Wednesday, August 22, 2018

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

Monday, June 18, 2018

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







Wednesday, June 13, 2018

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