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

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.

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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

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

FREE Crackberry hand massages: Walk-in Wednesday 8/8

[ FREE MASSAGES ] Walk-in Wednesday!  What: "Crackberry" hand massages (complimentary) When: 1:00pm-4:00pm Who: you and all of your text-crazy friends! Click here to RSVP / invite a friend on Facebook PS Receive a VIP upgrade pass for your next session just for stopping by. If you're a heavy texter, you won't want to miss this special event. See you soon! Cynthia Given, LMT 604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450 (618) 392-3800 /voicemail  http://olneymassage.com

Don't miss another special offer!

Locating a massage therapist online: three steps

Cynthia is currently accepting May/June appointments online. Here are four links to help you locate a therapist between April 20th and April 30th. -cg

LOCATING A THERAPIST ONLINE (for all 50 states):


1. SEARCH: Google "massage therapist" in Olney, IL

2. VERIFY any IL massage therapist's license status. <= important!

3.  CONTACT your therapist. Ask if (s)he carries liability insurance if you are seeking therapy for a medical condition. Ask what advanced training (s)he has completed related to your health issue.

Questions? Contact me. Enjoy your massage!

See you in May! (update: I'm available again!)

Cynthia Given, LMT (618) 392-3800

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

 http://olneymassage.com

Creating the BEST Massage in Three Steps

"That was the BEST massage I've ever had!"
--one of last week's FIVE new clients (a record high!)

She's had several massages from a number of therapists, yet she had never experienced the BEST massage of her life before last week. I was very happy to be a part of it!

So how does a massage therapist create the BEST experience?

The best massage is only possible through communication and customization. While each therapist is different, I divide my client experience into three components: pre-massage (I call this the "front end"), massage, and post-massage.

1. Front-end: establish a connection

Q: Does your massage therapist have at LEAST one line of contact?

I offer two ways to schedule: phone and online. Though I don't have a receptionist, I have a voice mailbox. I promptly return calls between sessions. Online I offer scheduling, instant gift certificates, printable menu, massage blog, and contact info (including Facebook and Twitter pages). My prices and website are listed on my business card.

2. Massage: relax in capable hands

Q: Does your massage therapist consider your needs?

It's time relax! To minimize the amount of conversation during a session, I ask all clients to complete a health history form. We discuss this privately. I also ask which music and cream you prefer. During your session, you may be asked to adjust (usually from face down to face up). The session is very quiet, but you are encouraged to speak up if that's how you relax. It's your hour.

3. Post-massage: I can't wait to get another massage!

Q: Does your massage therapist suggest ways to take care of yourself?

This is the ideal time to reschedule! I'll provide a card with your receipt if you're not sure when you can return. For clients using multi-session packages, your receipt includes how many massages remain on your plan so you can decide when to schedule your next massage. Some clients come twice a week, and most clients receive at least one massage every month. Between sessions, you may feel better with stretches, exercise, and adequate rest.

My clients' massage experience is well-planned and begins long before a client enters the room, and it ends only when the client returns for another massage.

My goal is to provide a five-star session for every client on every visit!

If you'd like to experience a professional massage for the first time or are a massage "veteran" in need of a therapist in the Olney area, please give me a call or schedule online.

Cynthia Given, LMT (618) 392-3800

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

http://olneymassage.com

Gift Certificates (buyer's guide)

Sure, moms love massages, but dads, grandparents, and even children love them, too!
A number of my clients are either under 18 or over 50.

Even if you don't know a thing about massage, giving a massage gift certificate can make you look like the best gift-giver around. When in doubt, ask for "one hour Swedish." It's offered in nearly every spa, clinic, and salon that offers massage therapy.

"Short Guide: Selecting a Massage Gift Certificate"

1. Personality
If your special someone has already received a professional massage, there's a good chance they'll enjoy a full-body (60 min) massage or lava stone massage (60-90 min).

If he or she is new to massage, a better selection might be a half-body massage (30 min). This gives your recipient an opportunity to try things out. I let my first-timers know when 30 minutes have passed and give them an opportunity to continue for the full hour, applying the 30-min gift certificate towards the full hour fee.

2. Price
Consider a half-body certificate if your budget is tight. However, if you're really in the mood to provide pampering, consider a package. Prepaying for a combination of treatments that can be used on different days can stretch your gift for a week (for example, a Monday massage and a Thursday sea salt glow).

3. Time
Is he or she always on the go? Slow down! You can often find a great spa package (for example, a massage gift basket with a gift certificate for a half-or full-day pass, brochure, and even beauty products sold at the spa). Also, a half-hour massage is great for on-the-go types who want to squeeze in time to relax during lunch hour.

4. Professionalism
Can you reach the therapist in a timely manner? If he or she massages full-time, often they must return calls between massages (since their phone is silent while during sessions). Be wary of someone who seems forgetful or difficult to reach after a day or two of phone tag.

5. Paper
Ask to see credentials. Does your loved one really like a special type of massage (for example, hot stone)? Is your therapist qualified to perform prenatal massage for the mom-t0-be in your life? Ask if the massage therapist is qualified (nationally certified and/or licensed). Ask about insurance (if not, you may not be protected in an accident).

Checking things out first really makes an impression. By not giving Dad another tie on his birthday, you're his new favorite child. Same goes with a new mom who's up to her ears in diapers.

massage qualifications

NOTE: this is a lot to take in. Only read it if you really, really want to know more about my credentials and you're looking for massage therapy in Olney, Illinois. You have been warned!

I enjoy the clients who have found me online! I have had a lot of positive response to my information (and coupons). However, if you don't know who I am or are new to massage, you might want a little more to read before scheduling an appointment. What I don't do: (not that I've had weird calls, but I just wanted to say it anyway) I do NOT perform any variation on a code word for illegal massage. Did you know that it's illegal for a client to just ask? In that event, I would end the massage and file a police report for soliciting that behavior. I have been an AMTA member since before I graduated from massage therapy school, and I became nationally certified shortly after that but prior to becoming licensed in Illinois.

I am certified by the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
For clients, this means that I:

* graduated from an accredited school in a 500+ hour training program
* demonstrate a mastery of core skills, including everything from anatomy to ethics
* practice a "Standards of Practice" regarding business and massage practice (link here)
* uphold the board's "Code of Ethics" and
* take part in continued education (to keep my knowledge fresh and learn new things)

Whether you choose me or another professional, licensed, and certified massage therapist, I strongly suggest you ask to see proof of their credentials. You may look me up in the NCBTMB database here (zip 62450).
I am a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association.
For clients, this means that I:

* am a member of the nation's largest professional nonprofit organization for massage therapists

* meet continuing education requirements
* uphold the AMTA's "Code of Ethics"
* am also carry professional liability insurance
* possess and maintain a license to practice in Illinois
* maintain my certification credential (NCBTMB)

You may search for my listing on the AMTA website here.

But wait, what are these "Code of Ethics" guidelines?
It means I shall:
* Demonstrate commitment to provide the highest quality massage therapy/bodywork to those who seek their professional service.

* Acknowledge the inherent worth and individuality of each person by not discriminating or behaving in any prejudicial manner with clients and/or colleagues.

* Demonstrate professional excellence through regular self-assessment of strengths, limitations, and effectiveness by continued education and training.

* Acknowledge the confidential nature of the professional relationship with clients and respect each client's right to privacy.

* Conduct all business and professional activities within their scope of practice, the law of the land, and project a professional image.

* Refrain from engaging in any sexual conduct or sexual activities involving their clients.

* Accept responsibility to do no harm to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of self, clients, and associates.

Click the "book now" button for more information. Thank you!