Cancer and Massage Therapy....go hand in hand

In early August, I attended a two-day workshop and became certified to offer Oncology Massage. What does this mean? Oncology Massage is more of an understanding of the disease (Cancer) and knowledge on how to treat people who have either been diagnosed, are going through treatment, and/or have gone through and have completed treatments. Working with in their limits, while helping them feel relaxed, pain free and whole again. 

Some of the potential Massage Benefits while someone is going through treatment of cancer: 

* Decrease in pain, nausea and anxiety. 
* Bring greater awareness to the body. 
* Create a sense of empowerment. 
* Moisturizing the skin contributes to its suppleness and helps it stay intact. 

While taking necessary precautions (lighter touch, considering treatment sights due to ports, and/or radiation areas, etc), a "normal" massage session can be offered. 


Please consider working with me, if you or someone you know is going through cancer treatments or has a history of cancer. You can schedule online-or contact the office for more information. www.masag4u.com 360-627-9241 

*note: While you can schedule a normal session online, I will contact you to set up a consultation. It will be necessary to make sure you receive the most benefit from your sessions. Please also plan on treatment being down over a period of time (4+ sessions). However, flexibility is a requirement. Please note that sessions will vary in length, as it will depend on your body and response to each massage. 


When "i" is replaced by "we"....Even "Illness" can become "Wellness". 

Be Blessed,
Rebecca Shirley

Summer time, sunshine and ..... the dreaded "Sunburn"

-Hello Everyone,

My first massage of the morning....gave me a great idea for today's blog. Sunburns. This last weekends weather in Bremerton WA, was the first of many warm sunny days. As my female client walks in to the office,  instantly I could tell that she had spent plenty of time in the sun. I asked her how her skin felt, her response (as she was slapping herself on the shoulders) "I'm good, not sore at all". 

So, I looked up Sunburns in my Pathology book. Not only where sunburns discussed, but there are many forms of burns. From heat, to chemical, to water/vapor to electrical or radiation. 

What follows, is what the book said how to handle burns and massage therapy. 

Burns are graded in three levels of depth:

First Degree:  is some times quite painful but relatively mild irritation of the superficial epidermis characterized by redness but no blistering.  Mild sunburn is perhaps the most common example of a first-degree burn. 

Second-degree: is damage that involves all layers of the epidermis and possible some of the dermis too. Symptoms include redness, blisters that appear instantly, edema and pain. 

Third-degree: goes through the dermis or beyond, destroying hair shafts, sebaceous glans, erector pilae muscles, sweat glands and even nerve endings, which paradoxically make third-degree burns less painful than second-degree burns. 

So, can you get a massage? Sure, however the only kind of burn that is appropriate for hands-on massage in the acute stage is a very mild sunburn, and of course even then one must work within pain tolerance of the client. 

The next question is, how do you prevent a sunburn? Limit your time/exposure to the sun. Where a high SPF and apply to the skin approx 30 minutes. Be careful too, if you are on medication, check the label. It might put you at a higher risk of skin damage. 

If you do find yourself with a sunburn and either have a massage scheduled or need to schedule one, please call and ask. I would rather be safe than sorry. 

Thank you for reading, and have a blessed day. 

Rebecca Shirley, LMT

www.masag4u.com

360-627-9241

rebecca@masag4u.com

References from: A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, fourth edition. pgs 74-76

New Begginings

13 June 2018

Thank you for coming by for a read. I am looking at regenerating this blog. I welcome you to follow me.

My plan for this blog is to share new and exciting things regarding the business and world of massage. There are many health benefits to receiving regular massage therapy treatments. Whether you were injured in an automobile collision, injured at work, or are just getting old and your joints need more movement.....here is the place you can learn how to get better.

I hope to have weekly blogs uploaded. If at anytime you are interested in scheduling a massage, feel free to visit my website www.masag4u.com or call my office (360) 627-9241.

News things are on the horizon. This past May I took a continuing education class on Secrets of Deep Tissue Massage. This coming August,  I will be attending a conference, where I will learn about Cancer Treatments and how Massage can help.

I enjoy every day and very massage given. I look forward to working with you.

Regards,
Rebecca

www.masag4u.com
360-627-9241
rebecca@masag4u.com

T-Minus 2 days

Well, here I am, 2 days of school left! I am so excited....but sad all at the same time. This year started and has almost come to an end in a blink of an eye. I have made many new friends, met some pretty "interesting" people and will be moving on from the adventure with some crazy memories.

A new chapter in life will start for me.....I will be working a few days a week with a Chiropractor and a couple of days a week out of a spa. It will be a nice change of pace from the days of ole'.

Bring on the good times!

Almost done

A quick update on my and my progress with school. I continue to be on the Honor Roll (loving the 4.0 grades!) and hold my roll as a student Ambassador. I have only 8 weeks of school left and am praying very hard that the state will expedite my license application. :-)

I currently am running through ALL of my options once I am finished with school and my license is approved. I really want to start working with a chiropractor and or homeopathic medicine. My more long term goals are to do sports massage and continue clinical work. But ya gotta start somewhere.... :-)

I have a few leads...that I'm hoping will work out....if you know anyone who is looking for a massage therapist who is focused and passionate about bringing health through massage....tell them about me! :-)

Cheers,

Rebecca

Welcome

Good Evening everyone. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Below is a little introductory to who we are, what we do and stand for and why we are in the business of massage. Our owner, Rebecca Shirley, is currently going to school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in Washington State.

I look forward to getting to know you.....as well you getting to know me. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions (rshirley.massage@gmail.com) or if would like to learn more about massage.

Standing strong on the principle that everyone deserves the chance to rejuvenate, relax and renew themselves. Our goal is to provide both short term and long term relief from stresses of daily life and chronic discomfort. Clients will have the most up to date treatment options, as we are dedicated to higher education.

Currently, I offer all my of massage services (current knowledge of Swedish Massage, Pre/Post Natal Massage, Elderly/Geriatric Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point and Cranial Sacral Massage) on the go. I am willing to travel to locations in Kitsap County, King County and Pierce County.

Pure Haven Bodyworks and Massage is the type of company that will offer to all our clients, professionalism, rest, peace, relaxation and rejuvenation.

Because we strive to offer a high level of professionalism a small sample of our policies are listed below:

I, __________________________________ (print name) understand that Sexual behavior by the client toward the therapist or by the therapist toward the client is unethical, inappropriate and unacceptable. Sexual harassment is NOT tolerated. If the therapist's or client's safety feels compromised, the session is terminated immediately.

Draping will be used during the session – only the area being worked on will be uncovered.
Clients under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the entire session.
Informed written consent must be provided by parent or legal guardian for any client under the age of 17.

I, ___________________________________ (print name) understand that the massage I receive is provided for the basic purpose of relaxation and relief of muscular tension. If I experience any pain or discomfort during this session, I will immediately inform the therapist so that the pressure and/or strokes may be adjusted to my level of comfort. I further understand that massage should not be construed as a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment and that I should see a physician, chiropractor or other qualified medical specialist for any mental or physical ailment that I am aware of. I understand that massage therapists are not qualified to perform spinal or skeletal adjustments, diagnose, prescribe, or treat any physical or mental illness, and that nothing said in the course of the session given should be construed as such. Because massage should not be performed under certain medical conditions, I affirm that I have stated all my known medical conditions, and answered all questions honestly. I agree to keep the therapist updated as to any changes in my medical profile and understand that there shall be no liability on the therapist’s part should I fail to do so.

Thank you for choosing to read my blog!
Have a great day....and if you need to take a little time for yourself....and wish to have a great massage....please consider booking your appointment with me!