SOCIAL LEADER:  A little cupping along side massage therapy can have a big impact. Check out the link below about what cupping is and how it can help your body. ___________________________________________________________________________

We can all likely point to when we first found out what cupping was all about. For most, it was the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games when Micheal Phelps had precisely shaped bruises on his body. Enter cupping into our conversations.

As elite as the cupping therapy may appear, it is completely accessible to anyone and produces benefits similar to ones gold medalists experience.

What Is Cupping?

Cupping has been part of the Traditional Chinese medicine reprator for centuries dating as far back as 3,000 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1950s that cupping was used in hospitals in China. Most recently in the US, cupping has been made known by numerous celebrities, athletes, and the power of social media.

Cupping therapy involves the enlisting of small, special cups to create suction on a client’s skin. When using a silicone cup, a therapist will place the cup onto the client’s skin. They will then compress the cup to create a suction between the cup and skin. The cups are usually left in place for a few minutes.

This suction can be associated with the counterbalance to massage’s pressing into the muscles, cupping pulls up. When moved around slightly, cupping can feel as relaxing as a massage.

What Are The Benefits Of Cupping Therapy?

The primary benefit of cupping is the encouragement of increased blood flow that occurs during the suction. As the basis of so many healing methods, blood flow is key.

As a client’s body senses the blood moving to the specific area being treated, the body starts to move into the inflammatory mode, moving antibodies to help heal that area. This increased blood flow can assist in repairing muscles and damaged tissues such as surgical scar sites.

Cupping generally follows the five meridian lines on the back and has been known to help in:

• Relieving neck and back pains
• Loosen stiff muscles
• Assist in helping with fatigue and migraines
• Provide relief with respiratory conditions
• Increasing circulatory system function
• Myofascial release for increased motion and pain relief

How To Get The Most Out Of Cupping Therapy

In order to maximize the benefits of cupping therapy, a few things should be done before and after receiving treatment.

Pre and post receiving massage therapy with or without cupping, hydration is very important. Water helps the lymphatics system perform at its best.

Before treatment, don’t go in with an empty stomach. Something small about an hour or so beforehand will help. Don’t shave or exfoliate prior to the appointment. Both make the skin extra sensitive. Be sure to stay safe in the sun as cupping can not be done on a sunburn.

After treatment, keep the areas that just received cupping warm and try to rest. The immune system is in a heightened state of awareness and feeling a bit tired is to be expected. Also, try to avoid consuming things such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy, processed meats, or sugary foods/drinks. All of those items can work against the cupping treatment just received.

Hot showers, saunas, laying in the sun, etc. are all things that skin can be super sensitive to after a session. Avoiding things like heavy exercise and cold/windy weather to allow the skin time to recover.

And as for those cupping marks, redness is to be expected. Those circular areas will fade in quickly. Blistering of the skin should never be experienced as it can indicate too much cupping has been performed.

The frequency of cupping will likely depend on the intensity of the issue that someone has. If it is an intense issue, cupping may be used along with massage therapy one to two times a week. If it is a minor issue, cupping may only be used once a month. The final recommendation schedule should be something discussed between you and your massage therapist.

Interested in adding cupping into your next massage therapy session? Be sure to chat about it with your therapist. They would love to help see if it is a good fit for you and your treatment plan.

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The post Cupping Therapy: Not Just For Celebrities and Athletes appeared first on Healing Hands.

SOCIAL LEADER:  If the thought of your massage therapist working deeper in your muscles sounds like perfection, click below to read more about Hot Stone Massage.

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Incorporating natural props into a massage treatment can be just the right thing to take a great massage up to an outstanding treatment.

One of the most commonly used tools in massage therapy is the use of hot stones. The use of warm stones on the body can help to increase relaxation and decrease the tension in muscles.

Smooth rocks, such as Himalayan Salt Stones, are specifically used in this approach. They are used because of their ability to retain heat and be warmed to over 110 degrees.

The stones are generally placed on the feet and palms, chest, stomach, and spine. From there, the massage therapist may move these rocks around the body in long stroke and circular movements, rolling, or kneading. The use of the stones can allow a therapist to work deeper in the muscles with a lighter approach as the muscles relax more efficiently.

In addition to assisting in helping muscles release tension and pain, the stones can also help to decrease stress and anxiety when used with the massage. As the muscles relax, there will be a decrease in muscle spasms and tension while creating an increase in the ease of joint movement. All of this will add to the benefit of promoting better sleep.

Although the sound of putting “hot stones” on your body may make you think it might be painful, it is not. In fact, if the stones feel too warm or are uncomfortable, be sure to tell your therapist right away so that they can make proper adjustments.

While a hot stone massage can be useful for numerous people, there are some that should avoid it – those that are ill, have heart disease, or diabetes. Always be sure to discuss your medical history with your massage therapist to be sure the best and safest modalities are being used for your treatment.

If you would like to get a deeper relaxation from hot stones in your next massage session, we would love to tell you more!

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The post Hot Stone Massage for a Deeper Relaxation appeared first on Healing Hands.

SOCIAL LEADER: Carolyn is a wonderful part of our team who personally has experienced the relief massage can bring. Take a look at what she does for our team and why she is such a great compliment to us all! ___________________________________________________________________________

Carolyn has a ton of different experiences that make her the perfect fit on our team as an evening receptionist. Take a look at why Carolyn is the one to talk to about booking an appointment, learning more about our therapists, or get a great gluten-free recipe.

A BIT ABOUT CAROLYN BOWE:

Like several others, Carolyn became part of our team after experiencing the benefits of massage in her life. After a series of car accidents, surgeries, c-sections, and struggling with migraines, Carolyn was recommended to the standard rotation of doctors and medications. With little success, she finally found positive effects with massage therapy on her recovery.

With a Master’s in Education in hand, Carolyn taught for well over a decade and now homeschools her own children. In addition, she is a key team member in caring for our staff and clients.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CAROLYN:

Originally from California, Carolyn’s sweet family is comprised of her husband, three sons, and one cat. When she is not enjoying her favorite season, spring, and all the beauty it brings, Carolyn can be found:

• Ferociously reading Christian fiction while sipping on her favorite sweet tea.
• Reminiscing fondly of family vacations – like the one where they went across the country from California to DC and were gone an entire month!
• Humbling showing off her talent in gluten-free baking and scrapbooking skills.

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To learn more about our incredible staff or to learn more about Medical Massage, please sign up to join our newsletter.

The post Hey There! Get to know….Carolyn Bowe appeared first on Healing Hands.

SOCIAL LEADER: Emily’s relief found in massage, is inspiring her to pursue further training to help others. Find out why Emily loves making a perfect pair between patient and therapist!

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Emily is our incredible evening receptionist and is also in the depths of training to be a massage therapist. Check out why Emily has a passion for matching clients with the perfect therapist, is a genius with booking and billing, and what are her favorite bundles of joy for her taste buds.

A BIT ABOUT EMILY LEUPOLD:

Emily started experiencing the benefits of massage therapy after a shoulder injury in 2015. After spending an abundance of time and money on doctors, shots, and prescriptions, Emily was able to find relief in massage.

After years of first-hand experience in massage, Emily decided to pursue training in massage therapy in order to offer the relief she received to others. She is currently working towards an Associates in Therapeutic Massage and hopes to focus on injury prevention and recovery.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMILY:

Like so many in this area, Emily grew up a military brat which meant she has been all around the country. But if she had to put a finger on a place she was originally from, it would Washington State. She is a proud wife and mama to a one-year-old son. Besides being one of the few that remembers to water the office plants, Emily also:

• Could be caught watching the ridiculous storylines and loveable characters on Grays Anatomy.
• Wishes she had the superpower of a super metabolism so that she could eat whatever she would like and still be healthy. (Like her favorite tacos that are bundles of joy for her taste buds.)
• Would be teaching theatre to teens if she wasn’t doing what she is now.

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To learn more about our incredible staff or to learn more about Medical Massage, please sign up to join our newsletter.

The post Hey There! I Would Like You to Meet…Emily Leupold appeared first on Healing Hands.

SOCIAL LEADER: Without expert-level office management skills, our therapists wouldn’t get to focus on what they do best – serving our clients. Check out how Emilee creates the bridge between our therapists’ skills and the efficiency of the business!

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Emilee puts all other Office Managers to shame. Seriously.

As talented as our therapists are, she is the one that keeps the business side a well-oiled machine along with her deep appreciation for health and wellness. Take a look at how her education landed her in the “spinny” office chair that she loves to lock up and what new adventure has come her way! (HINT: It is little but not for long.)

A BIT ABOUT EMILEE BROWN:

Emilee danced all the way through her bachelor’s degree – not in the “oh-college-is-so-easy” snooty way – but literally was a trained dancer. With a career in dancing comes sore joints and muscles that Emilee became all too familiar with.

In addition to her dancing, she also spent time as a trainer in an internship program. This experience gave her an even deeper grasp of the hands-on approach to treating injuries and pain.

All of her experience and education in Business Administration (focusing on Health and Wellness Management) has given her a level of understanding that is critical to our team.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMILEE:

Originally from Georgia, Emilee and her husband Jake now call North Carolina home along with their new, tiny infant son and three dogs. When Emilee isn’t busy tracking the progress of patients or cleaning Mo, the office robot vacuum, she also:

• Is young enough to remember having an “Elf on the Shelf” at Christmas – as a child.
• Wishes she could tell her younger self to “relax because everything will work out like it’s supposed to.”
• Livens up any party with her ability to say the ABC’s backward.

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To learn more about our incredible staff or to learn more about Medical Massage, please sign up to join our newsletter.

The post Hey There! I Would Like You to Meet…Emilee Brown appeared first on Healing Hands.

We understand. Before you first get a massage, it can seem a little intimidating. There is the whole “undressing” question. And then the “to tip or not tip” question. 

Have no fear! We are here to give you some answers to those and a few more to set you at ease before you even walk through the door!

Ok, So I Made My Appointment. What Should I Expect When I Arrive For The First Visit?

First, please try to arrive at least 15 minutes PRIOR to your appointment time. This will give someone on our staff a chance to greet you and have you complete some North Carolina required paperwork. This paperwork will cover basic things such as health history, current health status, and what type of issue (if any) brought you in for your visit. It will also give us written consent to perform the therapeutic massage. If there is any delay, it may cut into your actual “hands-on” time. 

Soon after you are finished with the paperwork, we will be ready to take you back to the dedicated space for your massage!

When I First Go Back To The Massage Area With My Therapist, What Should I Expect?

First, the therapist will complete an interview with you. You will spend a few minutes reviewing the forms you filled out, discuss any medical conditions, find out the expectations you have and what you are looking for in a massage to include how you would like to feel after the massage. 

Next, the therapist will explain what will take place during the massage.

Then, the therapist will leave the room for a moment so that you can undress to your level of comfort, get situated on the massage table, and covered up with the sheet.

Now I Am Back In The Massage Room And My Therapist Asks That I “Undress To My Level Of Comfort.” What Exactly Does That Mean?

Here is the thing. If you aren’t comfortable and relatively relaxed during your session, we know that we won’t be able to provide you with the best treatment experience. Part of that is your level of comfort undressing. So it is always your choice. 

You can choose to dress down fully. 

You can choose to leave on your undergarments. 

You can choose to only undress the top half if there is a focus on a top area only – like shoulders. 

No matter what you choose, you will always remain fully draped except for the part of the body that is being worked on per North Carolina State law.

Ultimately, we want to make you as comfortable as possible during your time with us. 

Alright.  I Am In And Undressed To My Level Of Comfort. What Should I Expect To Take Place During My Massage?

In short, the therapist will be massaging various areas of your body using specific techniques in a specific order. If at any time during the massage something hurts, tell them. If you would like more or less pressure, tell them that as well. They truly want to ensure that your experience is a good one. 

Also, some aren’t into chatting during their treatments, and others like to chew the cud. Again, that is totally up to you. Just be sure to communicate that with your therapist. 

Getting Ready To Check Out Post-Massage. Should I Be Tipping My Massage Therapist? 

Our massage therapists are paid a flat rate per massage. Much like with other service providers, tips are never taken for granted and always appreciated.  

If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to the therapist, feel free to leave them a tip. (Average tip ranges between 10-25%) If paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total. The therapist will receive 100% of their tip, less required taxes. 

If your session is being paid with your HSA or FSA then you may not include a tip. This is due to healthcare laws.

We hope that was helpful in clearing up some of the questions you may have had! Got more? Don’t hesitate to reach out because we are more than happy to help!

The post 5 Common Questions Before Getting a Massage appeared first on Healing Hands.