This picture is what everyone envisions as a Massage and they are correct. As in any profession there are fundamental principles that all students learn and practice as they begin to hone their trade. It is no different in the Massage world as every student is taught the benefits and movements of Massage.

What differentiates one individual person from the next? Education is the primary differential between most Massage practitioners. In the State of Ohio there are over 11,000 Massage Therapists licensed by the Medical Board. We do hold the distinction as being the only state requiring a limited medical practitioners license to practice Massage Therapy. We were all students of state approved schools that issued a diploma stating that we completed all of the necessary requirements to sit for the exam. 

There are many non-licensed practitioners as well in this state who might have gone to a school and for one reason or another were not able to pass the exam. There are also practitioners who have gone to schools to receive a certificate to perform massage but because of legislation are not permitted to hold themselves out as therapists. A therapist is able to treat disorders to the human body, whereas the practitioner moves to relax the body.

In last weeks blog I recommended that everyone should receive a Massage every month. It helps to reduce stress to the body itself which helps promote wellness in the tissues and organs. But is every Massage equal? No, far from it! The individual receiving the Massage should have expectations of what, as any consumer should, they are to receive. As the practitioner moves through your bodily tissue they should be able to detect if there are underlying problems that exist and be able to advise you of them and what course of action is available for you to take. 

An example of this is, that tightness and restriction of movement in your neck and shoulders, what is the cause. The practitioner should be educated enough to inform you of not only the cause but some of the long term issues that can present themselves. Like your car, your body needs a tune-up and a bumper to bumper inspection. 

That is what the CVWC Club Massage is meant to do. Your therapist, all of the therapist here are licensed, will keep track of what they find and give you a report each and every time you come in. Although the session is not "Therapeutic" in nature, any time anyone places their hands on you therapy happens. You as the consumer have every right to expect that individual to be an expert in their profession. 

In many instances we have been able to prevent a painful situation from developing by advising individuals of these future issues that they may face. Also, by tending to these issues you can rest assured that all of those tissues I discussed previously are being placed in the healthiest position possible. 

If you have questions about the CVWC Club Massage  and its many benefits please give us a call. One of the therapists would gladly discuss with you just how it will help you in the long term. Remember the CVWC Club Massage is priced so that you will want to have that luxury once a month. Call 216.364.0152 or email us at appointments@chagrinvalleywellness.com. 

remember HOPE for the best!


Dennis

Matrix - a substance containing something: a substance in which something is embedded or enclosed

The above is the definition of a matrix, the picture to the left shows a matrix, as you can see it is free flowing and always in motion. Why is this so important to relieving pain?

The human body is comprised of many different tissues or substances. There are organs, bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles and a substance called Fascia. Fascia is truly the first substance that develops in the human body at the cellular level right after conception. As the cells start their development process the Fascia is what allows that movement to happen. As the embryo develops and the cells divide and the other tissues of the body develop the Fascia will become the envelope and hold everything in place. Since the body is in perpetual motion the tissue that covers everything must have that capability. Fascia is on the move 24/7 and is probably the strongest of all the materials in the body.

When there is any form of trauma to the body this covering system is what needs to change to adapt to the sudden changes that occur. Since it covers the bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles it also holds these tissues in the proper position whether it is right or wrong.

The ligaments are an extension of the Fascia system and their job has a fourfold purpose, they position the bones that form a joint, they stabilize that joint, they prepare the joint to move and lastly, control the speed of movement. What this means is that when a conscious effort to move is made the ligaments, if healthy, will set everything up to move. In cases of abrupt or sudden change in posture, like a fall or auto accident, the ligaments don't always have the opportunity to respond correctly. The Fascia responds for it and holds it in place to minimize the damage.

When proper or natural movement takes place, it is the ligament that signals the tendon as to which bony structure needs to move to fulfill the movement. When that abrupt or sudden movement happens, though there are incorrect signals and compromises to the proper movement pattern.

The muscle tissue basic job is either to shorten or lengthen, that is it. What it does need to do though, is when in its movement pattern the muscle does not have the ability to only move part way through its cycle. In cases of abrupt or sudden movement the muscle will often not complete its mission and this action is what keeps the tension on the joint which eventually ends up with pain.

The problem lays in the fact that if you only try and change one of the tissues, especially the Fascia, it will return what the brain perceives it should be. People will often ask what they need to do after a Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® session, well the following is what I personally suggest. JOIN THE CLUB!

At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center we treat these tissues in different ways but the prime method is Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh®. We also use Acupuncture, Structural Integration, Reiki, Massage and Fundamental Movement Therapy(SM). Over the next few weeks I will discuss the protocol for all and how they integrate one with the other.

One of the most underused methods is what I refer to as Basic Massage. This is the massage practice that most are accustomed to but truly do not understand completely. At the Wellness Center we have the CVWC Club Massage and I'll explain why this is a valuable tool for most individuals. We have sharply discounted the cost of this to encourage everyone to take advantage of the program. When massage is performed correctly, and there is a lot more than just rubbing the skin, it has the ability to keep the aforementioned tissues healthy, supple and functional.

Relaxation Massage, as it is commonly referred to as, should be treated with much more respect than it is. Mainstream America has taken it and tried to enhance it by giving it many different names and have added more add-ons to it than is necessary. Massage is a very educated touch that needs to be applied with precise techniques to fully incorporate all of the positive aspects that it brings. Individuals need to have the same respect for this form of Art as they do a Monet, because when properly applied to can create a thing of beauty, YOU!

Massage when applied correctly will open many of the closed pathways or restrictions in the Fascia during the effleurage portion. When Petrissage is applied, a technique that gently lifts the muscle, breaks down minor adhesions in the tissue, and promotes better circulation. The full body should be treated to truly capture the beauty of the art, which it is when properly done.

I invite all to look in to the CVWC Club Massage as an investment to your overall health and well-being. The monthly fee is $48.00 + $3.72 tax and that includes a one hour session. If you decide you want an additional massage during the month it is an additional $50.00 +$3.88 tax. Treat your body to health and as Mark Twain once said, "If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"

Keep your matrix flowing freely, it not only promotes better movement but this is the same tissue that allows your internal organs to freely move and stay healthy. For further information or to join the Club, please call one of our Client Care Specialists for details @  (216)364-0152 or appointments@chagrinvalleywellness.com.

a Reason to HOPE!
by Helping Ourselves Pain Ends!
Dennis Gibbons LMT