If You Run or Bike and Have Knee Pain …

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

If you have pain on the outside of your knee and you run or bike, you could have iliotibial band syndrome or IT Band Syndrom for short. It is caused by overuse and is common in athletes who run or bike long distances. Most of the time, it manifests as pain at the outside of the knee, but the problem could be anywhere along the IT Band which runs from the hip to the knee. Neuromuscular massage can get to the root of the problem, thereby relieving the pain.
#MarktheSpotMassage

The American Cancer Society Recognizes the Power of Touch in Treatment

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

Massage is recommended by the American Cancer Society to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Specifically, massage can reduce stress and provide relaxation while bolstering the immune system and help remove toxins from the body.

Massage increases circulation which restores energy, reduces pain and minimizes the effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Trigger Point Therapy is designed specifically to provide pain relief and muscle release in areas of chronic muscle tension which increases range of motion and decreases pain.
#MarktheSpotMassage

If You Have Back Pain, Be Careful Lifting Items From Your Trunk

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

Most people who experience back pain when lifting even moderately heavy items from the trunk of the car generally are standing too far away from the heavy item when they lift.

Try not to lean far over the trunk to lift an item out. Move the item toward you so you can let your legs help with the lifting.
#MarktheSpotMassage

Massage Relieves Upper Back Pain

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

While lower back pain is the number one complaint to massage and physical therapists, upper back pain can be equally aggrevating. Many describe the feeling they have in their upper backs like having a brick between their shoulder blades.

This is because the muscles surrounding the spine in that area have become so tight that even crossing the arms over the chest can be painful.

Massage will target the small muscles surrounding the spine first, and then address the larger muscles out toward the shoulder blades to get rid of the brick, relieve pain and restore range of motion.
#MarktheSpotMassage

Massage can Help Patients Being Treated for Cancer

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

One benefit of massage is that it brings a feeling of well-being and relaxation which can help with the stress, anxiety or even depression associated with dealing with cancer treatment. Massage increases the body’s production of endorphins which elevate mood and flushes the waste product, lactic acid, out of muscles.

Massage also relieves pain and stiffness, increases mobility and reduces pain.
The National Cancer Institute found that more than half of their cancer centers offer massage as an adjunct to traditional treatment especially for those patients who suffer from fatigue.
#MarktheSpotMassage

Your Easy Chair May Be Causing Your Back Pain

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

While it may feel good to sink into a soft easy chair or sofa, it’s actually hard on the muscles in your back.

When you sit in a hard chair, your back muscles are supported, so they relax. In a soft chair, they must stay contracted to maintain your posture.

If you’re going to stretch out in a chair to watch TV or read a book, make sure you have good lumbar support.

Standing for 1-2 minutes for every 20 minutes in the chair will also help give your back muscles a break.
#MarktheSpotMassage

Stretching Can Help You Sleep

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

A simple twisting stretch of your back can release tension in the spine, hips and back which can interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Lie on your back. Bring your right knee up to your chest. Gently move your knee across your body to your left side.

While in this position, relax with your arms out to your sides and take 10 long, deep breaths.

Repeat on your left side. If you’ve had a particularly stressful day, do each side twice.
Most people who get neuromuscular massage regularly report deeper, more restful sleep.
#MarktheSpotMassage

Scoliosis Could be Causing Your Back Pain

Posted on August 18, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

While we mostly think of scoliosis in children, it can strike at any time and often goes undetected in adults.

As we grow older, disks and facet joints between the vertebrae can degenerate leading to a curvature of the spine.

Especially in the early stages, neuromuscular massage can identify and treat the overuse of muscles on one side if you have been self-splinting to prevent pain, and the underuse of muscles on the other.

As an ongoing therapy, strengthening core muscles is a key to keeping balance throughout your musculature.

Neuromuscular massage can help you reduce pain while returning to core body strength.
#MarktheSpotMassage

The Difficulty with Treating Recurring Headaches

Posted on August 5, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

The biggest problem with treating ongoing headaches is getting a proper diagnosis.
There are more than 300 recognized causes for headaches, and just over half of the people who suffer severe headaches are properly diagnosed.

Many sinus headaches are really migraine headaches with underlying muscular causes that can treated with neuromuscular massage.

Some tension headaches are so severe that they’re misdiagnosed as migraines. Using migraine medicine won’t treat the underlying cause of these headaches, but neuromuscular massage will.

Many adults suffer from stress headaches that are the result of muscles in the back of the neck and scalp tightening which can be relieved by neuromuscular massage.

It is important to get a proper diagnosis for severe headaches to rule out any possibility of tumor or other life-threatening condition, but before you resort to a new regimen of drug therapies, consider seeing a neuromuscular massage therapist first.

Some Fats are Good for You

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

Avocados, although high in fat, are one of the healthiest foods around.
Here are six reasons you should consume healthy fats in your diet:
1. Healthy fats slow digestion that helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
2. Healthy fats keep you feeling full much longer than carbs do.
3. Healthy fats help optimize hormone levels which help metabolism.
4. Healthy fats are vital to your nervous system and brain.
5. Healthy fats give you energy and keep you alert.
6. Healthy fats give you healthier skin, hair and a more youthful appearance.

Mark the Spot Massage Therapy

Specializing in Neuromuscular Technique for Therapeutic Massage

Tag Archives: deep tissue massage benefits