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Start
taking care of yourself - Why not? It's your
body, your life. How did you sleep last night? How did you
feel when you woke this morning? Do you self massage a nagging
ache over and over? Do you wish you could "just relax
and take a deep breath"? Can you go the distance? Or
promise yourself, next time? NOW is the time. Today. Everyday.
Massage Therapy. For Life!
Why
massage? Life takes its toll on our bodies
everyday. We defy gravity by walking upright. Our erector
muscles (those in our spine that maintain our posture) and
abdominal muscles are in a constant tug of war with standing,
sitting and performing micro tasks. Such as driving (static
legs, arm movement), computer work (one arm/hand movement,
head tilted forward), cervical muscles pulling in varied patterns
just to name a few! Massage,
by manual compressions of muscles, stretching of ligaments
and induction of hormones can help maintain a physiological
sense of equilibrium.
What's
in a name? “Massage is massage is massage”
- All massage employs similar techniques (effleurage,
petrissage, compression, muscle energy techniques, etc.).
Those modalities may be modified in depth, length or combinations
to achieve a desired outcome but the result is the same. It
is a massage.
Please
do not be swayed by promotional (and expensive) lingo such
as “Sports massage/ Prenatal massage/ Stress relief
massage”. Sandy Fritz, MS, BS, NCTMB, author, instructor,
therapist, and my instructor/ mentor at the Health Enrichment
Center, relayed to us …
“If
I work (massage) on an athlete is it a sports massage? If
I work on a pregnant woman is it a pregnancy massage? Massage
is massage is massage!”
Yes, there
are detailed courses and techniques used and tailored for
many specific sports (hockey, golf, swimming, etc). Even such
activities/ professions, gardeners, race drivers, electricians,
etc. These are all based on the musculoskeletal / myofascial
effects of these activities.
So when
you make an appointment for a massage, remember, a good therapist
can employ multiple modalities specific to your needs.
Don’t
pay extra for the lingo. Just pay for the massage.
Massage
Modalities:
Athletic
Pre / post event
Rehabilitation
Maintenance / Stamina
Therapeutic
Balance
Maintains muscle tone
Joint mobility
Physical / Emotional stability
Pain
Management
Chronic injury: knee, elbow, shoulder, etc.
Surgical recovery
Chronic lower back, neck issues
Connective
Tissue
Release of persistent tension patterns throughout the body
Deep
Tissue
(by therapist evaluation only)
A vigorous massage designed specifically for the client
A complete assessment is required
Hot/Cool
Stone Massage
Express
Massage available: 30 or 45 minute packages available.
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Massage Therapist
Appointments
are available Tuesday through Saturday. Please call
now to schedule yours.
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Kim
Bowman began studying massage
therapy in 2004 and graduated from the Health
Enrichment Center (Lapeer, MI) in 2005. The study
of the human body, its structure and function
has always fascinated Kim. As a practitioner she
believes her ability to recognize and understand
the body as a whole is the foundation of massage.
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be able to assist and educate my clients, family
and friends not only of the benefits of therapeutic
massage but the aggregate effects of life, gravity,
injuries, repetitive moment, and so on helps me
help them," she said.
Kim
says each and every massage is different based
on the client, assessment and desired therapeutic
outcomes. No two are ever alike.
"A
great deal of my work and interest lies in improving
the quality of life for my clients. The decision
to make an appointment for massage, receive that
massage, has immediate and lasting benefits, I
believe gives the individual a sense of well being
born from taking care of oneself."
She
concludes saying that we are all unique, just
like everyone else! |
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