Massage and Sciatica

Most of you know what sciatica is and the pain in the butt it can be...literally.  Ok bad joke. Though you may know this condition what you may not know is the causes of sciatica. The culprits that cause this annoying and painful condition are the following primary ailments:

• bulging discs
• joint inflammation
• stenosis
• sacral iliac joint dysfunction
• piriformis tightness

No matter what the cause, it is treatable by massage, modern medicine and/ or physical therapy.  The treatment is geared toward the primary ailment.  

If you have a bulging disc your main treatment should be to correct the disc dysfunction. Once the disc pressure on the nerve is relieved then your sciatic pain will diminish. Massage to normalize the affected and surrounding musculature will be more effective in bringing down your pain levels once the pressure is off the nerve.

In cases of joint inflammation, massage will aid in the removal of inflammation from the affected area, if applied correctly; as is the case with piriformis tightness.  Carefully applied advanced massage techniques can release a contracted piriformis which will in turn almost immediately reduce pain levels. 

Stenosis is best addressed by a physician.  Massage will help keep the surrounding musculature free of tension.

Sacral iliac joint dysfunction can be relieved with adhesion release and deep tissue massage to loosen muscular tension and increase circulation to the area for faster healing.

When using exercise to help relieve sciatic pain it is important to remember some key points:

• if exercise makes it worse STOP
• you want the pain to creep from the distal points in the foot or leg to the central point in the low back (centralize the pain and that is where it leaves from)
• if exercise makes the pain creep, it's the right exercise
• talk to your therapist, doctor or physical therapist to get a list of appropriate home exercises

There is always hope for a pain free life. Don't be afraid to seek advise and help.

Massage And Getting Back to Normal

For the most part, the first week back to providing massage has been normal for the client, bar a few changes.  Those changes don't affect the quality of care. The patient has to wear a mask while face up and can remove it when face down.  Casual conversation is supposed to be non-existent, but I have not stopped people from talking.  Talking actually helps take my mind off the fact that I also have to wear a mask. 

The room may be bare and I may have a bit more work with having to cart supplies back and forth to work all the time, but the patient/client care is the same.  So don't fear going to see your therapist, he/she will do his/her best to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.  We all are trying to keep it normal for you.

I hope that Memorial Day weekend was a much needed return to a somewhat normal summer beginning for most of you. I helped with yard work, so it was pretty much normal for me.

Stay healthy and safe.

Massage Resumes Monday May 18, 2020

A new week begins; a new routine ensues. The Covid-19 Pandemic has created a new era of existence where everyone is taking extra precautions to avoid the spread of illness.  I am no exception, change has occurred in the way I prepare for a day at work. Due to these changes I can not accept "day of appointments".  In other words, don't call the office and expect to get an appointment the same day.

My new way of preparing for a day of massage includes:

1. Looking at the schedule to check how many clients are coming for massage.
2. Preparing disposable containers with massage lubricant for each client.
3. Preparing the appropriate linens for each client and packaging them individually, they will no longer be stored in bulk in the office.
4. Packing enough scrub shirts to change between clients.
5. Packing enough sanitizer wipers to wipe down the office between clients. 
6. Packing enough hand sanitizer and masks for the day.

Because I am not keeping linens at the office any longer I will not have enough supplies at the office to accept walk ins or same day appointments.  I apologize for the inconvenience but this has become my  new normal.

Stay Healthy and embrace YOUR new normal.

Massage experience should remain very close to normal...

As I start seeing clients again, the experience of the massage you receive should be very close to normal.  The main differences you will notice throughout the session will be the use of a mask, no thermal packs, and very little tool usage.  Bolsters will be used but there won't be as many available due to needing wipeable surfaces.  Pillows will not be able to be used until the protocols loosen back up and allow for permeable surface items again.

A new standard of cleanliness will be applied. I have always cleaned before and after a client, but I will be cleaning more of the room than normal after each session and a thorough cleaning at the end of each day.  I want to assure you that I hold your health in the highest regard.

As for me, your therapist, you will see a few changes. The most important change being, I will be mumbling through a mask.  I will be sorely in need of a hair cut and style.  The worst change you will encounter will be the 10 extra quarantine pounds I put on over the last couple months. 

I want to ensure you that you will still receive the same quality of care that you have become accustomed to receiving. 

Call or text for your appointment.  I am already booked for my first week back to work, week of May 18th. There will be no massage appointments available on Memorial day. 

Stay Healthy and see you soon.

Ohio Re-Opens the Massage Industry

Today the Governor announced and the Medical Board confirmed that massage locations can reopen on May 15th.  Of course, there will be protocols to follow to keep therapist and client safe before, during and after the massage session.

Protocols:

Therapist will perform a daily symptom assessment, should therapist have symptoms your massage will be cancelled.
Therapist will follow CDC guidelines for handwashing and cleaning the treatment room (no change here, we always did this).
Therapist will change clothes after each client (new expense, need to buy MORE scrubs).
Therapist may wear gloves if applicable.
Therapist will use a previously readied paper towel to open door after massage.
Therapist will wipe down all contact surfaces in the treatment room after client leaves.
Therapist will maintain accurate appointment and walk-in records including date and time of service, name of client, and contact information to assist in contact tracing.

Client will have a doorway screening; will be asked about symptoms and temperature taken.
Client/Patient will wear a face mask, when in the face down position there will be appropriate face cradle covering to catch aerosols so the client can remove mask in the face down position.
Avoid shaking hands with clients.
Only the client shall be in the room with the therapist, unless the client needs to be accompanied by a caregiver.
Client needs to wash their hands before entering the massage treatment room.

There are more protocols, I have a three page document, but I listed the ones you need to be most concerned with in order to understand that we are taking your health very seriously.  I personally ask that you take my health very seriously in return.  Please cancel your appointment if you are sick!

I look forward to continuing a long career as a massage therapist in service to those that need massage therapy; therefore I am going to repeat my last request...Please cancel your appointment if you are sick.

Thank you and I hope to see you (my clients) all very soon.

Have a Blessed day!

Discontinuing several services...

During these uncertain times, protocols for the massage profession are very strict.  In light of all the new rules and regulations I must follow to protect my clients I have deemed it necessary to stop offering some massage modalities until further notice.  The modalities include, but not limited to, Gua Sha, Cupping, Bamboo Massage, fascial massages of all kinds and use of thermal heat packs.

You will also notice during your session, when I am allowed to reopen, blankets and pillows will no longer be offered in the room.  I will use flannel linens for warmth and comfort.  I need to limit the amount of linens used in the room.  All non-essential items will be removed from the room. 

I will do my best to keep your session a positive experience. 

Closing in on an opening date...

As we trek through the month of May we will start to see a lot more businesses reopening in Ohio. 

On May 15th we will see salons and day spas, among other personal services opening their doors for business. This will make many people very happy.  I cringe to think about how stylists will have to fix the self-cut bangs.  But they will smile and say, "No problem, I can fix this, I got your back."

Also to reopen on May 15th will be outdoor dining at restaurants that have this service, with the indoor dining resuming on May 21st.  We will see retail businesses that were once looking like ghost towns reopening their doors.  I can only imagine the number of folks that will stampede to the doors looking for that coveted shopping experience they miss so much.

What is not among the businesses to resume? Day cares, gyms, Massage offices, movie theaters, swimming pools, etc.   The government is still working with health officials to set safety protocols for operation of the remaining closed businesses.  They are hopeful the next wave of openings will include the businesses of higher risk to patrons.

My colleagues and I, in the massage profession, look forward to returning to our offices to resume therapy for those in need.  It has been a long couple months and there will be many clients calling to try to get those coveted first appointment spots in the first days of reopening.  Be patient, we are well aware of your needs and will do everything humanly possible to make sure you all receive the care you deserve.

We are hopeful for an opening date within the next few weeks. Please remember that because we are a profession that cannot adhere to social distancing we will be given strict protocols to follow. Be prepared to wear masks during sessions and possibly be denied some services in the beginning, such as facial massage.  I personally will not offer hot stone, bamboo, gua sha or any service that requires the use of tools, with the exception of instrument assisted adhesion release,  for at least the first month of reopening.

Stay Healthy and continue social distancing.