and Melissa employed some special techniques to continue healing my stressed muscles. Again, she listened to how I felt and I received, by far, the best massage I've ever had. I felt WAY more flexible and relaxed afterward. I can't wait to visit her again.
Melissa knows her stuff. Whether you want a relaxing massage or a deeper massage, she can deliver whatever you want or need. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! She's the best around.”
- Robert B.
“One of the best massages I've ever had! I received a prenatal massage from Melissa today and am so thankful I did! The space itself is super cute and very clean. She was so thorough in figuring out my needs and offers aromatherapy at the end which was a nice bonus. :) If you're pregnant, she provides "The Pillow Throne" room. Yes, it is as awesome as it sounds. I'm so happy to have found a masseuse I can use regularly! She books waaaay ahead of time so make sure you make your appointment in advance!”
- Ali B.
“Though chronic pain can negatively impact one's quality of life, I am so grateful to have found Melissa, whose knowledge and refined skill set have served me well in my quest to minimize pain and keep moving! Now in her new, lovely and inviting studio, Melissa delivers a professional product as evidenced in the way she both practices her craft and runs her business. I have found her to be a kind and caring practitioner who listens and thinks creatively.”
- Maureen B.
“This is about as good a massage as I have ever had. Melissa is meticulous about both scheduling and planning each massage according to your needs. She also has the necessary equipment and knowledge to ensure that if you have a condition that prevents you from traditional face down or face up, you can still get a comfortable, effective massage on your side.”
- Roberto A.
“I've just left Melissa's, and I'm so ridiculously relaxed that I feel like a piece of wet spaghetti trying to walk around. And I feel this way every time I leave her table.
I've visited a number of massage therapists over the years, but Melissa is far and away the best. She takes the time to ask questions and find out what's happening physically and mentally. Not only am I relaxed, but my usually sore back has no pain. Melissa is awesome!”
- Beth L
“I am 7.5 months pregnant and have been suffering from the terrible back pain and sciatica that is normally associated with pregnancy. I tried everything to treat the pain- yoga, acupuncture, cupping, you name it and message was my last resort. Well let me tell you Melissa did the trick!! She was methodical, thorough and really worked the pain out of my back and legs. She is immensely knowledgeable in her field and you can tell she really loves making people feel better. I am dedicated to visiting her for the rest of my pregnancy and will continue my treatments with her after the baby is born. I cannot recommend her enough!”
- Amalia R.
“Last night I visited Melissa for my first ever prenatal massage. I'm 27 weeks along and starting to feel the strain of carrying a baby around and well, it was just time. I was a little apprehensive at first, wondering how things would be different.
Well, I needn't have worried at all because Melissa is a pro. First, when I came in she asked me how I've been feeling and some more specific questions about specific things I have been feeling in my body (which, being pregnant, there are many weird sensations!). Then, she explained the very interesting prenatal set-up, which essentially involved some pillows and other props to keep you positioned comfortably. At last, we were on to the massage, which was gentle enough to be relaxing but also deep enough to work out some of the kinks I had been dealing with.
Afterwards, she showed me a few simple exercises I could try out with a tennis ball and sent me home with the ball and a first-timer's gift bag. All in all, a lovely way to spend a Friday evening! I'll be seeing Melissa a few more times before the big day and I can't help but think I will still need her in my life afterwards.”
- Mere W.
“I've had a few massages before but none have come close to the superior level of healing I received at Mending Hands. Melissa, incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and friendly, completely alleviated my lower back pain and even gave me tips for reducing my pain in between massages. I honestly can't say enough good things about Melissa and Mending Hands. If you want an amazing massage, book your appointment with her immediately.”
- Heidi R.
“I've gotten massages before, but until I came to Melissa at Mending Hands I never understood the power and importance of body work. And as a personal trainer I can tell that Melissa has an amazing understanding of the body, so I can be sure that I'm getting just what I need. Often I come to her feeling really tense after a long day of working with clients and sitting at my computer and she knows exactly how to make me feel relaxed, calm, and actually nicely enough a bit taller (which is a big deal for a short girl like me!).
I've come to her a dozen or more times and have even sent my husband and a few of my clients there. They all come back to me raving at how amazing she was and how great they feel. They now see her regularly too.
The best part about all of it though is Melissa herself. She has an amazing working knowledge of the body, can do many different types of massage, and she really gets to know you and understand what you're looking for. I feel so at ease with her and she makes me feel very cared for. You can tell she loves what she does and truly believes in it, because you're never just a number with her. I never feel rushed and she always takes it one step further by giving me a little tip on my way out the door, like a stretch that I can do to alleviate some of the tension I'm feeling in my neck. I am now a massage devotee and will continue to send my clients to her.”
- Dani T.
“I have lived in Sarasota for 12 years and have been looking for more than a spa massage..I found it at Mending Hands...I felt so relaxed when I left...I can't wait to have my next one..I would highly recommend Melissa!”
- Debbie S.
“I decided to visit Melissa after reading the reviews here and the material on her very straightforward and informative website and blog. I was able to schedule my first appointment at exactly the time I wanted, and Melissa was extremely generous with her time and attention, allowing several extra minutes before the session for us to discuss my health history and specific physical issues, my personal space issues/boundaries, and generally get to know each other a little bit. After the session, she offered me a little "takeout" box with a few goodies, and we spent another several minutes discussion some exercises I can do to maintain and improve the conditions that led me to seek her out (for me, pain in my hips, back and hamstrings).
Melissa has a lovely personal energy and confidence, and a clear passion for massage/therapy, body mechanics and good communication. She was very warm and welcoming, and her home is immaculate -- I did not feel that anything was "missing" although we were not in a spa setting. If anything, it seemed more personal and welcoming than a typical commercial/client setting. I was very comfortable with her the entire time and will definitely schedule another session in the future.”
- Amy W.
“I had my second massage with Melissa today and it was still the best massage I have ever had. I have had massages all over the world, but she is the best. Right amount of pressure, great office, very nice personality and very professional. She will be my regular visit when we are in our second home in Sarasota. Can't wait to be back in December! Highly recommended.”
- Mirriam G
“In my attempt to be nicer to my body I decided I should start going for massages more regularly. I saw Melissa from Mending Hands before and loved her massage! I've tried some other places too but I keep coming back to Melissa. I have now dubbed her as my official massage therapist.
Here's why I like going to Mending Hands for my massages...
1. She actually KNOWS the body! She is more than happy to help me figure out what's going on with it and gave me some great tips.
2. She remembers what we've worked on in our last session and builds upon what we've accomplished. (Or what I've messed up again. Must stop slouching!)
3. I never feel rushed. I think that's because she works out of her apartment. It's not like I'm being rushed out because someone else is coming in right behind me. So that's cool.
4. The price is good. I've paid more before and have received way less than what I get at Mending Hands.
If you are looking for a massage, I'd try one with Melissa. I felt super comfortable with her from the beginning.”
- Sue G
“I was suffering from a runner's injury and a lot of external stress and was genuinely in need of something to help me relax. Melissa went above and beyond to make sure I got the the perfect treatment. Before my appointment we spoke about what I was looking for and determined the best message for me. She was really thorough in explaining the different techniques and how they would help me feel better. And she was absolutely right with all of her choices.
It wasn't only the massage that was fantastic, Melissa really takes the time to get to know her clients. I felt comfortable the whole time and that my session was completely individualized to my needs. She created a really warm atmosphere that's incredibly relaxing. I left mending hands feeling loose and refreshed.
I've visited other spas in Manhattan before and I've never received the personal treatment and care I got at Mending Hands. Melissa is wonderful if you just want one massage as a special treat or if you want to visit her multiple times for a specific treatment.”
- Lauren F.
“Melissa Finley's practice is located in a clean, professional office building centrally located off the main road. She is one of the best therapists we've ever experienced-- she gets to know you and caters her style and technique to your preferences. She is caring, compassionate and clearly experienced in massage. We give her our highest recommendation.”
- Suzanne H
“I was experiencing a nagging pain in my mid-back. I had seen a chiropractor about 10 visits, which did not help, so when I moved to Sarasota in 2013 I decided to try massage. I chose Mending Hands because of great reviews and a professional website where I could view hours, policies and rates, as well as get a sense of who I was contacting. When I emailed Melissa I got a swift reply and an appointment. Her practice is in a medical office building in a good location.
Melissa is a great masseuse! I look forward to my appointments, not only for the great massage, but overall I enjoy the whole experience. She is both very professional and very caring. Melissa conducts her practice in a very professional way, keeps track of my appointments and payments and sends reminders and updates. I also feel I am being well taken care of physically and mentally during the massage session. Her office is clean and comfortable, the massage is wonderful, and ends with aromatherapy so I am relaxed and ready to face the world when it is time to go.
Over the past year the massage did wonders for my back pain (gone) and I feel that it is beneficial for my overall health and circulation.
One other special mention about Melissa is she does not accept tips!! So there is no hidden cost or having to factor in extra to the budget.
Highly highly recommend Melissa and her Mending Hands!”
- Denise D.
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
First, let’s break it down.
Manual tells us this is done by hand.
Lymph is a liquid in the body carrying cells that help fight infection and disease. It is also the fluid that can pool after receiving an injury or in a number of conditions that we think of as edema/swelling. The Lymphatic System is a system of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that make and move lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. The lymph system is a major part of the body's immune system and works hand in hand with the Circulatory system (heart, arteries, veins).
Drainage explains that this technique is moving water/liquid.
Second, let’s shorten it to MLD from here on out.
When can MLD Help:
MLD is a gentle, non-invasive manual treatment that is recognized as a primary tool in edema/swelling management. It is known to help with the following issues:
1. Recovery from surgery (primary relief for cosmetic/medical procedures)
2. Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, bumps and bruises)
3. Migraines and Headaches
4. Sports/Training/Event swelling and fatigue
5. Sinus issues
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
7. Fibromyalgia
8. Pregnancy swelling
9. Conditions that involve circulatory challenges (restless leg syndrome, cramping)
Manual Lymph Drainage also supports the body’s natural purification and immune defense process. It’s rhythmic style also has a lovely way of calming down the nervous system.
What to expect from a Mending Hands MLD session:
Like all appointments with Mending Hands, each session will be all about YOU. If you are looking for manual care and MLD is an appropriate fit, we will discuss the treatment plan for your particular needs. I will also be happy to explain why a certain sequence will be used and as well as why this body work is a lighter, more pathway guided modality. Most of these specific stokes do not involve oil and due to the style of this work, these sessions may not be full body treatments, depending on the allotted time and need of each client.
If you are interested in booking a Manual Lymph Drainage session with Melissa or have any questions, please contact melissa@mendinghands.com!
Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep
Does a good massage do more than just relax your muscles? To find out, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recruited 53 healthy adults and randomly assigned 29 of them to a 45-minute session of deep-tissue Swedish massage and the other 24 to a session of light massage.
All of the subjects were fitted with intravenous catheters so blood samples could be taken immediately before the massage and up to an hour afterward.
To their surprise, the researchers, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.
Volunteers who received Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood and saliva, and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. They also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system.
Volunteers who had the light massage experienced greater increases in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment, than the Swedish massage group, and bigger decreases in adrenal corticotropin hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.
The study was published online in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
The lead author, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, chairman of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, said the findings were “very, very intriguing and very, very exciting — and I’m a skeptic.”
First seen HERE:
Mending Hearts: Why I Became a Massage Therapist
Years ago my mother survived an Aortic Dissection. Her Aorta (the major artery of the heart) started to separate (in a spiral - I remember a doctor saying) from my mothers heart. Emergency open heart surgery (with all the bells and whistle of helicopter transport and me getting a call at Martha Stewart in NYC saying I needed to come to my home state - Now! ) some medical miracles and a few days of hazy life later - she woke up.
She knew who I was and wanted to eat a whole lot of Popsicles.
In the hospital, I saw how the nurses used body work - stretches, tapotment, effleurage to get my mom's body systems working for her again. When she came home, she was in so much pain. He back, having been stretched due to how they manipulate the ribcage during open heart surgery, was one of the places she said she felt the most pain.
We had moved my childhood bed downstairs for her recovery, I crawled in behind her and just began to rub... She felt relief. She felt connected. And eventually, she healed.
This, is one of the main reason I am becoming a massage therapist. I have always been a fan of massage therapy. I had felt how it had made a difference in my mind, body and spirit. Yet it was this time with my mom, the time I used my heart and my hands to give her support in healing that planted the biggest seed.
The Benefits of Oncology Massage
Having completed Oncology Massage: Compassionate Touch for Clients Living with Cancer training, I would love share the following article from MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapybased in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer.
Review of the scientific literature indicates oncology massage helps improve quality of life. Benefits include improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea.
Oncology massage therapists are trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture and support them in their process.
The treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social and emotional consequences of cancer.
In addition, the person's individual goals are considered and aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects.
Personal goals for receiving oncology massage can include the desire for a respite - a relaxing pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on - relieving nausea or other symptoms such as pain or peripheral neuropathy and helping them get though the remainder of their cancer treatments.
"Getting massage from someone who understands everything that is going on, is part of my healing process", reports Tom, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer almost three years ago and receives massage therapy at theIntegrative Medicine Center.In the past, therapists thought massage would increase circulation and therefore cause cancer to spread. The process of metastasis is very complicated and poorly understood; however increased circulation is not considered a significant part of that process by itself. However, it's true that cancer and cancer treatments can put people at risk for complications from massage, so it is important to take some precautions.Because of the different contraindications for massage in this population, it is very important for the massage therapist who is treating a person with a history of cancer - either currently or in the past - to have specialized training in oncology massage, in addition to being a licensed massage therapist.
If you or a loved one has or has had cancer, don't hesitate to contact me about receiving a massage. I would be happy to answer questions you may have and find a time to come in for a session. Melissa@mendinghands.com
7 Types of Headaches
Headache pain is the most often reported type of pain in the U.S. Learn about some of the most common types of headache pain, and if massage can help to alleviate or reduce the frequency of this sometimes debilitating infirmity.
By Linda Fehrs, LMT, Original Post Here
Some people rarely, if ever, get headaches. Some get them every few weeks or months. Others experience them frequently, several times a week or even every day. More than 9 out of 10 adults will experience headache pain at some point in their lives. It is the most common form of pain and results in time out from work or school. A moderate to severe headache often interferes with normal daily activities.
Although there are only three main categories of headaches, within those divisions are more than 200 individual types, some of which massage therapy may help to relieve or even reduce their occurrences.
Here are seven relatively common types of headaches, symptoms and common therapies used to ease them:
Tension – Tension headaches are the most frequently occurring of all headaches. They affect women more than men. The exact origin of a tension headache is not known, but it is likely a result of muscle contraction, primarily the muscles of the skull, including occipitofrontalis which draws the scalp both posteriorly and anteriorly as well as elevates the eyebrows. When a person becomes stressed – whether it be physical or emotional – so too do the muscles, which then start to spasm, causing pain. The pain is often described as band-like pressure or tightness. Even with the pain of this type of headache, a person can function normally. While massage therapy is not a cure for tension headaches, it can help to relax a person and reduce stress resulting in less frequent and less severe ones.
Cluster – The cause of cluster headaches is not known. It is the least common of the primary type, but it is the most severe. One theory is that certain parts of the brain simply begin to malfunction. The hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain, is most frequently mentioned as the culprit. It is responsible for the biological clock of the body and, in brain scans, has often appeared to have abnormal activity during a cluster headache. The pain of a cluster headache, which is usually around the eyes, can be excruciating and usually lasts no longer than 90 minutes. They are very difficult to treat, but typical options include inhalation of oxygen, various prescription medications such as sumatriptan (Imitrex) or zolmitriptan (Zomig), lidocaine injections or ingestion of caffeine – which helps to constrict blood vessels. Various antidepressants, prednisone, lithium or valproic acid are sometimes prescribed as a preventative measure. Since the origin of a cluster headache is unknown, the remedies used treat the symptoms rather than the cause. Before administering massage to a person suffering from cluster headaches ask the client to check with his or her primary care physician.
Sinus – This type of headache occurs when the flow of fluid within the sinuses gets backed up and the sinus cavities become inflamed. This may be because of an allergic reaction or infection. The only way to relieve a sinus headache is to treat the underlying cause. In the case of a bacterial infection a doctor might prescribe antibiotics. For an allergy, you need to find out what triggers the allergic reaction and act accordingly. Light massage on the face, especially around the eyes, may help to move the fluid out of the sinuses. When administering massage to someone who has a sinus inflammation, limit the time he or she spends in the prone position. Laying facedown for more than a few minutes can cause the sinus fluid to shift, causing more pain and an embarrassing flow out of the nose for the client.
Hormone – Women are the ones most affected by hormonal headaches, sometimes referred to as menstrual headaches. They experience the ebb and flow of hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, each month. A doctor may prescribe drugs, but interfering with hormone fluctuation can be tricky. Sometimes the only remedies that can help are over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and applying a cold compress to the back of the neck and shoulders. Massage therapy has been shown to help regulate hormone fluctuation. Light massage, like lymphatic drainage, can help reduce the fluid buildup common in the week prior to menstruation. Massage can also be used to help reduce the stress that comes along and seems to increase with the monthly hormone fluctuation.
Drug Withdrawal – These are sometimes referred to as “rebound headaches.” This type of headache pain can be caused not only by the withdrawal of habitual illicit drugs, but also commonly prescribed medications, especially pain killers as well as over-the-counter analgesics. Individuals with chronic pain or drug addiction will often increase dosages as the body becomes resistant to the medication. It is theorized that the frequent use of pain killers changes the way certain pain receptors work. The only effective way to stop these headaches is to slowly wean off the drug, which is best done under the supervision of a medical professional familiar with withdrawal symptoms. In the meantime, the headaches will most likely continue and maybe even get worse. Massage alone cannot help with this kind of headache, but it can be part of a team effort supporting the client. Traditional Swedish massage or lymph drainage massage can hasten the elimination of toxic drugs from the system as well as reduce some of the stress occurring because of the constant pain and discomfort.
Caffeine Withdrawal – A caffeine headache is somewhat similar to a drug withdrawal headache. Caffeine is a very addictive substance enjoyed throughout the world, and many people feel they cannot start the day without the prerequisite cup or two of good strong coffee in the morning – and then again at lunch as a quick pick-me-up. Stopping the habit cold-turkey can cause a throbbing, pulsing headache relieved only by having another cup of coffee or other caffeinated drink. If someone is trying to kick caffeine, whether it is from coffee or cola drinks, it should be done slowly. A good way is to start mixing small amounts of decaffeinated versions in with the caffeinated beverages over a period of a few weeks. Massage therapy can be used to alleviate some of the stress and tension that comes with stopping any habit. It also helps to speed up the removal of toxins, such as caffeine, from the body. Afterwards be sure to offer your client water or herbal tea!
Eyestrain – With computers at every desk, long hours watching videos or reading in the dark, it is not surprising that so many people get headaches caused by eyestrain. The best way to avoid the headache pain caused by eyestrain is to stop doing whatever may be causing them. Don’t sit in front of any kind of image projecting screen – computer or television – for long periods of time. Get up and walk around. Give your eyes and body a break. Make sure your computer has an antiglare screen. Special coatings are also available for glasses to protect your eyes from the glare. Take a few minutes to lie down, close your eyes and place a cool cloth or chilled eye-mask over them. If the pain persists make an appointment with an eye specialist, optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you don’t currently wear glasses, you may need them. If you do wear glasses you may need a different prescription. The eye doctor can also detect if there might be anything else of concern in the eyes. Massage cannot directly help with eyestrain, but any time away from a computer screen or television set is helpful. So why not use that time for massage?!
The brain itself does not feel pain; rather, it interprets the sense of pain though a complex system of sending and receiving impulses throughout the nervous system. Massage therapy can be of help by addressing the muscles and nerves affected by stress and injury, sending alternate signals to the brain, which then in turn may help to reduce the pain and discomfort of headaches.
Headaches can range from mildly annoying to debilitating and even life-threatening. An occasional headache is not usually anything serious, but chronic headaches or headaches of unbearable pain should be checked out by a doctor.
As a massage therapist you can work closely with other medical professionals and offer your client the most effective care in relieving, reducing and hopefully eliminating the seemingly omnipresent headache so common in our culture.
What is a Muscle Cramp?
"A muscle cramp is a sudden and involuntary contraction of one or more of your muscles. If you've ever been awakened in the night or stopped in your tracks by a sudden charley horse, you know that muscle cramps can cause excruciating pain. Though generally harmless, muscle cramps can make it temporarily impossible to use the affected muscle.
Long periods of exercise or physical labor, particularly in hot weather, may lead to muscle cramps. Some medications and certain medical conditions also may cause muscle cramps. You can usually treat muscle cramps at home with self-care measures." Full Article Here: http://mayocl.in/1EItIKm
Massage Therapy Improves Circulation, Alleviates Muscle Soreness
Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise, according to a study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The study, reported online in advance of print in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also showed that massage improved vascular function in people who had not exercised, suggesting that massage has benefits for people regardless of their level of physical activity.
Improved circulation and relief of muscle soreness are common claims made for massage's benefits, but no studies have substantiated such claims, even though massage therapy is increasingly used as an adjunct to traditional medical interventions, said Shane Phillips, UIC associate professor of physical therapy and principal investigator on the study.
"Our study validates the value of massage in exercise and injury, which has been previously recognized but based on minimal data," said Nina Cherie Franklin, UIC postdoctoral fellow in physical therapy and first author of the study. "It also suggests the value of massage outside of the context of exercise."
The researchers had set out to see if massage would improve systemic circulation and reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Healthy sedentary adults were asked to exercise their legs to soreness using a standard leg press machine. Half of the exercisers received leg massages, using conventional Swedish massage techniques, after the exercise. Participants rated their muscle soreness on a scale from 1 to 10.
As expected, both exercise groups experienced soreness immediately after exercise. The exercise-and-massage group reported no continuing soreness 90 minutes after massage therapy. The exercise-only group reported lasting soreness 24 hours after exercise.
Exercise-induced muscle injury has been shown to reduce blood flow. In this study, brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD) -- a standard metric of general vascular health, measured in the upper arm -- was taken by ultrasound at 90 minutes, 24, 48 and 72 hours after exercise.
For the exercise-and massage-group, FMD indicated improved blood flow at all time points, with improvement tapering off after 72 hours. As expected, the exercise-only group showed reduced blood flow after 90 minutes and 24 and 48 hours, with a return to normal levels at 72 hours.
"We believe that massage is really changing physiology in a positive way," said Franklin. "This is not just blood flow speeds -- this is actually a vascular response."
Because vascular function was changed at a distance from both the site of injury and the massage, the finding suggests a "systemic rather than just a local response," she said.
"The big surprise was the massage-only control group, who showed virtually identical levels of improvement in circulation as the exercise and massage group," said Phillips.
"The circulatory response was sustained for a number of days, which suggests that massage may be protective," said Phillips.
For people with limited mobility or those with impaired vascular function, further research may show that regular massage offers significant benefits, the authors say.
Article HERE: http://bit.ly/1J7P6wL