Entries by Matthew Spaur

Benefits of Bodywork for Breast Cancer Clients

Did you know massage therapy can alleviate anxiety in cancer patients as well as improve symptoms of cancer treatment such as pain, fatigue and immune system function?  A 2009 study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine measured anxiety, pain, nausea, sleep quality and quality of life in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. […]

Why We Practice Prenatal Work in Side-Lying Position

Recently we received some feedback from a client expressing her desire to receive prenatal work lying on her stomach.  They do make prop pillows to allow pregnant women to lay like this but we do not use them at Loosen Up.  So I thought I would take the opportunity to explain why we prefer side-lying […]

Current COVID-19 Protocols

At Loosen Up we have always prided ourselves on providing results-oriented bodywork in an environment that is supportive and safe for all who come through our doors. We’ve maintained this standard for over 15 years in the East Bay and we will continue to do so (even if it causes us a little whiplash as […]

Ergonomics: Fixes for Neck and Wrists

Over the last year, the pandemic forced many people to switch from working in well laid-out and equipped offices to working from home. Some of you may even still be working from your kitchen tables. As massage therapists, we are frequently asked about how to avoid the recurring pain that creeps up as a result […]

How Massage Helps Anxiety

Many of us are familiar with the calming effects of massage therapy. Massage treatments, though, can be many different things. One approach and technique may be great for one person and torture for another. So as I attempt to offer insight into how massage can help alleviate the effects of anxiety, I will address several […]

Exercise and Anxiety

Most of us have experienced anxiety at some point in our life. Stress from work or school; worries about finances, personal relationships and all the other stressors life offers is a normal part of living and when well-managed, can motivate us to do our best. But when stress is out of balance and becomes overwhelming […]

We’re Hiring! CMT and Reception Positions Available

With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, our entire industry has come up against probably its biggest challenge ever.  The very idea of close proximity to others has come under careful scrutiny – without even contemplating being close enough to actually touch someone! One of the things I’ve always most admired about the massage therapy […]

We’re Reopening September 21st!

After all this time we finally have some good news! We are entering into a new phase of reopening. September 21st we will be back in the office working with clients who have doctor’s referrals. This referral can come from your physician or from a chiropractor. All we need is an email, or you can […]