THERA-SSAGE

Chronic Stress and Pain

LauraAllenMT — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 00:47:28 +0000

Chronic stress can lead to pain, and chronic pain can lead to stress. They feed off of each other! Chronic stress also leads to or exacerbates all kinds of medical conditions. Sickness, pain, and stress….”Ain’t nobody got time for that!”

Massage therapy is an excellent way to help manage stress. It’s also an effective method of pain relief, for many conditions. Neuromuscular pain manifests itself in many ways, and stress seems to find a home in whatever part of our bodies are already most vulnerable…our “tension spots.” Like many people who spend hours at the computer, I have chronic neck and shoulder pain, and the beginnings of carpal tunnel syndrome. Getting a massage every other week keeps me from having to take drugs. I just can’t function on painkillers and muscle relaxers! I don’t like the brain fog I get from them. In addition to massage, I try to frequently stretch my neck and do a few shoulder rolls when I’m desk-bound.

Massage therapy has been shown to be an effective component of an integrative treatment plan for fibromyalgia, for several reasons. In addition to assisting in the relief from chronic pain, massage has also been shown to improve sleep. Poor sleep is often an issue for fibromyalgia sufferers.

When you visit us for massage, we want to know how your condition is interfering with your life. If muscle pain, or a lack of range of motion is preventing you from doing something you want to do, let us know that. Massage can help restore range of motion in many cases.

We don’t promise that you’re going to be “cured” or “fixed” from whatever is ailing you–and especially not in one session. But we can point to the fact that over 90% of our clients are word of mouth referrals from other clients we have been able to help. I urge you to make massage therapy a regular part of your wellness plan. You’ll feel better for it.

Many health insurance plans will cover massage therapy if you are under the care of our chiropractor. Come by or call us for and we’ll be glad to check to see if your plan will pay. We also offer package deals to make your therapy more affordable. If you suffer from chronic stress and/or chronic pain, consider calling us or feel free to stop by our office so we can answer any questions you have.

Drawing courtesy of National Association of Injured and Disabled Workers.

A Friendly Reminder

LauraAllenMT — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:51:37 +0000

Last month, I was stricken with a case of pneumonia and spent five days in the hospital, and another two weeks after that recovering at home. I’m just now easing back into work.

I rarely get sick, and when I do, I think of that as a “friendly reminder” that I am not doing enough to take care of myself. Not eating right, not sleeping well, not getting enough exercise, working too much, not taking enough “ME” time–any and all of the above.

Between work, school, caretaking, parenting, meeting church and community obligations, and whatever it is you do, most of us are guilty of taking care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves.

Don’t wait to get one of those friendly reminders…resolve now to do better at taking care of yourself, and just do it!

Massage Therapy: Just the Facts, Please!

LauraAllenMT — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:01:26 +0000

Massage therapy can be helpful for a number of things. While some massage therapists want to think it’s good for whatever ails you, we prefer to be more cautious in making claims we can’t back up. In 70+ years of existence, the American Massage Therapy Association has approved 11 position statements about the good massage can do. These statements are backed up by research that has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals:

Massage therapy can help improve sleep.
Massage therapy is a beneficial part of integrative treatment for fibromyalgia.
Massage therapy can be effective for low back pain.
Massage can reduce symptoms of depression.
Those who participate in exercise, including athletes in training, can benefit from massage.
Massage can be effective for tension headaches.
Massage can aid in pain relief.
Massage therapy can improve the quality of life for those in hospice and palliative care.
Massage therapy may benefit newborns.
Massage therapy can be a valuable component of a wellness program.
Massage therapy can relieve stress.

There are also things massage can’t do. Massage therapy is not a detoxification treatment, contrary to the unsupported claims made by many massage therapists. The word toxin has been thrown around more than a basketball at the ACC playoffs. Unless you were bitten by a poisonous critter or received chemotherapy recently, you don’t have toxins. Normal metabolic waste is not the same thing as a toxin, and in any case, we can’t squeeze it out of you, no matter how much we’d like to. Massage therapy does not disperse lactic acid from the muscles after exercise; in fact, research has shown that massage actually inhibits that process. Unless you are having a problem pregnancy, there is no reason why you should not receive massage in the first trimester—and any other time. If you are having a problem pregnancy, then ask your doctor if massage is safe for you. Another myth is that people with cancer shouldn’t receive massage. Radiation can cause brittleness of the bones, so if you have received that, you are not a good candidate for deep massage, but a relaxing Swedish massage is fine. If you are currently receiving chemotherapy, check with your physician; you may be advised to wait until your chemo ends.

Your massage therapist should be licensed and research literate—not lagging behind the times and feeding you false information.

Laura Allen, BA, NCTMB, is an internationally known instructor and the author of four massage therapy books textbooks. She is the owner of THERA-SSAGE in Rutherfordton.

Massage & Chiropractic: Hand in Hand

LauraAllenMT — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 16:38:41 +0000

Perhaps you have visited another chiropractor and been adjusted numerous times. You feel good for a few hours or even a few days afterward, but for some reason, you always seem to wind up back in pain again.

Chiropractors free up “stuck” joints…and many times, barring a genetic condition, it could be that your shortened muscles are what has contributed to your misalignment. That’s where massage comes in. Getting massage therapy in conjunction with chiropractic will make your adjustments go easier and last longer. Our staff chiropractor, Dr. Ezra Edgerton, is a big believer in massage supporting what he does as a chiropractor.

Think about it: your bones are supported by soft tissue–the muscles and fascia. If you’ve had an injury, or have bad postural habits, or carry chronic stress and tension in your body, then you’re in need of some soft tissue therapy–massage.

Massage has been proven to be effective in reducing stress, helping with low back pain, assisting in the management of fibromyalgia, and many other conditions. Make this the year to take care of yourself, with non-invasive touch therapy by a licensed massage therapist. You’ll be amazed at the difference in how your body feels. Many major medical plans will pay for your massage therapy if you are under the care of our chiropractor. Give us a call at 828-288-3727 to see if your plan will pay.

Worker’s Compensation

LauraAllenMT — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:47:41 +0000

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work, consider seeking Chiropractic

and Massage Therapy.

The following principles apply to Worker’s Compensation and Chiropractic Care in North Carolina:

1. Chiropractic care IS covered under the Worker’s Compensation Law in NC, and it would be false and misleading for an insurance company or its representatives to state or imply otherwise. N.C.G.S. 97-2 (20) and 97-88.2

2. Pursuant to rule 802 of the Worker’s Compensation Rules of the North Carolina Industrial Commission, any employer, carrier, or third party administrator who routinely denies chiropractic treatment as a matter of policy may be subject to sanctions by the Industrial Commission.

3. When an injured employee has reported the injury to his or her employer and the employer has not made a direct referral to a physician, the employee may go to the physician or his or her choice. N.C.G.S. 97-25.

4. When a chiropractic physician is the initial treating physician, either though direct employer referral or in circumstances described in number 3 above, an authorization-to-treat slip is NOT required.

5. A chiropractic physician may treat an injured worker for up to 20 visits without further authorization.

6. When more than 20 visits are necessary, the chiropractic physician must obtain authorization for additional visits from the payor, i.e. the self-insured employer, the insurance company, or the third party administrator.

7. When an injured employee has been treated by a physician and wishes to be treated by a different physician, who may or may not be a chiropractic physician, he or she has the right to request treatment by a physician or his or her choice, and should contact the employer or write to the Industrial Commission to obtain permission. N.C.G.S. 97-27.

8. An employer can request that an injured employee see evaluation by another physician, but the injured employee may continue treatment with the chiropractic physician for up to the initial 20 visits.

9. An employer, insurance company, or third party administrator may not unilaterally terminate a patient’s chiropractic treatment during the initial 20 visits.

10. Except for the number of visits for the initial 20 visits, visits to a chiropractic physician are subject to Utilization Review.

Mindful Giving During the Holidays

LauraAllenMT — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:06:15 +0000

If you’re like most people, the thought of holiday shopping is enough to inspire a stress attack! In reality, stress is a cause of, or contributor to, many adverse health conditions. This holiday season, save time and the hassle of fighting the crowd to shop for people that are hard to buy for, and give a gift that will facilitate good health! Here are some suggestions:

A gift certificate for massage or spa services
A gift certificate from a health food store
A membership to a health club or gym
A gift certificate to work with a personal trainer
A gift certificate to take a fitness class at the local community college

You could even pre-pay someone’s visit to a doctor or dentist or give them a pre-paid credit card to cover the cost. Someone on a fixed income would really appreciate having their entire visit or their copayment taken care of.

If you have elderly folks to buy for, please bear in mind that they don’t need another dust-catcher to sit around the house. A gift certificate from the grocery store or a restaurant would probably be much more appreciated. When you purchase a gift certificate, you don’t have to worry about buying someone clothing that may not fit, or imposing your taste on someone that may not agree with you about what looks good. Many local merchants sell gift certificates—sometimes directly on their website so you don’t even have to go out to get it—and nearly every business accepts pre-paid gift cards. Support your local merchants this holiday season, and give mindfully!

You Get What You Pay For

LauraAllenMT — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:32:37 +0000

And to borrow another cliche, Time is Money, right? We give you the best value for your money here at THERA-SSAGE. An hour of massage actually lasts an hour, not the 50-minute sessions that many other places do.

We hear that one of the other chiropractors in town sees over 100 patients a day. I’m happy to say that will never be the case here. Dr. Ezra Edgerton spends an hour with you on your first visit, and on average of 30 minutes for each appointment after your first one. We also don’t use a computer to do your adjustment. Dr. Edgerton does the traditional method of spinal manipulation. Unless he thinks there is an extreme reason for it, you will not be x-rayed. Dr. Edgerton does not believe in unnecessarily exposing people to radiation just to make a dollar. He is also an expert in the area of nutrition and is approved by BCBS as a nutritional counselor. It’s a personal experience, and it’s all about you, rather than the latest technology that has taken so much of the personalization out of the experience of seeing a chiropractor. We also know your time is important and we make every effort to start appointments on time and to end them on time. You will not be left languishing in the waiting room.

We don’t do Groupons, and we don’t cut the price of our work in half or more in an effort to lure clients away from other therapists or other doctors. We feel that our prices are fair as they are….One day a year, we do offer a two-fer to our existing clients. That is not advertised publicly; only the people who are on our newsletter list are notified. We offer our existing clients the opportunity to bring someone in who has never been here before and both people will receive massage for the price of one. If you would like to be added to that list, send an e-mail to therassage@bellsouth.net with “add to newsletter list” in the subject line.

Beware of Skin Cancer

LauraAllenMT — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 20:32:26 +0000

Sometimes a massage therapist is the first one to notice a skin cancer…some of our clients may live alone, for example, and we might be the only person to see the back of someone’s body.

Annie Powell, a massage therapist and creator of The World Skin Project, credits a massage therapist with discovering a malignant melanoma on her back when she was a student in massage school. You can visit her great website at www.worldskinproject.org

Skin cancer is not the result of that sunburn you got last week….usually it is from sun damage that happened years before, in childhood and adolescence. Don’t let your kids play outside without sunblock.

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of cancer…if detected early, when a lesion is less than 2 mm thick, the survival rate is 90%. Left to spread, that survival rates drops to 10%. Be smart–don’t fry yourself this summer. There are safety measures we can all take. If you are using a tanning bed, stop it immediately! Avoid the urge to lie in the sun for hours. Tanning is not safe, and a sunburn is NEVER a good thing. Perform regular skin checks, and see a dermatologist for annual check ups.

Here, There, and Everywhere

LauraAllenMT — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:26:06 +0000

I’m Laura Allen, the owner of THERA-SSAGE. In the past couple of months, I’ve been privileged to be all over the country teaching classes to other massage therapists. One thing I’ve found out, as I’ve gone from coast to coast, is that no matter where people are, we’re basically all the same. We have aches and pains and stress, and we often put ourselves last on the list when it comes to taking care of ourselves. People get caught up in their busy lives, their jobs, their children, their other obligations and sometimes forget just what it’s like to take some ME time. I encourage you to stop ignoring yourself! An hour of massage is an hour of restoration. It will make your body and your mind feel better. What are you waiting for? Give us a call today and get on your way to the stress-free zone!

Your Wellness Plan for the New Year

LauraAllenMT — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:45:28 +0000

Do you have a wellness plan for the New Year? So many of us make New Year’s resolutions that we don’t stick to. I refuse to call them resolutions…I just want to have a plan.

Massage is a part of my wellness plan. If I didn’t get it, I’d be taking some kind of drugs, and I just don’t want to go that route. I have six deteriorating discs, and my back gets inflamed. Getting a massage every other week helps keep that at bay. It doesn’t have any side effects, and it’s cheaper than most drugs.

If you have major medical insurance, check with us to see if your plan will pay. HSAs and Flex Cards can often be used to pay for massage therapy, chiropractic, and other wellness services. Regretfully, Medicare/Medicaid does not pay for massage therapy. We do not participate with them at all.

THERA-SSAGE offers package deals. If you purchase 5 up front, you will get 6 sessions, bringing the cost of each session down. For senior citizens over the age of 60, the cost of a package is $250…meaning each massage will cost you $42. For everyone else, the cost of a package is $300., giving you a $10 savings per massage when you purchase a package. Packages do not expire, and they can be split or shared with friends and family members.

A lot of things go into a wellness plan. The food we eat, for instance. Michele Tanner is a personal chef and Certified Clinical Herbalist who can help you make the right choices for you, depending on what you wish to accomplish….whether that’s weight loss or having more control of personal health issues, Michele can offer assistance.

We also offer chiropractic, acupuncture, and many spa treatments at THERA-SSAGE. Isn’t it time to take care of yourself?

Why You Should See a Licensed Massage Therapist

LauraAllenMT — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:02:57 +0000

North Carolina has been licensing massage therapists since 1999. Many members of the public may not realize exactly what that means–other than the fact that we’ve paid for some type of license. What it actually does mean is that we have met certain standards and qualifications that allow us to practice massage in a manner that is safe and effective.

North Carolina requires that a massage therapist have a minimum of 500 hours of education, and passes the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam before a license will be issued. Included in that education:

Anatomy
Physiology
Kinesiology
Pathology
Contraindications
Theory and Practice of Massage
Medical Terminology
Professional Ethics and Standards of Practice
Client Communications
Clinical Practice
Business Practices

We are also obligated to obtain 24 hours of additional education every two years.

You should be aware that any person practicing massage should have their license prominently displayed at their place of business, and that their license # should be included on all advertising.

Any person practicing massage who does not have a license should be reported to the North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy. It should be noted that cosmetologists, hairdressers, nail technicians, and even chiropractors and acupuncturists may not hold themselves out as massage therapists. They may not advertise massage therapy unless there is a licensed massage therapist on their premises. Personal trainers are not qualified to perform massage therapy. You can look up a licensee on the Board’s website to be sure they are qualified to practice massage.

Why would it matter to you if someone is unlicensed? Primarily for your own safety. If a person has not been properly trained in the area of contraindications, for example, they could be guilty of massaging you at a time when it isn’t safe for you to have massage. There are many health conditions that prevent us from performing massage, or require that we modify treatment in some way. Don’t take a chance with an unlicensed person.

Partners in Health Care

LauraAllenMT — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:46:13 +0000

We have talented, educated staff members here at THERA-SSAGE who perform a variety of complementary health care services–complementary being the key word. Nothing that we do here should be construed as a replacement for medical care.

Our massage therapists are not here to take the place of your doctor. We don’t diagnose, and we don’t prescribe. We in fact receive numerous referrals from doctors and dentists, and we work with them to give you the best care possible.

Sometimes people seek alternative health care because allopathic medicine hasn’t brought them the results they are looking for. We appreciate everyone’s right to choose the path that is right for them, but we don’t want anyone to endanger themselves by ignoring medical advice.

Sometimes people have a condition that we can’t massage at all–a contraindication. These include any contagious condition, certain skin conditions, and extremely high blood pressure, just to name a few. If we have any doubt about whether or not massage is safe for you, we will call your physician. This is a preventative measure to protect you, and to protect our therapists from liability. We never want to cause harm to anyone.

Massage is great for many things: they symptoms of muscle pain, low back pain, sciatica, sprains and strains, repetitive motion injuries, tension, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, plain old stress, and many other conditions. If you’re a client, you probably already know that. If you haven’t yet been in to see us to find out what massage therapy can do for you, we’d love to tell you about the benefits. We normally can’t accommodate walk-in appointments, but you’re free to give us a call or just drop in to ask us questions about massage. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Drug Interactions

LauraAllenMT — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:01:24 +0000

Do you actually read the literature that comes with the prescription drugs you are taking? Many people don’t. It was announced on the news last night that Rutherford County, NC has twice the national average of deaths from prescription drugs.

Each and every drug has side effects, adverse effects, and interactions when taken with other drugs. A couple of days ago, I prepared a spread sheet for someone who is taking around 30 prescription drugs a day. To see the side effects and interactions laid out in that manner was nothing short of shocking: constipation, nausea, and dizziness were side effects of about ten of them, which may give some insight into why they’re constantly constipated, feeling sick, and taking frequent falls.

There comes a point in time when drug interactions cancel each other out. Taking a pill for everything that is wrong with you is not a good idea, when many of these things can be handled by simple dietary changes, getting exercise, and using less invasive measures, like topical products (which can still have side effects) and massage therapy.

If you’re taking more than one or two medications per day, you should make it a point to educate yourself about what it is you’re taking. If you’re seeing more than one physician for different problems, it is vitally important that each physician knows what the other is prescribing. Don’t let yourself be one of those statistics.

Massage Therapy for TMJ Dysfunction

LauraAllenMT — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:54:26 +0000

Headaches, pain in the jaw, difficulty chewing, clicking, grinding teeth…just some of the symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction. The treatment of TMJD through massage is one of the things we’re best at here at THERA-SSAGE! We receive many referrals from area dentists for our TMJD massage.

During a session for TMJD, the therapist will perform deep tissue massage on your head, neck, face, and shoulders. During the last 15-20 minutes of your session, the therapist will put on a glove and work in side your mouth, focusing on the muscles of mastication.

Many people experience profound relief after just one session. Bear in mind, though, that barring an actual deformity, TMJ Dysfunction is greatly aggravated by stress. Most people who receive massage for TMJD return periodically for further treatment.

TMJD massage requires an hour session. The cost is $60.

Chair Massage in Your Workplace

LauraAllenMT — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:43:08 +0000

Nothing makes the day go better than a massage. Even a few minutes of chair massage can make the world seem like a brighter place!

Our staff members are available to come to your workplace to do chair massage. The rate for this service is $60 an hour per therapist within a 10-mile radius, with an additional charge of $1 per mile for traveling further distances. A 5-minute chair massage is just a tease…10 minutes is great, and 15 is even better!

All we require is a place to set up a massage chair.

If you’re an employer, you can write this off as an employee benefit. What a nice thing to do for your staff members…and a little appreciation goes a long way! Or maybe you and the other folks in your office would like to chip in for the cost to treat yourselves!

Give us a call at 828-288-3727.

Chair massage at the Forest City Owls game

Chiropractic and Massage: Hand in Hand

LauraAllenMT — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:28:45 +0000

THERA-SSAGE is pleased to have Dr. Ezra Edgerton on our staff. We think he’s one of a dying breed–a chiropractor who actually takes his time to listen to you and who isn’t hustling to get to the next patient.

Your first appointment with Dr. Edgerton is a full hour. Subsequent appointments are scheduled for a half hour. Dr. Edgerton is also against needlessly exposing people to radiation, so unless he thinks there is an extremely pressing need for it, he doesn’t recommend x-rays.

Dr. Edgerton is also an expert in nutrition. He is approved by BC/BS as a nutritional advisor and his knowledge is vast. Dr. Edgerton’s philosophy is “A good doctor prevents what he treats.” We think he does a bang-up job at it.

Dr. Edgerton frequently recommends massage therapy for his patients. Massage can help your adjustments go easier and last longer. We encourage you to visit Dr. Edgerton and our staff of talented massage therapists. You’ll be glad you did. He is available at our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He also maintains a practice in Boiling Springs, NC.

Massage for Veterans

LauraAllenMT — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:21:34 +0000

THERA-SSAGE would like to offer any veteran of the US military returning from a war zone a free massage as our way of saying “Thank you” for your service.

All you have to do is call us for an appointment. This is available on an appointment basis only; we regret that we usually cannot accommodate anyone just walking in the door. Give us a call at 828-288-3727 to make your appointment. Just bring us your passport or plane ticket stub as proof that you have returned from a war zone in the past twelve months.

On Veteran’s Day (Friday, November 11) each year, massage is offered at half-price to all vets, active or retired. We appreciate each and every one of you.

Massage Therapy Research in the News

LauraAllenMT — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:13:56 +0000

Are you aware that more than 1000 research studies have been published pertaining to massage therapy? It’s true! One of the more exciting recent studies appeared recently in the July issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

This particular study focused on low back pain. 401 people were divided into three groups. One group received the usual protocol of prescription medication and physical therapy; one group received relaxation massage, while the third group received structural massage. The bottom line is that there was substantially noted improvement in the two groups receiving massage–regardless of the modality–while the group receiving usual care showed remarkably less improvement than either massage group. So the next time you’re seeking treatment for low back pain, seek a massage therapist!