Massage and Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that massage can be helpful before, during and post-treatment? Light massage at any stage of breast cancer can be beneficial. Smooth gliding strokes can help alleviate symptoms of pain, nausea, fatigue, edema, scar tissue and even the emotional toll that often comes with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery treatments. From diagnosis to recovery, a caring touch from a licensed massage therapist trained in working with oncology patients is not only safe, but can help a patient through their most personal journey.

https://www.massagemag.com/massage-for-breast-cancer-patients-33204/

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/17958/b1000/massage-and-cancer-42/massage-and-cancer-benefits-of-touch/

Embody Health and Wellness always offers 50% off for the first massage for oncology patients. Our massage therapists work with you to develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs and comfort level. Please call to make your appointment today!

- Sharon E. Dean, Ph.D. LMT

25 Reasons to Get a Massage ...

As winter approaches, more and more people are seeking massage as a way to keep the holiday stress down and their spirits up. But massage has many therapeutic benefits that can keep you healthy all year round. They include relief of stress, reduced anxiety, easing symptoms from chronic pain conditions and depression, improved quality of sleep, lower blood pressure and many more. Click on the link below to see all 25 reasons you should get a massage today and any time during the year. Cheers and here's to your health!

Sharon Dean, Ph.D., LMT

https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/1/News/detail/3124

Massage after Muscle Injury

As we move into spring weather and start doing more outdoor activities like gardening or sports, there is always the risk of straining or pulling a muscle.  Recent research at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggests that carefully massaging the injured muscle right away may actually boost healing (see link below).  It is always good to be safe and ask a doctor's advice first, but should you get injured know that massage therapy can help with exercise-induced injuries.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=159934

- Sharon E. Dean, Ph.D., LMT

Massage For Seniors

Healthier life expectancies have increased in the United States for both men and women. Advances in medicine, nutrition and maintaining an active lifestyle all play a role. Massage therapy can be a key factor in helping seniors get healthy and stay fit.  While evidence on how massage therapy helps seniors, per se, is unclear, here are some articles that make sense and will get you thinking.

https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2318

http://www.livestrong.com/article/115701-benefits-massage-senior-citizens

- Sharon E. Dean, Ph.D. LMT

Massage and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Now that it’s January and winter has finally arrived with a vengeance, do you have the winter or post-holiday blues? It may be temporary, but it may also be a sign of SAD, a winter depressive disorder that results from less available daylight.  The lack of light affects the release of melatonin in our bodies, a chemical needed to regulate normal sleep cycles. The disorder affects approximately 5% of the U.S. population.  Another 10-20% often experience mild symptoms of SAD, including fatigue, moods swings and sleep changes. A therapeutic massage can help reduce symptoms of depression by increasing endorphins and decreasing levels of cortisol that, in turn, will reduce stress. With the body in a relaxed state, normal sleep cycles can be restored.  Check out these articles and stay warm!

http://www.caseyhealth.org/massage-sad-seasonal-affective-disorder/ (Massage for SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder) 

http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/624/House-of-Blues  (House of Blues)

- Sharon E. Dean, Ph.D. LMT

Get a Good Night’s Sleep!

Nutrition and exercise are important components for being healthy. But many people don’t realize that there is a third element necessary for good health that is often ignored: a good night’s sleep. Many people suffer from sleep disorders as a result of medical treatment, sleep apnea or just plain stress from everyday living. Often sleep problems go untreated for months, even years. Research has shown that poor sleep patterns can cause fatigue, lack of concentration, a slow metabolism and even long-term memory loss.  Massage therapy can help ease these symptoms by relaxing the body and increasing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter necessary for good sleep.  Check out these resources for getting a great night’s sleep:

Can’t Sleep? Try a Massage

How to Give a relaxing back massage to help sleep deprivation

Here’s to your health!

Sharon E. Dean, Ph.D. LMT