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Massage News - Articles of Interest

The Massage Type That Sounds Scary, But The Benefits Will Blow You Away

9/10/2025

 
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Have you heard of a Myofascial Release? If you haven’t, you are missing peak body performance! Underneath the surface of your skin is the fascial system. This system plays a vital part in our movement and overall well-being. When this system becomes tight or damaged, it can lead to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction. Yep - the pain you have been experiencing is due to a restricted fascial system! Myofascial Release is the massage that can take this pain away. 
What Is Myofascial Release Anyways?
While we offer it at Living Touch, it is different from traditional massage techniques. Instead of kneading and rubbing muscles, you have to directly target the fascia itself. To do this, it is a gentle yet steady pressure applied to the areas of tightness/restriction, which allows the tissue to release. During this process, the release works on the relationship between the muscles and the fascial around them. 
The fascial can harden due to physical or emotional trauma, inflammation, or repetitive strain, which then hardens and dehydrates. These restrictions can put a lot of pressure on sensitive areas like nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Conventional medical diagnosis can miss typical symptoms of this occurring. A trained Myofascial Release therapist will be able to locate these restrictions by gently feeling for areas of tightness or immobility with their hands. Once a restriction is identified, the sustained pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. This allows for the viscous ground substance within the fascia to become fluid, which reorganizes and lengthens. The amount of time pressure is applied varies, as it depends on how long it takes for the tissue to naturally unwind and release.
So What Are The Benefits?
Prepare to be amazed. Not only will you get pain relief in that area, but your entire body will thank you!
  • Chronic Pain Relief: the most recognized benefit!
    • Low Back Pain: fascial restrictions in the lumbar region, hips, and hamstrings can contribute to lower back pain.
    • Neck and Shoulder Pain: head posture, desk work, and stress can lead to fascial tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
    • Headaches and Migraines: tension in the scalp, neck, and shoulders due to fascial tightness can trigger or worsen headaches. 
    • Fibromyalgia: pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia can be reduced by addressing fascial tightness. 
    • Sciatica: releasing restrictions around the piriformis muscle and glutes can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve.
    • Plantar Fasciitis: fascial restrictions in the feet and calves are often a root cause of this condition.
  • Improved Posture and Alignment: by releasing restrictions that cause unalignment and poor posture, your body can return to a more natural, balanced, and efficient posture.
  • Increased Range of Motion and Flexibility: tight fascia limits movement, so getting released restores your body’s natural elasticity and extensibility.
  • Reduced Muscle Soreness and Stiffness: improving fluid exchange within the tissues and releasing muscle tension held in the fascial network.
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance: repetitive movement and injuries can cause facial tightness, and with myofascial release, that tightness can be reduced and improve muscle relaxation.
  • Stress Reduction and Relaxation: the gentle pressure of this release can be relaxing, reducing stress and providing a sense of relaxation.
  • Improved Circulation and Nerve Function: impeded blood flow and compacted nerves are common with restricted fascia, so releasing the tension can restore circulation and nerve conductivity.
  • Scar Tissue Reduction: myofascial release can be very effective in treating old and new scar tissue by gently stretching and releasing the adhesions within the scar.
  • Support for Chronic Conditions: by addressing underlying fascial restrictions that contribute to some chronic conditions, like TMJ and carpal tunnel syndrome, release can offer supportive relief. 
  • Increased Body Awareness: myofascial release encourages individuals to become more attuned to their bodies by recognizing patterns of tension and awareness of habits that may cause tightness. ​
What To Do Next:
Book your myofascial release with Living Touch! It is safe for people of all ages and conditions, as it is a gentle pressure. If you feel like you have tried “everything” but myofascial release, it is time to give this a try! Restore your body’s natural function with this holistic technique.

Get The Most Out Of You Massage Experience

8/13/2025

 
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If you are new to massages, or even have been getting them for years, sometimes it can be intimidating or hard to communicate your needs. Here at Living Touch Massage, we prioritize YOU, whether it’s your 1st time or your 53rd. Here is a breakdown of what we do to make your experience healing, rejuvenating, and relaxing.
Before Your Massage:
We want to make sure that we have clear communication about what the massage will entail and what the goal is. Is this massage for pain relief, and if so, where? Are there any areas to avoid? What is your pressure preference? Do you want a light, relaxing experience? These are all things that we want to know to begin with so there is little room for pain or discomfort, and eliminates any miscommunication. Every appointment begins with this assessment, then we follow with a customized plan of what the massage length will be and techniques that will be used. We book appointments two hours apart always so there is always time to discuss, whether you booked an hour or hour and a half appointment. You get our undivided attention, and our priority is you.
During Your Massage:
Expect a secure, inviting, and calm environment. Be prepared for some discomfort, especially if it is a deep tissue massage. However, there should not be severe pain. If it ever gets too much for you, do not hesitate to say something. Massages do not need to be painful to be successful. We want to work with your body, not against it! If you have any other questions, concerns, or comments about anything, we are here to help and discuss. During your session, it is important to breathe deeply and allow your muscles to relax. When you tense up, you aren’t going to get optimal results. Focus on how the touch feels, how your body feels, and allow yourself that time for you.
After Your Massage:
Rest and take it easy. Your muscles will likely be sore, and you will be dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water after, as it helps flush out the toxins that were released. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the benefits. Reduced stress and anxiety, increased joint flexibility, improved blood circulation, improved posture, and promoting better sleep are all just some of the benefits that will come your way after a massage. It may take a few sessions for some of the benefits, so it is important to try to attain a regular massage schedule.
Getting a massage is a wonderful way to treat yourself and your body to a relaxing, rejuvenating time. If you haven’t gotten one before, or it’s been a while, or even if you’ve been going and don’t feel like you’ve been getting the most out of the experience, it can be intimidating or unnerving to learn more. We hope this little guide will help you get the best results, the Living Touch way! Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Ready to get a massage? Book now!

Stretching Techniques For Daily Ergonomics & Body Function

1/23/2025

 
A good stretch is a hug for your muscles! Don’t you just love a good stretch? Stretching and a therapeutic massage by a seasoned professional go hand-in-hand. It is important to recognize how they both improve your relationship with your body and its functions. 

There are so many benefits to stretching. Improving flexibility, reducing muscle soreness, increasing energy, and reducing risk of injury are just a few! It’s critical to keep those muscles loose and mobile for your body’s health.
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Whether you’re the type to run a marathon or lounge on the couch–stretching is crucial. It’s important to always stay relaxed, no matter the activity. Listen to your body, if you are feeling discomfort take a moment to readjust. Doing some of these exercises multiple times per day will not only improve your physical fitness, but your mental well being. Pushing yourself to do stretches is not going to do your body any good, it could just cause more pain and problems. So  always pay attention to what it is telling you. 

Here is a list of stretches that have been proven to increase mobility and ergonomics:

Neck
  • Stretch: Gently lean your head ear to shoulder, holding for 10 seconds. Keep your chin tucked.
  • Head Turn: Turn your head slowly to look over your shoulder, then turn your head to look over your other shoulder​
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Upper Body
  • Shoulder Rolls: Circle your shoulders forward 5 times, then backwards 5 times. 
  • Wrist and Elbow: Put your arms straight out and interlock your fingers, palms facing outwards. Hold for 10 seconds.
  • Upper Back: Interlace your fingers and raise your arms straight above your head. Then, lean side to side.
  • Back Arch: Perhaps the most popular stretch; put your hands on your lower back and gently arch for a few seconds.​​
  • Chest Stretch: Sitting or standing, put your arms behind you and interlock your fingers if possible. Gently pull up your arms until you feel a stretch in your chest. 
Lower Body
  • Hips: Perform a lunge, then lean forward. 
  • Seated Hip: In a seated position, cross your right angle over your left knee. Sitting straight, lean forward. You will feel a stretch in the glute and hip. Hold for half a minute, then alternate. To deepen the stretch, press down on your right knee.
  • Inner Thigh: While seated, have your legs in a wide stance. With a straight back, lean forward and put your elbows in between your thighs. Push your thighs out to enhance the stretch.  ​​
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  • Knee Squeeze: Stand, and lift leg towards your chest. Hold your knee or underneath your leg and squeeze.
  • Outstretch: While sitting, hold one or both legs straight out. Flex your foot forwards and backwards to stretch out your calf muscle. 
  • Foot Rotation: Extend your leg and roll your foot, clockwise and counterclockwise.
Eyes
  • Exercises: Have your head forward, and sit/stand straight. Look up, then down. Look left, then right. Repeat. 
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Remember to take care of yourself, your body deserves it! Implementing these stretches into your daily routine, along with getting a massage is the perfect way to promote healing and rejuvenate your muscles. Contact us today to get your personalized, professional massage! ​
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Recent Testimonials     ​
"After a car accident a few years ago I have had problems with my shoulder. Rita helped me with the pain when doctors couldn't."
- Jo A.
"I have suffered from chronic headaches and several back injuries for years. Regular massage has helped me to increase my flexibility and reduce muscular tension."
- Sheila P.

About Us
We are a family-owned and operated company, serving the Bemidji area since 2004. Rita Scholl Bergstrom has over 25 years' experience as a massage and bodywork practitioner.             ​
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