I Don't Have a Headache, So Why Are You Massaging My Head?

Because it gives me great pleasure to mess up your hair!

But seriously, there are some great benefits to receiving a head massage.  Let me go through a few. 

Have you ever received one? I love to finish with a head massage because it can be so relaxing, especially after working on some sore muscles. In fact, it is so relaxing that it may lower your blood pressure. If you feel slightly lightheaded after receiving a massage, it may be due to a reduction in your blood pressure.

Head massages are also a fantastic stress reliever. Say goodbye to impossible poses you can’t possibly do in your beginner’s yoga class. You can now get almost instant stress relief by laying down and letting someone else do all the work.

I’ve been working on a client that suffers from pains in the neck, shoulders and upper back. We believe that the pain is mainly due to the client’s job, where the arms are consistently forward and away from the body, without any real support. During the last massage, I decided to incorporate massaging the head as well as the other body parts. My client was happy to report that the head massage had alleviated the pain in the neck and shoulders.

And those are just a few benefits of getting a head massage.  The next time you make an appointment, ask your therapist for one and see if it makes a difference for you. 

Please feel free to share your experiences.  I would love to hear from you!

We Can See What You May Not

This is going to be a short one, but an important one.

We are an extra set of eyes. That’s how you should think of your massage therapist; someone who has a view of your body that may not be easy for you to see. As a resource, if you may.

Consider this: While you are laying on the massage table, both your therapist’s hands and eyes are running down your body. Among many things, we check for skin rashes, cuts, bruises, and moles.

We are not doctors, so we cannot diagnose what we may see or feel. But, we can certainly advise you to go see a doctor if we find something that looks or feels irregular.

It’s reassuring to me. How about you?

Undress to the Level of Your Comfort

That’s what she said. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. I’m a huge fan of the TV show The Office.

Undress to the level of your comfort is what your massage therapist should be telling you as they leave the room to give you privacy. This is an important topic for me because I want people to know that they do have a right to keep whatever clothes on that they want during a massage.

When I get massages, I tend to leave my underwear on, until I am comfortable with the therapist. That is my choice. As a massage therapist, I know that this presents some challenges for the person massaging me, but it’s nothing they cannot handle. As the client, I have to be ok with getting lotion or oils on my underwear.

I have gotten massages in public areas and I certainly didn’t undress. I will say that in those cases, the therapist does have to adopt to you having clothes on and will use compressions much more than normal. The massage is satisfying nonetheless.

It is ok for you to ask the therapist what articles of clothing you should remove. We will tell you what makes sense to us. But, if you are not comfortable, it is ok not to take the massage therapist’s suggestion. Remember, it is only a suggestion.

During a massage, we want you to be as comfortable as possible. Massage doesn’t work well if you are stiff because you are feeling exposed. We need the muscles to be pliable so we can work with them.

I have clients that have seen me for years and still keep certain articles of clothing on. I also have first time clients that remove everything the very first session. Which one are you?

Working From Home?

I don’t know about you, but I definitely am! When you are self-employed, no matter how hard you try, it is inevitable that you are gonna take some work home. But, now there is a multitude of us working from home and no longer making that hated commute. If you are like me, you actually like the commutes because it gives you time to unwind with my personal favorites like Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers or U2.

I hate to admit it, but Covid has definitely changed our lives in so many ways and I don’t honestly think that what we used to think of as the norm is ever going to be coming back. I’m an optimist, so I choose to think of the benefits. Less people commuting in their cars means less pollution in our air. That is a plus, wouldn’t you agree?

What I do consider a downside is how much time we now spend at home! The more time we spend at home, the more time we spend sitting on our buns. There, I said it. And yes, my friend, that includes me and you.

Working from home has become the norm now. I’m actually a little jealous because some people work with their pajamas still on. Though, I have to admit I sometimes do that when filling out my paperwork.

As convenient as that sounds, it means that if you are working from home, you are moving less than you used to. Getting ready to go to the office, travelling to work, spending time at the office, going to lunch is whole lot of movement that is no longer taking place. Have you thought about that?

If you are spending tons of time in front of a computer, sitting for hours on end, your body is probably hurting. This means that your neck probably hurts from just facing forward while staring at your computer. Those muscles that you use to look side-to-side are starting to become stiff from lack of use. And that’s just for starters.

How about your lower back? Sitting for hours and hours takes a toll on the back and buttocks. I know it does for me and it hurts. I try my best to remember to take breaks, but when I’m on a roll, I easily forget to do so. And that reminds me, I’m gonna take a break now and go upstairs to see what my kids are up to. Regrets. I’ll go visit my plant next time. They don’t whine and complain about doing their chores.

Texting, texting, and texting. The next time you do so, try to pay attention to your body. Your head lowers, shoulders rise, either one or both arms are up, one hand cradling the phone, thumbs in motion. Does that sound familiar?

So do yourself a favor, get up and take a break! Go walk to another room. Lay out that yoga mat and do a few stretches in that large space in your living room. Grab a heavy object and start flexing those muscles. And the one thing that I advise all of my clients is to turn your head from side to side. Do this several times a day to loosen them muscles up.

Got a hot tub? Fire that sucker up at the end of the night before you go to bed.

Have you considered CBD products? You can consume it in a variety of ways, including edibles, oils, and lotions. They do work for some people and in my opinion, definitely worth a try.

Another option is to schedule a massage. I don’t know what the protocol is for other states, but you can always make a phone call to ask your therapist. Here in the state of Washington, we are healthcare providers, and as such, we wear masks, have been vaccinated (governor mandate), and disinfect the massage rooms between clients. We do that in an effort to avoid spreading viruses.

Whatever you decide to do, please take care of yourself. Be kind to your body.

Please share what works best for you.

You Won't Massage My What??!!

The very first question I ask when I’m going to see a new therapist is will you massage my feet? If the answer is no, then you are not the right therapist for me.

Am I being a little too picky? Hell yeah, and so should you! After all, you are paying good money to have a massage.

But, seriously, why the feet? Please take a moment to think how much work your feet actually do on a daily basis. It is the foundation of your body, pure and simple. The feet carry all of your weight and they are usually neglected. I have worked with clients that suffered from lower back pain and the actual cause of that pain was their feet. Crazy, huh?

Another muscle that has been neglected is called the Subscapularis. (Did I spell that correctly?) I have to admit, it’s in a weird location and the best way to access it, in my opinion, is through the armpit. This muscle is located on the interior side of your scapula, kinda facing your spine. I hope that makes sense.

It is a muscle that we all use frequently every day and definitely needs to be worked on. I am astonished when I hear clients say they’ve never had that particular muscle addressed. The subscapularis is the muscle that is used for internal rotation of the shoulder. In plain English, this means whenever you extend your arm forward, it is with the assistance of the subscapularis muscle. And so, how many times a day does your arm go forward to grab, hold, type, etc? That’s why it needs to be worked on.

These are just two areas of the body that, in my experience, get neglected. I need them to be worked on and maybe you do as well. Whatever part of your body you feel needs to be addressed, discuss it with your massage therapist.

Now you understand why I am picky when it comes to my massages. You should be as well.

What do you think?

Why Are You Having Issues Finding a Massage Therapist that Accepts Insurance?

Are you getting on the phone, ready to schedule a massage and finding that no one is accepting your insurance? That can be very frustrating and disappointing. Especially, when you have been seeing the same therapist for years and you find out that your insurance is no longer being accepted and now you have to pay out of pocket.

Have you noticed that this is becoming a real issue? Apparently, there are several reasons. I say this because I don’t accept insurance, except TriWest. The reason I choose to accept this insurance is because they work with veterans and they are simple to bill.

One of the reasons that you cannot easily find a massage therapist in your area is because insurance companies do not update their provider information on a timely basis. I’m not sure if they do so yearly. I've seen massage therapists report that they are still in the provider list even though they have been retired for years. That is insane.

On top of this, some insurance companies have closed their application process to other healthcare providers. This means that even though their list provides names of retired massage therapists, they are refusing to admit new ones. That technically makes their list of providers even shorter.

Another reason, and this is the biggie, is that some insurance companies have been paying massage therapists the same rate for the past 20 years. Imagine not getting a raise for that long! That is beyond.

Even though I don’t accept insurance in my practice, I wanted to give you a heads up on what’s really going on behind the scenes.

If your insurance covers massage, but you cannot find a massage therapist that accepts your insurance, how is that a benefit?

Feel free to contact your insurance company to make a change.

Any questions or experiences you want to share are welcome. Comment below.

You'll LOVE My Massage Therapist!

No. No, you won’t.

Chances are that someone you know will recommend you to see their massage therapist because they found someone awesome! (Like me!)

But, the thing is, every massage therapist has their own style of massaging. Think about it. We all go to different schools, eventually end up taking varying continuing education classes. That helps develop our personal style and that’s a reason why we differ.

Some of us work with clients that are in pain and require a therapeutic massage. Others work in spas, where the sessions are geared more towards relaxation.

There are therapists that work in the very tough field of hospice and I consider them angels. It is something I have considered and may do so instead of retiring.

Some massage therapists enjoy working in the sports field and working with athletes. I have not worked with athletes, but I have had some famous clients. I was invited twice to work with musicians and had fun. I saw the backstage of both Key Arena and Angel of the Winds Arena. I was also invited to enjoy the concerts. Great memories!

All of the above require different types of massages and skills. Remember that the next time you go and enjoy your next massage.

Please feel free to share some of your experiences. I would love to hear from you.

We Have All Done It!

I consider myself a very lucky person. As a massage therapist, I have had the opportunity to meet some very amazing people.

I love that my clients think of my well-being, texting me recipes and great stretches that I can do. And it doesn’t hurt that some of them are biology geeks, just like me.

In an effort to make you comfortable during your next massage session, I would like to share some of the things I have experienced during a massage.

Have you shed a few tears while getting a massage? So have I and that’s okay. I had a bad week and I was finally able to release the emotions I had bottled up inside of me. The massage continued as I shed tears and when it was done, I got off the table feeling so much relief, both emotionally and physically. It was great.

I vaguely remember another session where I started to share crappy experiences I had the previous day. And I was describing it using words I don’t normally use, shocking the hell out of my massage therapist. Those were some really salty words and we later laughed about it.

When you are able to let go mentally, there is a feeling of utter bliss that envelopes the mind. It is delicious! And if the massage therapist is intuitive, like myself, the session should hopefully be nurturing to both your body and your mind.

And now with all that said, I’m looking forward to my next massage.

Please feel free to share your experience below. I’d love to hear from you.

Be well.

Does Your Significant Other Suck at Giving Massage?

Yeah, mine too. He does try and you gotta give him points for that.

Wouldn’t it be nice to receive a decent massage at home, after a hard day at work? Have you just finished hunching over a computer, or driving all day, or been on your feet for 12 hours straight, etc., and now feeling some stiffness or pain?

If money has been tight and you want to give your partner some relief, and you don’t know where to start, or your partner can’t massage as you’d like, Couples Massage Class is perfect for you!

Ask your friendly neighborhood massage therapist or just google it. There are so many that offer this option, during Valentine’s Day or all year round.

Let me just stress that this class does not qualify you to be a massage therapist. You’ll have to go to a 9+ month program for that, depending on the school and your state. This is also not a continuing education class for massage therapists.

The class will probably be for an hour and teach you the basics of massage, in certain areas of your body. It should be fun for you and your partner, which really does make it a perfect gift for February 14th.

I am excited to share that I will be teaching this Couples Massage Class starting this year. I look forward to meeting couples, partners, friends, family members that would like to learn some techniques to help their loved ones.

So what do you think? Is this something you would give a try? Let me know in the comments.

You Got Some Hot Stones For Me?

Yup, we are in the thick of the lovely winter season. If you are not living in the lower parts of our nation (except for you Texas), then you are enjoying this cold weather. Can’t believe it has snowed in Texas and the Florida panhandle this year!

Are you busy trying to figure out what to wear? How much layering to keep warm enough to brave the outdoors, yet have the option of removing some clothes so you’re not dripping sweat while you’re indoors? Such is our current dilemma.

If you are headed for a massage, whether because pain or for pleasure, ask your therapist if a Hot Stone massage is appropriate for you. Talk about feeling pampered!

In my humble opinion, hot stone massages are the best type of massage you can receive all year round, but especially during the winter. Oh boy, does that feel ooooohhh soooo gooood!

If the therapist does their job correctly, your body will feel deliciously warm and relaxed. Most of my clients actually fall asleep during the massage. I absolutely love that my clients have put so much trust in me that they feel comfortable falling asleep during the massage. From personal experience, I have done some major drooling and snoring in certain massage offices that shall not be named.

As the therapist performing the massage, you feel a significant difference in the client’s body, if the muscles are relaxing from the hot stones. It has been my experience that muscles become more pliable and easy to work with when you apply heat. I have worked with clients that have been involved in accidents that have caused trauma in their bodies. The client and I can feel a significant difference after applying heat. I personally love seeing results!

So, when you head out for your massage, think about the following: Do I Stone or Not Stone? That is the question. Also, try them during the summer. You never know until you try. Sorta like those carrots you were forced to eat when you were a kid. No, it’s better.

Let me know what you think in the comments. What’s your favorite thing about a hot stone massage?

Can I Get Naked?

No, thanks. I don’t perform massages while I’m severely nude - or even partially. Just kidding!

But, seriously, I’m addressing this question because I get asked this all the time. Even from clients I’ve seen for years. It is a legitimate question and I want to answer it as best I can from two different perspectives.

As a massage therapist, I appreciate how much trust you are putting in me. It’s tough to go into a semi dark room and be asked to remove your clothes. The only time you would normally do this is when you are going to see your physician. Or going to bed.

So from my point of view, I want you to be as comfortable as you can be. If that means that you want to keep your clothes on, then the therapist should adjust to your preference. If a therapist tries to coerce you into taking your clothes off, then that is not the therapist for you.

From my personal experience, most clients ask what articles of clothing they should remove prior to the massage. The correct answer is “Undress to the level of your comfort”. I do like to make suggestions, in an effort to make the massage a more pleasurable experience. But, ultimately, it is up to you.

If you are working with a good massage therapist, and you choose to go completely nekked (in your birthday suit), then it is part of their job to keep your private parts completely covered; they should never be exposed.

As a client, I do enjoy getting fully unclothed, if I feel at ease with the therapist. If I feel super relaxed, I will probably fall asleep as well. It’s great waking up to feel fully rejuvenated!

So now it’s your turn to share your preference: fully clothed, semi clothed, or nude. Please feel free to share.

I'm Sorry I Forgot to Shave!

SAID NO MAN EVER! Ever, ever, EVER!!! So why do you?

Ladies, please stop apologizing for those hairy legs. Your massage therapist could care less. We are not going to judge you. We are not going out on a date with you. And even if we were, I’ve never asked my partner to shave anything. Just ask my husband. (Have I, hon?)

As your massage therapist, I want you to feel secure and relaxed on the table. I certainly DO NOT want you to feel uncomfortable about the state of your legs or any other body parts.

And I’ll go even further by saying that we don’t care if you are small or large, hairy or bald, short or tall, or have 2 inch horns on your head! It is our job to make you feel better by the time you leave our table. We are not there to judge you, but care for you.

Please remember that and focus on enjoying your time while you’re on the massage table or chair. Be at peace.

So now I have to ask, what do you think about when you’re getting a massage? Enquiring minds need to know.

Massage - Is it a Luxury or a Necessity?

At the risk of sounding old here, when I was growing up in the 70s and 80s, in the lower east side of Manhattan, massage was definitely thought of as a luxury. When I started working and making money, I still considered it a luxury. Why? Because that’s what I saw on the commercials. I distinctly remember seeing women wrapped up in these great big comfy robes, with their hair wrapped up in a fluffy towel. They were laying on a table with their eyes closed and a satisfied look on their faces, while they were being worked on. Girl, did I envy them! (On a side note and thinking back, I only remember seeing the therapists hands or their backs. Interesting.)

Honestly, I had never thought getting a massage as a treat to myself or as a gift for anyone else. It just wasn’t something you gave. Can you relate or is it just my mentality because of where I came from?

I can, however, remember when I was first introduced to the wonders of massage. Well, back then, I would not have described it as a wonderful experience, because I had just been involved in an automobile accident. And let me tell you, it was a doozy.

You are now wondering about the car accident, am I right? It happened on my way to pick up my mom from the airport. I had borrowed a friend’s car (never lend out your car) because mine was not working that morning. Anyway, my then 4 year old daughter and I were headed to the airport when we were side swiped by an individual that apparently should not have been driving. We never found out the details, but we are certain that he was driving under some kind of influence. He actually hit us twice, driving approximately 60mph. I remember looking back at my daughter and feeling the most horrendous feeling emanating from every pore of my body and soul. I clearly don’t know if souls have pores, but that’s as accurate as I can describe it.

Thankfully, my daughter and I survived without a scratch. We were checked out by the EMT crew and sent home. We both felt fine the first day. So let me ask you…Have you been in a car accident? Have you walked away thinking, I’m lucky, I have no pain? Did you feel it the next day? THE VERY NEXT DAY? Yeah, so did I. Thankfully, my daughter did not.

I was referred to a chiropractor, which honestly did not seem to help at all. I would get a massage after seeing the chiropractor. Can I say it was HORRIBLE! It hurt so bad, I couldn’t stand up afterwards. I would crawl off the bed to my knees and then slowly get up on my feet. The massage therapist was horrified, but neither she nor the chiropractor helped me with the pain. Or even get up off the floor, for that matter.

So by now, you are probably asking yourself where is this story going? Well, the simple truth is that I learned so much about my muscles and joints because of this experience. I became aware of the muscles I use for certain movements. As a massage therapist, you learn the muscles of the body and their movements so that you can better service your clients. And so, it was interesting becoming hyperaware of my body from a different perspective.

I’m going to back to my original question: Is massage a luxury or a necessity? Well, it really depends on you. If you want to completely pamper yourself, then a spa is for you. They offer so many amenities besides a massage, and as such, you will be paying extra. On the other hand, if you are looking for pain relief, then that’s a whole other experience. Depending on the massage, it may be painful. It’s that hurts so good feeling you get that lasts for a while and you know the pain is going to eventually subside. I don’t know about you, but my mind actually savors that kind of pain because it feels satisfying and you know that oh so good feeling is around the corner.

I hate to say it, but the older we get, it seems we become accustomed to living with pain. It becomes part of our daily lives and we just stop thinking about it until it becomes unbearable. And that’s when we realize that we need help.

So, my answer is that massage can either be a luxury or a necessity. It just depends on you and how you are feeling.

Please comment below and let me know what you think. Feel free to share your experiences. I’d love to hear from you.