Monday, September 14, 2015

Warm Bamboo Massage





Known for its healing properties, this massage works at all levels to balance, calm and energize you physically, mentally and spiritually.
 

 
 If you're looking for a rejuvenating massage treatment, there's nothing better than Warm Bamboo Massage Therapy. 
 
 
 
 
What is it?
Warm Bamboo Massage is for the person wanting a luxurious Swedish Massage or serious Deep Tissue Bodywork.  Bamboo rods are used to roll and knead the soft tissue and knots that combine the traditional benefits of massage along with comforting quality of heat creating the extreme sense of relaxation and well-being.
 
Technique used in bamboo massage therapy
 A bamboo massage is typically done with bamboo & rattan rods of various lengths and diameter. The rods are generally heated but may be used at room temperature. Longer pieces of bamboo in various widths are used for gliding strokes, whereas smaller tools can be used for more detailed work.  The bamboo and rattan replace the hand of the therapist providing a deeper, firmer massage. The bamboo rod is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscle with the same strokes they would use with their hands. The Warm Bamboo Massage improves circulation, sensory nerve perception and provides a deep sense of relaxation and serenity.
 
 
What are some of the benefits of Warm Bamboo Massage?
  • Increases circulation
  • Flushes body of metabolic wastes (i.e., lactic acid) for faster healing time and detoxification
  • Decreases muscle spasms
  • Breaks up tissue adhesions
  • Releases endorphins to promote relaxation and pain reduction
  • Warms and relaxes deeper tissue
 
 
 
 
Who should receive Warm Bamboo Massage?

Athletes, weekend warriors or anyone who has tissue adhesions, long periods with little movement, spasms, muscle tightness, insomnia, strains, sprains, headaches, a cold (tail-end), and plain old daily stress.


Warm Bamboo massage would not be advised for people with:

  1. Lymphatic Cancer
  2. Nausea
  3. Fever
  4. The beginnings of a cold or flu
  5. Any condition that taxes the circulatory system (i.e., uncontrolled high blood pressure)
  6. Most bacterial infections  
Always consult your doctor and your therapist to see if massage or specific massage types are right for you.

Make the most of your massage
Communication is key. Tell your therapist about your exercise routine and any particular pains, injuries, or conditions you have.



Tip:
Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 



Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 


If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 
 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage  


#bamboomassage  #warmbamboomassage  #crossfit    #deeptissuemassage   #insomnia  #sportsmassage  #tissueadhesions  #endorphins 

 

 


Monday, August 3, 2015

The Importance Of Massage For Runners



You’ve got your race number and your gear – but as you prepare for a marathon, Tuff Mudder or other sporting event, remember to add massage to your preparation kit. Here are a few reasons why.

Massage prevents injury
When you run, your tendons, ligaments and connective tissue are being stretched – literally – to their limits. Massage expands those limits by breaking up knots and tightness, thus widening your range of motion. Increased flexibility will improve your running form, and you’ll be less likely to sprain or strain something important during your sports event.
Maybe you’ve already hurt yourself? Massage to the rescue. Massage has been proven to boost the immune system and speed up lymph flow (that’s the liquid containing your muscle-repairing white blood cells). That means massage will help you heal up and recover faster from your assorted aches and pains.

Massage reduces muscle soreness
 This is a big one for runners. When you’re racing up to 26.2 miles, your muscles work hard. That’s where massage comes in – it’s the scientifically-proven way to reduce post-run muscle soreness. Massage, according to the New York Times, suppresses inflammation (which causes muscle pain) and increases blood circulation and the formation of new blood vessels (which builds muscles and reduces muscle fatigue). For best results, get the massage within 24 hours after a long run.

Massage keeps you in the zone

Massage doesn’t just heal the body, it soothes the mind. Massage squashes the release of cortisol (aka the stress hormone), while pumping up the release of endorphins, which improve mood and reduce the sensation of pain. A less-stressed brain is better at sending signals to the muscles and vice versa (called biofeedback). This means that you’ll feel better mentally and, through the mind-body connection, perform better physically.

Make the most of your massage
For best results, work with a licensed massage therapist with experience in sports massage. Many sports massage therapists are runners and athletes themselves.
Communication is key too. Tell your therapist about your exercise routine, race history, and any particular pains, injuries, or conditions you have.
While massage is restorative at any time, timing can maximize its benefits for your body. A regular schedule while training is best – whether that’s once a month or once a week. You should also plan on getting a massage three or four days before the marathon. After the race, a light massage within 24 hours is great for reducing soreness.


Tip:

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 


Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 
If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 


Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage  


#cortisol  #endorphins  #flexibility  #marathon  #musclepain  #running form  #sportsmassage  #triathlon  #tuffmudder

Friday, July 24, 2015

Massage for Health and Wellbeing

How Can a Massage Help My Health and Wellbeing? 

Aside from the fact that it’s a completely decadent and relaxing way to spend an hour, getting a massage is actually good for your health. When you take the time to book regular massages, you are taking the time to care for your body and your wellbeing. There are numerous positive side effects to massage that affect your entire physical being.

What Does Massage Therapy Help?
Massages are great for those who suffer from ailments that cause you to feel less than perfect. In fact, you might be surprised to know that it assists those who suffer from frequent headaches, sciatica, sore muscles, tension, mild anxiety, and even back pain.
It is great for those women who are expecting a child and experiencing a great deal of bodily strain. It’s great for those who are suffering from depression and other forms of illness that affect their mood and happiness. It helps to ease discomfort, improve your mood, and make you feel like an entirely new person.

The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is ripe with benefits. Not only can it help to improve your circulation, it can also help to lower or ease your stress. Stress is one of the most common health issues you can suffer from. It can cause a myriad of other health issues, and eliminating it through massage is a great way to help you feel healthy and strong. Additionally, it can help you ease muscle pain and relax. This can help with injury and recovery from injury.

Common Types of Massage Therapy
While there are probably hundreds of different therapy types you can choose from – just look at any spa menu and see for yourself – there are a few that are common most everywhere you go. These forms of massage include the Swedish massage that uses deep circular motions and vibration to relax your body, deep tissue massages that use slow movement and deep targeting to help with injury, and sports massages that are used to treat and prevent injury from participating in sports or sports related activities.

Tip:

Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 



Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 


If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 


Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.To schedule your next appointment, contact Roy at 
631-375-0962 or email at

#anxiety  #backpain  #depression  #headaches  #sciatica  #stress  #tension  #wellbeing  #circulation 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

PAIN IN THE BUTT



The gluteus muscles in your body are very important to a lot of daily movements and activities. These muscles are located in the buttocks, and can often benefit from a little TLC.
Some people get embarrassed when talking about a buttock massage because it’s such a personal area, but the reality is that you have a lot to gain by giving your butt muscles a little attention and helping them relax for a little while. Tight gluteus muscles can lead to a variety of different issues, including:
-Back pain
 -Leg stiffness
 -Pain in the hips and legs
 -Aches and pain in the buttocks
With a buttock massage, you can alleviate a lot of these issues, reduce the pain and stress that you are feeling, and get back to being comfortable in your daily life. Massaging just one part of your body will release “feel good” chemicals that affect the rest of your body, which means that it’s really about more than just your butt.
Everyday use, combined with the fact that a lot of people spend a lot of time sitting, leads to tension and stress in the gluteus muscles for many. This tension can lead to serious pain issues, discomfort, and a difficulty enjoying life because of all of the pain and stress that is going on.
Fortunately, with a buttock massage, you can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and give your whole body a relaxing, calming feel that will help you in many different ways.

Buttock Massage Benefits


When you are considering a buttock massage, keep in mind that it will:
-Improve your blood circulation. This can lead to improved nutrient delivery, better muscle function, improved immune system, and more. When your blood is circulating properly, it will give your body a chance to be healthier in many ways.
-Improve your muscle recovery time. When you use muscles, they need time to recover afterwards. Otherwise, they become tight, painful, and often can be strained or pulled. With a glute massage, you can improve your muscle health and know that they’re ready for everyday activities, sports, and more.
 
Buttocks massage techniques will also:
-Reduce pain and stress. Not only will this massage help alleviate the pain issues that you have in your glute muscles, but it will alleviate other issues throughout your body in many cases, as well. Sometimes people don’t realize that sympathetic pain is their problem.
For example, if your legs are constantly sore and tense, it might actually be related to your lower back or buttocks rather than stemming from your legs. Massage can reduce stress and alleviate pain in many areas of the body to keep things working like they should.
People have a lot to gain from massage therapy. This practice is becoming much more acceptable today and offering an alternative solution to stress and pain issues that some people have.
You should take the time to find licensed, trained professionals who can give you the relief that you need and make sure that you understand exactly what you’re getting from a massage therapy treatment.
A buttock massage isn’t for everyone, but it can provide relief when you are suffering from the types of issues listed here. 

Learn more about massage therapy and what it can do for your body and your stress level, because you might be surprised at how much you stand to gain. A buttock massage is just one of the many procedures that is being performed today, both on its own and as a part of full-body massage therapies, and it is something that has a lot of perks for people who suffer from pain or soreness issues as a result of strained, stressed gluteus muscles.



Tip.
Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state and associated with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 
If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 


Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage  
 
 
#backpain  #buttockmassage  #glutealmassage  #hippain  #legpain  legstiffness  #lowbackpain



Friday, March 13, 2015

TUI NA - Chinese Medical Massage

Tui Na is the oldest known system of massage. Originating in China, it is recorded in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine since 2300 B.C. as one of the five major therapies of the time. Tui Na has remained an organized and systematically developed system of massage since that time.

This Chinese therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques along different energy channels of the body to establish harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body and bringing it back to balance. It works deeply with the positive energy of the body.  External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

Many of the techniques used in this massage resemble that of a western massage 
like gliding, kneading, vibration, tapping, friction, pulling, rolling, pressing and shaking.
In Tui Na massage, the muscles and tendons are massaged with the help of hands, and an acupressure technique is applied to directly affect the flow of Qi at different acupressure points of the body, thus facilitating the healing process. It removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians as well as the muscles.

 The best part of the therapy is that it relaxes as well as energizes the person. The main benefit of Tui Na massage is that it focuses on the specific problem, whether it is an acute or a chronic pain associated with the joints, muscles or a skeletal system. This technique is very beneficial in reducing the pain of neck, shoulders, hips, back, arms, thighs, legs and ankle disorders. It is a very effective therapy for arthritis, pain, sciatica and muscle spasms. Other benefits of this massage therapy include alleviation of the stress related disorders like insomnia, constipation, headaches and other disorders related to digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.

The greatest advantage of Tui Na is that it focuses on maintaining overall balance with both physical and mental health. Tui Na massage therapy is now becoming a more common therapy method due to its focus on specific problems rather than providing a general treatment.

https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage?ref=hl


#Tuina  #Orientalmassage  #neckpain  #Backpain  #Headaches  #Qi  #insomnia  #physicalhealth  #mentalhealth  #stress  #acupressure 

Monday, March 9, 2015

Massage Therapy May Benefit Low Back Pain


In a study published in the February 2014 edition of Scientific World Journal, researchers investigated whether chronic low-back pain therapy with massage therapy alone was as effective as combining it with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. The study was conducted on 59 individuals divided into two groups, all of whom suffered from low-back pain and were diagnosed with degenerative changes of the spine, other intervertebral disc diseases or spine pain.
In both patient groups, the pain measured was significantly reduced and the level of disability showed significant improvement compared to the baseline. Researchers concluded massage had a positive effect on patients with chronic low-back pain and propose that the use of massage causes fast therapeutic results and that, in practice, it could help to reduce the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of chronic low-back pain.

1 Majchrzycki M, Kocur P, Kotwicki T. Deep tissue massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain: a prospective randomized trial. ScientificWorldJournal. 2014; 287597.
Tip.
Before you book your appointment, make sure your massage therapist is certified or licensed in your state or through the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) or the American Massage Therapists Association (AMTA). 

Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 
If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor. 

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage


#lowbackpain  #chroniclowbackpain  #backpain 
 

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Stay Fit With Massage Therapy


 
From beginner to Crossfit athletes to elite professionals, massage therapy has shown to have major benefits regardless of the participant's fitness level. Athletes seeking enhanced performance, improved conditioning, faster recovery, injury prevention and assistance in maintaining peak fitness can benefit from massage therapy.  Massage has been shown to have myriad positive effects including:
 
•Reducing muscle tension
•Helping athletes monitor muscle tone
•Promoting relaxation
•Increasing range of motion
•Improving soft tissue function
•Decreasing muscle stiffness and fatigue after exercise
•Improving exercise performance
•Decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness
•Reducing swelling
•Reducing breathing pattern disorders
•Enhancing athletic performance
•Helping prevent injuries
By combining your exercise routine with a massage therapy treatment, you will be able to train longer and harder and make the most of your workout. Not convinced? Research some of your favorite world-class athletes, and you're likely to see that a massage therapist is a key component of their strength and stamina routine.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage


 

#crossfit  #crossfitmassage  #sportsmassage  #medicalmassage  #massagelongisland  #relaxingmassage  #longislandmassage  #suffolkcountymassage

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Your Immune System May Knead Massage Therapy


Finally - a reason to treat yourself to a massage, guilt-free. As massage therapy goes main-stream, medical researchers are uncovering more and more health benefits to lying down on the table. Because of these compelling benefits, it is time to consider massage therapy not as a luxury indulgence but as a form of medical treatment.

The benefits of massage are immediately obvious to anyone who's had one. A massage session calms you down, eases your anxieties, and even helps you sleep at night. Now a study, funded by the government's National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, finds that those sessions may help you ward off diseases, too.

 For a study published in the Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, the authors recruited 53 healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 45 and divided them into two groups: one that received a traditional Swedish massage, and another that received a session of light touch meant to simulate a massage but without any actual massage-therapy techniques. The Swedish massages were all performed by certified massage therapists to ensure uniformity. Each participant had an IV inserted into one arm for the duration of the massage and for a few hours afterward. Blood was drawn at various intervals to measure levels of various hormones and immune-system markers.

The authors were working under the theory that massage increases the body's levels of oxytocin, or "the love hormone," which helps regulate levels of hormones related to stress. They found that that wasn't the case. People receiving the "light touch" treatment actually experienced higher levels of oxytocin than the massage recipients. But unlike the light-touch group, the massage recipients saw significant decreases in stress hormones and increases in the body's production of various cells that boost immune-system response.

A single massage could help boost your immune system and help you better cope with stress, even if you're not sick or stressed out. "I'm really intrigued by our findings," says Mark Hyman Rapaport, M.D., professor and chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, who adds that he was an "incredible skeptic" about the benefits of massage therapy before doing this study. "I always wondered, what does it do that so many people claim to feel better afterwards?" he says. "We're finding that biological changes do occur as a result of even a single session of massage, and that these changes may benefit even a healthy individual."

While it may be enough for most people to know that getting a massage makes them feel better, regardless of what the biological effects are, Dr. Rapaport says that his findings could help advance the use of massage therapy in traditional medicine, which would be good news for people looking for more options to treat their medical complaints. "Based on data that have come out of a number of the surveys, a majority of Americans would rather go to an alternative practitioner than a physician and would prefer to have an alternative to traditional care," he says. The few studies on massage therapy that have been done have focused on specific complaints, such as back pain or anxiety, he says, but his research suggests that the therapy could be beneficial to people suffering from a wider range of immune-system disorders.


Remember, only receive massage therapy when you are well. 
If you don't feel well, reschedule your massage and consult a doctor.

Roy is a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as rehabilitation centers. He is well known for his Relaxing Massage as well as his skill in Medical Massage and Sports Massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointmenthttps://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage



#immunesystem  #massage  #anxiety  #alternativemedicine  #disease  #swedishmassage  #oxytocin  #lovehormone  #immunesystemdisorder

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Massage Therapy For Fibromyalgia



Are the aches and pains of fibromyalgia getting you down? If so, then massage therapy might be just what you need to help put some spring back into your step. Recently, massage therapy has become extremely popular among fibromyalgia patients. It works to reduce pain, eliminate stiffness, and helps you to relax and take some time out for yourself. If you are interested in massage, this blog will outline the treatment’s basic principles and how it can benefit your fibromyalgia symptoms.
Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that is becoming more and more popular, both with fibromyalgia patients and other pain sufferers. In massage therapy, your muscles and soft tissues are manipulated in order to relieve stress, reduce pain, and increase flexibility. Usually done with the hands, there are a variety of different techniques used to give a massage. Common techniques involve stroking, kneading, and palpating the muscles. Hot and cold therapies are also used during massages in order to increase blood flow and relax muscles.
Massage therapy can really reduce the pain, stiffness, and tender points
caused by fibromyalgia syndrome. But how does it manage to do this? Massage therapy actually enhances the production of certain pain blockers, including endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These hormones work to counteract pain signals conducted by the brain, and this would explain why massage offers such dramatic pain relief.
 
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia Pain Sufferers
 Massage therapy is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. In fact, in a survey completed by fibromyalgia sufferers, massage therapy was rated the best fibromyalgia treatment option by an overwhelming margin. Massage therapy benefits include:
•increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair
•increased flexibility
•increased range of motion
•decreased stress and depression
•reduced pain
•reduced stiffness
•improved sleep patterns
In a 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain symptoms after receiving just ten, 30 minute massage sessions. They also reported a significant decrease in their sleep difficulties and began sleeping for longer periods at a time and were disturbed less by sleep disorders.
Massage is one of the complementary therapies that is most highly rated by people with fibromyalgia. Research has shown that massage can help reduce pain, elevate mood, decrease the need for pain medicines, and increase the quality of life for some fibromyalgia patients.

Roy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as a rehabilitation center working on sports injuries with medical massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.
 
https://www.facebook.com/wavecrestmassage

#fibromyalgia  #fibromyalgiapain  #fibrocycle

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Tuning The Athlete




If you haven’t done so yet, you owe it to yourself to add massage therapy to your training routine. Once a month spend a few bucks on yourself to get a trained and licensed massage therapist to get in there and loosen up some of those tight spots. Shoulders, hamstrings, hip – whatever is causing you a little grief. Wave Crest Massage Therapy offers CrossFit  athletes an amazing rate that makes it more affordable than you may think.
Look, even the best athletes injure themselves from time to time. CrossFit is no different.  We are lifting weights, doing repetitive movements like pull ups and push-ups, squats, cleans, presses  and whatnot – we get tired, sometimes we lose sight of our form and we experience some pain. The trick is to get on top of the issue right away! First, address the cause. Talk to your trainer and let them know the issue. It may be a simple form issue. Or maybe you are using too much weight. They’ll guide you. Don’t let those little hot spots of pain and tightness fester. Ice it after the WOD. Get a professional massage from a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist.
But it’s not just about injury. It’s about flexibility and mobility. A little body work each month can go a long way to stretching out those tight spots and increasing your range of motion.
CrossFit athletes can benefit from massage therapy in a variety of ways:
•speeds circulation of oxygen to muscles
•increases flow of nutrients through soft tissues
•flush toxins through the lymphatic system
 Applied stretching techniques combined with massage therapy can improve range of motion and joint flexibility. It can also help you recover faster from an injury.​
We offer personalized treatment plans, depending on the severity of pain, sensitivity to touch and other issues. In most cases, treatment will include multiple techniques such as massage and heat.
Roy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and has worked in high end spa’s as well as a rehabilitation center working on sports injuries with medical massage.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.

#crossfit  #massage  #mobility  #rangeofmotion  #stretching  #sportsmassage  #deeptissuemassage  #triggerpointtherapy  #WOD

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Massage Combats PTSD



In light of recent world events Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, has been a subject of much discussion in the news. However, it is not only troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who suffer from PTSD. Healthcare workers are seeing increased numbers of patients from all walks of life presenting symptoms of PTSD. Many of those who are seeking help with PTSD prefer alternative or natural approaches to ease some of burdens of the affliction. Massage therapists and other “body-workers” are increasingly being called upon to offer some solace to those suffering from the emotional and physical devastation of PTSD.
It has been estimated that 70% of the adults in the US have experienced a trauma severe enough to result in PTSD. These events can be military combat, a terrorist attack, natural disasters, a violent crime, or horrific accident. A person with PTSD is unable to “let go” of the traumatic episode they have witnessed or experienced, and they relive it again and again.
Typical symptoms of a person with PTSD will include:

    Flashbacks and Nightmares
   Difficulty sleeping
    A feeling of detachment or  distance
    Chronic pain or fatigue
 
How Can Massage Help?
According to Western medicine, the symptoms of PTSD are the result of imbalances in brain chemicals triggered by emotional stress. These chemicals, including neurotransmitters such as serotonin, affect behavior, feelings and cognition. By reliving the traumatic event, people with PTSD are always in a heightened state of anxiety. The brain is unable to turn off the “Fight or Flight” response, and their bodies are constantly flooded with stress hormones that cause not only emotional, but physical pain, as muscles are constantly tensed for action. Massage therapy and other bodywork such as Reiki, or Tui Na, can not only relax tensed muscles and ease the physical pain, they can trigger the body’s relaxation response, breaking the cycle of fight or flight.
Massage therapy is an excellent addition to an overall treatment plan for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress disorder. Once a person is able to relax through massage, circulation improves, sleep patterns can return to normal, and a more relaxed patient is more open to other modalities such as talk therapy that can help them resolve the issues at the root of his or her PTSD. 

 

Massage therapy can offer help to returning soldiers and veterans by:
•relieving sore muscles, lessoning muscle tension and stiffness.
•increasing flexibility.
•reducing scar tissue and the breaking down of adhesions caused by wounds and injuries, especially from fire or heat related weapons and explosives.
•helping to regenerate skin and muscle tissue caused by burns.
•reducing or even preventing muscles atrophy caused by disuse after injury.
•improving posture and alignment – misalignment and poor posture can be caused by carrying heavy loads of 50 pounds or more on a daily basis.
•normalizing hormone production – the stress of war and transitioning often causes a chronic release of the hormone cortisol which, in the long term, can cause problems. Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins which help in relaxation and reduction of stress related issues.
•helping to maximize toxin removal from the body – during deployment the soldier may be exposed to various toxins and medications; massage therapy can facilitate the elimination of these toxins.
•reducing insomnia and increasing the deep sleep necessary for a healthy mind and body – during deployment sleep is often restless and shallow; at times it is non-existent. Massage helps to restore healthy sleep patterns.
•helping restore a healthy digestive system – during deployment meals may not be the healthiest with regard to nutrition, quantity of food, or consistency. Intestinal muscles may be stressed because of a lack of adequate toilet facilities and lack of clean water. Abdominal massage is especially helpful to restore a digestive system back to normality.

As a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist, Roy is trained and proficient in Swedish Massage, Tui Na (Asian massage) and has earned his level 3 in Usui Reiki.

Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.

#PTSD  #posttraumaticstressdisorder  #HOW  #heroesonthewater  #woundedwarrior  #flashbacks  #nightmare

Friday, January 2, 2015

Can Insomnia Be Helped By Massage


Insomnia is associated with a lack of serotonin. Massage increases serotonin levels.
Massage increases serotonin levels
Insomnia means trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. The prevalence of insomnia is staggering, with more than 30 percent of American adults suffering from occasional bouts of insomnia and 10 percent of Americans experiencing chronic insomnia.
Sleep is essential for good health, recovery from illness and for promoting normal metabolism. Holistic interventions can do much to promote good health and aid in recovery.
The benefits of massage are many. It is regularly used in sports clinics and rehabilitation centers to loosen and soothe sore, aching muscles. Massage helps to reduce stress, improve circulation, release tension, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and assists to strengthen the immune system. These relaxing effects may therefore make massage a helpful aid in restoring restful sleep patterns. Massage is especially beneficial in treating sleeping problems that stem from stress, migraine headache, pain, and muscle and joint stiffness.
Massage has a generalized effect on the autonomic nervous system, resulting in changes in mood and an induced relaxation response. Positive feelings and mood are enhanced. When you have a massage, the parasympathetic is activated and thus allows your body to relax. When you are stressed, the sympathetic is activated and you will feel the urge to fight or flight. Stress affects the body and the mind. The outward signs of stress include tense muscles and poor posture. So if stress and tension are the reasons why you are not sleeping very well, you might be relieved to know that one of the benefits of massage therapy is improved sleep patterns.
A sleep disorder can affect your quality of life, whether you have sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, or the more common sleep disorder, insomnia.
Massage is an effective, healthy and substance free choice to help the scores of people who have insomnia. Insomnia is often associated with a lack of serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in mood, behavior, body temperature, physical coordination, appetite and sleep. Massage can increase serotonin levels. Therefore it is a therapeutic drug-free means of reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It is logical to seek a natural remedy to increase serotonin levels for people that are sleep deprived.
In addition, serotonin is needed for our bodies to produce melatonin. Melatonin influences the sleep stage of our circadian rhythm. Circadian cycles are the internal periodic rhythms that profoundly affect sleep and wakefulness. This rhythm is what keeps us healed and whole. On a 24-hour cycle, the sleep and wake rhythms carry us through the vitality of the day and the restfulness of the night. When rhythms are broken or interrupted, the result is discord and possible feelings of anxiousness and stress. Massage helps restore balance so the rhythms of your life ebb and flow in a more natural pattern.
Massage can create a powerful emotional response as the body and mind relax in a caring environment. Many people feel the mind ‘letting go’ as the body relaxes. The symptoms of stress are relieved as balance is restored. After receiving a massage many people report that they have much deeper and more restful sleep.

For your added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. Ask about our free aromatherapy upgrade to receive your choice of a free upgrade of Aromatherapy or 10 minute Peppermint Scalp Treatment. For insomnia I would suggest Lavender oil as your upgrade. The benefits of Lavender oil include relaxation, easing stress and more.

Contact us at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.
#lavenderoil  #insomnia  #serotonin  #melatonin  #relaxation  #stress  #sleepdisorder  #aromatherapy
 

 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Winter Depression


Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is defined as winter depression. It is triggered by the onset of winter, and is thought to be due to the decrease in sunlight, which decreases vitamin D levels. Studies have shown that low vitamin D may be linked to depression.

SAD is typically treated with light therapy, psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in things you were once very interested in, irritability, fatigue, sleep changes, decreased energy and general low mood. In the winter months, people stay inside more, so activity levels change. These changes decrease the body’s production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
If you are experiencing symptoms of SAD also consider therapeutic massage. Massage is, in essence, its own medicine. Massage greatly reduces the symptoms of depression. Massage decreases cortisol levels, and with decreased cortisol levels there is a decrease in stress. Massage allows the body to restore parasympathetic nervous system functioning. In this state the body is at rest. Massage increases the level of endorphins (the body’s natural anti-depressant) which interrupts the fight or flight mechanism. Massage strengthens the mind/body connection. It increases our general sense of wellbeing and increases our immunity and vitality.
General side effects of antidepressant medicines can include:
·        Nausea, loss of appetite, or diarrhea
·        Anxiety or nervousness
·        Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness
·        Headaches
·        Sexual dysfunction
For most people experiencing winter blues symptoms, this type of therapy is indeed a good antidote. In addition to eating nutritionally sound meals or obtaining light therapy or counseling, a massage is an excellent way to enhance the outlook of anyone suffering from the winter blues as well as lessen the incidences of fatigue or anxiety.

For your added convenience, Wave Crest Massage Therapy will go to your home or place of business. Ask about our free aromatherapy upgrade to receive your choice of a free upgrade of Aromatherapy or 10 minute Peppermint Scalp Treatment.

Contact us at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.

#winterdepression  #sad  #endorphins  #winterblues  #depression  #lighttherapy  #cortisol