Neck Pain and Skilled Massage

Look around and watch folks move. You’ll notice some people turn their body’s instead of their head when looking at something. Others will just turn their head part way or very cautiously. Avoiding causing pain is the goal. Neck pain can be very uncomfortable, annoying and debilitating. Driving becomes a chore and very unpleasant. Clients I see with neck problems can be frustrated, angry and depressed. Massage often helps these folks. Range of motion improves and pain decreases or stops entirely.

In a recent study a the the University of Washington 64 patients with chronic neck pain were studied. Half the group received a self- help book for neck pain. The other half received up to 10 massages over a 10 week period. These folks reported a 39% improvement on the neck diasbility index. 55 percent said their neck pain became less of a problem overall, especially at the four week point in the study. The study, published in The Clinical Journal of Pain, suggests that massage has promise in helping people suffering with neck pain.

In my experience clients with neck pain, massage along with gentle stretching often helps to reduce neck pain and increase range of motion. I often demonstrate gentle self stretches they can use to keep their neck loose and avoid muscle spasming and pain.

Know anyone suffering from neck pain? Try massage from an experienced and skilled massage therapist.

Until next time…Stay relaxed and healthy.

David Engler                                                                                                                         Branford Massage Therapy                                                                                           www.backrubs.com

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Student Athletes – warming up is important

Recently I gave a massage to a student athlete. A freshman basketball player from a local high school. Seems like a great guy. He had fairly tight leg muscles and I suggested to him to make sure to to warm up before intense workouts or games and also to effectively stretch. Warming up can help prevent injuries and lead to more success in sports not to mention more enjoyment.

Coaches, take your athletes’ health seriously. Your star players, all you players are no good sitting on the bench with pulled muscles or sprained ankles.I know from personal experience a good warm up is important. Unfortunately I also personally know the downside of not warming up. Not doing so can certainly lead to injuries. You owe it to these young athletes.

David Engler

Branford Massage Therapy

www.backrubs.com

203-483-1978

Slow down and Breathe

As Christmas quickly approaches remember to breathe. Stop, take a few deep breaths and relax. Repeat as needed . Enjoy the Holiday.

Have a Merry Christmas and  a happy, healthy, New Year.

David  Engler                                                                                                                  Branford Massage                                                                                www.backrubs.com

Snow is coming – Protect your back.

Here in Connecticut we are expecting our first major snow storm of the season. It’s cold out so the snow should be dry and fluffy . Accoring to the weather pros we’ll be getting a lot of it. So protect your back when you are out shoveling. If your back does tighten up a good professional massage might be just what is called for. Shameless self-promotion. I do have appointments available Monday and Tuesday next week to help relieve back tightness and spasms. www.backrubs.com

Suggestions to safely shovel snow and protect your back.

Warm up a few minutes before shoveling.Let your muscles stretch a little before doing any heavy lifting.

1. Use a shovel that is not too big with a curved handle.
2. Push as much snow as possible and bend you knees.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back. Make sure your knees are bending and straightening to lift the shovel instead of leaning forward and straightening with your back.
4. Avoid excessive spine rotation.Don’t twist your back. Twisting and throwing snow can really mess up your back. Throw the snow the direction your toes are pointing.
5. Shovel frequently so the snow doesn’t pile up too high and get too heavy.
6. Drink plenty of water, avoid dehydrating.
7. Take frequent breaks and do gentle back and leg stretches.
8. If you feel pain stop!
9. When finished make sure you stretch out you neck, arms, legs and of course back.
10. Consider getting a professional, skilled, massage. A massage therapist who is experienced and knows what they are doing.

Until next time enjoy the snow and protect your back.

David Engler                                                                                                      Branford Massage Therapy                                                          www.backrubs.com

Massage gift certificates available

Help for your tired eyes

Eye fatigue is really common especially for those using a computer for hours at a time.                        Try this:

Sit comfortably , cup you hands and place them gently over both eyes but don’t press. This blocks out the light. Let your eyes naturally close. Hold this position for about 30 seconds and breath  slowly. Repeat a couple of times. This will help the muscles in your eyes relax and feel better. Give it a try.

A massage gift certificate makes a wonderful gift

Easy to give and very affordable

Branford Massage is ha ving massage gift certificate sale. Until 12-24-09
save 10% on purchases of $75.00 or more or Purchase a package of three 60 or 90 minutes sessions and get a fourth session free.

Order on line at www.backrubs.com

Or call 203-483-1978 Credit cards accepted and free shipping. Order today!

Until next time, Happy Holidays!

David  Engler                                                                                                              Branford Massage Therapy

www.backrubs.com

Massage at Quinnipiac University

Greetings from David Engler at Branford Massage

College Students

Yesterday I was fortunate to do onsite seated massage for a large group of sophomore students at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. There were three of us doing 10 minute massage sessions for about 2 hours. Had a long sign up list of students wanting a complimentary back massage and had folks in our massage chairs from start to finish. Unfortunately our time was up before everyone who wanted a massage received a massage. We were there to help give the students a little relaxation, a stress break before finals begin.

The students. Young men and women were great. I was very impressed. They were very appreciative of our efforts, treated each other well, with kindness and respect. Quinnipiac University should be proud and parents should be aware of this as well.

Before each seated massage I spoke briefly with each student. How do you feel, any problems…? Most if not all said they were pretty stressed and finals hadn’t started yet. Some said they get frequents headaches, many had some back pain or discomfort.

What I found was each and every one of the students I worked on had very tight backs, shoulders and necks. Some had extremely hard knots in the shoulder blade area and low back. I heard comments of frequent headaches, and back pain and being stressed out.

Parents. When your kids come home for break consider getting them a professional and skilled massage or two or three. Work out those knots, relax those tight hypersensitive muscles, help them to feel deep relaxation.

You don’t have to send them to some expensive day spa. Don’t have someone just slather on the oil. Hot stones feel nice but you want someone who can and knows how to work the muscles as well as providing a relaxing session. Look for a massage therapist who is experienced and skilled. Your kids will be very appreciative and feel better.

Happy Holiday! David Engler Branford Massage Therapy www.backrubs.com

Meditating and stress reduction

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Benefits of Meditation

I recently read a small article in the Science section of the New York Times (november 24, 2009.) A study, presented at a meeting of the
American Heart Association, that people with coronary artery disease can benefit from doing regular meditation. In this case the type of meditation was transcendental mediation. The findings of the study showed those in the meditation group tended to “remain disease-free longer and also reduced systolic blood pressure” than those in the group that did not meditate.

Dr. Robert Schneider, who presented the findings and is the director of the Institue for Natural Medicine and Prevention, suggested that”the stress reduction produced by the meditation could cause chaanges in the brain that cut stress hormones like cortisol and dampen the inflammatory processes associated with atherosclerosis.”

My personal experience is simple meditation is easy to learn and do and does help with stress reduction. Give it a good try.

Looking for gifts this holiday season. Branford Massage is offering significant savings on massage gift certificates. Until 12-24-09 there is a 10% savings on all gift certificates or purchase a package of three sessions and receive a fourth session (same length) free. Call 203-483-1978 or order online.

Until next time stay relaxed and Happy Holidays! David Engler Branford Massage Therapy www.backrubs.com

Gentle every day stretch

Greetings and Happy summer. I hope you are enjoying the summer

and staying relaxed and healthy. Here in Southern Connecticut we

have been having a cool and wet summer. The temps are finally

rising.

In my massage practice I see many people that experience some

pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back.  Skilled

massage is very helpful keeping  backs looser, more flexible with

less pain and discomfort. I often show my clients an easy stretch that they

can do at home or just about anywhere that will help keep their

neck and back feeling good.

I learned this easy stretch while taking a course from George P.

Kousaleos, of the CORE Institute. George is a very fine teacher.

The stretch goes like this:

1. Stand with you legs shoulder width apart, hands towards

the floor.

2. Gently press arms and hands down towards the floor.

3. Raise your sternum up towards the ceiling.

4. Slowly  bring you chin toward you chest, gently stretching

your neck.

5. Breath naturally and hold position for 15 seconds then

release.

6. Repeat twice more.

7. Try this stretch 2 0r 3 times a day.

This is a nice gentle stretch but if you experience pain or discomfort stop.

This should give you a nice stretch from your neck to your low back.

If you or someone you know could benefit from a professional

massage please call me at 203-483-1978 to set up an appoinment.

Until next time enjoy the summer, stay healthy and stress free!

David Engler

Branford Massage Therapy

www.backrubs.com

first time client special -  click here

Easy strategies to fight stress.

Stress, we hear about it all the time.

More importantly we feel the effects of stress all too often. Insomnia, back pain, stomach aches, headaches are just a few of the effects of too much stress. Stress can also play a significant role in our long term health. Much of my massage practice is for people looking to fight stress in their lives’. Usually these clients see me for deep relaxation or for relief from pain and muscle tightness.

Fortunately there are many easy things you can do to become more relaxed and fight stress.

• Of course get regular massages.
• Slow deep breathing, from the belly. A few minutes several times a day will help to lower you stress level.
• I tell all my stressed out massage clients to do regular exercise.
• Slow simple stretching.
• Reducecaffeine consumption.
• Take a hot bath and add several drops of essential oils like lavender for relaxation.

These are just a few suggestions on ways to combat stress. More ideas in the future.

Branford Massage is now offering 20 Minute Bodywork Shots. 20 minutes of pure relaxation for only $25.00 or a pack of 5 sessions for $100. Come in a and give it a try to see how relaxed you can be.

Same day appointments are often available.

Until next time stay relaxed and healthy.

David Engler
Branford Massage Therapy 203.483.1978 www.backrubs.com

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