Massage News - Articles of Interest
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The 2024 Holiday Season is HERE! And we have the best gift to give to your loved ones!  Our Christmas Specials are back.
2 - One-Hour Massages - SAVE $20 3 - One-Hour Massages - SAVE 15% 6 - One-Hour Massages - SAVE 15% 10 - One-Hour Massages - SAVE 20% To purchase a Christmas Special Package:
We're typically booked out several months, so be sure to schedule your appointments soon. All gift certificates with be honored at the time of your appointment, if you aren't able to get in right away. Contact us with any questions you have. Have a great holiday season, and we can't wait to see you! As students head back to school, they'll be spending countless hours typing, writing, and reading. These activities can put a strain on their bodies, especially if they're not done with proper ergonomics. Here at Living Touch Massage Therapy, we believe in preventative care and want to help students and office workers avoid unnecessary joint pain. Common back-to-school issues include poor posture, such as slouching over a desk, which can lead to back pain and neck stiffness. Excessive typing or writing can result in repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. To improve your ergonomics, set up your workspace properly, take regular breaks, use ergonomic tools, pay attention to your backpack, practice good posture, and consider massage therapy.  To create a comfortable and efficient workspace, it's important to pay attention to your posture and the placement of your things. Ensure your desk and chair are at the correct height so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing. Position your computer monitor at eye level to reduce neck strain. Keep your keyboard and mouse close to your body to avoid reaching and straining your arms. By following these simple guidelines, you can help prevent discomfort and improve your productivity.
Take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid strain and fatigue. Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to stretch your muscles and improve blood circulation. Give your eyes a rest by looking away from your screen every 20 minutes and focusing on a distant object. These simple breaks can make a big difference in your overall comfort and productivity. To further enhance your workspace comfort, consider using ergonomic tools and paying attention to your backpack. A keyboard wrist rest can help support your wrists and prevent strain, while a gel mouse pad can reduce pressure on your wrists. When using a backpack, choose the right size and distribute the weight evenly to avoid straining your shoulders and back. Avoid overloading your backpack by packing no more than 10-15% of your body weight. Maintaining good posture is essential for preventing strain on your back and neck. Sit up straight with your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching, as it can put unnecessary strain on your spine. Keep your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest if needed to maintain proper alignment. By practicing good posture, you can reduce discomfort and improve your overall well-being. Considering Massage Therapy: Regular massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension and improve overall well-being. A massage therapist can also assess your posture and provide personalized advice on how to improve your ergonomics. By following these tips and seeking professional help at Living Touch Massage when needed, you can protect your joints and enjoy a pain-free back-to-school season. Our phones are practically extensions of ourselves these days. But between texting, scrolling, and gaming, all that hunching and gripping can potentially damage our joints. Living Touch Massage Therapy recommends preventative care in order to maintain healthy joints. Here's where ergonomics comes in – it's the science of designing things to fit the human body, and it can be a game-changer for preventing joint pain from phone use. Think about how you hold your phone, one hand grips, while the other types, or maybe you use one hand to do it all. Either way, this repetitive motion can strain the muscles and tendons in your thumbs, wrists, and even elbows. Over time, this constant strain on our upper body can lead to conditions causing pain, numbness, and weakness. By incorporating a few simple ergonomic principles into your phone routine and posture, you can significantly reduce your risk of pain. Our bodies are amazing, but sometimes they need a break. Texting can be a real workout for your thumbs, especially with the constant tapping and swiping. Voice-to-text features offer a powerful alternative, allowing you to dictate your message instead of typing it out. To balance your body you can switch hands while texting or holding the phone to distribute the strain evenly. Posture is always important, sit up tall with your shoulders back and hold your phone at eye level. This reduces strain on your neck and upper back. Avoid gripping your phone tightly with your pinky finger. There are many phone cases you can find with built-in grippers to reduce strain on your fingers for a secure hold.  At Living Touch Massage Therapy, we see first-hand the impact of daily habits on our bodies. By consciously incorporating these ergonomic practices, you can transform your phone use from a pain-inducing activity to a comfortable and enjoyable one. Remember, prevention is key! Taking care of your upper body now will save you discomfort and allow you to keep using your phone without limitations.
However, if you're already experiencing discomfort as an existing client, schedule an appointment at Living Touch. Together, we can create a personalized plan to get you back to pain-free phone use. A healthy body leads to a happier you! July is here, and with it comes the irresistible call of the water! Whether you're diving into a refreshing pool, conquering waves at the beach, or gracefully gliding across a lake, swimming is a fantastic way to cool down and stay active. But did you know that even this seemingly effortless activity can benefit from a touch of ergonomics?  Balance is Key: Ergonomics is all about creating harmony between your body and the environment. When swimming, proper technique ensures balanced muscle usage. Unequal strokes or kicking with more force on one side can lead to muscle imbalances and potential injuries. Balance is an easy way to incorporate ergonomics into everyday life. Unbalanced muscles can cause one muscle group to be overworked, this overuse can lead to muscle fatigue, soreness, and eventually pain. A skilled massage therapist at Living Touch Massage Therapy can assess your posture and identify any imbalances, creating a personalized treatment plan to address them.
Freestyle swimming often involves breathing to one side. While this is perfectly acceptable, it's important to be mindful of potential neck strain. Regularly switching the side you breathe on helps distribute the load evenly and prevents muscle tightness. Muscle imbalances can affect your posture as your body tries to compensate for the weakness on one side. This can lead to slouching, hunching, or other postural deviations that can cause pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, a massage therapist can help loosen any tension in the neck and shoulders that may arise from repetitive swimming motions. Whether you're packing up for a day trip or a week-long beach vacation, consider ergonomics when choosing your beach essentials. Even when traveling to the beach, it’s easy to get caught up in hauling heavy essentials. Try a backpack-style beach bag to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. This will help prevent neck and shoulder strain compared to carrying a heavy tote bag on one arm. Invest in a cooler with wheels to avoid lugging a heavy cooler back and forth from the car. This will save your back and arms from unnecessary strain. Ditch the flimsy beach towels and try for a supportive beach mat that provides proper lumbar support. Look for beach chairs with adjustable backs to maintain good posture while soaking up the sun. If you're using an umbrella, adjust it to provide shade without forcing you to twist or strain your body to stay cool. Remember, even lounging can lead to aches and pains if your body isn't properly supported. Here at Living Touch Massage Therapy, we believe in prevention. By incorporating ergonomic practices into your swimming routine, you can minimize the risk of muscle imbalances and injuries. Early detection and treatment of muscle imbalances are crucial to prevent these potential problems. Additionally, scheduling regular massages can help maintain flexibility, improve range of motion, and decrease muscle soreness, keeping you swimming strong all summer long! Ready to Dive In? Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just starting out, Living Touch Massage Therapy is here to help you make the most of your aquatic adventures. Our massage therapists can provide expert advice on maintaining proper form while swimming and address any muscle imbalances that may arise. So, pack your swimsuit, embrace the sunshine, and let Living Touch Massage Therapy help you have a healthy, pain-free summer! For many people, we travel to get a sense of adventure, to take in new experiences, and to create memories that last a lifetime. But let's be honest, the journey itself can sometimes leave you feeling stiff, sore, and less than thrilled, especially as our bodies start getting a little bit older. While reaching our destination as quickly as possible to enjoy ourselves is a top priority, neglecting ergonomics throughout the travel process can put a damper on the whole trip, and can strike without warning. Fortunately, at Living Touch Massage, we have a few tricks up our sleeves that can help prevent these aches and pains, and let you focus on the things that matter!  Ergonomics: Your Secret Weapon for a Smooth Journey
Ergonomics is all about designing your environment to fit you, not the other way around. This becomes especially important when navigating the sometimes awkward realities of travel. By incorporating a few simple ergonomic hacks, you can transform your journey from a pain-inducing experience into the comfortable, stress-free adventure that you crave. An easy way to incorporate ergonomics is by upgrading your luggage. Ditch the traditional two-wheeled suitcase and get a 360-degree spinner. This allows you to move your luggage effortlessly, eliminating dragging a heavy bag behind you. If you’re debating between checking a bag or bringing a carry on, consider your back. If your trip involves heavy luggage, consider checking a bag instead of struggling with an overloaded carry-on. For shorter trips with lighter packing, a backpack is your best friend. The weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders, taking the pressure off your back and arms. Even packing a hoodie can take your comfort while traveling to the next level. Airplanes and airports can fluctuate in temperature. A hoodie provides an extra layer of warmth when you're feeling chilly, which can help prevent muscle tension that comes with shivering. A well-fitting hoodie with a hood can offer some light neck support, especially when you're slumped over in a seat trying to sleep. This can help maintain better spinal alignment and reduce neck and shoulder strain. If you're prone to headaches or migraines, the hood can be used to apply gentle pressure around the head, which some find helps alleviate pain. Traveling often involves planes, trains, and automobiles. Here at Living Touch Massage, we are here for your therapeutic needs, but we are also here for preventive advice. Maintaining good posture is essential, sitting up straight with your shoulders back and relaxed, and avoiding slouching. If you're driving, adjust your seat and steering wheel for optimal comfort. Avoid hunching over the wheel, and adjust the mirrors for proper visibility to minimize neck strain. Taking breaks while driving or flying and being able to stand up and move helps improve circulation and reduces stiffness. When traveling on a bus or train, choose a window seat if possible, so you can lean against the window for support. Get up and walk around the carriage whenever possible. Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, which can contribute to fatigue and muscle cramps. Travel Essentials for Ergonomic Comfort Once you're on the move, here are some travel must-haves to keep you feeling comfortable and supported:
Remember, It's All About the Journey By incorporating these ergonomic travel hacks, you can transform your journey into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. When returning home, Living Touch Massage will be able to assess your needs and concerns and offer therapeutic techniques. So relax, focus on the adventure ahead, and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore! At Living Touch Massage, we know the importance of a healthy routine. Jogging and power walking are fantastic ways to get your heart rate up and burn calories, but it's crucial to prioritize proper form to avoid injury. Here are some extended tips to keep your body aligned while you hit the pavement:  Sole Support: Invest in the Right Shoes
Running and walking both put stress on your feet and ankles, which can travel up your legs and cause lower back pain. Fight back by wearing shoes specifically designed for your chosen activity. Don't skimp! Change your shoes regularly, typically every 300-500 miles for running shoes and every year for walking shoes. Consider having a separate pair specifically for your workouts. Proper footwear provides cushioning, arch support, and stability specific to the demands of jogging or power walking. Uneven Terrain? Be Mindful of the Grade When you're out jogging or power walking, pay attention to the incline of the road. It's easy to overlook, but even a slight crest can have consequences. As you walk or run on an uneven surface, one leg is often lower than the other. This can lead to imbalances in your hips, knees, and even your neck over time. To avoid these issues, prioritize flat paths whenever possible. If you must walk on an incline, try to alternate directions on your route so that each leg gets equal work on the incline and decline. Level Up Your Walk: Seek Flat Surfaces While nature trails might seem like a scenic alternative to sidewalks, they often come with uneven terrain. This can be a nice occasional change of pace, but for consistent exercise, it's generally better to stick to level surfaces like sidewalks or tracks. This will help you maintain proper form and reduce the risk of developing pain in your back, hips, and knees. Listen to Your Body: Warm Up, Cool Down, and Stretch Just like any workout, proper warm-up and cool-down are essential for jogging and power walking. Dynamic stretches like leg swings, arm circles, and lunges will prepare your muscles for movement and help prevent injuries. After your workout, dedicate time to static stretches that hold each pose for 20-30 seconds to improve flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. Form Matters: Maintain Proper Posture While you're out there, focus on maintaining good posture. Here's the key:
Don't underestimate the importance of staying hydrated! Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. You may also want to consider a sports drink for longer walks or jogs, especially in hot weather. Additionally, fuel your body with a healthy snack beforehand and replenish your energy stores with a balanced meal afterward. Living Touch Massage: Here to Help You Keep Moving Whether you're a seasoned jogger or a power walking newbie, prioritizing proper form is key to preventing injuries. By following these tips and listening to your body, you can keep your walks and jogs enjoyable and pain-free. And if you do experience any discomfort, Living Touch Massage os here to help. We can provide targeted relief, identify areas of tightness that may be contributing to pain, and offer advice on how to prevent future issues. Let's keep you moving comfortably! The call of the yard beckons, promising fresh air and a sense of accomplishment. But before you dive into raking that mountain of leaves or shoveling the winter's wrath, remember: your body is not a bulldozer. Just like any physical activity, yard work demands respect for proper ergonomics, or those pesky aches and pains will be back faster than a runaway squirrel.  Ditch the Static, Embrace the Flow:
Even with the best intentions, yard work can leave your muscles feeling like battle-weary soldiers. This is where massage therapy steps in, offering sweet relief:
Hitting the open road can be exhilarating, but for many, it's also a recipe for aches and pains. Poor driving posture and repetitive motions can create a symphony of discomfort, impacting everything from your shoulders to your ankles. But just like tuning up your car, you can tune up your driving experience with the magic touch of ergonomics.  Behind the Wheel: Ergonomics in the Driver's Seat
While good ergonomics practices are your preventative oil change, sometimes the engine of your body needs a professional tune-up. Massage therapy can be your ergonomic ally, offering a range of benefits:
Remember, ergonomics isn't just for office chairs; it's for every aspect of your life, including behind the wheel. By incorporating these simple tips and considering the magic touch of massage therapy, you can transform your drives from discomfort zones to comfortable journeys, leaving you feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy every mile. We often associate ergonomics with clunky office chairs, workstations that don’t fit you, and fluorescent lights. But what if I told you the principles of designing for interaction and comfort extend far beyond your cubicle walls? Today, we're hitting the "undo" button on discomfort and exploring how ergonomics can revolutionize your everyday life, starting with the most familiar friend (or foe) – your computer.  Posture Power: Taming the Back Beast
Remember that nagging lower back pain that flares up after an eternity scrolling through emails? It's often a case of postural surrender. Our spines crave neutrality, not the slouch-fest most computer workstations offer. So, let's reclaim our posture!
Staring at a glowing rectangle for hours isn't exactly natural, and our necks often bear the brunt of our digital devotion. But fear not, tech tamers!
Mousing around shouldn't leave you feeling like a contortionist. Here's how to keep your arms and hands happy:
The good news is, ergonomic principles work wonders beyond the digital realm. From cooking to cleaning, here are some everyday tips:
While incorporating ergonomic principles into your daily life is key, let's face it, sometimes the tension builds up despite our best efforts. That's where massage therapy comes in, playing a crucial role in your ergonomic journey. Here's how:
 The New Year is here! And with it comes the promise of reinvention. For many, that reinvention involves conquering fitness goals, often with images of intense bootcamps and marathon training flashing through our minds. But hold on! Before we dive headfirst into extreme exercise, let's consider a gentler, more sustainable approach – one that embraces slow starts, celebrates consistency, and acknowledges the changing physiology of our bodies as we age. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Forget the crash-and-burn mentality. Ditch the pressure of instant results and embrace the wisdom of starting slow. This, especially as we get older, is crucial to prevent injuries and build a sustainable exercise routine. Begin with manageable activities you enjoy, like brisk walks, gentle yoga, or swimming. Listen to your body, respect its limitations, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Remember, a slow burn leads to a lasting fire, not a fleeting flicker. Consistency is Key, Not Intensity: It's not about how hard you push yourself one day, but about showing up for yourself consistently. Aim for shorter, regular workouts that fit seamlessly into your schedule. A 30-minute walk every day is far more effective than a single grueling session followed by weeks of inactivity. Building a consistent routine, even if it's small, forms the foundation for long-term success and avoids the discouraging yo-yo of extreme exertion. The Wise Body: Embracing Change: The harsh reality is that as we age, our metabolism slows down, muscle mass decreases, and our bones may become more brittle. This doesn't mean exercise becomes out of reach, it simply means adapting our approach! Focus on low-impact activities that strengthen muscles and bones, like strength training with lighter weights or bodyweight exercises. Balance and flexibility become increasingly important, so incorporate yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi into your routine. Remember, exercise isn't a battle against age, it's a conversation you have with your changing body, one filled with respect and understanding. The Magic of Movement: Beyond the physical benefits, exercise reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood, and improves cognitive function. As we age, these benefits become even more crucial. Regular physical activity can help combat age-related cognitive decline and keep our minds sharp and vibrant. The endorphin rush after a workout is a natural mood booster, and the sense of accomplishment can work wonders for our self-esteem. Fueling the Journey: Remember, exercise is just one piece of the puzzle. Nourishing your body with healthy foods becomes even more important as we age. Choose whole grains, lean protein, colorful fruits, and vegetables to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. Stay hydrated with water and limit sugary drinks. This fuels your workouts, aids recovery, and supports overall health. Taking Care: Massage can also be an integral part of your 2024 fitness journey. Perhaps aches and pains are part of why you haven’t taken any exercise in recent years. Or your new found love of exercise has you aching in places that you didn’t know could ache! Whatever your situation, therapeutic massage can alleviate those pains, and keep your body in proper working order. Listen to the Whisper, Not the Roar: So, this New Year, let's ditch the pressure cooker and embrace the simmering pot. Start slow, be consistent, listen to your body, and celebrate the joy of movement in all its forms. Remember, age is just a number, and our bodies are capable of amazing things. Let's make exercise a conversation, not a competition, and watch as our confidence grows, our minds sharpen, and our spirits soar on this slow-burn journey to a healthier, happier you. What to look forward to in 2024 from our blog:
In 2024, we're taking back control of our posture and productivity with a year-long journey into the world of everyday ergonomics. Are you tired of aching backs, sore necks, and that nagging feeling your computer chair is causing it all? Check back monthly for a year of tips, tricks, and hacks to transform your home, office, and even your grocery run into ergonomic perfection! |
