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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Warm Ups for Summer Sports

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

Before you get ready for a softball game or round of golf, warm up with a little light jogging or jumping jacks to get the blood moving.

Swing your arms while you jog, varying the motion in big circles, small circles, over your head and crossing your arms in front of your chest.
Bring your knees up high while you jog to stretch your glutes.

Backscratcher Stretches Loosen Up the Shoulders
Move your hand behind your back toward the opposite shoulder. Try to touch the other hand coming up from below.
You may not be able to touch hands at first, but as you perform these stretches, your shoulders will loosen.

The Frankenstein Walk Loosens Up the Hamstrings
Kick your leg up high while reaching with the opposite hand. Do this back and forth four to six times to loosen the hamstrings.

Self-Hugs Loosen the Arms, Shoulders and Chest
Swing your arms wide, then across your body in a self-hug to help loosen the shoulder joints and stretch the muscles in the chest. Do this gently six to twelve times.

Arm Swings and Circles Loosen the Shoulders
Start with your arms outstretched and move your hands in small circles ten to twelve times, before enlarging the circles. Each time you enlarge the circle, move your arms in both directions ten to twelve times until you’re doing the largest circle you can comfortably do.

5 Ways to Exercise While Doing Housework

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

1. Do the rag drag while you’re cleaning floors. No need for a Swiffer if you have two good rags and two active feet.

2. Make big, exaggerated circles while cleaning windows, tubs or shower doors.

3. Do some calf raises while washing dishes.

4. Dance with the vacuum. What vacuum wouldn’t want to do a good cha-cha?

5. Carry the laundry down in more than one load. Better for your back, and you’re getting in some stair climbing.

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3 Easy Exercises for the Office

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Mark the Spot Massage

1. Brace yourself on the edge of your chair to build core muscle strength.

2. Take the stairs and do a couple of split squats on the last stair up.

3. Lift a full water bottle over your head and then behind your back while you talk on the phone.

The Mayo Clinic reports that people who fidget burn 350 calories a day more than people who don’t.