What the heck is a crick in the neck?

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Did you wake up with a crick in your neck?

What the heck is a “crick in the neck” anyway? You wake up with limited (and painful!) neck movement, usually on one side. Sometimes it just feels stiff, but other times it feels like bone-on-bone contact. Ouch.

Is it a pinched nerve? A slipped disc? While these things are possible (see your doctor if you have recurrent neck pain, or neck pain that includes other symptoms such as fever or shooting pain down the arm), neck cricks are usually due to an unassuming little muscle that runs from the side of your neck to the top of your shoulder blade. It’s called levator scapulae, and it’s responsible for raising your shoulder toward your ear.

crick in the neck

This muscle gets irritable when it’s expected to hold heavy purses and backpacks, when you tilt your head to one side a lot (ever use your shoulder to hold your phone?), and when your posture is slouched. When this muscle gets ticked off, it can act like a brick wall that no amount of stretching will fix.

What to do? Ice and heat can help. Start with heat (a heating pad or sock full of uncooked rice, heated in the microwave) for 20 minutes, then switch to an ice pack for 10 minutes. Repeat this a couple of times through your day. You may be tempted to try to stretch it out yourself, but remember that levator scapulae is angry! Anything other than rest and gentle movement might further aggravate the area, increasing the minor crisis that your pain receptors are telling you about.

What else can you do? You guessed it: massage and/or acupuncture. While stretching and pressing on your neck might result in worse pain if you do it yourself, our skilled team at Written on the Body have a few tricks up their sleeves. We can focus on  your neck and the surrounding muscles, gently and methodically to help your neck realize it can stop holding so tightly.  In some instances adding hot stones or having an infrared sauna session prior to your treatment can facilitate even further healing.  If you aren’t sure what approach is right for you, give us a call at 503-473-8515 or email us at wonthebody@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you choose the appropriate treatment path.

Follow this up your appointment with us with some more of that ice and heat, and you should be feeling pretty good by the next day. If you get cricks frequently, come see us regularly and we may be able to prevent them entirely!

Know someone with neck pain? Share this post and let’s get them feeling better!” Need help yourself?  Book online now!

*This post is an adaptation of an article written by Massage Sloth

Massage and Acupuncture at 2808 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd starting 3/9/15!

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We’re Moving!  But don’t worry it’s not too far…

Our new address is 2808 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. Suite C, near Bridges and the Nike Store, less than a 10 minute car or bike ride, 20 minute bus ride on the #6 or 30 minute stroll from our Alberta street space.  You can get massage, acupuncture and sauna sessions from us at our new location beginning March 9th, 2015 and join us for an afternoon of wellness and grand re-opening party on April 12th!  Keep an eye out for our newsletter (text INEEDAMASSAGE to 22828 to sign up today) or follow us on Facebook to stay updated on our latest news and events.

In the meantime here are a few important things you should know about our upcoming move:

  • We will be closed this Friday 3/6-Sunday 3/8 to move to our new location

  • We will re-open with our regular schedule on Monday 3/9-check here for openings

  • We will be calling to remind everyone who is booked over the next month to ensure that you make it to the correct location

  • There is a parking lot behind our building which you are welcome to park in!  There is usually 2 hour parking available in front of our building as well as general parking on NE Stanton (our cross street).  We have a back and front entrance so wherever you end up it will be easy to get to us.  We are sharing this space with another bodywork studio called Thrive and though we will also have signage, if you see Thrive signs you will know you are at the right place.

  • We have reception M-F from 10-2:30pm and the doors should always be open during those times, if it is outside of those hours the doors will be locked between appointments.  We typically leave 30 minutes between appointments so you shouldn’t have to wait but if you find yourself locked out try hanging out for a few and we should be right with you.  If something seems off please give us a call and/or send us a text at:  971-800-1171 so that we can make sure everyone is on the same page.

  • We will be offering the same attention to quality and care as well as the same great services in our beautiful new space.

What’s next?  Time to find freedom from stress, chronic pain and injuries with a massage, acupuncture or infrared sauna session!  Click here to book now.

We can’t wait to see you at our new location:)

Have a great week and thank you for reading.

massage and acupuncture can help you become pain free

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massage and acupuncture can help you become pain free

Pain is no fun and can be so very frustrating when it limits your daily activities.  There is no need to suffer through it, regular massage and acupuncture can help you become pain free or at the very least make you feel much better!

How can regular Massage and Acupuncture treatments help you feel your best?

              let me count the ways…

  • Regular massage and acupuncture treatments will help you work through the many layers of tension and bound muscle tissue created by unbalanced movement patterns

  • An occasional one hour massage cannot possibly address the many places of restriction and pain you likely have built up over the years, having regular massage and acupuncture treatments will allow you and your therapist to make a treatment plan to help you become truly pain free.

  • Your therapist (or team of therapist’s) will get to know your body and can better address your specific needs.

  • You will most likely feel less stressed from taking better care of yourself and having something so wonderful to look forward to every week/month!

  • By committing to your health through regular massage and acupuncture treatments you will be taking a proactive approach in living a long, healthy and free from chronic pain existence.

massage and acupuncture can help you become pain free

What are you waiting for?  Sign up for one of our packages or memberships today and take the first step in staying healthy, flexible and pain free today!

Packages:  Packages give you the best deal by offering an amazing discount for paying for your treatments in advance! They are valid for 1 year and may be shared among as many people as you like.

Memberships:  Memberships offer a great way to commit to your health and the discounted services are billed monthly to the credit card you choose to put on file.  A membership can be 6 or 12 months.  With your membership you receive a massage per month and you will be added to our “happy hour” email list which means you will receive an email every Friday with discounted appointment times.  Membership benefits expire 60 days after their last billing, we do not auto renew unless a client asks us to.  Clients can cancel their membership early but there is a $100 fee for doing so.  Membership benefits can be shared at no extra cost.

Service Category

Name of Treatment

 Package Options

Click HERE to sign up for a package today!

 

Membership Options

Click HERE to sign up for a membership today

 
 Single 60 min. session price 60 minute Pack of 4/8/12: Monthly 60 minute 6/12 month Membership:

Massage

Focus!          $40

 $140/$264/$395 $35 each month

Find Your Peace           $70

 $228/$440/$659 $60 month

Hot Stone or Bamboo Fusion         $80

 $268/$520/$779 $70 month

I’m In Too Deep       $90

 $308/$600/$899 $80 month

Injury       $140

 $508/$820/$1239 $110 month

Signature       $95

 $328/$640/$959 $85 month

Massage for kids ages 4-17

30 minute kids table or Thai session     $35

 $120 pack of 4

Acupuncture

Acupuncture        $75

 $248/$480/$719 $65 month

Mini Sessions:  30 min gua sha, cupping or auricular

        $45

 $148/$280/$419 $35 month

Spa Add-On/Stand Alone Treatments

Facial rejuvenation massage       $60

 $208/$400/$599 45 minute Facial Treatments

Sauna sessions        $25

 5 pack $90/10 pack $150

Policies

no discounts on membership’s or packages except referral/birthday free 30 minutes

  *90 minute memberships and packages available as well *Looking for something you don’t see here?  Let us know and we can help you find the perfect fit for you!

Clients are welcome to share their package or membership

Click HERE to Sign up for a prepaid package today!

Click HERE to Sign up for a membership today!

Massage for kids!

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Have you ever wondered about massage for kids?

If you have kids in your life you are already in tune with how much more magic they bring to your days.  Spending time with kids has always been something I love and let me tell y0u, most kids are ecstatic about massage!  My niece and nephews are always asking me when it will be a good time for their next massage, it calms them and makes them feel good about their bodies.  It gives them quiet time to explore sensations and ask questions about this amazing vehicle each of us are traveling in.  Believe it or not kids get tight muscles and pain too and though they aren’t yet locked into unhealthy movement patterns, they are learning certain behaviors that they will carry with them throughout their lives.  This is a great reason to begin addressing issues of tension in both mind and body beginning at a very young age.

Recently I have had many clients mention bringing their kids in for a massage and so I thought it would be a good time to share some ways that massage can benefit kids and what types of treatments it is appropriate to book them for.

The Benefits of massage for kids:

*there are so many that it would take forever to cover them here-I encourage you to research the benefits of massage for your child’s specific needs or ask us the next time you visit

  • “Massage reduces stress hormone levels and blood glucose levels. According to Maria Hernandez-Reif, a researcher at the Touch Research Institute, lower stress hormones not only reduce feelings of anxiety but contribute to a healthier immune system.” –Maggie Lynn, Read more at Livestrong.com  Obviously this is a benefit to all people who get massage!

  • Massage reinforces positive feelings about self-worth and body image in kids (we might say adults as well).  Touch is essential to a healthy life and we all thrive when our lives include regular positive touch-especially from those we care about.  You might even enjoy giving your child a massage every day before bedtime to help them relax and create a time for positive reinforcement and bonding.  Not sure how?  You can always book a session and stay to observe, we are happy to give you some tips on the best ways to offer massage to your child.

  • “Preschoolers have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. For teens struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years.”-Shirley Vanderbilt, Read more at massagetherapy.com

  • Massage can greatly benefit children with special needs including everything from weight gain for pre-term infants to hyperactivity to various sensory issues.  Each of these requires and in depth review but a great place to start is with this article from ABMP titled Children and Massage.

What types and lengths of treatment are right for your child:

  • Infants-3 years old:  We are not currently trained in infant to toddler massage here at Written on the Body but there are many places around Portland that offer infant massage, or classes on how to massage your baby at home:  OHSU or Lopez Infant Massage are great examples

  • 4 years old to 12 years old:  We recommend starting with a 30 minute Focus! treatment here at Written on the Body and you are welcome to stay for any part or all of the treatments with your kids.  You can also book your own treatment at the same time and make it a parent/child date!  During this 30 minute focus massage your child could remain clothed and we would employ gentle massage techniques on the table such as rocking, compression and other aspects of Swedish massage.  If appropriate we may use warm compresses or essential oils to enhance relaxation and keep your child’s attention.  We always leave room for your child’s needs and will allow them to direct the session including the right for either of you to end it at any time.

  • 13-17:  At this age many kids are able to handle longer sessions and you might consider gradually increasing the length of their treatments until they are eventually able to handle a full hour.  They may also be ready for other types of massage such as hot stone, deep tissue or sports massage and you can discuss these options with our team as you and your child feel it is appropriate.

massage for kids

Thai Massage

  • Thai Massage:  Thai massage is clothed and performed on a mat on the floor.  During Thai massage your therapist will compress, rock and stretch your body in various ways with the goal of deep relaxation, improving movement patterns and lengthening muscles.  Thai massage is an excellent option for ages 4 to adults (and sometimes even younger)!  If you are interested in finding out more about booking a Thai massage for you or your child email us at wonthebody@gmail.com and we will happily help you book an appointment.

Whether you decide to start a home massage routine with your child or book an appointment with your favorite therapist we are excited for you to start this journey!  Ready to book?  Click here to view our schedule online (when booking for your child please make a note for your therapist of your child’s age so that we can be prepared for the visit).  Have more questions?  Leave them in the comments or email us at wonthebody@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for reading and have a wonderful day!

Try our new Facial Rejuvenation Massage!

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We have a brand spankin new service for you to enjoy so get ready to try our new Facial Rejuvenation Massage which was specially designed for you by our very own Bethany Carder!

facial rejuvenation massage

Bethany Carder, LMT OR#20159

Bethany Carder is a musician, massage therapist, and a botanist in the works. She truly enjoys having her hands in all aspects of her life. Bethany’s Unkept Secrets skin care line began in 2011 as a way for Bethany to save money on high end skin care products. She strives to use ingredients that are sustainable, yet affordable, so she can lead a healthy life with a clear conscience and so can you.   All the products can be used together to aid in the health of all skin types from oily to dry, young and mature. The products are made in small batches to ensure the highest quality.

The line includes a gentle cleanser, nourishing scrub, deep cleansing mask, refreshing toner, and deeply hydrating facial oil. The gentle cleanser is great for all skin types. The anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, properties of grape seed oil, rosewater, and vitamin E oil soothe the skin, while toning, and tightening the pores. Castile soap, lavender, and tea tree essential oil aid in regulating sebum and decreasing signs of scarring by removing excess oil and increasing the rate of new tissue and cellular growth. No need for roughness when sloughing off your old skin. This scrubs intense cleansing properties leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed without rubbing you the wrong way. Oregon oats, bentonite clay, calendula, and comfrey give your skin healing antioxidants, while removing impurities and increasing circulation. Leaving you with bright, beautifully nourished skin. A blend of bentonite clay, calendula petals, and sage leaves make this mask great for all skin types. Antibacterial, anti-oxidant properties help minimize scarring and protect skin from blemishes, while removing toxins and leaving your skin feeling deeply cleansed.This balance of rosewater and witch hazel soothes irritated skin while removing dirt, excess oil, and tightening pores. The addition of frankincense, lavender, marjoram, and rosemary essential oil increase circulation in the skin while promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells giving your skin a refreshing glow. Jojoba oil has nearly all of the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin, while being mild enough for even the most sensitive skin types. Powerful antioxidants smooth out wrinkles, while improving skins texture, and overall health. The anti-inflammatory, emollient, moisture balancing properties of neroli, ylang-ylang, lavender and rose blended with jojoba oil give your skin all the tender loving care it deserves.

Receiving our rejuvenating facial massage monthly can increase the healthy glow of your skin and keep your face feeling nourished and hydrated throughout the seasons.  Book your appointment online or check out our package of four facial rejuvenation massage treatments today:

facial rejuvenation massage

Facial Rejuvenation Massage-

30 minutes added to your favorite treatment:  $40

45 minutes as a stand alone treatment:  $60

Our facial rejuvenation massage treatment begins with a soothing warm towel treatment opening up your pores. Then we use a gentle cleanser that tones and tightens the pores removing excess oil and increasing the rate of new tissue and cellular growth. Then a soft oat scrub is gently applied to your skin helping remove impurities and increases circulation. The cleansing clay mask helps minimize scarring and protect skin from blemishes, while removing toxins and leaving your skin feeling deeply cleansed. While the mask works its magic you will receive a soothing neck, shoulder, head and arm massage to further increase your relaxation. Once the mask is removed we will mist your face and neck with a refreshing toner that soothes irritated skin while removing dirt, excess oil, and tightening pores. For the final touch we apply a facial oil full of powerful antioxidants that smooth out wrinkles, while improving skins texture, and overall health.

You can also add our Of The Earth foot soak, Immune Enhancing foot treatment or Revitalizing hand therapy for an additional charge.  Ask us about your favorite combination idea and we will help you make it happen!

*Can be added to memberships just ask us how:)

We are looking forward to helping you feel your best! Until then have an awesome day!

Is pain after a massage normal?

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Have you ever gotten a great massage only to have pain the next day?  Pain after a massage can be a normal part of healing.

If you haven’t had a massage in a while, are brand new to massage or have a new issue that you are working on the chances are fairly high that you might experience some level of pain in the day or two following a massage.  There are many explanations for this and though the experience and specifics will be unique to each person there are a few standard reasons on why this phenomenon happens:

  • Everyone has muscular patterns that have been created and reinforced over time and sometimes these patterns aren’t healthy resulting in inefficient ways of moving.  The result is an overall imbalance with some muscles being tight and shortened while others are weak and overstretched.  Eventually this can cause pain and/or injury as well as a sort of numbness.  When massage begins to help release these unbalanced muscle patterns, the body has to adjust to a new and unfamiliar way of being, which can feel uncomfortable or even painful for a time.  This is also the reason that regular massage combined with a self care plan is so important. As you might imagine it will take quite some time and effort to undo something that took so long to create.

  • Your massage therapist may move your body in a way that it is not accustomed to and just like a new exercise routine it can cause fatigue or soreness the following day or two.  Staying active, hot baths with Epsom salts, ice therapy or heat therapy can help ease this type of discomfort as your body adjusts to these new feelings.

  • There is a lot of controversy surrounding detoxification and massage, I don’t want to add fuel to this debate in any way.  I will stick to this:  massage increases circulation and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which can sometimes cause an overload to your mind and body.  Especially when it hasn’t experienced these sensations before, recently or if your body’s resources are going toward healing another issue such as an injury at the time of your massage.  Drinking water, resting and taking care of yourself in general following a massage is important to lessening the possibility of fatigue or pain response.

Not all pain is created equal and it is always important to communicate with your massage therapist during your treatment.  You should ask your therapist to lighten up on the pressure if you are experiencing pain during your massage that is sharp, shooting, numbing, tingling or 7+ on a pain scale of 1-10 (1 being very little to no pain and 10 being severe pain).  You should always be able to breathe during your massage and if all your muscles are tensed against the pressure it defeats the purpose of trying to get tense muscles to let go.  Good pain is ok but beyond that pain is not beneficial to your health.  If you are experiencing sensations during or after a massage that seem abnormal you should communicate them to your therapist and if you think something is wrong it may be a good idea to check in with your doctor.   In general there is nothing abnormal about experiencing a little pain after massage and it will likely stop happening after you begin to get regular treatments.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!  Book online today:)

Should I get a massage?

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should I get massage?

Have you ever thought to yourself “Should I get a massage?” If so then this post is for you!

If you are experiencing any of the following issues then massage is definitely right for you:

  • First and most important is that you enjoy being touched and find it comforting

  • If you have a serious medical condition or specific concern surrounding massage you should get clearance from your doctor before making an appointment

  • You live a high stress lifestyle and have limited time for yourself-massage can be a great way to reward yourself for working so hard and can help you feel renewed after giving so much to your job/family/friends/business etc…

  • You experience chronic pain-often times people believe they have to live with pain but this is not always the case!  Regular massage treatments can help relieve or at the very least lessen chronic pain cycles.

  • You have tension headaches-massage can help loosen the muscles of the head neck and jaw to help you find release from the tension that causes headaches

  • You have a difficult time relaxing or shutting off your mind-massage, especially certain types of massage such as Thai and hot stone can be very effective in helping you wind down and find inner peace.

  • You are prone to injury involving pulled muscles and tears-massage truly can help unravel those long time patters of muscle tightness that eventually leads to injury.  It is no magic pill but with regular treatments and a good self care routine you will find that you can become more balanced.

These are just a few of the reasons massage might be a good fit for you!  If you have questions about your particular situation please feel free to drop me a line via email at wonthebody@gmail.com.  I will look forward to hearing from you!  Ready to book?  Head to our online booking site and set your appointment today:  Written on the Body Massage and Acupuncture Studio

Massage membership

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Everything you want to know about Written on the Body’s VIP Monthly Massage Membership

It seems like everyone is coming out with a membership these days and I know how overwhelming it can be when you have a lot of choices!  That’s why I thought I would take a minute this week to tell you all about our massage membership and why it’s a great choice for your health care plan.  Here we go:

Why you should sign up for our monthly massage membership-

  • Duh! You will be WOTB VIP-Yeah!  Seriously though, you will be the first to know when we are offering something new and you may even get the chance to try a new treatment before anyone else!  You also get first dibs on great discounts and extras.
  • You are signing yourself up for the regular treatments you need and deserve.  Consider it the first step to self renewal and a true commitment to your optimal health.
  • If you have never had regular massage you are in for a serious treat, the difference it will make in your mind and body are truly unmatched!
  • It’s low risk-we let you choose everything from the billing date to how you utilize the benefits, we even let you share with friends!
  • Unlike corporate entities, Written on the Body is owned by real people who actually provide the services you will be utilizing.  If you are ever unhappy all you have to do is let us know and we will always go above and beyond to make the situation right
  • The VIP monthly massage membership is super affordable and that is always nice:)

What you are signing up for-

  • 6 month contract where you are billed automatically by our secure system via the credit card you provide on the day of the month that you choose
  • Monthly charges are based on the type of massage that you choose:  60 minute Find Your Peace=$55 monthly payment (normally $70!), 60 Minute I’m in too deep=$75 monthly payment (normally $90!) , 60 minute hot stone=$65 monthly payment (normally $80!) *there is a $15 enrollment fee when you join and after that there are no other extra fees
  • For the monthly fee you get to come in for the type of massage you chose for your membership each month plus you get added to our weekly happy hour email list.  The happy hour email is sent every Friday (if there is availability) and offers appointments at a very discounted price during certain hours for the following week.  You can book as many of these appointments in addition to your monthly VIP massage as you like!

FAQ-

  • You can choose to upgrade anytime to add extra minutes to your monthly massage or add-on’s such as hot stones, deep tissue and foot/hand treatments  just let us know when booking by making a note or via phone or email.
  • You can use all 6 massages in one month, 2 in a month or any combination of these.  Though we do feel you get the most out of your membership when you are getting regular monthly treatments!
  • You can share your monthly massages with a friend or family member at no charge a total of two times during your 6 month contract
  • You have 60 days after your final billing in your 6 month contract to use all remaining massages in your membership
  • We do not auto renew your contract unless you directly let us know that you would like to continue your membership when the 6 months are up
  • Early cancellation fee is $100 or the balance of your contract (whichever is less).
  • Unforeseen circumstances-we do make exceptions on the cancellation fee if the circumstances warrant it such as an unexpected move out of state or severe illness.  We encourage you to contact us if you find yourself in need
  • Pause a membership:  We do allow you to pause your membership for up to 2 months at a time
  • You are subject to the same cancellation and tardy policies that apply to all clients at Written on the Body and we reserve the right to deduct your monthly treatment as the payment for last minute changes to your appointment.  We will always try to work with you ahead of time.
  • You may change the credit card on file at any time during your membership by logging into your mind body account or by contacting us directly

How to sign up-

  • Create or log into your online account through Mind Body
  • Choose the tab “online store” and then the “contracts” link (located just under the online store tab)
  • Choose the type of contract you are interested in
  • Agree to the terms and choose “make purchase”
  • Check out when you are ready
  • OR-give us a call, email us or ask to sign up at your next visit!

Should I tip my massage therapist?

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A common question in our industry is “should I tip my massage therapist” and if so how much is appropriate?

tips

I think I can speak for all therapists when I say the most important thing to us is that you feel happy and comfortable at all times. This means that tipping is a very personal choice and should be made based on your happiness level and personal preferences.  A massage therapist who puts their clients happiness first will never become upset at your choice to leave, or not to leave, gratuity.  Here are a few important things to think about when asking yourself the question:  “should I tip my massage therapist”

  • Gratuity is often seen as a “thank you” for a job well done-Does your massage therapist give you excellent service, personalized treatments and offer exceptional quality in their work with you?  If so it might be nice to leave gratuity, even if it is just occasionally, as a thank you for taking your time with them to the next level.  If leaving cash tips doesn’t feel quite right to you, you can always give your therapist a hand written card or just let them know how much you appreciate their attention and time verbally.  Saying thank you to the people in your life who help make your world a better place is always a great idea!

  • Keep in mind that depending on where you choose to receive your massage the therapist providing the service may not receive even close the total cost of the treatment which means they may be more reliant on tips than a practitioner in private practice for example.

  • You can always ask!  If you aren’t sure about tipping you can always ask your therapist or the front desk person directly about the etiquette for the specific place you are visiting.  Don’t be shy!  We would much rather you ask us these questions than feel uncomfortable every time you are  leaving our offices.

  • How much?  Again a personal decision but most people tip their massage therapist the same way they would a server, 10-25% of the service price.

  • Not leaving a tip is OK too!  Seriously, if you choose not to tip or to only tip on occasion we don’t mind.  We love seeing you and the way you feel during and after your treatments is the most important thing to us so please make the choice about gratuity that YOU feel most comfortable with and that is sustainable enough for you to get the body work that you need.  Personally, I would much rather receive $0 tips and see you for an extra visit:)

  • How should I leave my tip?  The answer to this question will vary greatly depending on where you go.  If you are leaving cash there may be envelopes in the treatment room available for this purpose and if not it is completely appropriate to leave your tip on the table or hand it directly to your therapist.  If you are using a check you should ask your therapist or the front desk person if you should make it out to the business name or the therapist themselves.  If you are using a card you should let the front desk person or your therapist know right away that you want to add gratuity and how much they should add to the bill for you.

Whatever choice you make is the right one, you should feel great about it and know that your therapist will think you are wonderful no matter what you choose!

Learn more about spa etiquette at this great article.

Have more questions about tipping and massage?  Feel free to leave them in the comments!

Can massage help my posture?

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Yes! Massage can help improve your posture read on to find out how…

We are sitting more than ever before with long hours at the computer, commuting, watching TV and it is affecting the way our body is aligned.  Our shoulders and neck are pulled forward due to tight, shortened pectorals (chest), scalene’s and my favorite named muscle the sternocleidomastoid (front of neck).  Our pelvis’s are out of whack from weakened abdominal muscles, shortened hip flexors and more.  While we are busy slumping and slouching from sitting waaayyyy more than our bodies were intended to we need our grandmother’s in our ears to nag us to take breaks, pull our shoulders back and down and stand up straight, for goodness sakes!

posture

How can massage help you achieve your goal of beautiful straight posture?  Here is the short list of what we can help you accomplish:

  • Almost every Massage Therapist I know pays attention to posture all the time.  We can’t help it!  Even when I am out and about I am noticing other people’s posture and thinking of ways that I could help return them to a balanced frame.  If you are working towards correcting your posture you should talk to your Massage Therapist about your goals, they will most likely have some insight on where they notice imbalances and what type of treatment plan could work for you.
  • Massage therapy helps to ease the tension in tight muscles caused by postural imbalances, for instance I mentioned the forward body posture above often caused by long hours at the computer which can cause arm, hand, neck and upper back pain.  Targeting specific muscle groups such as the pecs and the muscles on the front of the neck can help lengthen them allow the body to find the space to realign itself into the proper position.  This applies to other areas as well such as releasing the hip flexors for the low back to help relieve pain in this area.
  • Massage relaxes you, improves your circulation, helps eradicate stress and is one of the best pain relievers out there.  Many of the unhealthy patterns our body creates are caused by stress tension and pain which means getting regular massage is a key ingredient to letting go of those things that are having ill effects on your posture.

I would never try to mislead you into believing that massage is a miracle cure, that you won’t have to work hard to return to a healthy posture or that massage will be the only tool you might need.  However I do believe that regular massage is an important (and hopefully really lovely) piece of the amazing posture puzzle.  Don’t take my word for it Book Your Massage Today!

Join our monthly mailing list to learn all about us, the ways massage and acupuncture can save your life and so much more! Scan our QR code to join:  posture qr code