Oncology Massage

A lot of people, including massage therapists, have the belief that massage spreads cancer. This is NOT true. And to continually repeat this erroneous information denies people who are really in need of therapeutic touch from experiencing a powerfully relaxing and nurturing massage.

Massage can be given to anyone (with a small number of exceptions) at any stage of cancer treatment.

Massage for cancer patients

While the person is receiving chemotherapy – that means they can receive massage while connected to the “chemotherapy drip” or at anytime during the course of their chemotherapy.
It can also be given when the person has completed treatment.
Having had treatment for cancer does not mean they can never have a massage again.

How does Oncology massage differ from a standard massage?

The Oncology Massage therapist will be trained to ask questions related to the type of treatment/s the client has received for cancer. This is to allow the massage to be adjusted and adapted to suit the client.

These adjustments may include:

Positioning:

The therapist may take some time to get the client comfortable while making adjustment to facilitate

Tenderness at the site of an operation,
Equipment such as a line attached to your arm, a stoma bag or a port.
Tightness and holding in a muscle or limb which does not allow the client to relax.

Fatigue:

The fatigue that accompanies cancer treatment and recovery can be enormous. While lots of people regularly receive massage to help them sleep, at some stages of treatment or recovery, an over vigorous massage, while it feels good at the time, can leave the client exhausted for a few days. The Oncology Massage therapist is trained to adjust pressure, speed and duration to help reduce the possibility of further fatiguing the client’s body.

Types of massage available for cancer patients:

The Oncology massage therapist has been trained in a number of massage adaptations. Their focus is comfort. They can adapt almost any treatment to suit any stage of cancer treatment.

Receiving the diagnosis of cancer profoundly changes a person’s life. Everyone becomes highly stressed and many people feel lost and afraid. The disease information, the statistics, the list of possible treatments, the side effects and outcomes can be bewildering. Oncology massage therapists can help people at every stage of their cancer journey.

Christine Courtney is a qualified tutor and therapist in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage and Reiki. All of her continual research and education is reflected in the excellent, modern and refreshing information studied on all courses taught at OBUS School of Healing Therapies.

by, Christine Courtney

Why Massage Therapy Can Give Athletes a Competitive Edge

Massage therapy has countless benefits for athletes and people who enjoy sports and fitness of all levels. Benefits of massage for athletes include improved performance, faster recovery from injury as well as injury prevention. It’s hardly surprising that so many athletes and fitness enthusiasts turn to regular massage and make it an essential part of their routine.

Some of the positive effects of massage that athletes particularly benefit from include:

Reduced muscle tension
Improved soft tissue function
Decreased muscle stiffness
Less muscle fatigue after exercising
Better muscle tone
Promoting relaxation
Less delayed onset muscle soreness
Fewer injuries
Increased range of motion
Improved performance

What is Sports Massage?

Therapeutic sports massage is a specific massage technique. Our Massage Therapists use many of the techniques that are also used in deep tissue massage and concentrate primarily on soft tissue, addressing any injuries, aches and pains. There’s evidence that this type of massage provides long lasting benefits, and has even shown that a session of deep massage after an intense workout can actually benefit muscles from within; it can cause muscles to enlarge and grow new mitochondria. Mitochondria are the parts of the cells that convert nutrients into energy.

In the study carried out at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Canada, researchers asked men to exercise to the point of exhaustion on stationary cycles, then gave them a deep tissue massage on one leg only. Muscle biopsies showed that the deep-tissue massage increased the size and number of new mitochondria more than exercising without massage.

The pressure that’s involved in a sports massage stimulates blood flow so not only does it get the blood pumping; it also means your muscles are warmed up during and after your massage session. That’s on top of the feeling of relaxation that you get, helping you de-stress after working out, and improving your overall mood. These are the sort of mental benefits that could well give you an edge over your competitors too.

If those benefits are enough to make you want to book a regular massage as part of your essential training, you wouldn’t be alone. More and more professional and recreational athletes are experiencing the benefits of massage therapy, and making it an essential part of their training regimen.

As more research is carried out into how massage can improve your performance, more and more athletes will be taking advantage its long list of feel good benefits.

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Can Massage Help With PMS?

Roughly four out of five women suffer from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS. PMS can cause symptoms that include painful cramping, uncomfortable bloating, and even frustrating mood swings. Many woman suffer from such problems for a time every single month. Such symptoms can make a woman’s life unpleasant every single month. Fortunately, there is help. A monthly massage can help any woman reduce her frustrating symptoms and feel far better.

Cramping Problems

Cramps can make any woman feel miserable. The pain from sharp PMS cramps can be eased with our help. We offer a highly soothing massage that is all about reducing cramps . At our beautiful, serene quarters, we provide an ideal way for our clients to get the treatment they need to ease and even completely get rid of their cramps. Using techniques such as reflexology, hot stone massage, and Swedish massage, we help any woman breathe easier and avoid pain from PMS cramps.

Water Retention

At Coastal Massage & Bodywork, we offer many types of massages that can help reduce the sense of bloating and water retention that can make life so uncomfortable each month. Bloating means that the body retains water. With assistance from our massage therapists, any client can pick from eight different kinds of massages that may can be help her fit into her favorite jeans no matter the time of the month. Such a massage can reduce the amount of fluid that accumulates in a woman’s lymph ducts, literally allowing her to avoid weight gain during the time leading up to her period.

Emotional Control

The monthly rush of hormones can also cause many problems. A woman may feel she feels depressed during this time of the month and unable to function as well as she should. A monthly massage from our highly trained therapists is the ideal way to feel pampered and utterly relaxed. Our skilled massage therapists are able to help ease a woman’s stress and allow her to let go of her cares in a calming environment.

Skin Problems

PMS can also cause skin problems. Many women find they suffer embarrassing acne outbreaks each month or oily skin. At our spa, we offer many kinds of skin care treatments that are ideal for the needs of our clients. Such treatments are the perfect way to relieve such problems. When coupled with a massage that helps with circulation, many women find this to be the best way to help their skin look and feel better no matter the time of the month.

You can schedule your appointment using our online booking system. You can also call 910-208-4161 and speak with us directly.

Benefits of Chair Massage in the Workplace

What if you could boost morale and productivity in your company? One proven way to do that is with a massage chair and a professional massage therapist. This is known as “on site massage” or “mobile massage” and it is an incredible addition to any office environment.

Our licensed massage and bodywork therapists are available to travel to your place of work with a massage chair to give your employees a quick massage – usually five to 10 minutes each. On site corporate massage helps team members relax as we focus on high tension areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands.

Massage benefits

There was a study by the American Psychologist website that showed employees who had a chair massage performed better at their job, and felt more rested, than a group that just took a break with no massage.

Massages improve problem solving abilities and improves creative thinking. In addition to relieving stress, it also relieves fatigue. Sometimes a person is rejuvenated by a massage when a short rest is not enough.

Wellness programs with Massage

You can incorporate on-site massage to a wellness program at the workplace. Our massage therapists can help relieve stress and help your team relax, so they can be as productive as they can possibly be.

A chair massage program can be a regular part of a wellness program and become a routine at your business, such as “Massage Monday” or “Wellness Wednesday” as many of our corporate clients have done. It can also be used as a reward for employees. Some businesses also bring us in during especially stressful times or on a short term basis. Whichever avenue you take, you will notice improved morale and a more relaxed workforce almost immediately.

Increased bottom line

Reduced stress, better performance, more creativity are the benefits, and with those things going on, everyone will become a believer!

You can view our rates online or call 910-208-4161 for a custom quote.

4 Benefits of Massage During the Summer Months

Sure, there’s a lot to do in summer – grilling, gardening, traveling, you name it – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take care of you. In fact, massage is a terrific thing to treat yourself to during the summer months, when your body badly needs it.

Here are four of the main reasons to treat yourself to a massage this summer.

1. Massage Is “You Time”

During summer, plans and activities seem to spike. Kids are home from school and need to be ferried to and from camp and other activities. Hikes, picnics and park trips become the norm. Even if you don’t have any kids and work is still relatively relaxed, most people make more plans in the summer months. A massage is a great excuse to get some time for yourself.

2. Massage Compensates for Increased Exercise

Most people also exercise more in summer, when nice weather makes being outdoors easy. Whether your exercise of choice is gardening or running, swimming or playing organized sports, you’re likely more active this time of year. That’s great, but can lead to strains and pulls if you’re not careful. Massage can help ease pain from problems as well as make them less likely to occur.

3. Massage Counteracts Swelling in Joints and Limbs

Summer heat and humidity tends to lead to swelling and discomfort, due to static accumulation of fluids. Massage can help increase blood flow, reduce swelling and make movement more comfortable, even during the height of heat.

4. Massages Clears Thinking

Busy? Stressed? Overwhelmed? Massages clear thinking and make it easier for you to stay on top of everything you need to do without feeling stressed out. Even going once every month or two can have major benefits.

Of course, the truth is, any time is a good time to get a massage. Its perks include relaxation, clearer thinking, better decision-making, reduced stress and better sleep. If you would like to experience the amazing summertime benefits of massage, schedule your appointment using our online booking system or call 910-208-4161. We can’t wait to set you on the path to a calmer, happier you!

What’s the Difference Between a Swedish Massage and a Deep Tissue Massage?

Two popular massage techniques, Swedish massage and deep tissue massage, have different purposes and results. It’s worth knowing the difference so you can get the most relief for your particular issues. Here is a little background information on these two massage techniques.

Swedish Massage is Perfect for Relaxation

Developed in the early 1800s by Per Henrik Ling and others, Swedish massage may be the most commonly used massage technique. Swedish massage promotes relaxation with light to vigorous strokes, including:

Effleurage (sliding)
Petrissage (kneading)
Tapotement (rhythmic tapping)
Friction
Vibration or shaking

Swedish massage increases blood circulation and moves metabolic waste out of the body. It boosts the nervous system, which helps relieve pain and reduce tension. Clinical studies show that Swedish massage reduces lower back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness. It lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

For relaxation and stress relief, Swedish massage is the technique to choose.

More Than Just Athletes Choose Deep Tissue Massage

As the name implies, Deep Tissue Massage uses deep pressure to reach areas of tension and pain within the muscles. With an injury or chronic tension, adhesions develop in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Adhesions block circulation, limit movement, and cause pain and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage uses direct deep pressure to break down adhesions in the back, neck, arms, and legs. The massage therapist uses massage oil and intense pressure to reach and unknot inner layers of muscle. It isn’t painful, since an experienced massage therapist is attentive to a client’s tolerance.

Deep tissue massage is often used to relieve chronic pain, such as back pain, tension headaches, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Athletes who maintain an intense training program use deep tissue massage to ease the effects of demanding workouts. It can be helpful to reduce fluid retention, too.

Areas of stiffness also benefit from deep tissue massage, and it’s used to relieve stiff neck and upper back, sore shoulders, and tight leg muscles. Deep tissue massage is most often used in cases of injury or chronic tension.

Both Forms of Massage Have Many Benefits

Whether you choose Swedish massage or deep tissue massage, your massage will help flush toxins out of your body. To assist that process, drink fluids, especially water.

Both deep tissue massage and Swedish massage can leave you with sore muscles temporarily. But this will pass quickly and leave you feeling better.

For a massage that’s customized to your individual needs, call Coastal Massage at (910) 208-4161 or sign up online. We look forward to helping you find the perfect massage for your needs.