Why Prenatal Massages Are Good for Both the Mind and the Body

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If you’re like most pregnant women, you’re probably looking for ways to ease your discomfort and de-stress. What could be better than a prenatal massage? Prenatal or pregnancy massages not only feel nice, but they are also good for the mind and the body. In this blog post from our team at Loosen Up Bodywork, we will discuss the benefits of prenatal massages and how they can help improve your pregnancy experience. Learn more below and book your appointment for a prenatal massage today!

Relaxed pregnant woman getting a massage

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

One of the main benefits of prenatal massages is that they can help reduce stress and anxiety. Pregnancy is a time of many changes and can be very stressful. Maternity massages can help to ease the tension and worry that comes with pregnancy.

Woman asleep in bed

Improve Sleep Quality

Prenatal massages can also help improve sleep quality. Getting enough rest is important for both mom and baby. Pregnancy massages can help to reduce mental and bodily stress, which can lead to better sleep at night.

Pregnant woman sitting on a bed holding her back

Ease Muscle Aches and Pains

Another benefit of prenatal massages is that they can help ease muscle aches and pains. As your body changes during pregnancy, you may start to experience new aches and pains. A maternity massage can help to relieve these discomforts.

Pregnant woman laying on her side getting a massage

Reduce Strain on the Ligaments

Prenatal massages can also help reduce strain on the ligaments. The ligaments are what connect the bones and joints and they can become strained and uncomfortable as your body grows during pregnancy. Pregnancy massages can help to reduce this strain and pain.

As you can see, prenatal massages have many benefits for both the mind and the body. Contact our team at Loosen Up Bodywork today to book your appointment. We offer prenatal massages in Danville, Walnut Creek, and the surrounding California areas. We look forward to helping you feel your best during pregnancy!

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Neuromuscular Massage Therapy: What You Need to Know

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While the name ‘neuromuscular massage therapy’ may be intimidating, it’s actually a wonderful massage therapy that focuses on the health and vitality of your nervous system. Here at Loosen Up Bodywork, we offer wonderful neuromuscular massage therapy services for your health and wellness. Learn more below, and schedule an appointment today!

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) uses massage therapy techniques on trigger points or pressure points in order to relieve tension in the body. This deep tissue massage helps to reduce pain and dysfunction, as well as help with specific traumas inflicted upon the muscles, tissues, and fascia.

Benefits of Neuromuscular Therapy

The benefits of neuromuscular therapy are many. Pain can be reduced and/or eliminated. This type of massage therapy can promote better healing of injuries and help improve posture. In addition, it can increase your mobility and help with increased blood circulation.

The “Why” Behind Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

One of the main reasons that neuromuscular therapy is so effective is that the pressure on the trigger points helps to get to the root of the injury or the angry muscle and tissues. This helps relieve tension and restore proper blood flow to the area, which then allows your muscles to heal and function properly.

When to Use Neuromuscular Massage Therapy

If you are experiencing pain or have chronic pain and nothing else has been helping, speak to one of our massage therapists. We offer free consultations to go over your health history, your current and past treatments, and to get you the help you need. Contact us today.

Get Healing Here

If you are looking for some pain relief, more mobility, accelerated healing for your injury, or some self-care, we can help. Contact one of the massage therapists at either our Walnut Creek or Danville office locations today!

Schedule Your Appointment

Post Cosmetic Lymphatic Reset

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Now more than ever, taking care of your immunity is critical for making it through sickness and maintaining a healthy future. Lymphatic drainage is a gentle, hands-on technique done to maintain the body’s lymphatic system. Loosen Up Bodywork offers services to help you maintain the health and movement of your body so that you can go on to do the things you love. Read to learn more about the gentle treatment for a lymphatic reset!

What Are The Benefits

This relaxing technique gently stimulates the movement of stagnant fluid. This massage supports proper blood circulation, body fluid balance, and supports immunity. Not only is it a relaxing massage, but it is also one that comes with benefits that relieve current pain and tension in your body, and help support you for a healthier future. 

How Does It Work?

Lymphatic reset works by gently stimulating fluids that become built up. The gentle pressure allows for the fluid to begin moving through nodes and tissue without becoming stuck. Stagnant fluid in the body can lead to many health conditions along with resulting in a weaker immunity system. Loosen Up Body Work specialists are trained in this technique and have the skills necessary to structure this treatment to the specifications of every client. Since every client has different needs, our team collaborates with you and other medical providers to ensure you are getting the treatments necessary.

How Often Should I Be Doing It?

Weak lymphatic systems can be a result of many conditions. Serious health conditions, trauma, and stress can lead to weak and damaged lymphatic systems. Since every lymphatic situation is different for each person, how often you should get the treatment varies. Learn more about this treatment on our page and let us help you consult with your healthcare provider so that we can determine the best schedule for you!

After Care Of A Lymphatic Reset

Although this is a gentle treatment, there are after-care guidelines that should be followed. As your stagnant fluid begins to move, avoiding things like excessive caffeine, alcohol, hot temperatures, and tight clothing help to increase the movement of fluid. 

Loosen Up Bodywork provides gentle treatments to provide pain-free movement within our clients. We know the importance of living a life free of pain and discomfort. All of our therapists are experts and provide quality service through understanding your pain points and working with your healthcare providers to understand the services you need. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you!

Benefits of Bodywork for Breast Cancer Clients

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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. Participants experienced a reduction in side effects from chemotherapy and radiation and had an improved perceived quality of life and overall functioning after 30 minutes of massage performed weekly for three weeks.

Manual lymph drainage (MLD), also known as Lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT) is a style of bodywork that calms the sympathetic nervous system, reduces swelling and improves immune system function. It has been shown to improve chemotherapy induced neuropathy, post-surgical swelling and scar tissue. In fact, a 2016 study in Lymphatic Research and Biology, showed self MLD combined with physical exercise was beneficial for breast cancer patients in preventing postmastectomy scar formation, upper limb lymphedema, and shoulder joint dysfunction. This study solidifies the importance of properly functioning lymphatics and empowers breast cancer clients to help themselves with recovery. Self MLD is easy to do, but it is important to first understand the how, where and when of using this technique. The way MLD is performed after lymph node removal, surgery and radiation is not the same as it would be prior to treatment.

Clients in treatment or with a cancer history benefit most by working with MTs trained in massage for oncology clients. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and lymph node removal have immediate as well as lifelong effects on the body that should be taken into consideration during a massage session. During cancer treatment, massage is a respite for body and mind, but therapy must be tailored to where the client is at in their treatment process. As chemotherapy progresses, cellular changes in the body result in fatigue, susceptibility to bruising and bleeding and an increased risk of infection.

The removal of lymph nodes, surgery and radiation cause damage to the lymphatic system, sometimes resulting in Lymphedema, a condition where fluid cannot properly drain from tissue causing swelling. Although Lymphedema usually occurs in the first three years following treatment, there is a lifelong risk of developing it, even years later. This is so important for two reasons. One, because onset is typically due to an event that over taxes the affected limb. Two, because Lymphedema can be reversed if treated early. This means paying attention when your affected limb feels heavy or fatigued during activity and taking a break. Avoiding things like deep tissue massage on the affected limb as well as blood pressure cuffs, shots, etc. and always contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not go away.

Understanding the effects of cancer treatment, lymphedema risk and how to adapt massage for oncology clients is specialized training that is not typically taught in massage school. If you are going through cancer treatment or have a cancer history, always book your massage with a trained and experienced therapist.

 

by Aimee Kupcak

 

Bibliography

Cancer Council. (2021, September 25). Does Massage Spread Cancer? Retrieved from cancer.org.au: www.cancer.orgau

Sturgen, W.-H. (2009). Effects of therapeutic massage on the quality of life among patients with breast cancer during treatment. the journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 373-380.

Zhang, F. (2016, June 16). Combining Manual Lymph Drainage with Physical Exercise after Modified Radical Mastectomy. Retrieved from www.liebertpub,com: www.liebertpub.com

 

Current COVID-19 Protocols

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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 we adapt to ever-changing standards).

With the latest changes to our state and country COVID-19 restrictions standards, I want to take a moment to address what to expect at Loosen Up.

We have always operated more like a health clinic than a spa. Today, all our staff are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Our staff will continue to comply with CAL/OSHA standards for our business.

In addition, we continue to comply with Contra Costa County requirements related to commercial establishments and COVID-19. To comply with county requirements, please follow these guidelines.

  • Masks are now optional for both therapists clients. However if you prefer that your therapist wear a mask, they’re happy to do so.

Also, we will waive cancellation fees for clients who are not feeling well. Please notify us as soon as possible if you are not able to keep your appointment due to feeling symptomatic.

We continue to keep ourselves updated and current on all requirements for our practice. This has proven to be an almost endless task during the pandemic and I am so proud of our team’s adaptability and dedication to provide the best care for all of our guests. I also want to express my gratitude for all the support we have received from our community. It has made a world of difference for all of us at Loosen Up.

Our team remains ready and well-equipped to help our clients with their relaxation, pain management, and performance-based work. We are looking forward to the next chance we have to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Yours in health,

Gina Tibbs

Ergonomics: Fixes for Neck and Wrists

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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 of less than ideal physical work environments.

I am not an ergonomics specialist, by any means, but I can offer clients some tips that may help reduce repetitive stress injuries. While creating a space that keeps our body in the most neutral position possible can be helpful, if you stay in any position long enough, it’s going to create problems. Try to incorporate frequent movement into your work routine. Even just a mild stretch or movement through our full range-of-motion can flush out metabolic waste and bring fresh blood to our tissue so it can continue to meet demand without fatiguing. Here are a few of my favorites.

Look over each shoulder
Tilt head side to side
Head circles each direction
Wrist circles both directions
Flex wrist with closed hand
Extend wrist with open hand
Shoulder circles forward and back

This little list of movements can be done once or twice an hour to really help support our muscles and structure when we are relying on them so much. I’ve included a link (below) to a video with a great condensed list of tips to try out at your workstation – wherever it might be. But remember, no matter how well thought-out your physical work environment is, our muscles require movement, so multiple mini breaks and regular exercise are always your best bets to keep your muscles happy.

Stay well,
All of us at Loosen Up Bodywork

How Massage Helps Anxiety

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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 approaches and how they affect different symptoms associated with anxiety.

The standard circulatory or Swedish massage is amazing for increasing circulation and encouraging the release of endorphins. The effects are very similar to those you experience after exercise, with these hormones giving the body an exhilarating sense of well-being.

Sometimes, if we’ve been stuck in a state of anxiety for long periods, it can begin to affect our posture. Our shoulders hike up and round forward, our head becomes forward, and general tension builds up other places, as well. A fast or vigorous massage may be over-stimulating and won’t correct the long-standing posture issue. Instead, focusing on muscles that hold us in that posture with a slow sustained manner can allow our body to move toward a more neutral posture without being over-stimulating or agitating.

The last modality I’ll cover here, even though there are many others that have positive impacts on anxiety symptoms, is Lymphatic Drainage. This technique is my personal favorite for those who are really locked in that state of overwhelm and worry. Lymphatic drainage for the head, neck and face, in particular, put even the most high-strung person right to sleep. Pressure is light and rhythmic and because of that, the progression of movement can be easily anticipated by the client so the need for the body to guard itself absolves completely.

All of our therapists are trained to be able to meet our clients where they’re at when they land on our tables. While not all of our therapists are trained in every technique, each technique is adaptable to be able to meet clients needs. We love to hear from our clients and help them decide what will work best. And if our front desk can’t answer your specific question, we can have a therapist call you back.

Be well and we hope to see you soon.
Yours in health, Gina Tibbs

Exercise and Anxiety

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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 can suffer physically and mentally. Anxiety may present as nervousness, increased heart rate, sweating, difficulty breathing, and may even result in panic attacks.

We experience anxiety when our endocrine system is being overly stimulated. This can be caused by life events, specific thought patterns, or even by food and drinks we consume like caffeine and sugar. Our body over-produces a hormone called cortisol and it can perpetuate and build the longer we remain in this state of mind.

When you feel those symptoms of anxiousness start to develop, one way to help control them is to divert your train of thought by participating in activities. Staying busy helps us move our focus off of what we are stressing about.

Once we’re out of the acute stage of anxiety, exercise can benefit both our physical and mental health. Staying active helps our endocrine system to produce more endorphins, which are “feel good” chemicals produced by the pituitary gland. Going on a walk, run, hike, bike ride, or any other activity you enjoy helps encourage this internal response.

Massage therapy has also been proven to help reduce anxiety. Even just having a quiet room to yourself and being able to relax in a controlled atmosphere helps to reduce stress hormones and puts the body in a state of relaxation. It helps a person feel calmer and more able to cope with everyday stresses.

We all aspire for good habits that support our bodies in staying healthy and calm. But life has a way of throwing all of us off our “A game” from time to time. Though we agree with Ben Franklin that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, if you need a reset to get you back on track — we’ve got you.

Stay well, stay healthy, stay moving, and we hope to see you soon.
All of us at Loosen Up!

We’re Hiring! CMT and Reception Positions Available

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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 profession has been its practitioners’ dedication to seeing clients improve their wellbeing  – even after they have been discharged from their medical doctors.  Just because someone is no longer acutely ill doesn’t mean there’s not significant room for improvement in their daily experience with their own body.
At Loosen Up we have always been clinically focused.  We pride ourselves on making sure that our entire team is well-informed and up-to-date on the most current recommendations for all types of health conditions.  We have invested a great deal of time and research into preparing to meet this new COVID-19 challenge facing our profession and are eager to help other CMT’s prepare to return to their tables.  If you (or someone you know) is wanting to get back to the treatment room but are feeling unprepared, we want to hear from you.
We are also looking for front-office help. Check out our open reception position.
We hope you are well and healthy and we are looking forward to hearing from you soon!