Massage for Boomers

Baby Boomers that is! The boomer generation covers the time period between 1946 and 1964, of which I am a member as are many of my clients. The thing that I've noticed about this generation is how they usually don't act their age, but in a good way.

In addition to being a massage therapist I've been in the fitness field teaching classes for the last 25+ years. Many of the classes I've taught are for the "senior" population. What's interesting though is that these "seniors" are living life to the fullest. They may be retired, but they are by no means sitting around the house on the couch. They are active, and want to take care of themselves in whatever way necessary in order to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

So how can you too maintain your active lifestyle or perhaps begin to live a more active lifestyle while aging?

Exercise, smart nutrition, yoga, and massage.

Age is definitely a state of mind, however, it can also be a state of the body. I know for me personally, even though I often feel more like I'm 30, by body sometimes tells another story. Wear and tear of being active during your younger days definitely takes a toll on the body in your later years.

Massage therapy can be very beneficial. While massage cannot repair serious injuries that have already occurred such as an ACL tear or reverse the need for a knee replacement, it can greatly help hold off those injuries that could become more severe.

"Massage finds tight spots and releases them before they become injuries."

Give it a try. The money you spend for massage could be a fabulous way to save money on future medical expenses.

Feet Hurt?

If you've ever suffered or are suffering from plantar fasciitis you know how uncomfortable it can be. For me, my feet would hurt the worst when I would get out of bed in the mornings. Often it would feel as though when I step down, they were going to break in half.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the band of tissues that attach from the heel to the toes. The causes of this particular condition can range from standing or running on hard surfaces for long periods of time, shoes that are too old, or being overweight.

So what can you do to alleviate the pain?

Massage. Massage can definitely help with your aching feet.

Make sure you see a qualified, licensed therapist. They will work the calf, Achilles, the heel and the arch of your foot in order to loosen those areas and start alleviating the pain. They can probably also give you some good stretching exercises for the feet that can help as well, such as rolling your foot over a frozen soda bottle or tennis ball.

Another option you might not have thought about and could consider is starting a yoga practice. Yoga is a great way to work the feet and perhaps combining with yoga with massage will help you rid this issue for good.

It has been said if you can ease the pain in your feet, you can also alleviate many of the other aches and pains you may be having in the rest of your body, such as backaches.

Keeping Winter Illness Away

Winter certainly is in full swing for the large majority of the country. We've been somewhat lucky in my neck of the woods with a just a few what I consider to be really cold days, in the 30's. For the most part though, the sun is out and it warms up in to the 60's. I know, like I said, we've been lucky.

With winter barking at our doors, you may be wondering just what you can do to keep those winter illnesses away. Well, I'm so glad you asked!

I recently came across an interesting article from CNNHealth. The article talks about women specifically asking the question why it is there are some women that never seem to get sick. They can be in large groups of people or in crowded planes with all that recirculated air and yet not catch a cold or somehow avoid the stomach bug that goes around the office or their home. So how do they do it? What's the secret?

There are several tips they elude to in the article including things like positive thinking to help fight off illness, using ginger for gastrointestinal problems, and garlic to boost immunity and reduce inflammation among others. Can you guess what the number 1 tip was?

If you guessed massage, you'd be right!

Why massage and how can it help you? Studies have shown that massage can reduce your blood pressure, lower your heart rate, and reduce stress levels all of which will help strengthen and build your immunity. Of course when you a strong immune system, you're less likely to contract those cold or flu bugs that are roaming around.

So why not give it a try? After all, what have you got to lose? Massage has soooooo many benefits, this is just another one to add to that very long list. Oh yeah, and if you're so inclined, throw a little yoga in there as well.

Who Needs a Massage?

Who doesn't need a massage?

Massage therapy is often thought of as a luxury, something you often only receive for birthday gifts or special occasions, and it is wonderful. However, it's so much more!

You've probably heard by now that massage therapy is a wonderful tool to help with stress relief and is very helpful with relaxation, and that's very true. But, did you know how beneficial massage therapy can be with many other conditions? Of course, always check with your doctor first for a diagnosis, and then consult your massage therapist.

The following are just a few of the conditions and areas where massage therapy can help.

• Headache relief (tension and migraines)
• Fibromyalgia
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Shin splints
• Preparation for participation in athletic events or exercise
• Neck pain
• Enhancing recovery after exercise
• An easier pregnancy
• Plantar fasciitis
• The absolute joy of getting massage!

These are just a few of the conditions/circumstances where massage can make a big difference. In upcoming posts I'll discuss more in detail just how massage can help you with some of these conditions. Until then, why not treat yourself to better health and schedule a session today.