Schedule a Therapeutic Massage!

Just call the number on my business card shown here. I actually have a couple of openings this week - Wed. Oct 28 at 10:00 am or Thursday, Oct 29 at 9:30 am. If you can't schedule for those times, we can discuss other options.

(get 20% off for a first time, if you call this week only)

How do you find the right massage therapist for you?

You can search for massage therapists in your area by the usual means, the phone book, google, through AMTA's website, message boards at the local college or library or sometimes by looking at the coupon flyers you get in the mail. A really good way to find someone is to ask your friends, who do they go to and what about their therapist do they like?

The big question, however, is how do you find the right massage therapist for you? Whether you've ever had a massage before or not, with a new therapist, the first step is to call and talk. Ask questions! Ask about what you can expect. Ask if they can help you with your reason for seeking massage, ask for a description of the "style" of massage, or what they offer. Check out their website (or blog!) if they have one. Most of all, feel comfortable before scheduling. It is ok to say you have some other calls to make before making a decision. Whether or not you feel comfortable with a particular therapist is important!

You'll find that there are a variety of modalities of massage out there, Swedish for relaxation, deep tissue, MFR, CST, NMT, there is Lomi, lomi, thai massage, shiatsu, as well as movement or structural therapies, there is Feldenkrais, Rolfing, zero balancing and all manner of bodywork... there is massage specific to a situation, pregnancy, sports, medical... I probably cannot think of them all! If it is your first massage, you may want to check out a general relaxation massage, to experience a classic massage and to feel the touch of the therapist. Then as you become accustomed to massage, you will know what you like and be able to seek something more specific or the therapist will make suggestions about what they think will work for you. Keep communicating your needs to the therapist - a good therapist should be able to adjust based on your input.

Don't be afraid to try different therapists - we are none of us the same. Even each massage given by the same therapist will likely be different. Actually, some people see different therapists depending on their need at the time! Maybe they see one when that old injury is acting up, but see another for the blissful relaxation they induce.

In the end it is what you want and why you seek massage that is important. Keep searching for the therapist that works for you.

Ok, Now I've gone and done it.

I've opened up a new can of worms! I can't even type well right now I'm shaking from nervousness and excitement! (that is often a sign for me that I've hit on something important) So, let's see, where to start. I have been a massage therapist for a year. My practice is small. It is just starting to bloom. I love it! and yet, already I'm feeling the need to delve deeper into a related but connected area.

I have been, lately, thinking of a name for my business. Currently I am just Ellie Calhoun, Licensed Massage Therapist. I keep thinking it should be a more interesting name, or at least something connected to where I practice, but nothing is really calling to me. I figured my vision must not be clear in my mind. So, sitting down this morning I started to write about my interest, where I want to go with things. I realize that I want to do massage sessions that not only just help with a current issue and relaxation, but actually help make lasting change for a person. I know that I need that. Why do I get the same aches and pains after they have been relieved by bodywork? Why do they keep coming back? I want to do work with people not only giving massage, but helping with movement, stretching, connecting with their bodies.

Now, I have also always been interested in movement. dance, tai chi, movement for emotional release. I love to move! I remembered that I had done a paper in school on the Feldenkrais Method. So I looked it up. It is a huge time commitment to become a practitioner!! Yikes! and the location is not local. But, I did find a few practitioners in the area and they run classes. there is a class starting up next Monday (how timely is that!) Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement, a 6 week class - should give me a good introduction. Looking through the website, it says "...we are never too old to create new connections in the brain." and here I was thinking maybe I'm too old to start another new thing - didn't I just start a new thing 2 years ago? but, it says right there - never too old!

So, I contacted the instructor and may be starting a new class next week!

Take Time For Your Health

Make Time For Massage: The last week of October is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. So, I thought I would write about some of the ways getting a massage will contribute to your health!

It is clear that massage can help tremendously when there is an injury, chronic pain or limited range of motion due to a past injury. The hands-on work with muscle and fascia tissue can work to relax chronically contracted (tense or tight) muscles. It can break up adhesions and the tissue that binds, allowing for easier movement in the body.

Massage gets your juices flowing, it affects the blood circulation, lymph flow and release of various chemicals in your body. It can reduce high blood pressure for a period of time after the session. When the blood flows easily, toxins are cleared out of your system more efficiently. The chemicals affected in turn may affect your mood, your ability to handle stress and ability to relax and sleep, all in positive ways.

So, why should you consider massage? In the short haul massage can alleviate aches and pain. In the long run, it can help prevent other disease that may occur due to stress in your life. For this week coming up, I challenge any and all to call your massage therapist and make an appointment for your health!