Monthly Archives: May 2014

Geriatric Massage for the Young at Heart!

Providing massage therapy to geriatric clients is a true pleasure to me. I have years of experience massaging my own mother and others. I was mom’s caregiver for six years and one of the things that always made her more comfortable was having a massage. It was nearly a nightly event at our house. I would get her comfortable in the massage chair and work out the stiff and painful spots in her neck, back, arms and legs. I quickly felt stress and discomfort leave her body, replaced with peaceful breathing and wonderful sighs. When the massage was over mom would be very calm and relaxed and often took a nice nap, waking to feel refreshed and quite happy.

As we age, and I know this to be true from my own experience, little and sometimes not so little aches and pains crop up. Being able to work with a population who experiences this frequently is very satisfying to me. Just like with my mom, I quickly notice them calming as their breathing gets more quiet and less strained. As time goes on they report feeling better in their daily life experience.

Some of the benefits of massage therapy for geriatrics include:

Receiving compassionate touch
Reduced pain in joints and muscles
Increased serotonin, a feel good hormone which lifts the spirit and calms the nerves
Promotes relaxation
Improves circulation, which nourishes cells and improves waste elimination
Relieves tight muscles (knots) and other aches and pains
Releases nerve compression (carpel tunnel, sciatica)
Increases flexibility, tight muscles and range of motion
Enhances overall energy and vitality

If you visit me for a massage I will do everything I can to accommodate any physical limitations. We will find a way to make you comfortable and relaxed and focus our work on your needs and expectations. I have a great appreciation for folks who have lived through many years of life and feel very rewarded and honored to work with them. I look forward to working with you.

Massage Myth: It’s Only for the Rich & Famous!

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Okay that’s a bit dramatic, but my point is there are lots of people out there who think about massage therapy as a luxury, not as a part of taking care of their own health. In Iowa City, a city of great diversity and higher education, we think differently. We know that massage therapy and other similar health care modalities are essential to our overall health and sense of well-being.

My clients have come to feel and see the benefits they receive from having regular massage therapy. They tell me they have a higher tolerance when things get stressful and feel more comfortable and at ease in their bodies. They have learned to listen to their bodies and have found the optimal interval of time that works best for them to receive massage therapy. Whether it’s twice a week, once a week, bi-monthly or once a month, they know what keeps them at the even keel they’ve come to appreciate and count on.

Did you know that many employers offer flex health spending programs that include massage therapy in their list of modalities they will reimburse? Check with your employer and see, you may just have a gold mine waiting for you to tap into.

The University of Iowa, our largest employer in Iowa City, includes massage therapy in their health flex spending program. This forward thinking employer even has a Mindfulness Class which they offer to their employees and the general public.

It’s time to let go of that old myth that massage is a luxury only for the rich and famous and join the growing group of us who realize the significant impact massage has in keeping us healthy in mind, body and spirit.

Pregnancy Massage: Mama’s Little Helper!

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Beautiful Henna Baby Belly, Fannie and twins

Whether you are in your first trimester, second trimester or coming up to your third and awaiting the big day, pregnancy massage, from a certified therapist, will help you get in touch with each transition in relaxed comfort. Tell me where you’re feeling discomfort, where you feel the baby is resting and how it’s impacting your body. During this incredible transformation and creation of life your body is changing…literally, in every single moment. Every incredible moment.

Receiving a pregnancy massage is to experience true nurturing and self-care. Something every expecting mom deserves to prepare her for the upcoming arrival of baby. Stop, relax and really check in with yourself and your baby. I guarantee you’ll feel a profound shift in your own well-being and quite a lot of happy activity from the baby. Babies love pregnancy massage, they seem to thrill from the increase of “feel good” hormones and become quite active. When mom is happy, calm and relaxed, baby is too!

Pregnancy Massage is a tremendous relaxer for every expecting mom. During pregnancy you and your body are on an incredibly expansive (not just your waist line) journey. You are the vessel for a new life and your health and well-being directly impact your baby. Every day, in so many ways, your body is changing as your baby grows.

I will partner with you along this journey, moving through the different stages, adjusting your session to accommodate your specific needs and preferences. Learn more techniques to calm and relax yourself while experiencing the physical transformation and benefits of certified pregnancy massage.

Thoughtful baby shower gift: As a single or group gift, a package of one pregnancy massage per month and two after baby is born, is a wonderful way to gift the pregnant woman in your life. Each month you’ll know you’re supporting her in her journey, even if your miles away.