Massage 101

Massage!

So... you're going to get a massage! You're now joining over 200 million progressive American's who choose this growing health alternative. Welcome to the crowd!

If you are rather new to this age old treatment, you may be asking yourself “What can I expect from a massage appointment?” Here are a few hints:

#1- Time! -Table massage appointments can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, while chair massage can be 5 minutes to approximately 30 minutes, depending on your needs. Let your Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) know if this is your first massage, so they can walk you through the process. The therapist will talk to you about your expectations and needs for the appointment. Please remember to tell them any health information that may effect your massage.

#2- Location! -If you decide to receive the massage in your RV or home, your LMT will arrive a few minutes early to set up the massage chair or table. You may want to dim the lights and windows to help set a relaxing environment. The massage therapist will bring calming music or if you have a preference, feel free to turn on your own. We recommend you turn off or silence your phone and electronics, so you won't be distracted during this relaxing retreat!

#3- Ready! -When receiving a table massage, your therapist will step into the bathroom for a few minutes while you get ready. Generally, for a table massage, clients wear very limited or no clothing, based on your comfort level. You will be discreetly draped with a towel, sheet or blanket at all times during the massage. Your privacy, comfort and modesty is our utmost priority! Get comfortable on the table as the LMT has instructed and place the draping over your body.

#4- Breathe! -When the therapists returns, they will use a small amount of warm massage oil to manipulate your muscles. Let your therapists know what type of pressure is comfortable (deep, medium, light, etc), at any time during the massage. Also, feel free to give your feedback about techniques, temperature or comfort as much as you like. Now your job is to take deep, natural breaths and RELAX!

#5- Flip! -At some point during the massage, it will be time for you to turn over. The therapist will instruct you on how to roll over while they hold the draping so you stay covered.

#6- Relax! -As the massage comes to an end, your therapist will gently let you know it's finished and they will step out of the room. Remember to stand up very slowly and let your body re-acclimate. Let the LMT know when you are re-dressed.

#7- WATER, WATER, WATER!!! - Drink PLENTY of EXTRA WATER the next couple days, to help detox and rehydrate your system! Think of it like an “oil change” for your body!

#7- Feedback! -Questions about the benefits or effects of massage are always welcome! If you have 'constructive feedback' about the appointment, please contact your therapist directly to figure out solutions. Most of our clients love to spread peace in our world.... positive referrals are always appreciated!!

Dixie Ewing LMT

MassageMomDixie@gmail.com

801-917-4488

Massage....Chair or Table?

Massage... Chair or Table?

Are you trying to decide which type of massage is best for you? Here are few hints to help you better understand the difference:

Massage Chair- Most chair massage appointments are between 5-30 minutes depending on your needs. You will notice the massage chair is different from a conventional chair. You are seated, but mostly you lean forward, supported by padded rests so the muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands can be massaged.

Chair Massage is best for shorter appointments. Generally, it's recommended for specific areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper and lower backs.

You may choose to stay clothed and your Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) will work over your clothing or you can remove your shirt (women can wear a sports bra, swim top, etc). If your shirt is removed, a small amount of massage oil may be used to help permeate deeper into the muscles and hydrate the skin. Another option is foot and leg massage, which can be done by sitting in a conventional seat.

Massage Table- Generally, table massage appointments range from 1-2 hours. A portable massage table is padded and has a U-shaped face rest attached which allow you to breathe freely while face down, so your therapist can more easily massage your neck and shoulder muscles.

Table Massage is great for longer sessions. Your therapist should tailor the appointment to your needs, combining different techniques to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated!

When receiving a table massage, your therapist will step out of the room for a few minutes while you get ready. Generally, a client wears very limited or no clothing, based on your comfort level. You will be discreetly draped with a towel, sheet or blanket at all times during the massage. Your privacy, comfort and modesty is our utmost priority! At some point during the massage, it will be time for you to turn over. The therapist will instruct you on how to roll over while they hold the draping so you stay covered.

Dixie Ewing LMT

801-917-4488

MassageMomDixie@gmail.com

Choices, Choices, Choices....

Massage Techniques

Wondering what techniques will benefit you most? There are hundreds of different massage modalities that have evolved throughout the ages. Below is a brief summary of some of the most well known:

Swedish Massage- This is technique is most commonly known for it's relaxation effects. It was founded by a doctor in Sweden, thus it's name. It consists of long, flowing movements that help improve circulation, detoxify muscles and boost our immune system. Think of it as a mini-vacation!

Sports (or Therapy) Massage- Sports Massage is Not Just for Professional Athletes Anymore! It is becoming commonly known to benefit anyone who lives an active lifestyle or those who need to rehabilitate muscles, as it focuses on the individual needs of each person. Clients (especially men) who are new to massage, may feel more comfortable asking for Sports Massage, because they know many professional athletes are regular recipients. Sports massage covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of muscles, ligaments and tendons to aid in the recovery of our busy, stressful lives and enhance day to day performance in every aspect.

Reflexology- Also known as Foot Massage. As a child, my grandma used to teach me these techniques as we rubbed each others feet... therefore, it's one of my favorites! Scientific research has proven there are specific points and areas on our feet (and hands too), that refer to other parts of our body! Massaging these points in a certain way, can promote healing when it might not be possible to rub the actual area. Plus it feels divine!

Pressure Point/Acupressure- Dating back to the dawn of man, Acupressure is an ancient technique that has survived the test of time. Similar to Reflexology, studies have concluded that specific pressure points throughout our body can stimulate healing in other areas or prevent many health issues from developing. You may feel one of these points when you pinch the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. When you find the correct spot, you will feel the nerve twinge and tingle in your hand and maybe all the way up your arm. When you apply pressure to this point for a few seconds, our natural painkiller (Endorphins) are released! Great to relieve head-aches or other such pain.

Your Licensed Massage Therapist will likely be certified to practice most of these techniques and more. Ask your LMT today!

Dixie Ewing LMT

801-917-4488

MassageMomDixie@gmail.com

SPORTS MASSAGE.... Not Just for Professional Athletes Anymore!

SPORTS MASSAGE....

Not Just for Professional Athletes Anymore!

Sports/Therapy Massage! It is becoming commonly known to benefit anyone who lives an active lifestyle or those who need to rehabilitate muscles, as it focuses on the individual needs of each person. Clients (especially men) who are new to massage, may feel more comfortable asking for Sports Massage, because they know many professional athletes are regular recipients.

Enhance! Sports Massage enhances a persons ability to balance their daily activities with any type of physical exercise or exertion. Sports massage covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of muscles, ligaments and tendons to aid in the recovery of our busy, stressful lives and enhance day to day performance in every aspect. A constant build-up of tension in the muscles from regular activity may lead to overwhelming stress on our muscular system. Sports Massage is a very effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to our bodies. Over-used muscles may lose their capacity to relax which causes tight muscles and loss of flexibility. Lack of flexibility is often linked to to injuries, especially muscle pulls and tears. Of course tight muscles restrict blood flow and leads to poor circulation. A regular routine of massage therapy is very effective in decreasing these effects of heavily stressed muscles.

What can you expect during a Sports Massage appointment? Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage techniques use trigger point therapy and friction strokes to break down adhesion's (knots in the muscles) and increase range of motion. Also common in Sports Massage are passive stretching movements where the therapist moves and manipulates extremities to aid in muscle flexibility. Always give feedback if you are uncomfortable in any way. Do your best to relax and allow your therapist to control your limbs and work with your muscles. Remember to focus on regular breathing to help oxygen circulation.

Benefits you can look forward to from Sports Massage may include:

• Increased Range of Motion for Joints 
• Better Circulation
• Greater Flexibility
• Detoxify Muscle Toxins (Lactic Acid)
• Raised Sense of Well-Being
• Reduced Muscle Tension
• Alleviation of Neurological Issues (Nerves Relaxed)
• Less Chance of Injury
• Shorter Recovery Time Between Activities
• Diminished Muscle Spasms and Cramps

Communicate! Be sure to communicate with our Licensed Massage Therapists about your physical health. Our therapists will customize your Sports Massage session to the needs of your busy lifestyle.

WATER! WATER! WATER! As a follow-up to all massage therapy, remember to drink EXTRA WATER for the next 24-48 hours to help flush out any toxins and re-hydrate your muscles. Think of it as an “oil change” for your body!

Dixie Ewing LMT

801-917-4488

MassageMomDixie@gmail.com 

Passion Pursued

So...what ya here for? Maybe you are a massage therapist and have thought about doing massage on the road? Perhaps you are a fellow full-time RVer  and are wondering how others make a living? Or you're curiosity gotcha, and you wanna know what the heck this blog is about? Let me tell you what I'm here for.... I've been a Licensed Massage Therapist for over 15 years and more important, a Mom for almost 14 years! Of course, my #1 passion is my sweet and spicy husband! About a year ago, we took on a totally new adventure as a family and that's what this blog is about! We sold our house, most all our stuff and hit the road in our RV! And I'm here to tell you about life on the road as MassageMom! This blog brings all my passions together.  Massage, kids, husband and travel, oh my! So...when I ask 'what ya here for?'...what I mean is 'what's your passion?' I'd love to hear about it!  

(pic of my youngest on massage chair...cute!)