Oncology massage, as the name suggests, was primarily developed for cancer patients.  Since cancer patients have very specific health needs, the massage therapist needs to know how to safely work with the patient in order to relieve stress.  Poorly performed massages can actually be extremely harmful for the cancer patient, so oncology massage sessions must be catered specifically to each patient.

What Is Oncology Massage Therapy?

Oncology massage can relieve pain and stress in cancer patients in a safe manner, without exacerbating their conditions.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that cancer patients have high risk for lymphedema, which is essentially a build-up of fluid in the limbs. Improperly massaging cancer patients may rupture these fluid buildups or could even break up cancerous tumors, spreading the cancer further in the body.  In fact, many doctors prohibited patients from receiving massages because of these risks until the recent advent of oncology massage.

What Makes Oncology Massage Different?

When a cancer patient is receiving a massage, the patient is usually placed on a warmed massage table and covered with blankets so that they are kept warm.  When the therapist works, they only expose the current part of the body they are working on and use an extremely gentle touch.  At the first sign of discomfort, the therapist lightens the pressure or moves to another part of the body, ensuring that the patient is comfortable at all times.

The therapist will also avoid any areas that were recently operated on.  Furthermore, the therapist usually will use a hypoallergenic cream to lubricate the massage, so that the patient can avoid any sort of skin sensitivity issues.

Why Get An Oncology Massage?

Cancer patients oftentimes will undergo extremely high levels of stress and worry, which only weakens their immune system and body.  Massage can help reduce the feelings of isolation and stress, which can bolster the immune system and strengthen the body for chemotherapy. Massage has been clinically shown to have many health benefits, and now cancer patients can enjoy those benefits as well.

Find An Oncology Massage Therapist

If you think oncology massage is right for you or one of your loved ones, then you should first talk with your doctor before scheduling an appointment. If your doctor approves the massage, then you should use TalkLocal to save you both time and money when looking for an oncology massage therapist.  You’ll be talking to a high-quality, local oncology massage therapist in no time!

If you have that knot in your back sending shockwaves of pain up your neck and into your head, you may be considering different types of massage therapy. Many find relief from their knots (or “trigger points”) through trigger point therapy. So how does trigger point therapy work? Read more to discover how this method could relieve your pain.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are areas of tissue in the muscle that become inflamed and tight. Often, these nuisances become painful when they are at the center of nerve bundles. They can cause radiating pain to other areas or between multiple trigger points.

For example, a trigger point in your back may radiate pain to your neck, which results in a headache. Many experts even associate them with the pain of fibromyalgia. There are two types of trigger points:

It is important to note that trigger points are not the same as acupressure points, which are thought to be bundles of energy blocked within muscles.

How Does Trigger Point Therapy Work?

A professional trigger point therapist will relieve pain caused by trigger points by either pressing on them or pinching them. This will tire out the taught muscle bands and they will eventually relax. It may take several massage sessions to relief trigger points, and some people, like those with fibromyalgia, may need ongoing therapy to relieve their symptoms.

How Do I  Find A Trusted Professional?

It can be difficult to know where to start when searching for a massage therapist that specializes in trigger point therapy. Let us do the work for you! TalkLocal is the best place to find quality professional massage therapists in your area. We can have you setting up an appointment with a licensed trigger point therapist near you within 90 seconds. The best part is, our services are completely free!

If you have recently injured a muscle or tendon, you may have had others suggest for you to look into active isolated stretching training. AIS training is a more recent form of muscular manipulation and massage therapy designed to help a variety of conditions. Once you know what active isolated stretching training is, you can more accurately determine if it can help your condition.

What Is It?

For years, the norm in stretching was to hold a stretch for around 60 seconds. It was believed that holding the position this long would encourage flexibility. We now know that extended stretching can be more harmful than the original ailment. It can cause the muscle to contract, restricting blood flow and encouraging lactic acid build up. Active isolated stretching training focuses on specific muscles or small muscle groups rather than larger muscle groups.

Initially, a trained therapist will manipulate the muscles through stretching in short increments (two-second stretches) in multiple repetitions (six to 10 repetitions). These increments increase the blood flow to the muscle that is being stretched, and warm the paired muscle being contracted, which encourages deeper flexibility in both without allowing for the stretched muscle to have time to contract. Often, the therapist will teach patients how to perform the stretches at home with tools like a towel or an elastic band.

When Is It Used?

Active isolated stretching training is used on a variety of ailments. It has been shown to improve overall flexibility in patients once thought to have lost flexibility due to age. It is also effective on other conditions, such as Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, shoulder impingement, golfers elbow, and tenosynovitis (inflammation of the covering of the tendons). It has also been used by athletes to encourage flexibility in often-used or overused muscles to prevent injury.

Want To Learn More?

Ask a professional. TalkLocal can find a massage therapist in your area for free. We will connect you with up to three, highly-qualified individuals in minutes, and you will be on the road to more relaxed muscles in no time.

If you are checking into massage therapists and find one near you that offers “watsu”, you may be wondering when to get a watsu massage. In order to determine that, you first need to know what it is and the conditions it can help.

What Is Watsu?

Watsu is a form of water massage therapy designed by a massage therapist named Harold Dull when he began teaching his Shiatsu students in a warm pool. The deeper relaxation achieved in the warm pool made him decide to pursue this form of therapy further.

The name comes from the combination of “water” and “Shiatsu”. The therapy must be performed in a heated pool with the water being heated to the exact temperature of the body.

Both the massage therapist and the person being treated are in bathing suits. The “table” for this massage is the therapist’s arms — he or she will cradle the client under his or her knees and behind the back. The person receiving treatment will hold one arm behind the therapist’s back and one will remain free floating. The therapist will then be able to stretch and gently twist the client’s body in order to relieve the effects of stress, disability, surgery and more.

How Can It Help?

While this type of therapy certainly helps those with common ailments like chronic pain and stress, it can also alleviate symptoms of the following conditions:

– Cerebral palsy

– Fibromyalgia

– Stroke

– Spinal cord injury

– Post mastectomy

– Parkinson’s Disease

– Traumatic brain injury

– Arthritis

– Post-traumatic stress disorder

 Is Watsu Massage Available In Your Area? Find Out!

In order to determine when to get a watsu massage, you must determine if you have a condition that might be relieved by such a treatment — that is, if it is even available in your local area. To find out, TalkLocal can get you in touch with a massage therapist near you who can answer all of your questions. The best part is our service is completely free!

If you are experiencing back pain, headaches, or an unusual amount of stress, you may be considering different types of massage therapy. Prior to making your decision, here are 10 things to know about Shiatsu massage therapy.

1. Shiatsu has been shown to relieve a variety of ailments such as back pain, headache, PMS, neck and shoulder pain, fatigue, stress, arthritis, constipation, poor digestion, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and can even aid in injury recovery.

2. The pressure used in Shiatsu massage is more localized than other types of massages because the fingers are used more than the palms.

3. Localized pressure on certain points — sometimes called trigger points — may be tender, though many describe it as a “good pain.”

4. Although many people enjoy the pain because they can tell that the massage is effective, you should alert your therapist if you are uncomfortable and he or she can adjust the pressure accordingly.

5. The traditional explanation of how Shiatsu works states that it helps improve the flow of “qi”, or energy.

6. The scientific explanation suggests that the localized pressure calms overactive sympathetic nervous systems. This also improves circulation, which relieves stiff muscles and alleviates stress.

7. Shiatsu differs from other forms of massage therapy in that no massage oil is used. This means you will remain fully clothed, though you may want to wear comfortable, non-abrasive clothing to your session.

8. Shiatsu also differs in that the table is generally either lower than a traditional table or completely on the floor.

9. As with other forms of massage therapy, don’t eat a heavy meal prior to your session. Many therapists will suggest not eating anything prior to your session.

10. There are many complications that may result from a Shiatsu massage that you should consider. People who should abstain from shiatsu massage include: those with infectious diseases, rashes or open wounds, people who just had surgery or chemotherapy, and those who are prone to blood clots.

A licensed massage therapist can help explain these 10 things to know about Shiatsu massage therapy, and much more.

Where Can I Find One?

A reputable massage therapist will have forms for you to fill out to evaluate if you are a good candidate for this type of massage. TalkLocal can help you find the right massage therapist. Our service is fast, easy, and free. Try it out to be connected with the right professional, when you need them!

In the world of massage therapy, terms are often thrown around like “Swedish massage”, “prenatal massage”, and  “deep tissue massage”. When trying to determine which of the different types of massages you need, it can be a little overwhelming. Check out this list of massages with a brief explanation of each.

Swedish Massage

This is the most popular massage therapy. It is generally used to promote relaxation, tension release, and stress reduction.

Deep Tissue Massage

As the name implies, this form focuses more on the deeper layers of muscle. It may initially cause a pain reflex due to muscles being worked when they are not used to being worked. A licensed professional will slowly warm the muscle and the pain will eventually recede.

Prenatal Massage

As the name implies, this massage therapy is designed specifically for expectant mothers. Pregnancy puts stress on muscles that aren’t use to stress and this massage focuses on relieving pain in those areas. It is catered to a pregnant mother in that, while traditional massages require the recipient to lie on his or her stomach, this massage generally requires the woman to be on her side.

Reflexology

This form focuses on the feet and points on the feet that correspond to particular organs. It can be very beneficial to those who spend much of their day on their feet.

Hot Stone/Aromatherapy

Both of these forms are simply a traditional massage with the addition of warmed, smooth stones or plant oils. The warm stones are helpful for those who have lots of tension but prefer a lighter massage. Different plant oils can invoke certain benefits such as stress relief, enhanced energy, balance improvement and so forth.

Where Can I Get One Of These Massages?

There are many other different types of massages out there. Your best bet is to get in touch with a local massage therapist who can sit down with you to determine your needs. The easiest way to do that is to use TalkLocal‘s free services. We will quickly connect you to a licensed professional in your area.

Becoming a new mother can make you feel like your life revolves around spit-up, dirty diapers, and middle-of-the-night feedings. Your body is going through hormonal and emotional changes that are probably leaving you feeling frazzled.

What you need to know about postpartum massages is that they can help make you feel like a real woman again instead of a diaper-changing zombie covered in formula. There are many benefits to getting a massage after you have a baby, just as there are countless health benefits involved with prenatal massages.

What you need to know about postpartum massages is that they can provide you with a boatload of health benefits. They also can help improve your emotional state of being. You deserve to pamper yourself, especially if it will provide you with health benefits.

 Does A Postpartum Massage Sound Good?

TalkLocal can help you find a massage therapist to provide you with a postpartum massage. We connect qualified professionals with customers in a matter of minutes or even seconds.

Many forms of massage therapy exist, such as the Swedish massage, prenatal massage and a deep tissue massage. While the Swedish massage is generally used to promote overall relaxation, the prenatal and deep tissue massages are often used to combat pain and fatigue. As with any homeopathic treatment, it is best to consider the benefits and side effects of deep tissue massage therapy prior to booking your appointment.

Side Effects:

Benefits:

Further Assistance

Ultimately, your licensed massage therapist should know which massage is right for you after a brief interview of your needs. This is why it is important to find a good, local therapist who knows the specific side effects of a deep tissue massage and how it might affect you personally. Try using TalkLocal to find one near you. Our services are fast, easy, and free!

Congratulations! You’re having a baby after nine months filled with joy and anticipation of the new arrival. However, pregnancy can also add stress to your body resulting in unfamiliar aches and pains. Consider prenatal massage therapy as a sensible way to relieve your discomfort.

Prenatal massage works to loosen your muscles, lessen joint pain, relieve swelling and improve blood flow. If you’ve ever had a professional massage, you know how much better you feel after a single session.

Before you rush to make an appointment, you should be aware of its advantages and disadvantages. Read on to find out what you need to know about prenatal massage.

Benefits of Prenatal Massage

Massage therapy is regarded as a healthful treatment for pregnant women. Regular prenatal massages can relieve minor issues associated with pregnancy, such as painful joints, headaches, sinus congestion, swollen hands and feet, insomnia, neck pain, leg cramping and sciatica. Get approval from your obstetrician before going forward with prenatal massages. If you have a history of high-risk pregnancies, premature labor, diabetes, severe morning sickness, high blood pressure or periods of abdominal pain and bleeding, you may not be a good candidate.

When you get your doctor’s go-ahead, remember not to start the sessions too early. Most certified therapists refuse to provide services to women in their first trimester due to miscarriage risks. Be prudent and wait until you are in your second trimester before undergoing your first treatment.

Factors to Consider Before and During Prenatal Massage

Do not assume your regular therapist can do prenatal massages. You must choose a massage therapist who is certified to perform prenatal massages. If you are still uncertain about your choice, ask for a list of patient references and check each one.

As cheap and convenient as it may seem, do not allow your friend or partner to give you a massage. While there are thousands of online instructional guides on prenatal massage, the techniques should only be performed by a trained professional. Certified prenatal massage therapists recommend side-lying treatments. There are specially designed prenatal massage tables for stomach-down treatments, however they may not provide the proper abdominal support for your body type. Additionally, be wary if a therapist insists on positioning you on your back. This could put undue stress on the placenta and greatly reduce blood circulation.

Finally, if a particular manipulation is painful, tell the therapist immediately. Prenatal massage should be a comfortable, relaxing experience. Discomfort and pain will cause your muscles to tense up, which defeats the purpose of the treatment.

Additional Help

Proper prenatal massage techniques will go a long way in improving your health and comfort levels during pregnancy. By now, you have learned what you need to know about prenatal massages. If you are ready to find a certified prenatal massage therapist, let TalkLocal help you! TalkLocal will connect you with up to three prenatal massage therapists in your area who are available when you need them.

Fall and winter outdoor home maintenance can provide you with a real workout. Raking leaves and shoveling snow burns just as many calories as traditional exercises like running and bicycling. Also, just like traditional forms of exercise, raking leaves can get you working up a sweat. Unfortunately, it can make you more prone to injury because of the repetitive twisting and turning movements combined with lifting heavy loads. Read on to learn why you should relax after raking the lawn and how to do it with massage therapy.

Lawn Raking Can Stress the Body

Although lawn raking does provide the body with a workout that can actually make you healthier, it can also be dangerous. No real guidelines exist to teach people how to rake safely, unlike most exercises, which have known ways to be performed safely or unsafely. Often people will experience back pain as a result of raking and bending over repeatedly while doing yard work. People can also pull back muscles or sustain back injuries as a result of filling leaf bags too full and attempting to carry bags that are too heavy or lifting them using improper techniques.

Relaxing the Muscles after Raking

After raking, doing something to relax the muscles will help to prevent injury or can help an injury to heal faster. Getting a massage after lawn raking can help to loosen up any muscles that have become tight as a result of lifting, bending and raking movements. Stretching while raking can also help muscles from becoming too tight and causing stress on the body. Taking a hot bath after raking provides another way to relax tight muscles after raking.

Benefits of Massage

Therapeutic massage has been documented to alleviate back pain and to improve one’s range of motion. Professional athletes who have sustained injuries frequently undergo massage therapy as one method of treating the injury and aiding in speedy healing. Massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, which enhances your body’s immune system and increases its ability to fight disease. Moreover, massage naturally stretches tight muscles, reduces spasms, cramps, inflammation and swelling, and it also promotes the regeneration of tissue. Best of all, receiving a massage also induces your body to release endorphins, a pain-killing chemical that your body produces naturally.

If you’re looking to obtain a massage for health and relaxation, search TalkLocal to find a professional massage therapist.