Does your back, shoulder, or foot hurt? It could be your glutes!

GLUTEAL MUSCLE GROUP: overview
Did you know: your glutes can cause pain in the low back, shoulders, or even feet?

The gluteal muscle group is important because it is activated (contracted) any time we lift, walk, stand... most of the actions we do require activation of the gluteal muscle group.

• Gluteus maximus - large muscle that moves hip and thigh, shapes our posterior
• Gluteus medius - fan-shaped muscle under maximus, stabilizes our walking gait
• Gluteus minimus - smallest of the group, sits deep below and assists medius

Why should the gluteal muscle group should be massaged? This group connects the upper and lower body. It also stabilize our pelvis and spine.

In a therapeutic massage, your massage therapist will drape only the area (s)he is working on while massaging the gluteal muscle group, taking care not to expose the gluteal cleft. This type of work can either be done at the same time your therapist massages your legs or your low back. Some gluteal massage techniques requires the knee to be partially or completely flexed (bent), while other techniques may be done while the client lies flat or on his/her side.

If you are unable or unwilling to receive this type of massage, your therapist may also perform hip stretching or pressure on your gluteal muscle group while you are draped (sheet is intact, not pulled away). These options are ideal for shorter massage sessions.

This area is a potential source of hip dysfunction because if the right or left (or both) groups are not activating properly, our bodies will compensate by changing the way we move. It might feel okay for a while, but most clients will eventually experience discomfort in your upper and/or lower body.

We take appointments from 10am to 8pm on weekdays.
SEND GIFTS & SCHEDULE: http://olneymassage.com

Cynthia Given, LMT
604 West Main Street
Olney, IL 62450

[ SELF CARE ] wrist, hand, and finger stretches

The clinic saw twice as many clients in March 2014 than it did in 2013. More than one client in the past 6.5 years has asked how I can see so many clients and not be sore!

Q: Your hands must get really tired, right?
A: Not really, no.

Here's how I keep my body healthy: SELF CARE! 

If you have an office job (or other hand-intense occupation or hobby), you may benefit quite a bit from regular stretching. Enjoy the video below, and see you soon!

Easy, huh? I love this video because it's quick and effective. My hands help a lot of clients, and I use this video to keep them in good condition. 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 CLINIC 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

National Children's Day: a pediatric massage experience

Today is National Children's Day, and yesterday was Child Health Day! This post is about a pediatric client who's loved every massage he's ever had (since age 3). original post

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 clinic on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

OLNEY MASSAGE

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

 http://olneymassage.com

[ SPECIAL OFFER ] hot stone chair massage!

[ SPECIAL OFFER ] hot stone chair massage!

No oil. No disrobing. No jealous coworkers: you can come to the clinic together. Everybody wins! And for a limited time, get 5 for the price of 4 on the website. Get yours now!

Or try a session before you buy a package.

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

WONDERFUL JOB: New FIVE STAR client review.

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ NINETY STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

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

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Integrated Therapy Massage - 75min

Client Review: "WONDERFUL JOB - Relaxing Massage"

• "Cynthia does a wonderful job of creating a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and her positive energy is a bonus! Thanks Cynthia, I enjoyed the massage."

Need a gift for Mother's Day? (33 days!)

• I've got gift certificates available in my online gift shop. It's ok if Mom is hard to buy for... I've got you covered with certificates for a specific dollar amount. She can choose her favorite session!

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

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

GREAT MASSAGE!!! New FIVE STAR client review.

NOTE: Last week, one of my new clients enjoyed a 75 minute relaxation massage. 

• Get a FREE upgrade for your first 60+ minute session of the year!
• Book online with web code "NY15." Ends 1/31/13

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ SIXTY FIVE STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

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

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Relaxation Massage - 75min

Client Review: "GREAT MASSAGE!!!"

• "Cynthia did a great job!! I will definitely refer people to her. I booked online and it was simple and easy."

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

Massage therapy: a unique profession with both healthcare and service-industry characteristics

Massage Careers
(Note: One of my clients was surprised to learn what I'm required to do to maintain my professional license every two years. Renewing my license this week prompted me to republish this 2011 post.)

Article: "Is Massage Therapy a "real" career?"

• Education/program requirements
• License requirements
• Massage as healthcare
• Massage as a service
• Illinois massage license requirements vs. other professionals

Is massage therapy a "real" career?
Massage therapy: a unique profession with both healthcare and service-industry characteristicsby Cynthia Given, LMT, NCTM

January 5, 2011

A few years ago, I laughed when I saw signs for other massage therapists that read, "we fix amateur massages." Now, I tell first-time clients to expect the difference between an amateur and a professional massage to be as pronounced as the difference between an amateur and a professional dental appointment, auto repair, etc. (I also tell them I'm not a "fixer." Why not?)

In all but a handful of states, massage is a regulated profession. The state of Illinois maintains a regulatory board specifically for massage therapy. Current state law requires therapists to complete training, testing, licensure, and continuing education.

Accredited massage programs (500+ hours)
Massage therapists must successfully complete an accredited program that addresses body mechanics, business practices, client/practitioner boundaries, contraindications, draping, ethics, general massage techniques and record keeping. Additional subjects may include acupressure, Eastern bodywork (Thai, shiatsu, etc), deep tissue massage, geriatric massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial therapy, neuromuscular therapy, prenatal massage, relaxation massage, spa modalities, and sports massage. Students must pass both written and practical exams.The next steps: certification, licensure, and fees

After graduation, therapists in Illinois must apply for licensure. Steps include: fingerprinting, national certification, and continuing education. For the national certification exam, therapists must demonstrate knowledge of biology, anatomy, kinesiology, physiology, pathology, and first aid/CPR. Although optional, it's a good idea for massage therapists to purchase insurance for the office space, business, and individual health insurance.License renewal and requirements

Therapists must renew their professional license every two years. In addition to paying a license fee, therapists must complete 24 units of continuing education in the form of seminars/workshops. Classes must be offered by nationally- or state-certified instructors.

Well, it's certainly heavily regulated. But is it a career?
Massage is mostly a healthcare occupation

Massage therapists are part of wellness teams in hospitals, chiropractic offices, and fitness centers. It's not unusual for a therapist to be employed by a medical clinic or a professional athletic team. Massage therapists are recognized as healthcare professionals and are required to demonstrate proficiency prior to licensure in nearly every state. In fact, 38 states use/recognize the National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork in their statutes. According to the NCBTMB, there are over 90,000 nationally certified massage therapists throughout the U.S. and its territories. (You may find the letters "NCTM" or "NCTMB" on a therapists' card or website after "LMT" or "RMT" in states that regulate massage. Example: Cynthia Given, LMT, NCTM)

Massage is not entirely medicalMassage therapists often work in spas alongside stylists and estheticians. These massage therapists typically receive tips and offer discounts, unlike most healthcare professionals. Massage therapists even offer gift certificates and donate their services to charity. None of these things can be said for other healthcare individuals. Even so, it remains a therapeutic treatment based on empirical science and regulated at the state level.

Four Illinois professional license fees to compare:

• $50/2yr cosmetology, 14 CEUs
• $50/2yr registered nurse, 20 CEUs
• $100/2yr physical therapy, 40 CEUs
• $175/2yr massage therapy, 24 CEUs
• $300/3yr physician, 150 CEUs 

To many individuals (and to the state of Illinois), massage is a "real" career. It is a profession that builds on a basic knowledge of the human body and challenges the practitioner continue to learn about his or her chosen profession.

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 :: schedule + send giftsGet special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

Save up to $60 on multi-session packages (limited offer)

Most of my readers already know what's better than candy canes this time of year. But what's better than a massage gift certificate? I'm currently offering three multi-session packages at a special rate.

• UP TO EIGHT SESSIONS 360 minutes $300 (reg $360)
• UP TO SIX SESSIONS 270 minutes $245 (reg $270)
• UP TO FOUR SESSIONS 180 minutes $170 (reg $180) 

Let your loved one choose how to spend his/her package (45, 60, 75, and 90 minute sessions available). These rates expire 12/22/12.

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 :: schedule + send giftsGet special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

GET 10% OFF select gift certificates (limited time offer)

GET 10% OFF single session massage gifts $100+

SAVE UP TO $30 on multi-session packages

• 3 MASSAGES x 60 min $170
• 3 MASSAGES x 75 min $205
• 3 MASSAGES x 90 min $240

These offers expire at 11:59 on Friday 12/7/12.

• Thanks again for your help in making a big impact on small businesses in our community over the weekend. Small Business Saturday was a huge success! 
• Get these offers (and offers throughout the year) delivered to your mailbox by joining our VIP list.

Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the BookNow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
http://olneymassage.com :: schedule + send gifts
Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

Better than Candy Canes

Note: I wrote this on November 8, 2011. Still relevant today!

A few years ago, a client confessed that she had reached her holiday stress limit:

• "I'm glad that you don't decorate your office. If I have to walk into one more store blasting "Jingle Bell Rock" on an infinite loop, I'm going to scream!"

I don't have candy canes... but I do have:

- high thread count sheets

- luxe massage cream (in several scents and unscented!)

- one of the best massage tables that money can buy

- relaxing nature, meditation and beach soundtracks (pre-mixed or customized for you)

- gift certificate packages at 10% off (ends tonight)

If you're ready for a five star massage escape that you can't get anywhere else, you know what to do!

Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
http://olneymassage.com :: schedule + send gifts
Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

NO STRESS November: get the last tip tomorrow!

Dear friends, fans, new clients, and current clients:

Stay tuned for the Friday's installment of NO STRESS November. It's the final tip on how to de-stress during the holidays.

• Hint: it's got nothing to do with the holiday season. 

Not everything this time of year must be linked to jingle bells or rocking around the Christmas tree. Find out what I can offer you besides peppermint candy canes and mistletoe!

• Reminder: Friday is the FINAL DAY to save 10% on gift certificates $75 and up. 

Thank you for giving your loved ones the gift of massage!

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 :: schedule + send gifts
Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

GET 10% OFF select gift certificates (limited time offer)

GET 10% OFF single session massage gifts. 
GET 15% OFF multi-session packages.

• 4 MASSAGES x 60 min $203.99
• 4 MASSAGES x 75 min $254.99
• 4 MASSAGES x 90 min $305.99

These offers expire at 11:59 on Friday 11/30/12.

• Thanks again for your help in making a big impact on small businesses in our community over the weekend. Small Business Saturday was a huge success! 
• Get these offers (and offers throughout the year) delivered to your mailbox by joining our VIP list.

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 :: schedule + send gifts
Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

Shop small. Save big. This weekend only!

Support your favorite small business. 

Today (November 24th) is Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and support the local small businesses that boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the country. Cynthia Given, LMT is proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we’re encouraging everyone to Shop Small® here today.

Plus, we’re having a special Small Business Saturday offer! If you love special offers, you may want to sign up for year-round offers on our VIP list.

ENJOY TWO SPECIAL OFFERS (ends 11/25):

• Save 20% on multi-session packages ALL WEEKEND! 
• Save 15% on gift certificates of $100 or more ALL WEEKEND!

SHOP ONLINE this weekend and you’ll get a discount on the most popular spa and massage packages. Most importantly, get out there, Shop Small, and let’s make today the biggest day of the year for small business. To learn more, visit ShopSmall.com.

Look for the SHOP SMALL logo when you're in Olney this weekend!

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 :: schedule + send gifts 

Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

Save 15% on select gift certificates ALL WEEKEND!

• Save 15% on gift certificates of $100 or more ALL WEEKEND!

There's no code to enter: simply choose any service from the online gift shop and save 15% at checkout. Thank you for shopping small this weekend!

Plus, don't forget: 

• Save 20% on multi-session packages ALL WEEKEND! 

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 :: schedule + send gifts 

Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9

Save 20% on multi-session packages ALL WEEKEND!

Save 20% on multi-session packages ALL WEEKEND! 

• FOUR MASSAGES - 60 minutes each $191.99 (reg $240)
• FOUR MASSAGES - 75 minutes each $239.99 (reg $300)
• FOUR MASSAGES - 90 minutes each $288.99 (reg $360)

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 :: schedule + send gifts 

Get special offers: http://eepurl.com/Gxj9