Here’s a really quick and easy massage therapy marketing tip using Google maps. Get yourself listed at the top of Google when people search for massage therapy in your area. The best part is you don’t even have to have a website yet.

This is often a surprisingly easy way to get your site listed right at the top of the search results. Google maps listings usually appear above all the other listings when you search Google using a place name e.g. “massage Colchester”. You can list your site on Google Maps for free. Whenever someone does a search on Google that relates to your therapy and your area your site will appear at the top of the listings.

Make sure you list all the possible ways someone might search for you in the “categories” section of your Google maps listing. e.g “massage therapist”, “massage therapy” “massage” etc. That way searches using all of these terms will trigger your listing.

Also don’t forget to include your therapy and location in the title of your listing. This way it will get a lot more attention as the words that match the searcher’s query will be highlighted.

Visit the link below to add your business to Google Maps:

http://maps.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=7039

Lots of people have been getting top listings on Google very easily with this massage therapy marketing technique. It only takes a matter of minutes and it can get you a lot of highly targeted visitors to your website.

As a massage therapist it is vital to know the various parts of the human body and understand their significance. Two terms that you should know and understand are Golgi tendons and muscle spindle cells. As a massage therapist it is important to know these two sensory neuron proprioceptors and know what they do. The muscle spindle, for instance, is a proprioceptor that relays information regarding changes in the length of muscles. The Golgi tendon is a different type of proprioceptor that relays information regarding muscle tension changes. These two proprioceptors are important for stretching muscles and conditioning muscles. Together they help to protect the muscles from overstretching and becoming injured. First, though, it is important to know what each is and its particular function.

What are Sensory Neurons

Neurons are cells that work to carry messages through the body. The neurons are responsible for telling you to bend your finger or flex your foot. They also make sure that you don’t overstretch your muscle or apply too much tension to a tendon, thus avoiding injury. Every neuron is comprised of a cell body and nerve fibers. It is the nerve fibers that receive impulses from other neurons and then send that information to the cell body. The fibers then send the impulses away from the cell body to other neurons.

The Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindle cells are both sensory neurons called proprioceptors. These sensory neurons are located in nerves and tracts but their cell bodies are found just outside of the spinal cord. They move messages from sensory organs in the tendons and muscles to the spinal cord. Some of these neuron fibers are called proprioceptive fibers. These fibers monitor the way that a muscle contracts and stretches as well as measures the tension that is in a tendon and transmit’s that information to the spinal cord so that the information can be processed. This feedback allows the body to know positions and postures of the limbs even when they cannot be seen.

What are Golgi Tendons

Golgi tendon organs are located in the collagen fibers of the tendon at the point where the tendon fibers merge with the muscle fibers. While they function in a manner that is similar to muscle spindle cells in that they measure muscle changes, they only become activated when there is contraction of the tendon. They also monitor changes in the tension of the muscle that comes from a change of the muscle length. When the tendon or muscle is overstrained, it sends a message to the muscle which causes it to relax. This is important for preventing injury.

What are Muscle Spindle Cells

Muscle spindle cells are located in the muscle fibers, parallel to them. Their function is to monitor and measure muscle length on a continual basis, both when the muscle is at rest and when it is stretched as well as the speed of changes in muscle length. The muscle spindle cell is located inside the muscle while the Golgi is located at the end of the muscle.

How the Golgi Tendon Organs and Muscle Spindle Cells Work Together

The muscle spindle cells [http://www.think-diagonal.com/category/massage-therapy-bodywork/] have a very effective working relationship with the Golgi tendon organs. The muscle spindle monitors the changes in length and the speed of those changes within the muscle. It sends the message to the spine to convey the information to trigger the stretch reflex. This stretch reflex, for which the Golgi tendon organs are a part, tries to stop the change of the length of the muscle. This is a protective feature of the human body that prevents injury. The more the muscle tries to stretch and the faster it tries to stretch, the more the Golgi tendon organs cause it to contract. Over time, the muscles can be trained so that the stretch reflex allows for more and more of a stretch before contracting.

As a massage therapist it is important that you understand how the Golgi tendon organs and muscle spindle cells work together to prevent injury to muscles. As you work and stretch the muscles of your client, you must pay attention to the response of their body. Learn to detect the muscle spindle cell’s span and ability to stretch, but also learn how to detect when the Golgi tendon organs begin to work to prevent injury. Then learn how to work with that push-pull action to help lengthen the muscle and increase the muscle spindle cell’s ability to stretch the muscle until the Golgi tendon organs attempt to stop the stretch. This will help you prevent injury to your client and help them work with sports injuries.

Massage for Whiplash: How to Find the Right Massage Therapist to Treat your Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is also known as cervical acceleration/deceleration injury, and hyperextension/hyperflexion injury. We will assume for this article that you are already aware of the symptoms of whiplash and that you have an idea of the most common causes of whiplash. Massage has a proven track record in helping people heal from whiplash injuries and ongoing research in this arena is promising.

The 4 Main Hurdles to Overcome in Utilizing Massage Treatment for Whiplash are:

1. Many physicians still have limited knowledge about the usefulness of massage and bodywork. Massage and bodywork for medical conditions and injuries are still in the process of gaining acceptance by the medical community at large. The good news is that more physicians everyday are opening up to, and recognizing the benefits of, utilizing massage and bodywork for injury treatment.
2. The training for massage therapists and bodyworkers is not standardized and there can be a great disparity in knowledge and training among graduates from different programs. Some states still have no licensing requirements. Fortunately, there is a growing movement advocating for advanced training for massage therapists and bodyworkers who specialize in treating injuries and managing pain associated with chronic medical conditions.
3. You may live in a state where massage is not a licensed healthcare profession and auto insurance companies may balk at paying for massage for whiplash treatment.
4. The knowledge base of the public. Most lay persons, and whiplash sufferers, may not know there is a difference between spa massage, and massage and bodyworking techniques that can be effectively utilized to speed healing from whiplash. I am not slighting the spa industry. Massage for relaxation has its own therapeutic value, although it is not well suited for site specific injury treatment. What’s the difference between spa massage and medical or therapeutic massage? Spa massage tends to be a more generalized effort to calm the nervous system and reduce general tension in the structure. Medical massage, or therapeutic massage, is more focused and endeavors to address trauma and to alleviate pain in the short term. The long term goals are to effect mechanical changes, make histological improvements (effect changes in the characteristics of the tissues involved), and to restore function and balance to the structure.

Tried and True Methods of Finding the Right Therapist or Organization

There are some tried and true ways of finding a massage therapist to treat whiplash. If you are fortunate enough to have a physician who is already aware of the usefulness of manual therapies, he/she may have a clinic or list of medical massage establishments that are reputable and can render effective massage treatment for whiplash. If not, there are other avenues such as friends, coworkers, and online rating sites. The problem here is, unknown to each of these sources, treating whiplash requires higher levels of training and skill. Finding someone to perform effective massage treatment for whiplash is different from finding a massage practitioner who performs great well-body massage. The problem with relying on word-of-mouth referrals from people who may not have had massage for the treatment of whiplash, is that they may not know the difference between the use of relaxation techniques and the use of more advanced theories and techniques which are used to treat significant soft tissue injuries. It is often necessary to take things into your own hands and do your own research.

Finding Massage for Whiplash On Your Own

Things to look for:

1. A clinical setting with a therapist or therapists who have a higher level of training. It is possible to find a clinic that has many excellent therapists. Excellent professionals seek out associates of equal caliber to stay challenged, and up to date, so they can continue to grow their skill-sets. Collaboration between colleagues can offer advantages for patients and massage therapists alike. These are just points to consider. It is also possible to find an exceptional practitioner who operates a solo practice.
2. An experienced therapist or therapists who have worked with many whiplash cases. Less experienced massage therapists can render excellent advanced work as well, when properly mentored. Seek a therapist or organization where whiplash is one of the primary conditions they treat.
3. Therapists who are in the practice of keeping professional chart notes (also called SOAP notes) and who can write accurate reports containing important information for physicians, claim adjusters and lawyers. You will want excellent documentation of your injuries and treatment in order to establish the medical necessity for the treatment. In addition, complete and accurate documentation of your treatment is essential should your case need to be argued in court.
4. Location. Is it in a reasonable location for you? Are you willing to drive longer distances to see more experienced specialists? Depending on the specifics of your case, the treatment period could be weeks or months. This makes distance and the convenience of getting to your therapist’s location an obvious consideration.

Questions to ask of a prospective therapist or organization:

1. Do they specialize in whiplash? Are they comfortable working in the anterior triangle of the neck? Many therapists are not comfortable working the entire neck because they have not been trained to work the front of the neck, known as the anterior triangle. Treating this area of the body is not taught in many basic licensing courses and the therapists without this training will not want to work this area, nor should they. It is important to note that, although most whiplash pain is felt in the back of the neck and upperback, it is usually perpetuated by post-traumatic muscle guarding in the anterior (front side of) the neck. Alleviating whiplash pain is only the initial concern. Restoring function and the proper anterior/posterior postural balance (holding your head well balanced on top of your neck and shoulders) is imperative for long-term health and the avoidance of serious residual problems down the road. Properly treating the anterior triangle is an important part of restoring that balance.
2. How much experience do they have as an individual or as a group? How much knowledge is under one roof? This is an important consideration, because inexperienced therapists who are not being supervised or mentored, may miss problems common to a whiplash injury. There are problems of which the patient may not be aware. For example: a patient was rear-ended while sitting at a traffic light. It is common for a person holding the steering wheel in this situation to have shoulder joint injuries which are masked by the overwhelming neck pain. An inexperienced therapist may neglect to do simple palpation of the shoulder, which would be surprisingly tender to the patient, and confirm the injury. A missed condition that will become more evident as the inflammation in the neck subsides. This shoulder injury could be unnecessarily challenged by the insurance company responsible for payment. The insurance company would argue that the shoulder injury was not from the accident, since it was not charted on the initial visit. I understand that this is unfair, but it is how insurance companies usually behave. The point here is that massage therapists who are experienced in treating whiplash know what to look for and how to treat it.
3. How long have they been in business? Again this speaks to the level of experience. Seasoned therapists, or clinics with multiple therapists and a large collective body of knowledge, understand the intricacies of treating serious injuries such as whiplash. Just as important is an understanding of proper documentation and dealing with insurance companies, which leads us to number 4…
4. Do they do the insurance billing for you? Or will they require you to pay at the time of service and leave you to bill your own insurance company? Billing is a valuable service provided by well established practices. It can take a lot of the paperwork load and hassle off of you while you are healing.

As mentioned before not all states regulate the practice of massage. Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wyoming are the states where massage is currently unregulated. Check the American Massage Therapy Association website for the latest update.

While this article is not meant to answer all of your questions on how to find the right massage therapist or organization, I hope it gets you well on the way to finding the person or persons who can render the most effective massage for your whiplash treatment, and help you fully heal from your injuries.

Massage therapists say that being able to help and interact with people who are afflicted with dementia is their most rewarding experience.

Massage sessions from skilled physical therapists are beneficial to clients afflicted with dementia, especially since our ageing population is having a major impact on hospitals and nursing homes, and we all know that a huge number of people afflicted by dementia are the elderly.

Massage is a powerful, yet under-utilized means that can provide solution to the increasing and urgent need of finding alternatives in curing behavioral symptoms common to dementia. Massage and dementia may seem like it’s an odd paring, however, numerous studies indicate that patients with dementia especially the elderly, can benefit from massage therapy.

Massage has different forms. Some are evidence-based, relationship-centered, practical and pro-active. With the right utilization, this can be a perfect tool that can help establish holistic dementia care while helping providers meet regulatory requirements.

Experts in geriatric care and in the field studying dementia have been encouraging caregivers and facilities to avoid unnecessary use of anti-psychotic medications in favor of non-pharmacological approaches to which massage therapy belongs.

This is also the reason why most massage therapist have started to further their repertoire of skills and specializations by enrolling in a short but rewarding course of taking care if people with dementia. Massage courses that specializes in treating people with dementia is also beneficial for individuals who are interested in learning the procedure for their loved ones..

There are institutions that offer these ground-breaking 1-day training course which will give you the tools to set up a positive relationship with a client who has dementia. Since massage therapy has been known to be a key solution in this context due to the fact that it prioritizes human interaction and caring for dementia patients stems from strong relationship-building, the lack of human touch which is a major problem for frail or ill elderly can be easily solved.

These kinds of courses will help you dispel the myths around dementia as well as equip you with the proper techniques to give them a massage treatment that will surely benefit your patients. Specialized institution also offer exciting, unique, and fun opportunities for aspiring therapist to learn and experience a training day that combines advanced techniques to help enable people with dementia to feel more comfortable about touch. This is an excellent opportunity not only for professionals but also for people who have a member of their family suffering from such conditions.

Nei Kung or Nei Gong is an ancient practice derived from internal martial arts. It was more often practiced in the Shaolin and Wudang temples to maintain internal energy harmony and balance for health and harmony. However it is an invaluable extension to any Tuina practitioner’s health and wellbeing. Doctors in China nowadays do not have time or the inclination to bestow upon their students the merits of Nei Kung or even Chi Kung. Those Doctors I have met in China who have been practising since the 1960’s have been involved in Nei Gong, Tai Chi, Iron Shirt or some form of internal energy enhancement.

What any practitioner of Tuina or Massage therapy, or even Acupuncture needs to realise is that Nei Kung is an invaluable tool to remain healthy, prevent illness, coughs and colds, and remain grounded. At a much higher level the practitioner may experience lengthy periods of heightened awareness, perception and even the ability to project Chi or Qi into their patients to affect a healing response.

What forms are Nei Kung are out there? There are several styles, one of which I definitely recommend is called the ‘Tendon Changing Classic’ or Yin Jin Jing. Its is based on years of history around internal martial arts and restorative Taosit exercises. Personally I like to practice the ‘8 Palm Standing Set’, which is a lesser known form of Nei Kung but is easier to learn and execute effectively. Generally those involved in Tuina or Acupuncture should at least consider som form of internal energy work to prevent burnout from their business.

The practice of Nei Kung incorporates standing, moving and breathing in a certain way with emphasis on using the mind towards directing, observing and refining internal Chi or Qi flow through the body. It differs from Chi Kung or Qi Gong in that it focuses on the energy already present in the body and does not make any attempt to draw energy from the outside in.

It may be that you are taken in by the number of fabulous designs massage tables are now available in, but it is advisable to wait and compare these for quality and pricing against others existing in the growing market so your back massage is more soothing than ever!

Look for the basics of a massage table along the concepts that make it a dependable and worthy proposition to invest in for your good health: check out various designs, type of construction, comfort and firmness factors besides the weight (both of the table and on your pocket!)

A good massage table needs to be not only good to look at, but functional and practical as well for your added ease of transportation; choose one that is portable and made of good quality, whatever your budget.

Check out various parts of the massage table that takes your fancy and look for design details such as comfort and ease of use, even if it the age-old folding massage table pattern, which has a skirt hiding legs that can be altered to suit different height requirements.

There are also massage tables available for extra storage and some even come with side-trays and lighting fixture scope so these can be closed down when not in use and store oils, sponges, cloths and incense etc. out of view and safely, but handy if needed.

The typical table-tops measure 30 inches wide and 76 inches in length; they have rounded corners so covers are easy to put on and no sharp edges protrude when the massage expert has to stretch across a client. Most good quality massage tables come with an added foam-insert that has a built-in face hole and padded table skirts so no hardware is apparently sticking out. Usually, they also have easily adjustable legs that can be operated with one knob and have center support braces to hold every part in place, held together by steel cables that do not allow the massage table to collapse under weight.

One can go in for the DIY type also and put together various locks, levers, knobs and screws to assemble the massage table of their requirement by following simple instructions, but this was mostly for the older version (with airplane wings that folded for easy storage and locked tight when in use). This variety cut back on using wood on the supports or legs to curtail weight, but all massage tables – whatever the pattern – do use generous amount of padding and plastic washers so the session is comfortable and peaceful.

If keen on one with wooden parts, check to see these are all curved nicely, sanded down and finished proper to give the surface an elegant look and remain snag-free; opting for the new soft feeling, tough-acting vinyl is a good idea for your massage table investment because it can stand up to a lot of wear and tear subject to body oils, sweat and toxins etc. besides being easy to clean.

So, go for quality (perhaps even add in the neck and leg pillow for added pampering) and choose a massage table that offers more facilities and rub up someone the right way!

One of the most fascinating things about massages is that it is not restricted to people of a certain age. Anyone regardless of age and sex can reap the benefits of massage therapy. Even though this practice is generally utilized by adults, parents of new born babies and little children are also joining the ranks. These parents actively seek this form of alternative therapy in order to ensure proper upbringing of their loved ones.

The techniques for alternative massage therapy are generally the same for babies and children alike. However, the difference lies in the proper handling and also in the magnitude of benefits they provide for children of different ages.

Alternative Massage Therapy for Babies

Infant massages demand extreme care and attention as they have a direct impact on the human brain. There are a plethora of benefits of this specialized form of touch. Infant massages are helpful in enhancing a baby’s physical, emotional, mental and social development. They create a strong bond between parent and child as the baby gets exposed to the sense of gentle touch. Moreover, it is very effective in helping premature babies gain weight. It improves motor development in cocaine-exposed infants and facilitates the breathing function of babies experiencing asthma. Such babies show positive gains in behavior and a decline in anxiety and stress hormone, Cortisol after massage treatment.

Babies tend to cry a lot as it is their only means of expressing themselves during the early stages of infancy. A gentle massage can soothe a crying baby and also relieve any colic, circulatory and digestive ailments. Furthermore, it helps new parents become comfortable with their child so it is a win-win situation for everyone. A thirty minute massage session for the baby should be a part of every parent’s daily routine.

Alternative Massage Therapy for Children

Pediatric massage differs from infants in many ways and offers numerous benefits. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD, is a rapidly rising psychiatric disorder among children. A general estimate puts 3-7% of all school-age children and adolescents as sufferers of ADHD. Studies have proven massage therapy as an effective tool to counter this disorder. A recent study revealed that adolescent boys who received 10-15 minutes of daily massage alternative therapy showed improved focus and less fatigue. They also rated themselves happier and showed remarkable signs of positive mood.

Long Term Benefits of Alternative Therapy

Another long term benefit of pediatric massage therapy is that it thwarts any potential problems that the child may encounter during his adult life. Marybetts Sinclair, one of the pioneers in pediatric massages is a massage therapist and writes about her own experiences on working with adults. She noted that many problem experiencing adults could have been effectively dealt with massage therapy during their childhood.

Trigger points from childhood injuries can cause pain and muscle stiffness in adult life. A birth injury that never healed could in turn cause structural problems. Some kids go through emotional trauma which if left untreated follows them in their adult life. All of this, according to Sinclair, can be prevented through alternative massage therapy.

The best part about alternative massage therapy is that it is a completely natural solution to numerous problems and does not require the use of any prescription drugs or medication. It is 100% safe and has no adverse side effects whatsoever making it ideal for children of all ages.

Craniosacral massage is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system.

It is a form of healing therapy, we look at the benefits of craniosacral massage and examine the benefits of it in more detail.

What is the Craniosacral System?

The Craniosacral system is a physiological system like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and provides the physical environment in which the brain and spinal cord develop and function.

The membranes and cerebrospinal fluid of the craniosacral system surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Craniosacral Massage therapy deals with the bones of the head, spinal column, sacrum and the underlying structures.

This type of massage employs a very light touch and uses specifically designed techniques to release restrictions and compression in these areas.

Craniosacral Massage – How Does it Work?

Craniosacral massage taps into the inherent wisdom of the body which allows it to heal itself where possible.

The craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body. Craniosacral massage therapists use a very light, soft touch to monitor this rhythm and pinpoint sources of obstruction and stress in the body.

Once located the therapist will assist the natural movement and release of the restriction to help the body self correct.

Craniosacral massage therapy can be used to treat childhood conditions such as poor sleep, restlessness, colic and ear infections.

It is a gentle and non-invasive therapy and can be used to treat babies while they are asleep.

Craniosacral Massage – Is it safe for Everyone?

Craniocascral massage is safe if performed for the right condition.

As with most massage treatments there are some medical conditions that are contra indicated and craniosacral massage should not be recommended.

These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability.

Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other pre-existing severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.

It is advisable to consult your medical practitioner before embarking on a course of treatment.

Craniosacral Massage – What are the Benefits?

Due to its influence on the functioning of the central nervous system, craniosacral massage benefits the body in a number of ways.

It is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease and alleviate a wide range of specific medical conditions including:

o Chronic back and neck pain

o Headache

o Tension

o Migraine

o Autism

o Chronic Fatigue

o Post traumatic stress disorder

o Emotional difficulties

Craniosacral massage has also proved effective in treating stress related dysfunctions and various sensory disorders.

What Happens during a Session?

As with most massage treatment, craniosacral massage usually takes place in a quiet, private setting.

During the massage you will remain fully clothed and it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing. Most people choose to remove their shoes.

You will be asked to recline on a massage couch or treatment table. The practitioner sits or stands and

will move around between the client’s head, torso and feet.

Some therapists may use a light organic oil to facilitate the massage.

Finding a qualified therapist

To get the best results from a craniosacral massage, seek out a suitably trained and qualified therapist who you feel comfortable with.

More and more massage therapists and osteopaths are incorporating some craniosacral massage techniques into their treatments and you should find craniosacral massage available at spas, salons and healthclubs.

Bodywork is perfectly suited for reducing the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a condition typically appearing in young children, although teenagers and adults may also be affected. Someone with ADHD has difficulty controlling their behavior and/or paying attention. It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States.

Symptoms

The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms begin over the course of many months, often with impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. A child who “can’t sit still” or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered a “discipline problem,” while the child who is passive or sluggish may be viewed as unmotivated. Each of these children may have different types of ADHD.

All children are sometimes restless, sometimes act without thinking and sometimes daydream. When the child’s hyperactivity, distractibility, poor concentration, or impulsivity begin to affect performance in school, social relationships with other children, or behavior at home, ADHD may be suspected. Because the symptoms of ADHD vary so much, ADHD must be diagnosed by a professional. Primarily consisting of stimulants, pharmaceutical intervention is the first choice in treating ADHD. In an effort to control affected individuals, an increasing number of school age children are regularly medicated.

The Brain

The suggested etiology of ADHD consists of many proposed theories. Whether stemming from genetics, environment or trauma, most experts agree the brains of individuals with this condition function differently than those unaffected. Research scientists have learned a great deal about ADHD by using modern brain imaging technology. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) researchers found that children with ADHD had 3 to 4 percent smaller brain volume in several regions, than age and gender matched controls. According to Jay Gordon, MD, a “deficiency in central nervous system dopamine probably causes many, if not most, of the problems associated with ADHD.” It is no surprise that the most popular medications for this condition increase dopamine levels within the brain.

The Autonomic Nervous System

Two structures comprise our nervous system, the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system assures proper functioning of involuntary actions, such as heart rate, dilation of blood vessels and our body’s secretion of chemicals. The autonomic nervous system has two sub-divisions, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic system provides us with adrenaline (the fight-or-flight response), while the parasympathetic is responsible for relaxation.

The sympathetic portion of the autonomic nervous system appears to be the predominant force in ADHD, overriding the balancing role of the parasympathetic system. Bodywork can be a critical component of ADHD recovery because it accesses and initiates the parasympathetic nervous system response.

Proof

At the Touch Research Institute in Florida, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of massage therapy on ADHD. Thirty ADHD diagnosed students aged 7 to 18 years participated in the study where one group received massage therapy for 20 minutes twice per week over the course of one month. The researchers reported that the ADHD students in the massage group demonstrated improved short-term mood state and longer-term classroom behavior.

Methods

While there is no specific ADHD massage technique, certain methods will have a greater effect than others. The important concept to grasp is that stimulating the parasympathetic relaxation response is desired when working with this population. Clues for the therapist indicating parasympathetic response are slowed breathing, reduced heart rate and increased digestive sounds.

Since many styles of bodywork initiate relaxation, the following five suggestions for ADHD are not all inclusive:

1. Swedish massage, particularly effleurage and other slow stroking movements have a sedating effect, leading to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

2. Because they encourage stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, avoid fast and firm strokes, as well as percussive massage techniques.

3. Cranial-sacral therapy will free up any restrictions in the cranium or sacrum that could contribute to ADHD. Additionally, the movements used in this modality initiate the parasympathetic response.

4. Rooted in Osteopathic medicine, myofascial release bypasses the muscles by focusing on the fascia as one, large, connected system. Exceedingly gentle, the unwinding technique in myofascial release activates the parasympathetic system. Similar to cranial-sacral, this will free any restrictions inhibiting energy flow, leading to tension release.

5. Watsu is a deeply relaxing style of bodywork performed in a warm water pool. While specific training and equipment (a pool!) are needed to perform this therapy, it has been reputed to calm the uncalmable.

The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is controversial, as parents are refusing to accept the habitual medicating of their children. Many have posed the hypothesis that ADHD is a natural evolution of our brains to keep up with the speed at which technology powers our world. Living in a calm and peaceful environment is now an exception, rather than the norm. Bodyworkers have the ability to introduce calm and peace to a client, regardless of their environment. By focusing ADHD treatment on the parasympathetic nervous system, massage therapy can be a crucial component of therapy for this condition.

References:

Khilnani S, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M, Schanberg S., Massage therapy improves mood and behavior of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Adolescence, 2003 Winter; 38(152):623-38.

Osborn, Karri, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Soma Brings Peace of Mind to Families, Massage and Bodywork, June/July 2004.

Soma Brings Peace of Mind to Families

Osborn, Karri, Sea of Calm: Water Therapy Touches Young Spirits, Massage and Bodywork, Feb/March 2003.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov, Attention Deficit Disorder, National Institute of Mental Health, 2/17/06.

http://www.realbodywork.com, The Nervous System, Sean Riehl, 2003.

http://www.drjaygordon.com, Attention Deficit Disorder, Gordon, MD, J., 2005.

In home massages have lots of benefits over traveling to a day spa or massage center. Here are just a few benefits of receiving spa therapies in the comfort of your home.

No driving afterwords

When you receive an in home massage, you don’t have to worry about driving home or getting stuck in traffic. You have to be alert to drive, and alertness can cut short the relaxation benefits of your massage.

Pro-long the relaxation benefits

An in home massage enables you to really prolong your relaxation. You can schedule the appointment right before retiring for the evening. Or you can plan a warm bath or other relaxation ritual before and after your massage.

Experience deeper relaxation

Relaxation requires focusing your attention within and withdrawing it from your five senses and the external world. When you travel to another location to receive massage, your senses are usually on high alert because of the sensory input of the new space.

When you’re at home, you’re so accustomed to the space, that you’re better able to relax more quickly. This helps you move deeper into relaxation during the session. So if you’re receiving a massage for stress relief, then in-home massages can deliver more stress relief in one session

Receive a full hour, not 50 minutes

Did you know that when you go to a spa to receive massage, you only receive 50 minutes? Spas do this to fit more appointments into the day. Many times when you get an in home massage, you’ll receive an hour or a little longer because the therapist is not is as much of a rush since they usually schedule plenty of time in between clients to allot for travel time.

You’re not just a number

At spas, massage therapist usually have about 5-10 minutes in between clients to change the sheets and set the room up for the next client. Talk about stressed out. They also do anywhere between 5 to 7 massages a day. So naturally, the quality decreases.

When a massage therapist comes to your home to do massage, they see your home, family pictures, and maybe even family, so they have more insight into you as a person needing their services rather than just a number. This can mean a higher quality massage.

Before booking an in home massage, keep in mind that when you book from an agency, especially one that’s not local, many times they have never even met the massage therapist they send to your house. So there’s no guarantee of professionalism or quality.

The best case would be to search for independent massage therapist who is licensed in your state. Google is a great tool where you can put in “in home massage” and your city, state to find a massage therapist. Once you find someone you like, just verify their certification before booking an appointment.