Three things I don't care about (as your massage therapist)

Last week I posted seven reasons to schedule a massage... as if you really needed a reason to schedule a massage! This week I'll make it short and sweet (and very honest).

Here are three things I don't care about:

1. Hairy legs: I probably won't notice. I definitely don't care.

2. Passing gas: I probably will notice. I still don't care. It's inevitable if you're getting massage on your abdomen, low back, or gluteal muscle group.

3. Snoring. I'll wake you up before it's time for my next client. 

Three things I do care about:

1. If you're benefiting from your massages. It takes a few sessions to see progress on chronic issues. You may need to see multiple practitioners (physician, chiropractor, physical therapist) to get a handle on what's ailing you.

2. If the pressure is right for you. I ask for feedback during the massage, but you can (and should) speak up if I need to adjust what I'm doing.

3. Self care. If you take good care of your body (between appointments), it will take good care of you. Breathe, rest, relax. In fact: take two minutes for yourself right now at Calm.com

Find out what the buzz is about! Our Main Street clinic accepts clients by appointment Monday through Friday from 10:00am-8:00pm. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the button below:



OLNEY MASSAGE 604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
 http://olneymassage.com

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

Creating the best massage in 3 steps
Add lavender for a better massage
Using your Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account

LADIES NIGHT at the Holiday (5pm-8pm)

YOU'RE INVITED! (rsvp here)

WHO: Ladies (and guests)
WHAT: Meet and greet with area businesses
WHEN: 5pm-8pm on Tuesday, February 25th
WHERE: The Holiday (map)
WHY: To have fun, of course!

Can't make it? Schedule your massage here. See you soon!

Find out what the buzz is about! Our Main Street clinic accepts clients by appointment Monday through Friday from 10:00am-8:00pm. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the button below:



OLNEY MASSAGE 604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
 http://olneymassage.com

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

Creating the best massage in 3 steps
Add lavender for a better massage
Using your Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account

Our best-selling gift: Sweet Feet Massage Package

Clients LOVE our "Sweet Feet" package. Year after year, it's our #1 gift.

You (or your loved one) will enjoy a customized 60 minute body massage and our signature three-step foot treatment with any of our professional foot scrubs and steamed towel exfoliation. We think it's pretty special, and so do our clients.

• Schedule this now (for yourself)
• Send this gift instantly (for a loved one)
• View more gift options (from $25)

PSST! Stop by Ophelia's Cup this Friday (11-3) for a chair massage, delicious lunch, and gift certificate for your Valentine. See you soon!

Find out what the buzz is about! Our Main Street clinic accepts clients by appointment Monday through Friday from 10:00am-8:00pm. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the button below:

OLNEY MASSAGE 604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
 http://olneymassage.com

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

Creating the best massage in 3 steps
Add lavender for a better massage
Using your Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account

Five star massage therapy: new client reviews!

"I will be going back for sure!" --recent client

Thank you so much! I received three new five-star reviews this month. All three reviews came from new clients (thanks to your referrals!). Read them here.

This word cloud combines my three most recent reviews:

These first-time clients used phrases like "best massage," "first massage," and "enjoyed my massage." How exciting! 

If you are looking for a massage therapist in the Olney or Richland County Illinois area, please visit my website. I offer five star massage therapy in a clinical setting, and I am currently accepting new clients.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

NEW CLIENTS: buy one and get one 50% off in March!

Have you seen this offer on Facebook? Click here to claim yours!

DETAILS: Schedule any 60+ minute massage therapy session in March and receive a VIP pass to save 50% off your next session! VIP passes are valid up to 90 days from the issue date. One per person, please. 

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

MEET ME! Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm

Stop by St. Paul UMC this Saturday for:

• gift certificates
• hand massages
• special offers

A portion of the sales will be donated to help the St. Paul youth group attend church camp this summer. Several local business will have booths in the fellowship hall.

Location address (map): 
St. Paul United Methodist Church
222 North Lincoln Street
Olney, IL 62450
Event time: 10:00am to 2:00pm

MORE INFO: http://www.facebook.com/events/419015714848233/

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Stress and massage: two physiological changes during a session

Cold weather is especially unkind to muscles and joints, and clients with fibromyalgia see me more frequently this time of year. I see a client with fibromyalgia every week (at least).

Yesterday I described the body's tendency to relax during a massage. Summary: the body receives chemical signals from the brain called neurotransmitters, and acetylcholine (ACh) is the main signal that our brains use to tell our body it's okay to relax. 

1. Massage increases levels of dopamine and serotonin.

• The brain releases a neurotransmitters called dopamine and serotonin during a massage. They're chemicals that our peripheral nervous system (PNS) use to tell our bodies that a massage "feels good."
• This is especially important in clients with fibromyalgia: their bodies tend to have lower levels of these neurotransmitters. Massage boosts these levels and can be thought of as a drug-free complement to a client's plan to keep fibromyalgia in check.

2. Massage decreases levels of cortisol, the body's "stress" hormone.

• In a 2010 study, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center measured lower levels of cortisol in healthy patients after one massage session. There's definitely a need for more research, but the medical community is starting to show a link between massage, decreased cortisol, and increased immunity.

If you would like to create your own "study" on how massage helps you relax, please call or schedule an appointment. I have a number of clients who receive massage on a regular basis as part of their wellness regimen, including clients who bring me doctor's notes that help me create a customized therapeutic massage (I love these notes!). I hope to see you soon!

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Studies I referenced in this post:

Valentine's Day massage gift certificates available

FYI: you can order gift certificates 24/7 in the online gift shop. I've also got a few specials going on at http://olneymassage.com You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Snap, crackle, and pop? The science (and sounds) of relaxation.

(This post was inspired by new clients who apologize for gurgly, gassy, or otherwise "odd" sounds their bodies make while they're on the table.)

These body functions are normal during a massage:

• snore
• drool
• pass gas (yep! burps and farts are normal)
• talk (or don't talk)
• snap, crackle, and pop

Here are two simple (yet scientific) explanations for those noises:

1: Our brain tells our bodies that it's okay to relax during a massage. 

• The safe, quiet environment of a massage room often triggers our bodies to do whatever it is that we usually do when we're relaxing. That's why some people drool while other people talk. 
• Within the first few minutes of a massage, our brains send chemical "messages" called neurotransmitters to the rest of our bodies. The main neurotransmitter responsible for calming us down is called acetylcholine (ACh). 
• ACh slows down a client's heart rate, promotes digestion, and triggers a release of more neurotransmitters to increase the body's relaxation response. Our brains send ACh to our bodies throughout the massage, so sometimes we experience a strong relaxation response... sleep!

2: Massage is the movement and manipulation of soft tissues.

• Muscles hold our bones in place and adapt to our habits. This isn't always a bad thing. It helps us build strength between workouts! On the other hand, a bad habit like using poor body mechanics can cause your bones to shift out of proper alignment.
• Example of soft tissue moving bones: I played a brass instrument for ten years. Over time, I noticed one shoulder was slightly lower from carrying my horn everywhere!
• Massage can help relax muscles that have become tight bands and knots ("adhesions"). A loosened adhesion creates something of a ripple effect.
• The ripple effect can start in just one muscle and continue moving until it effects an entire joint. Pop!

Stay tuned for part two, where I talk about two more transmitters (serotonin and dopamine) as well as the stress hormone cortisol.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Pediatric massage: benefits for a client with ADHD

This post is about a little guy who was VERY happy to enjoy some time on my table on Sunday afternoon:

I had barely closed the door when he said, "READY!" 

He was three years old when he received his first massage on my table. He recently turned ten, and the years have not faded his enthusiasm. He absolutely loves massages! 

Around age five, this client was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His mom can see several benefits to him getting regular massages. She's seen an increase in the quality of his sleep, his manners/behavior in public and at home, and his ability to pay attention at school. 

At my office, children are treated like full-sized clients. I give kids the same amount of time when I'm listening and meeting their needs. This little guy likes ocean sounds, the smell of lavender, and firm pressure in his neck and shoulder areas. 

After the session, he always looks around the room and helps himself to a mint that I've left out for him. This time he grabbed the mint and lingered at my door. I caught him trying to walk with his foot inside a metal jewelry tray (shaped like a flip flop). It was exactly the size of his left foot, so we had a little chat about how it's not actually a flip flop. 

He enjoyed identifying which of his muscles were sore from playing video games by comparing his neck to the the anatomy charts outside my office door. I let him take a second piece of candy and thanked him for the massage he insisted on giving ME after his session. What a sweetheart! 

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

GOOD JOB: New FIVE STAR client review.

Note: I have 6-7 openings before Valentine's Day. Please let me know if you'd like to schedule a five star massage or send a gift certificate instantly.

= = = = =

I love having so many new clients! These days I'm helping clients redeem their Christmas gift certificates as well as issuing Valentine's Day Gift certificates. 

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ SEVENTY STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my latest five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Relaxation Massage - 60min

Client Review: "GOOD JOB"

• "Cindy did a good job on me, and she is very kind and friendly. I enjoyed my massage, and it was quiet in her place which is very important."

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

The hardest part of my job:

I hate hearing about bad massages! Here are two stories:1. Couples massage gone wrong.
2. Olive oil used as an emollient.

1. Couples massage gone wrong.

• On Tuesday, a man contacted me about getting a spa package for his wife for Valentine's Day. I also offer back-to-back sessions, so I asked if he also wanted a massage.

• Not no... hell no! He's never getting another massage! He had an uncomfortable experience at a local establishment during a couples massage. Rather than attack the facility (I've never even been there), I shared with him the gist of yesterday's post: three steps I take to keep clients relaxed.

2. Olive oil used as an emollient.

• A woman recently redeemed a Christmas gift certificate. She asked me over the phone if I used "greasy" oils. Apparently two local massage therapists have used olive oil on her skin, and she did not care for the texture (apparently she felt quite greasy).
• In the treatment room, I set out four professional-grade creams and let her choose: lavender, unscented, muscle therapy, or green tea. I alo removed most of the cream with a steamed towel. I am so happy she decided to get a massage, and I am even happier that she plans to return!

It is very important to establish a line of communication well before the client enters the treatment room and keep it open after the massage has ended. Last March, I wrote about creating the best massage in three steps, and to this day it's the most popular post on this blog.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Three ways I keep my clients relaxed:

The words "relax," "relaxing," and "relaxed" are always popping up in my five star client reviews. Here are three things I do to keep my clients relaxed:

1. Communication
2. Concentration
3. Isolation

Communication 

Before a massage, I ask every client to tell me what's going on. I do not interrupt. I may ask a few questions before offering a customized session, and I keep the line of communication open by checking in with clients during a session.

Concentration

During a session, I am constantly repeating two steps that I call "monitor and adjust." It means: 1) observe how muscle tissue reacts to a technique and 2) continue or try something else (like a t-bar). I am totally focused on what I am doing throughout the massage.

Isolation 

My Main Street location is quiet! It's set back from the road in a building near two chiropractors. It's quiet every day, but I also play relaxing music to help clients escape for an hour or two.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients five days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
 http://olneymassage.com

T-bar: a five star massage tool

And you thought only my hands were magical: today I'm discussing my favorite massage tool. I thought it was fitting since I covered my clients' top 10 words to describe their massages yesterday.

• I use special tools to help clients de-stress. You have probably experienced at least one tool if you've scheduled one of my integrated therapy sessions. I love having heat, rocks, towels, my t-bar, pillows, blankets, and a variety of massage creams available in my treatment room. Clients love them because they get a customized massage session that they can't get anywhere else!
• I also use tools to extend my career, especially my t-bar. Tools allow me to take care of my body. My thumbs aren't overworked, and I only have to use a small amount of pressure to get results. The modality (therapy) I use the t-bar the most: Neuromuscular Therapy, but it's an all-around excellent tool for getting out knots! 
• I've been using the t-bar since 2010. I was introduced to the t-bar in a NMT class taught by Judith Delany (she's a phenomenal massage therapist who helped develop NMT in North America). www.nmtcenter.com

If distance prevents you from scheduling an integrated therapy session, you may find this video on Youtube helpful. See what Ryan Hoyme of MassageNerd.com has to say about his t-bar 
Watch this video: t-bar (Youtube video)

The t-bar in the video is similar to the bevel-tipped one I've used for years. Using it correctly takes some practice, but I've had clients tell me they don't even know I'm using it. It is truly an extension of my body.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients five days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the BookNow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Top 10 words that clients use about Olney Massage by Cynthia Given, LMT

Clients see me for very different reasons, yet here are the top ten words used in client reviews:

1. relax / relaxing / relaxed
2. professional / very professional
3. great / greatest
4. excellent 
5. again 
6. thanks
7. environment 
8. awesome
9. recommend
10. wonders/wonderful

I've also seen these words pop up a time or two: 

soothing, outstanding, miracles, fantastic, comfortable

Some of the reasons that clients schedule a massage:

• celebrating a birthday or engagement
• recovering from an injury
• training for an race / event
• stress at work / home / school
• living with a condition: cancer / fibromyalgia / depression / anxiety
• new job / baby / home / relationship
• Valentine's Day / Mother's Day / Christmas
• just because

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

http://olneymassage.com