Don't have time for a massage?

If you're really tight and need some massage but don't have time for a full body (or even 1/2 hour), you can do a little spot self massage.

Tennis balls are a great tool to work a variety of areas. Lean against a wall and put the tennis ball between the area that is sore (such as between your shoulders) and roll around. The harder you push, the deeper the massage.  The tennis ball is great for the back, waist area (quadratus lumborum) and the butt (hips really). I typically don't recommend doing this in front of folks as works as you tend to look rather like a bear scratching on a tree.

If your calves are sore, you can try the tennis ball or using a can of soup or (heaven forbid) canned veggies. Sit on the floor with your legs flat and roll the object up and down your legs. You can use a can of soup under your feet as you stand up, a tennis ball, or if you're really hard core, a golf ball. Racquet balls tend to pop with too much pressure (how do I know that???).

In a pinch a round door knob will work wonders in your low back or hips. Again, not in front of anyone! :)

http://www.affinitymassages.com/

Space left in Bamboo-fusion class

There's still time to sign up for our 2 day Bamboo-fusion class in Cincinnati scheduled for next week. What better way to treat your clients to a luxurious massage than by using warm bamboo? It heats up in a jiffy and is sooo easy to clean!

http://www.affinitymassages.com/

Massage with heat

Heat is a great thing to make people relax during massage. It's perfect for chronic pain. As long as they don't have any contraindications, your client typically loosens up more quickly when a nice, soothing heat is used during the massage.

And that, my friends, is why I do Bamboo-fusion massage. We have 4 spaces left in our class next month. You can sign up online at www.affinitymassages.com/bamboo_classes.

Worker's Comp, Injuries

I will soon be accepting worker's comp claims and patients for motor vehicle injuries for massage at my office. Now I just need to decide what office program to use!

Working out before Ashiatsu class.

In our Barefoot Basics class, therapists use a lot of muscles that sometimes they've forgotten they have! Before taking class, make sure you work on your core strength as well as your legs. And stretch those adductors and hip flexors. You won't be sorry!

Ashiatsu and working out

I started the super intense P90X workout program the other day. I am pretty sure that my oncoming additional arm and leg strength will be an added benefit to those clients of mine who want reaaaly deep work.

Don't get me wrong--ashiatsu is waaay deeper than most any other hands on technique. But by increasing my leg strength, I'll really be able to ramp it up. Wanna learn Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy? Register online at http://www.massageclasses.info/.

Need to warm up your massage clients?

Although the weather here in Cincinnati is not particularly cold, it is damp and drizzly. Boy, would I like to have a warm bamboo-fusion massage right now!

The bamboo tools are heated in a commerical heating pad so they're nice and toasty on your client's skin (of course, you should always check in with the temperatures). Luxurious, deep, warm and yummy. Those are some of the descriptive words I've heard about the bamboo massage during a session.

Check out our class schedule at http://www.affinitymassages.com/bamboo_classes. You can even register online.