What did you give up for Lent?
For many, Lent is a season just before Spring is in full-bloom, when they will give up something that they really love or that gives them pleasure. I often hear sweets, desserts, favorite foods, or that an individual will commit to doing something that will improve their life.
How does a nice, long massage sound??
I'm fortunate enough to know two Licensed Massage Therapists, and even more lucky to have them both located conveniently near to me in Wilmington, Ohio. I have had the privilege of receiving a massage from both of them. Going for a massage is one way I spoil myself or reward myself for doing well on a large project. Or, putting an end to some aches and pains I have developed from working long hours at the computer.
My suggestion - Go ahead... Give up those candies and cookies for Lent. But DON'T give up seeing your friend, the licensed massage therapist!!
Recently, I asked my friends Amber Grillot and Kevin Stackhouse six questions:
1) What is your area of specialty or expertise?
Amber - My areas of expertise is relaxation, prenatal, corporate/event massage and in home/mobile massage.
Kevin - I was trained in medical massage techniques that are used to facilitate quicker healing of the body. Whether a client has had surgery, an injury, has a chronic condition, or is in rehabilitation massage can be very effective in helping your body heal. Relaxation or Swedish massage is used in all my treatments. Stress is the number one cause of disease and massage is the best treatment.
2) Why did you decide to become licensed?
Kevin - After retiring from the Wilmington Fire Department I felt the need to remove stress from my personal life. Massage therapy helped me to reduce stress so I decided that helping others to do the same thing would be rewarding and fun. I love what I do and I do what I love. Not many can say that.
Amber - I became licensed because it is required in the state of ohio. But also because I love the helping people take better care of themselves. Helping them take a few minutes for themselves. Being licensed shows my clients that i care about their health, that i took the steps to learn how massage effects the body.
3) What recommendations do you make to people when looking for a massage therapist?
Amber - Make sure your therapist is licensed by the state of ohio!! And to make sure you can communicate with them. If it is too much pressure or not enough you should feel comfortable telling your therapist that. Also the atmosphere needs to make you feel relaxed. You came to this person to help you relax/with pain/etc and if you aren't comfortable with the person and the atmosphere the treatment will not benefit you.
Kevin - Make sure the therapist is licensed by the state you are in and insured. References from [clients] are always good. A competent therapist will answer all of your questions and be able to explain what they are doing and why.
4) What words of insight would you give to people in the tech industry - those that work in front of the computer for long hours?
Kevin - If your work involves repetitive movement take a few minutes to stretch and move in a different direction at least once per hour. If you are at the computer, stand up, move your arms like a cowboy roping a steer, stretch your neck and take some deep breaths.
Amber - Take many breaks. Sitting at a computer all day, or a desk all day is terrible for your back/neck/shoulders. If you can get up and stretch once every 30 minutes that is great. Don't cross your legs, if you keep both feet flat on the ground it forces you to have slightly better posture. Roll your shoulders backwards. Pull your shoulders up to your ear, then roll them back, this will open your rib cage and pull you more up right.
[caption id="attachment_1069" align="alignright" width="574"]
Image Credit: Spa of the Rockies; Glenwood Hot Springs[/caption]
5) How can one maximize their massage experience - getting all benefits possible?
Amber - Be comfortable and vocal. We can tell if you are tensing up your muscles and we can only do so much. But if you are not comfortable you will not get the full benefit. And if you don't tell us it hurts, it feels good or massage there more we won't know. Guide us, tell us what you love, what you hate, this is your massage make it yours.
Kevin - Communicating with the therapist is very important. Tell them what is bothering you, or your medical condition. Tell them what you are expecting from the massage session. Try to relax as much as you can.
6) What questions didn't I ask? If I take away nothing else from a conversation with you, as a professional, what do you want me (or others) to know?
Kevin - Massage therapy is green, organic, non-invasive, safe, and has been used by all cultures since recorded history and probably before then. So far in my practice there has been no one person who did not have some benefit from their session. And some of those sessions are as little as ten minutes.
Massage therapy is based on sound practices and is regulated in Ohio by the Ohio State Medical Board. There are very few contradictions so almost all conditions can and will benefit from it.
Amber - Massage is good for everyone. It isn't just a fluffy relaxation thing for rich people. Everybody needs a massage. Your muscles are like a sponge. When you squeeze a sponge the water goes out. Let go of the sponge and new water goes back into the sponge. Your muscles are the same way. When i compress your muscles old blood flows out to be filtered, when i release new blood goes in replenishing the muscles. Massage helps and aids in all body systems, It is a wonderful way to give your body a jump start. And make sure that anyone who is giving you a massage is licensed by the state of ohio. If they are not then find one who is.
Some great insight from both Amber and Kevin! I'm sticking with my original position that massage is one thing NOT to give up for lent.
Contact information:
Amber - http://www.amberlynnmassage.com (AmberLynn Therapeutic Massage, LMT)
Kevin - http://kevinstackhouselmt.webs.com/ (Kevin Stackhouse, Licensed Massage Therapist)
What did you give up for Lent?
Do you see your massage therapist regularly?
Before scheduling your next appointment, what questions do you have for Amber and Kevin?
Post them in the box below! :)
51 Replies
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Well the deep tissue massage look simple and relaxed, why all these different type of name for massage,basically every massage is the same stroke not much differently
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Hi there, Thank you for visiting my blog and checking out this article about local small business and their niche. You may have a good point. At the same time, people can make themselves aware of various techniques within the art. We would hope to foster positive channels of education regarding health and self care. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Informative blogs about Thai massage are truly invaluable resources for anyone seeking to explore the profound world of this ancient healing art. Thai massage is not just a therapeutic technique but a gateway to holistic well-being, and these blogs serve as guiding lights on this transformative journey.
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Bobby, Thank you for visiting my blog, and for offering additional insight for our readers. This article about massage therapy is meant to encourage all types of massage that are safe and comforting for the individual by qualified massage therapists. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Hey Keri, Thank you so much for sharing amazing blog about body massage. Regards
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Edward, Thank you for visiting my bog. Glad you like this article about massage. Hopefully there are hints here that persuade entrepreneurs to consider massage as a smart choice to nurture health and wellness. Thank you for your kind words, ~Keri
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Very helpful article indeed. I’ve learned many tips & tricks from this post. Thanks to the blogger. I’ll be waiting for a great post like that in near future.
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John, Glad you find this article about massage and lent helpful. We hope you will visit the blog again, as we publish often. Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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The blog is unique in its style and structure. It tends to explain the key points about massage therapy by directing the public about the significance of massage in their daily lives where if they face any issue with their muscles, back, neck and shoulders, etc.. The post is informative and helpful. Thanks Alot.
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Hasnain, We are so happy to hear that this article was able to help you out. Go ahead and get some massage therapy in your area. We’re very certain you need it! Feel free to look at the other articles we have, like the latest one we posted. See you soon! ~Jayne
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Great article with an excellent idea I appreciate your post thank you so much and let keep on sharing your stuff.
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Hi there, Glad you liked this article and are enthused about the ideas here. Always happy to share resourceful insights. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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There are great health benefits of massage that you have shared here. I am really glad to read this post that was pretty helpful for me. Thanks for this nice content. A good massage is a complete solution to backaches, knee pain, stress and other health disorders that are left ignored until they turn to become unbearable. The Alluren Massager Gun is a quick massager tool that helps you feel relaxed and relieves you from stress and body aches. It is a must-have device at home to help you say a hi to better days.
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Tonysap, Glad you liked this article and found it helpful related to health benefits. Massage can improve both health and lifestyle, as you imply. Regarding any product, we recommend consulting reviews, consumer reports, and checking with your health care professional to be sure the purchase and use are the best decision for you. Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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I would like to thank you, Keri; first for sharing such a information which helps a lot of people daily. Massge really helps our body. Don’t you think we will not need massage if we run regularly or does running has same benefits like massage?
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Frank, Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for your kind words. To answer your question: We should encourage physical activity – That does give our body benefits. However, I don’t think that running replaces all benefits of massage. This is easily reaffirmed by a plethora of articles found online. Hope that helps! ~Keri
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amazing post thanks for share
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You bet! Thanks for your comment, Nuru. ~Keri
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Body massage is the best treatment for relaxing for body and mind.
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Aaliya, Yes, body massage does have many health benefits. I’m seeing some things that would be recommended to change on your website. If you need help, please let me know by sending a message via the Contact page. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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I LOVE massages too ! They are definitely the best thing you can do for yourself! People Stop drinking Starbucks coffees everyday and you will be able to afford regular massages! ?❤
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Melissa, Massages are great for your health, and a way to relax and enjoy a day. Not sure we can stop people from enjoying their coffee beverages, though… 🙂 Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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The article was very great. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Diana, Glad you liked this article and found it resourceful. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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There are many reasons why people choose to become massage therapists, including the opportunity to help people, flexible working hours and relaxing work environments, often in some fairly exotic locations.
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Hi there, What you say is correct. This article was to offer readers insight about the benefits of massage, but more importantly, from the business perspective of the freedom the role offers those with an entrepreneurial mindset. Also true, people do tend to treat themselves to a massage more often while on vacations, so what you say is true that massage therapists could find themselves serving the travel and tourism industries. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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Great content on massage benefits. This is very amazing and helpful blog for me. Thank you so much for providing such kind of knowledge with us.
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Twinkle, Glad you liked this article and found it helpful. Thank you for your comment, ~Keri
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Am a geek, and more than 12hrs, I spend time seating on a chair in front of my laptop. I have pain in my back and elbow. I went to a spa and body massage center last weekend reading your blog. And I fell pain long gone and muscle working and relaxed now. Thank you so much, Keri. I planned to buy a massage chair for my home, am saving for it. I’ll keep tune your blog. Great day. ~Jessi
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Jessi, Glad you found a solution to a problem, and that our blog helped you get there. A good goal to save up for a chair that will help you in life! A lucky thing you work with an organization that deals in massage chairs – Your wish will be fulfilled a bit more quickly at that rate. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and for your comment, ~Keri
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Hey Keri, Thank you for replying me. Yes, I gotta work with them. Do you accept guest blogging?
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Jessica, A pleasure to reply. We do accept guest posts – You will find a page with guest post and advertorial guidelines accessible in the main navigation on this website. I am happy to work with qualified guest authors. 🙂 ~Keri
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Interesting blog…as usual..i like your every post.
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Diana, Thank you for your kind words. ~Keri
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Wow, Great article on chair massage and benefits in the workplace. I’ll be sure to share with offices I’m trying to get on board. Thank you! ☺
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Hi there, Thank you for your kind words. Glad you found this article helpful for our profession. ~Keri
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Massages are one of my favourite de-stress methods! You definitely got all of the benefits down! Love the post and am now inspired to go make an appointment for a massage!
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Mandara, Happy to know you liked this article, and you feel the right tips are seen here. Thank you for your kind words, ~Keri
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Wow great write-up for Massage benefits. We often ignore the long term benefits but we should take care of our body always. Thank you so much for nice sharing with everyone. Keep posting!
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Nice Information!!! Informative and interesting Blog! Beautifully written, as usual, I like the post. Thank you so much for nice sharing with us. Keep posting!
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Simon, Thank you for visiting our blog and reading this article. I’m glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thanks also for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Great content on Massage benefits. I have also some content related to benefits of massage and especially massage chair benefits.
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Zlatimir, Thank you for your kind words, and for your comment. ~Keri
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I really need to do this. I finally got to the point where I added chiropractor into our budget. I’d really like to add massage in too. I think it’s VERY important to take care of yourself. Thanks for the reminder
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b2b, Very nice that you have been able to organize your budget to include yourself on your list of priorities! Massage does have many benefits – Especially for busy business owners and entrepreneurs!! Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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Massage helps to relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles. I do a lot of my work at the computer, and though I try to take regular breaks to move around, I still get a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders from the computer-working mode. My monthly massages have helped to relax those tight muscles. And, to be truthful, it CAN be painful when she is working the knots out of my neck and shoulders.
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fbm, Massage does have many benefits, as you’ve mentioned. You are like many of our entrepreneurs and business owners that do a lot of work from their laptop computers! Glad you have found a good path. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ~Keri
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Massage helps to restore muscles to their correct position. When I first started getting a regular massage about a year ago, my masseuse told me that I was starting to get a dowager’s hump. As she worked with me monthly, the hump became less and less. Now it is totally gone…
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Looks like you’ve had some good luck with your plan – Terrific! Thanks for your comment, ~Keri
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I come across this such great post in rich tips. It does remind me of putting some money and time on body massage. I have neck pains all year around. I have a massge mat which helps a lot. I believe a regular massge is worthy of a try. thanks for this info Massage is a great way to get lots heath benefit. Regular massage is a good practice. do it.
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John, I’m glad you liked this post and found it helpful. Massage has many benefits – Especially for busy business professionals! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for adding value to the article. ~Keri
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