The Massage Store

New Services

2011-12-21T07:27:00.002-07:00

We are excited to announce the addition of 2 new services - tandem massage (also sometimes known as "Four Hand Massage") and something very unique we call a "50/50 Massage"!

The tandem massage utilizes 2 therapists, each working on the client simultaneously. You can request they mirror their movements (for example, they each massage your back, one on each side) or they can work in different, but complimentary areas (one might be massaging your head and neck while the other is working on your feet). Either way, you receive twice the massage is half the time! Choose from either 30 or 60 minutes (actually giving you 60 or 120 minutes worth of traditional massage time!).

Our other new service we like to call "50/50 Massage". One therapist works on you for 50 minutes, then a second therapist seamlessly transitions in and works another 50 minutes, giving you a total of 100 minutes. You can choose 2 different types of massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, relaxing vs. therapeutic, etc) or just be able to benefit from 2 different therapists with varying techniques and styles. Choice is yours!

Both of these new services are available now and can be booked by calling our store, or as always, by visiting our website and booking online. Gift certificates are also available for these and any other service we offer.

Meet Anli from The Massage Store!

2011-12-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

Anli Llego

Anli is originally from the Philippines, but has been in the United States for almost 7 years.

In addition to being a massage therapist, she is also a licensed psychiatric technician, working at a local Grand Junction facility.

Anli says "I feel I am always learning and as a massage therapist, the continuing education courses I take give me the opportunity to learn other modalities that use in my session. I feel strongly drawn to energy work, which I incorporate into my sessions. I love doing massage because I act as a conduit in helping a body heal itself. I am at my happiest being that."

To book an appointment with Anli, click here or call 243-3934.

Meet Serena from The Massage Store!

2011-12-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Serena Stark

Serena graduated in 1998 from Crestone Healing Arts Center in Crestone, CO. She later studied Thai massage, first in 2007, then again in 2010 at Spirit Winds School of Thai Massage in Nevada City, CA. She has worked in a variety of settings, including a chiropractor's office, athletic club, several spas and an outdoor adventure lodge in Alaska.

Serena says, "My passion for massage started when I was just a wee child. My father loved to have his feet massaged. I got to see how much happiness could be found from massage. Throughout my career, I have received many massages. I find this continues to keep me enthusiastic in my profession."

To book an appointment with Serena, click here or call our office at 243-3934.

Infrared Sauna

2011-10-25T15:37:00.002-06:00

We recently introduced an infrared sauna as a new service we offer. Infrared saunas offer a lot of health benefits including lowering high blood pressure & cholesterol, increasing blood flow and circulation, your immune system and so much more!

We have posted a great article on our website about some research studies on the benefits and use of infrared saunas. We are in the process of adding more.

Call and set up a session today! You will love it!

On Site / Employee Chair Massage

2011-09-14T22:26:00.001-06:00

Now more than ever, stress is a major factor in most people's lives. It can be caused by work (or being unemployed), finances, children, marriage problems, and much, much more.

Stress is a contributing factor in up to 75% of doctor's visits. Keeping stress levels to a minimum allows everyone to be more productive, healthier and generally happier.

But how does stress affect employees at work? Whether most of us will admit it, many people carry their stress and let it affect other aspects of their life. Employee stress affects employers each and every day and can potentially have severe consequences.

Employee stress can lead to: absenteeism/sick days, accidents & worker's comp claims, errors in judgment, poor customer service, conflict with other employees, reduced productivity, decreased morale, and much more! Each of these can have a dramatic and costly effect on a business if left unaddressed.

So, what can you do? Recognize that stress is a factor is many of your employees' lives and provide them an outlet of relieving some of their stress on a regular basis.

On-site chair massage is a great way of accomplishing just that. We send 1 or 2 highly trained massage therapists to your office with portable massage chairs. We ask that you provide us a conference room, empty office, break room, or some place away from their normal work areas, if possible. Employees, if they desire, will receive a 5-20 minute seated, chair massage, while remaining fully clothed. The therapist will focus on the employee's neck, shoulders and back, but as necessary, other areas such as arms, hands and legs can also be worked.

We offer 2 options for payment. The preferred method is the employer pays an hourly rate for each therapist, and employees sign up ahead of time. More employees tend to take advantage of the massage when their employer is paying for it, but it is also advantageous to the employer to have as many employees as possible de-stress.

The other option is to have each employee pay for their own massage. This method is not as preferable because we usually see less participation from the employees, but we still see many take charge of their wellness and take advantage of the massage.

The frequency we come to your office is up to you. Maybe you want once a week, every other week, or even once a month. Sometimes the frequency is determined by the size of your staff. If we can't accommodate everyone each time, then have us come more often so we each employee is able to participate and no one is left out. If your business is seasonal, we can alter our visits to you accordingly.

In these economic times, everyone is watching their bottom line, and we fully understand that. But please remember, healthy, productive, loyal employees are a very profitable asset to your company. Can you afford to not take care of them?

Call or e-mail us for more information!

Cancellation Policy

2011-06-26T09:41:00.001-06:00

This is not our favorite topic to bring up, but sometimes we just have to.

When you book your appointment, we are reserving a specific amount of time with a specific therapist just for you. Due to the amount of work it requires and the actual time it takes, massage therapists generally only see 3-5 clients in a day. The therapists work based on pre-scheduled appointments, and not walk-in business. They are also not like doctors or chiropractors who may see 40-50 patients in a day.

When a client no-shows or cancels their appointment with little notice, we are usually unable to re-book that time, leaving the therapist with an empty time slot and without any pay. And that is significant when they only see 3-5 clients/day.

We understand there are times when something comes up unexpectedly, and a short notice cancellation may be unavoidable. But just as you are busy and your time is valuable, the same is true of our therapists.

Our cancellation policy is this - If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must call 24 hours prior to the appointment time and we will be happy to make any changes you need. Failure to do so, or failing to show for your appointment, will result in the full appointment being billed to the client.

The best way to be reminded of your appointment is to sign up for our automatic e-mail or text message notification system. When you book, change or cancel an appointment, it will send you a confirmation immediately. Then, 24 hours before your appointment, it sends out a reminder to you. The people that utilize this feature rarely no-show or cancel last minute and find it very helpful.

Ultimately, it is the client's responsibility to call ahead and make any necessary changes to their appointment time. If we don't hear from you, we will expect you at the scheduled time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! If you would like to sign up for our email/text notification feature, please e-mail us! Make sure to include your preferred e-mail address or wireless number & wireless carrier's name.

The Massage Store

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage for Elderly People

2011-06-21T14:21:00.002-06:00

Elderly massage offers numerous benefits to our senior citizens which can greatly help to improve their health and well being. This article looks at what is elderly massage, why it is valuable to society, and the benefits of massage for elderly citizens. Read the article on our website.

Father's Day is coming!

2011-06-05T21:25:00.002-06:00

Father's Day is less than 2 weeks away.

When it comes to people buying loved ones massage gift certificates for holidays, Valentine's Day, Christmas and Mother's Day are the most popular - mostly from men buying their wives or mothers gifts. However, Father's Day is also gaining in popularity.

We find that when people give massage as a gift, they are usually doing it to provide a gift of relaxation, luxury, pampering, etc. However, most of our clients come to us out of necessity and prevention, instead of luxury. By this, I mean most of our clients come in because they have injuries, chronic pain, or are use massage as a preventative health measure against injury and illness.

Many people don't think of massage as a gift for a man - however, men make up about 40% of our clients. Most of them suffer from low back and/or neck/shoulder pain, often caused by work and stress. Men also generally don't come in as often as women, because they don't take the time for themselves.

But whether the man in your life works in an office or as a truck driver or on the oil rigs, regular massage can be very beneficial for him and helping him address body aches/pains and stress.

So, for this Father's Day, give the gift of massage! We have put together a couple special packages just for the guys to encourage them to come in regularly! Visit our website to find out more! You can buy gift certificates online or in our store!

We look forward to seeing you!

Choosing a massage therapist

2011-05-17T23:12:00.002-06:00

If you like to receive regular massages, choosing the right therapist is critical! It isn't always about who has the strongest hands, the best education, or whether they are male or female.

So what should you look for?

First and foremost, you want someone that listens to you and what your needs and goals are. It doesn't matter how skilled the therapist is if they don't work on your low back pain as requested! The therapist should ask you questions, talk with you, and most importantly, listen to you in order to best meet your goals for each massage session.

Next, a complimentary personality. You are going to be with your therapist an hour or more each time. You want to be able to talk and get along, and not have stressful tension between you two.

Skillful and strong hands are a must too! Your therapist must be trained in many modalities in order to tailor each massage to you. A standard Swedish or standard deep tissue is rarely applicable for an entire massage, without other techniques blended in.

Finally, look for a therapist with strong ethics and professionalism. There are many bad apples in the massage industry, but there are even more great, terrific therapists out there. Look for one that holds themself to a high standard and high level of professionalism.

The last thing to look for? Price! Usually a cheap price means mediocre service! You will always find a range of prices, but if most people are charging $50-65, and someone charges $25-$40, be leary! In our experience, most people that charge very low prices do not succeed in their business. If you find someone that meets all the other criteria, price is your last consideration. An awesome massage from an awesome therapist is worth exponentially more to you than an average massage.

So - how do you know where to find these therapists? That is not easy. First, start by asking friends, family and co-workers. You can also call some providers and ask questions about the services they offer, how they can help you, etc. Also, look online. Look for reviews and other comments from previous clients!

We have a staff of 7 therapists currently, and while they are all excellent therapists, they each have their own specialties, techniques and personalities. Feel free to visit our "Reviews" page on our website for comments from many of our clients, and then call us! We'd be happy to talk with you and find the right match for you!

Mother's Day Specials!

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day is this Sunday! Give that special mother in your life (your mom, wife, daughter) a well appreciated gift - the gift of massage!

We have 3 special packages available just for Mother's Day, as well as our normal services and packages.

Feel free to come in and buy your gift certificate, or visit our website and purchase an instant, online gift certificate!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Cancellation Policy

2011-04-30T14:17:00.002-06:00

Research Continues to Show the Benefits of Massage Therapy

2011-03-20T17:19:00.001-06:00

By Allen B. Ury

Although many people enjoy massage therapy just for the sheer pleasure of it, massage also has many measurable therapeutic benefits. Many in the mainstream medical community have embraced it for its ability to help patients manage pain, relieve anxiety and improve overall health.

Peer-reviewed research continues to show significant benefits of massage. For example, in the last three years:

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, published a study in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology (2009) that showed how massage therapy can be used to reduce pain, anxiety and depression in children suffering from Sickle Cell Disease.

A study sponsored by the Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (2008) revealed that a therapeutic massage can immediately reduce pain and improve the mood of people suffering with advanced forms of cancer.

The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) reported that classic massage, Thai massage and acupressure can help relieve lower back pain (2010).

A first-of-its-kind study published in the Journal of Patient Safety (2010) revealed that 50 percent of hospital patients can enjoy significant relief from postsurgical via "non-traditional" methods such as massage therapy.

An issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter (April 2010) cites massage techniques as an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.

Researchers in Cedars-Sinai's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences have reported in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2010) that people who undergo massage experience measureable changes in their body's immune and endocrine response.

According to O*Net Online, the online employment resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth for massage therapists is projected to be "faster than average" for the 10-year period between 2008-2018.* During this period, demand for massage therapists is expected to increase 14 percent to 19 percent nationwide. Local demand will, of course, depend on local economic factors.

-Author, Allen Ury, writes on the benefits of therapeutic massage therapy for Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities. Find out more about how massage therapy training can help jump start careers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_B._Ury

http://EzineArticles.com/?Research-Continues-to-Show-the-Benefits-of-Massage-Therapy&id=5201209

Please be patient....

2011-02-23T12:32:00.002-07:00

Due to a family emergency, Scott & Vivien have to go out of the country for a short time. While we are gone, we are still open, taking appointments, and usually have 3-4 therapists working each day. However, if you call and get our answering machine, please leave a message. Our therapists are likely in appointments and unable to answer the phone. They will return your call as soon as possible.

Next week, it should be easier as our receptionist will be back from vacation.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Vivien & Scott

Changes in Montrose

2011-01-09T21:37:00.002-07:00

We have some changes to announce for our Montrose office. Our therapists that have been working there for awhile have decided to purchase that location from us and make it their own business.

Brenda and Gloria are renaming it "All About You Massage". They are maintaining the same focus we did, providing clients with a relaxing, yet therapeutic massage, focusing on stress, tension, and injuries!

They will continue to offer a 75 minute massage, as well as hot stone, reflexology, couples massage, prenatal, and more.

They are still in the process of transitioning, but are hoping to hold an official grand opening party in the beginning of February! But, they are accepting appointments until then and look forward to hearing from you!

They can be reached at (970) 252-1111 (same phone we had), and the office is still located at 1020 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, across from Dairy Queen. Their new website will be launched in a couple days, showing their services, prices, etc.

For all of our Montrose clients, we appreciate the opportunity to meet you and serve you. We know you will be in good hands with Brenda and Gloria!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us in Grand Junction at (970) 243-3934, or them in Montrose at (970) 252-1111.

Thank you,

Scott & Vivien

Why do we have muscles and what is their purpose?

2010-12-12T00:11:00.001-07:00

To begin, the human body has approximately 605 muscles. I say approximate because scientists have never been able to determine the exact amount due to variations in a human’s body.

Your muscles keep your blood flowing. Muscles turn energy into motion.

Without muscles, it would be impossible to do anything. For example: To express your spoken words we use muscles in our larynx, tongue and mouth. To run, dance, or fight, we use the skeletal muscles.

I bet you didn’t know you have 3 types of muscles:

Cardiac muscle is in your heart. It is also called the “twitch muscle” that contracts involuntarily

Smooth muscle is located in your digestive system, airways, bladder and blood vessels. For women this is also located in the uterus.

Skeletal muscle is the muscle used when we exercise. These muscles attach to bones and come in pairs; one to move the bone in one direction and the other to move it back the other way.

It is important to use your muscles as they can atrophy (shrink).

You might think Massage Therapists are just massaging your body in random motion, however they have been trained in the anatomy of the body and they are working different muscles in different directions to get the best results for you.

Since your muscles keep your blood flowing, massage therapy can relax your tense muscles and provide you with improved circulation throughout your whole body.

Inside our body is a membrane called FASCIA, which is a sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue enveloping, separating, or binding together muscles, organs, and other soft structures of the body. Your therapist will work through the Fascia and break up any knots or tension you may have. Going deeper, your therapist will then be able to work on your individual muscles.

Great client review!

2010-11-05T23:42:00.001-06:00

Here is a great comment we received from a client from our Montrose office! Just doing our job, but we appreciate the kind words!

November 2, 2010 from Terri...
Therapist's Name: Brenda Chavez
What did you like most about your massage? This was only the third massage for my current body issue, and we have already made so much progress!
What did you like least about your massage? I least liked that my body had gotten to this point before I found Brenda.
Additional comments:

Are you tense?

2010-11-05T10:10:00.002-06:00

Everyone suffers from tension and tension-related problems at some time. Many people accept this tension and its accompanying problems and resign themselves to living with it. Others try to escape from it taking pills, other drugs or alcohol. Hypochondriacs deal with it by talking about and dwelling on it, insomniacs lie awake with it and others suffer and don’t recognize the problems until serious symptoms develop.

The most common health problem in this county is tension. There are 2 categories of excess tension – mechanical and emotional. Emotional tension is often caused by stress, which we will address in another article.

Mechanical tension is often produced by bad physical habits, poor posture, incorrect body alignment, accidents, injuries and operations.

Here are some of the faulty habits:

Sitting with tightly crossed legs
Regularly carrying a heavy briefcase
Tight fitting shoes
Carrying a heavy purse
Wearing high heels
Wearing tight fitting shoes or clothes

Environmental factors are another major cause of mechanical tension:

Loud noises
Crowded places
Unsafe places
Driving in traffic

Remember that tension:

Causes pain, including headaches and back pain.
Uses up energy; Carrying tension around holds the body tight.
Restricts movement; range of movement is limited, difficulty in bending, moving less freely.
Reduces blood circulation; muscles contract around blood vessels then your circulation is less efficient.
Reduces the ability to breathe deeply; tension in muscles of the chest and spasms in the diaphragm prevent full expansion and contraction of the chest and restrict breathing.

Deep tissue massage can reach into the muscles and release long-standing tension and pain. These movements literally go deep into the muscles, and with the use of intricate finger and hand techniques, a muscle or muscle group can be effectively penetrated to relieve tension and can increase localized blood circulation.

When layers of tension have been removed through deep tissue massage, results are usually:

You are more aware of your body
Improved blood circulation
Heal faster
Feel more energetic
Move with greater ease and freedom
No longer feel pain when pressure is applied to muscles
Lose weight more easily
Generally feel better

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - What is it, and what can I do?

2010-10-14T23:01:00.002-06:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a phrase that is frequently tossed around. But, do you really know what it means and how it may affect you?

For most people, the cause of their carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is unknown. Any condition that exerts pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Common conditions that can lead to CTS include obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, arthritis, diabetes, and trauma. Tendon inflammation resulting from repetitive work, such as uninterrupted typing, can also cause carpal tunnel symptoms.

To read the rest of this article, please visit our website!

Help us design a new logo!

2010-10-13T15:53:00.002-06:00

We would like to come up with a new, fresher, catchier logo, and want your help!

If you, or someone you know, is a graphic designer, we would love to see your ideas and submissions!

If we choose your design, we will give you a gift certificate valid for 2 75-minute massages! Keep them for yourself, treat a special someone, or use them as a gift! Only 1 person will receive the free massages!

Questions, comments or suggestions can be e-mailed to us at massage@themassagestore.net.

What do you think? Are you up to it?

We look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with?

Benefits of a half hour massage

2010-07-21T22:12:00.002-06:00

I was speaking with an acquaintance today and telling her about our store and massage therapy. She said she has never had a massage, but would sometimes think about getting one, but thought it was "just too weird". But, a minute or two later she was explaining how she has a lot of upper back tension due to her work. I suggested that she try getting a half hour massage, which she had never considered.

Many people have the perception that all massages are about an hour long and are always full body. While that works for a lot of people, not everyone wants their entire body worked on. Some people, like the woman I spoke with earlier, has specific areas that she needs addressed.

While a full body massage would still benefit her, a half hour massage is a great option that lets the therapist focus the time on a specific area. Our most popular half hour massages target neck & shoulders or lower back, but we can also work legs & feet or arms & hands, depending on the client's needs.

A half hour massage also has 2 other benefits - less time and lower price. For many of us, life is busy and hectic, and scheduling a 75 minute (we don't do 60 minute massages) massage is almost impossible. However, a half hour is much easier - before or after work, during a lunch hour, in between errands, you name it! And with a lower price, clients on a budget can usually come in more often, which helps them relieve or reduce many of their ailments (than just an occasional massage) and be proactive with their health.

The bottom line - massage therapy is a great tool for your preventative health & wellness, but you must get it on a regular basis (taking vitamins once or twice a year doesn't help you, does it?), whether it is a half hour, 75 minutes, or even 90 minutes!

If you have questions about whether massage therapy can help you, call and speak to one of our therapists or consult your doctor.

Sombra Pain Relieving Gel - Do you use it?

2010-07-19T00:02:00.003-06:00

Do you use a pain relieving gel? Many people do. We carry a few different ones in the store, including BioFreeze, but Sombra is our preferred one.

Sombra offers a Warm Therapy and a Cool Therapy gel, depending on your specific condition. We use Sombra on clients with chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries, pulled muscles, and just overall aches & pains. Clients describe Sombra as "working from the inside out" and for those first timers, they can't believe the relief it provides them so quickly!

Sombra comes in a variety of sizes, including 1/2 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz roll-on, 4 oz, 8oz, 32 oz and 1 gallon. The most popular is the 8oz for $15.95.

People ask if it is better than BioFreeze. Because everyone has a different preference, that is a difficult question to answer. However, we prefer Sombra because it does come in Warm or Cold Therapy, it is less expensive than BioFreeze for client's to purchase, and overall, our clients seem to realize the benefit of Sombra very quickly!

If you would like a sample, or to purchase some, please call, e-mail or visit our store!

Click here for a brochure on Sombra.

The Massage Store
496 28 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 243-3934
www.TheMassageStore.net

It's Country Jam time! Stay hydrated!

2010-06-22T18:45:00.002-06:00

Country Jam is this weekend, and it's going to be HOT outside! Weather forecast says it should be 92-95 during Country Jam!

With it being so hot, make sure you keep yourself hydrated with water! Drinking soda, beer or other similar beverages are not a substitute for water, and will often dehydrate you faster!

If you have any of these symptoms, you may be getting dehydrated: thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin, skin flushing, dark colored urine, dry mouth, fatigue, chills.

Just make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and have a good time!

For more information on the symptoms and treatment of dehydration, click here.

Don't forget - we will be at Country Jam offering chair massage and complimentary water!

Father's Day!

2010-06-18T08:21:00.002-06:00

Father's Day is this weekend!

Massage is not just a frilly luxury for women. Not only does massage help relieve aches, pains, injuries and more, it is an important part of your health and wellness - and men need that just as much as women.

In fact, our clientele is split almost 50/50 between men & women!

Mother's Day is always a busy holiday for us, with husbands and sons buying the women in their lives massage gift certificates! So, this weekend, for Father's Day, remember them, and give them something they can actually use and benefit from - a therapeutic massage!

Our standard massage is 75 minutes for $60, but we also offer 1/2 hour, 90 minute and 2 hour options. Because we recommend people come in at least once a month to realize the full benefit of massage therapy, we sell a package of 4 monthly massages (75 or 90 minutes) as well! Gift certificates can be purchased in our store or on our website, www.TheMassageStore.net.

Happy Father's Day this weekend! Get out and enjoy the nice weather!

Opening Night - Farmer's Market - 2010

2010-06-11T00:01:00.002-06:00

Thursday was the opening night of Downtown Grand Junction's Farmer's Market. It was a lot of fun and packed with people!

News Channel 5 asked us to highlight us as a vendor for their 6pm live newscast! Take a look at the video below!

Final - Can back pain be prevented? Tips to a healthier back!

2010-04-11T19:11:00.000-06:00

Can back pain be prevented?

Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics or other nontraumatic causes is often preventable. A combination of exercises that don't jolt or strain the back, maintaining correct posture, and lifting objects properly can help prevent injuries.

Many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as heavy lifting, contact stress (repeated or constant contact between soft body tissue and a hard or sharp object, such as resting a wrist against the edge of a hard desk or repeated tasks using a hammering motion), vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture. Applying ergonomic principles — designing furniture and tools to protect the body from injury — at home and in the workplace can greatly reduce the risk of back injury and help maintain a healthy back. More companies and homebuilders are promoting ergonomically designed tools, products, workstations, and living space to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury and pain.

The use of wide elastic belts that can be tightened to “pull in” lumbar and abdominal muscles to prevent low back pain remains controversial. A landmark study of the use of lumbar support or abdominal support belts worn by persons who lift or move merchandise found no evidence that the belts reduce back injury or back pain. The 2-year study, reported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in December 2000, found no statistically significant difference in either the incidence of workers’ compensation claims for job-related back injuries or the incidence of self-reported pain among workers who reported they wore back belts daily compared to those workers who reported never using back belts or reported using them only once or twice a month.

Although there have been anecdotal case reports of injury reduction among workers using back belts, many companies that have back belt programs also have training and ergonomic awareness programs. The reported injury reduction may be related to a combination of these or other factors.

Quick tips to a healthier back

Following any period of prolonged inactivity, begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes a day can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Yoga can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Ask your physician or orthopedist for a list of low-impact exercises appropriate for your age and designed to strengthen lower back and abdominal muscles.

Always stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity.
Don’t slouch when standing or sitting. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet. Your back supports weight most easily when curvature is reduced.
At home or work, make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you.
Sit in a chair with good lumbar support and proper position and height for the task. Keep your shoulders back. Switch sitting positions often and periodically walk around the office or gently stretch muscles to relieve tension. A pillow or rolled-up towel placed behind the small of your back can provide some lumbar support. If you must sit for a long period of time, rest your feet on a low stool or a stack of books.
Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
Sleep on your side to reduce any curve in your spine. Always sleep on a firm surface.
Ask for help when transferring an ill or injured family member from a reclining to a sitting position or when moving the patient from a chair to a bed.
Don’t try to lift objects too heavy for you. Lift with your knees, pull in your stomach muscles, and keep your head down and in line with your straight back. Keep the object close to your body. Do not twist when lifting.
Maintain proper nutrition and diet to reduce and prevent excessive weight, especially weight around the waistline that taxes lower back muscles. A diet with sufficient daily intake of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D helps to promote new bone growth.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes the spinal discs to degenerate.

What research is being done?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s leading federal funder of research on disorders of the brain and nervous system and one of the primary NIH components that supports research on pain and pain mechanisms. Other institutes at NIH that support pain research include the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Additionally, other federal organizations, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conduct studies on low back pain.

Scientists are examining the use of different drugs to effectively treat back pain, in particular daily pain that has lasted at least 6 months. Other studies are comparing different health care approaches to the management of acute low back pain (standard care versus chiropractic, acupuncture, or massage therapy). These studies are measuring symptom relief, restoration of function, and patient satisfaction. Other research is comparing standard surgical treatments to the most commonly used standard nonsurgical treatments to measure changes in health-related quality of life among patients suffering from spinal stenosis. NIH-funded research at the Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research encourages the development of high-quality chiropractic projects. The Center also encourages collaboration between basic and clinical scientists and between the conventional and chiropractic medical communities.

Other researchers are studying whether low-dose radiation can decrease scarring around the spinal cord and improve the results of surgery. Still others are exploring why spinal cord injury and other neurological changes lead to an increased sensitivity to pain or a decreased pain threshold (where normally non-painful sensations are perceived as painful, a class of symptoms called neuropathic pain), and how fractures of the spine and their repair affect the spinal canal and intervertebral foramena (openings around the spinal roots).

Also under study for patients with degenerative disc disease is artificial spinal disc replacement surgery. The damaged disc is removed and a metal and plastic disc about the size of a quarter is inserted into the spine. Ideal candidates for disc replacement surgery are persons between the ages of 20 and 60 who have only one degenerating disc, do not have a systemic bone disease such as osteoporosis, have not had previous back surgery, and have failed to respond to other forms of nonsurgical treatment. Compared to other forms of back surgery, recovery from this form of surgery appears to be shorter and the procedure has fewer complications.

How is low back pain diagnosed & treated?

2010-04-10T19:06:00.001-06:00

How is low back pain diagnosed?

A thorough medical history and physical exam can usually identify any dangerous conditions or family history that may be associated with the pain. The patient describes the onset, site, and severity of the pain; duration of symptoms and any limitations in movement; and history of previous episodes or any health conditions that might be related to the pain. The physician will examine the back and conduct neurologic tests to determine the cause of pain and appropriate treatment. Blood tests may also be ordered. Imaging tests may be necessary to diagnose tumors or other possible sources of the pain.

A variety of diagnostic methods are available to confirm the cause of low back pain:

X-ray imaging includes conventional and enhanced methods that can help diagnose the cause and site of back pain. A conventional x-ray, often the first imaging technique used, looks for broken bones or an injured vertebra. A technician passes a concentrated beam of low-dose ionized radiation through the back and takes pictures that, within minutes, clearly show the bony structure and any vertebral misalignment or fractures. Tissue masses such as injured muscles and ligaments or painful conditions such as a bulging disc are not visible on conventional x-rays. This fast, noninvasive, painless procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s office or at a clinic.

Discography involves the injection of a special contrast dye into a spinal disc thought to be causing low back pain. The dye outlines the damaged areas on x-rays taken following the injection. This procedure is often suggested for patients who are considering lumbar surgery or whose pain has not responded to conventional treatments. Myelograms also enhance the diagnostic imaging of an x-ray. In this procedure, the contrast dye is injected into the spinal canal, allowing spinal cord and nerve compression caused by herniated discs or fractures to be seen on an x-ray.

Computerized tomography (CT) is a quick and painless process used when disc rupture, spinal stenosis, or damage to vertebrae is suspected as a cause of low back pain. X-rays are passed through the body at various angles and are detected by a computerized scanner to produce two-dimensional slices (1 mm each) of internal structures of the back. This diagnostic exam is generally conducted at an imaging center or hospital.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate the lumbar region for bone degeneration or injury or disease in tissues and nerves, muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels. MRI scanning equipment creates a magnetic field around the body strong enough to temporarily realign water molecules in the tissues. Radio waves are then passed through the body to detect the “relaxation” of the molecules back to a random alignment and trigger a resonance signal at different angles within the body. A computer processes this resonance into either a three-dimensional picture or a two-dimensional “slice” of the tissue being scanned, and differentiates between bone, soft tissues and fluid-filled spaces by their water content and structural properties. This noninvasive procedure is often used to identify a condition requiring prompt surgical treatment.

Electrodiagnostic procedures include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and evoked potential (EP) studies. EMG assesses the electrical activity in a nerve and can detect if muscle weakness results from injury or a problem with the nerves that control the muscles. Very fine needles are inserted in muscles to measure electrical activity transmitted from the brain or spinal cord to a particular area of the body. With nerve conduction studies the doctor uses two sets of electrodes (similar to those used during an electrocardiogram) that are placed on the skin over the muscles. The first set gives the patient a mild shock to stimulate the nerve that runs to a particular muscle. The second set of electrodes is used to make a recording of the nerve’s electrical signals, and from this information the doctor can determine if there is nerve damage. EP tests also involve two sets of electrodes — one set to stimulate a sensory nerve and the other set on the scalp to record the speed of nerve signal transmissions to the brain.

Bone scans are used to diagnose and monitor infection, fracture, or disorders in the bone. A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream and will collect in the bones, particularly in areas with some abnormality. Scanner-generated images are sent to a computer to identify specific areas of irregular bone metabolism or abnormal blood flow, as well as to measure levels of joint disease.

Thermography involves the use of infrared sensing devices to measure small temperature changes between the two sides of the body or the temperature of a specific organ. Thermography may be used to detect the presence or absence of nerve root compression.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images inside the body. The sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. Ultrasound imaging can show tears in ligaments, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue masses in the back.

How is back pain treated?

Most low back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves using analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back, and preventing recurrence of the injury. Most patients with back pain recover without residual functional loss. Patients should contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care.

Although ice and heat (the use of cold and hot compresses) have never been scientifically proven to quickly resolve low back injury, compresses may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow greater mobility for some individuals. As soon as possible following trauma, patients should apply a cold pack or a cold compress (such as a bag of ice or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) to the tender spot several times a day for up to 20 minutes. After 2 to 3 days of cold treatment, they should then apply heat (such as a heating lamp or hot pad) for brief periods to relax muscles and increase blood flow. Warm baths may also help relax muscles. Patients should avoid sleeping on a heating pad, which can cause burns and lead to additional tissue damage.

Bed rest — 1–2 days at most. A 1996 Finnish study found that persons who continued their activities without bed rest following onset of low back pain appeared to have better back flexibility than those who rested in bed for a week. Other studies suggest that bed rest alone may make back pain worse and can lead to secondary complications such as depression, decreased muscle tone, and blood clots in the legs. Patients should resume activities as soon as possible. At night or during rest, patients should lie on one side, with a pillow between the knees (some doctors suggest resting on the back and putting a pillow beneath the knees).

Exercise may be the most effective way to speed recovery from low back pain and help strengthen back and abdominal muscles. Maintaining and building muscle strength is particularly important for persons with skeletal irregularities. Doctors and physical therapists can provide a list of gentle exercises that help keep muscles moving and speed the recovery process. A routine of back-healthy activities may include stretching exercises, swimming, walking, and movement therapy to improve coordination and develop proper posture and muscle balance. Yoga is another way to gently stretch muscles and ease pain. Any mild discomfort felt at the start of these exercises should disappear as muscles become stronger. But if pain is more than mild and lasts more than 15 minutes during exercise, patients should stop exercising and contact a doctor.

Medications are often used to treat acute and chronic low back pain. Effective pain relief may involve a combination of prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Patients should always check with a doctor before taking drugs for pain relief. Certain medicines, even those sold over the counter, are unsafe during pregnancy, may conflict with other medications, may cause side effects including drowsiness, or may lead to liver damage.

Over-the-counter analgesics, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen), are taken orally to reduce stiffness, swelling, and inflammation and to ease mild to moderate low back pain. Counter-irritants applied topically to the skin as a cream or spray stimulate the nerve endings in the skin to provide feelings of warmth or cold and dull the sense of pain. Topical analgesics can also reduce inflammation and stimulate blood flow. Many of these compounds contain salicylates, the same ingredient found in oral pain medications containing aspirin.
Anticonvulsants — drugs primarily used to treat seizures — may be useful in treating certain types of nerve pain and may also be prescribed with analgesics.
Some antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and desipramine, have been shown to relieve pain (independent of their effect on depression) and assist with sleep. Antidepressants alter levels of brain chemicals to elevate mood and dull pain signals. Many of the new antidepressants, such as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are being studied for their effectiveness in pain relief.
Opioids such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine are often prescribed to manage severe acute and chronic back pain but should be used only for a short period of time and under a physician’s supervision. Side effects can include drowsiness, decreased reaction time, impaired judgment, and potential for addiction. Many specialists are convinced that chronic use of these drugs is detrimental to the back pain patient, adding to depression and even increasing pain.

Spinal manipulation is literally a "hands-on" approach in which professionally licensed specialists (doctors of chiropractic care) use leverage and a series of exercises to adjust spinal structures and restore back mobility.

When back pain does not respond to more conventional approaches, patients may consider the following options:

Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles the width of a human hair along precise points throughout the body. Practitioners believe this process triggers the release of naturally occurring painkilling molecules called peptides and keeps the body’s normal flow of energy unblocked. Clinical studies are measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture in comparison to more conventional procedures in the treatment of acute low back pain.

Biofeedback is used to treat many acute pain problems, most notably back pain and headache. Using a special electronic machine, the patient is trained to become aware of, to follow, and to gain control over certain bodily functions, including muscle tension, heart rate, and skin temperature (by controlling local blood flow patterns). The patient can then learn to effect a change in his or her response to pain, for example, by using relaxation techniques. Biofeedback is often used in combination with other treatment methods, generally without side effects.

Interventional therapy can ease chronic pain by blocking nerve conduction between specific areas of the body and the brain. Approaches range from injections of local anesthetics, steroids, or narcotics into affected soft tissues, joints, or nerve roots to more complex nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation. When extreme pain is involved, low doses of drugs may be administered by catheter directly into the spinal cord. Chronic use of steroid injections may lead to increased functional impairment.

Traction involves the use of weights to apply constant or intermittent force to gradually “pull” the skeletal structure into better alignment. Traction is not recommended for treating acute low back symptoms.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is administered by a battery-powered device that sends mild electric pulses along nerve fibers to block pain signals to the brain. Small electrodes placed on the skin at or near the site of pain generate nerve impulses that block incoming pain signals from the peripheral nerves. TENS may also help stimulate the brain’s production of endorphins (chemicals that have pain-relieving properties).

Ultrasound is a noninvasive therapy used to warm the body’s internal tissues, which causes muscles to relax. Sound waves pass through the skin and into the injured muscles and other soft tissues.

Minimally invasive outpatient treatments to seal fractures of the vertebrae caused by osteoporosis include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Vertebroplasty uses three-dimensional imaging to help a doctor guide a fine needle into the vertebral body. A glue-like epoxy is injected, which quickly hardens to stabilize and strengthen the bone and provide immediate pain relief. In kyphoplasty, prior to injecting the epoxy, a special balloon is inserted and gently inflated to restore height to the bone and reduce spinal deformity.

In the most serious cases, when the condition does not respond to other therapies, surgery may relieve pain caused by back problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries. Some surgical procedures may be performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia, while others require hospitalization. It may be months following surgery before the patient is fully healed, and he or she may suffer permanent loss of flexibility. Since invasive back surgery is not always successful, it should be performed only in patients with progressive neurologic disease or damage to the peripheral nerves.

Discectomy is one of the more common ways to remove pressure on a nerve root from a bulging disc or bone spur. During the procedure the surgeon takes out a small piece of the lamina (the arched bony roof of the spinal canal) to remove the obstruction below.
Foraminotomy is an operation that “cleans out” or enlarges the bony hole (foramen) where a nerve root exits the spinal canal. Bulging discs or joints thickened with age can cause narrowing of the space through which the spinal nerve exits and can press on the nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg. Small pieces of bone over the nerve are removed through a small slit, allowing the surgeon to cut away the blockage and relieve the pressure on the nerve.
IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) uses thermal energy to treat pain resulting from a cracked or bulging spinal disc. A special needle is inserted via a catheter into the disc and heated to a high temperature for up to 20 minutes. The heat thickens and seals the disc wall and reduces inner disc bulge and irritation of the spinal nerve.
Nucleoplasty uses radiofrequency energy to treat patients with low back pain from contained, or mildly herniated, discs. Guided by x-ray imaging, a wand-like instrument is inserted through a needle into the disc to create a channel that allows inner disc material to be removed. The wand then heats and shrinks the tissue, sealing the disc wall. Several channels are made depending on how much disc material needs to be removed.
Radiofrequency lesioning is a procedure using electrical impulses to interrupt nerve conduction (including the conduction of pain signals) for 6 to12 months. Using x-ray guidance, a special needle is inserted into nerve tissue in the affected area. Tissue surrounding the needle tip is heated for 90-120 seconds, resulting in localized destruction of the nerves.
Spinal fusion is used to strengthen the spine and prevent painful movements. The spinal disc(s) between two or more vertebrae is removed and the adjacent vertebrae are “fused” by bone grafts and/or metal devices secured by screws. Spinal fusion may result in some loss of flexibility in the spine and requires a long recovery period to allow the bone grafts to grow and fuse the vertebrae together.
Spinal laminectomy (also known as spinal decompression) involves the removal of the lamina (usually both sides) to increase the size of the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Other surgical procedures to relieve severe chronic pain include rhizotomy, in which the nerve root close to where it enters the spinal cord is cut to block nerve transmission and all senses from the area of the body experiencing pain; cordotomy, where bundles of nerve fibers on one or both sides of the spinal cord are intentionally severed to stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain; and dorsal root entry zone operation, or DREZ, in which spinal neurons transmitting the patient’s pain are destroyed surgically.

What causes back pain, and what conditions are associated with it?

2010-04-08T07:46:00.001-06:00

Who is most likely to develop low back pain?

Nearly everyone has low back pain sometime. Men and women are equally affected. It occurs most often between ages 30 and 50, due in part to the aging process but also as a result of sedentary life styles with too little (sometimes punctuated by too much) exercise. The risk of experiencing low back pain from disc disease or spinal degeneration increases with age.

Low back pain unrelated to injury or other known cause is unusual in pre-teen children. However, a backpack overloaded with schoolbooks and supplies can quickly strain the back and cause muscle fatigue. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 13,260 injuries related to backpacks were treated at doctors’ offices, clinics, and emergency rooms in the year 2000. To avoid back strain, children carrying backpacks should bend both knees when lifting heavy packs, visit their locker or desk between classes to lighten loads or replace books, or purchase a backpack or airline tote on wheels.
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What conditions are associated with low back pain?

Conditions that may cause low back pain and require treatment by a physician or other health specialist include:

Bulging disc (also called protruding, herniated, or ruptured disc). The intervertebral discs are under constant pressure. As discs degenerate and weaken, cartilage can bulge or be pushed into the space containing the spinal cord or a nerve root, causing pain. Studies have shown that most herniated discs occur in the lower, lumbar portion of the spinal column.

A much more serious complication of a ruptured disc is cauda equina syndrome, which occurs when disc material is pushed into the spinal canal and compresses the bundle of lumbar and sacral nerve roots. Permanent neurological damage may result if this syndrome is left untreated.

Sciatica is a condition in which a herniated or ruptured disc presses on the sciatic nerve, the large nerve that extends down the spinal column to its exit point in the pelvis and carries nerve fibers to the leg. This compression causes shock-like or burning low back pain combined with pain through the buttocks and down one leg to below the knee, occasionally reaching the foot. In the most extreme cases, when the nerve is pinched between the disc and an adjacent bone, the symptoms involve not pain but numbness and some loss of motor control over the leg due to interruption of nerve signaling. The condition may also be caused by a tumor, cyst, metastatic disease, or degeneration of the sciatic nerve root.

Spinal degeneration from disc wear and tear can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal. A person with spinal degeneration may experience stiffness in the back upon awakening or may feel pain after walking or standing for a long time.

Spinal stenosis related to congenital narrowing of the bony canal predisposes some people to pain related to disc disease.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease marked by progressive decrease in bone density and strength. Fracture of brittle, porous bones in the spine and hips results when the body fails to produce new bone and/or absorbs too much existing bone. Women are four times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis. Caucasian women of northern European heritage are at the highest risk of developing the condition.

Skeletal irregularities produce strain on the vertebrae and supporting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues supported by spinal column. These irregularities include scoliosis, a curving of the spine to the side; kyphosis, in which the normal curve of the upper back is severely rounded; lordosis, an abnormally accentuated arch in the lower back; back extension, a bending backward of the spine; and back flexion, in which the spine bends forward.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple “tender points,” particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. Additional symptoms may include sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, and anxiety.

Spondylitis refers to chronic back pain and stiffness caused by a severe infection to or inflammation of the spinal joints. Other painful inflammations in the lower back include osteomyelitis (infection in the bones of the spine) and sacroiliitis (inflammation in the sacroiliac joints).

Source - http://www.ninds.nih.gov

2010-04-07T08:56:00.002-06:00

What structures make up the back?

The back is an intricate structure of bones, muscles, and other tissues that form the posterior part of the body’s trunk, from the neck to the pelvis. The centerpiece is the spinal column, which not only supports the upper body’s weight but houses and protects the spinal cord — the delicate nervous system structure that carries signals that control the body’s movements and convey its sensations. Stacked on top of one another are more than 30 bones — the vertebrae — that form the spinal column, also known as the spine. Each of these bones contains a roundish hole that, when stacked in register with all the others, creates a channel that surrounds the spinal cord. The spinal cord descends from the base of the brain and extends in the adult to just below the rib cage. Small nerves (“roots”) enter and emerge from the spinal cord through spaces between the vertebrae. Because the bones of the spinal column continue growing long after the spinal cord reaches its full length in early childhood, the nerve roots to the lower back and legs extend many inches down the spinal column before exiting. This large bundle of nerve roots was dubbed by early anatomists as the cauda equina, or horse’s tail. The spaces between the vertebrae are maintained by round, spongy pads of cartilage called intervertebral discs that allow for flexibility in the lower back and act much like shock absorbers throughout the spinal column to cushion the bones as the body moves. Bands of tissue known as ligaments and tendons hold the vertebrae in place and attach the muscles to the spinal column.

Starting at the top, the spine has four regions:

the seven cervical or neck vertebrae (labeled C1–C7),
the 12 thoracic or upper back vertebrae (labeled T1–T12),
the five lumbar vertebrae (labeled L1–L5), which we know as the lower back, and
the sacrum and coccyx, a group of bones fused together at the base of the spine.
The lumbar region of the back, where most back pain is felt, supports the weight of the upper body.

What causes lower back pain?

As people age, bone strength and muscle elasticity and tone tend to decrease. The discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, which decreases their ability to cushion the vertebrae.

Pain can occur when, for example, someone lifts something too heavy or overstretches, causing a sprain, strain, or spasm in one of the muscles or ligaments in the back. If the spine becomes overly strained or compressed, a disc may rupture or bulge outward. This rupture may put pressure on one of the more than 50 nerves rooted to the spinal cord that control body movements and transmit signals from the body to the brain. When these nerve roots become compressed or irritated, back pain results.

Low back pain may reflect nerve or muscle irritation or bone lesions. Most low back pain follows injury or trauma to the back, but pain may also be caused by degenerative conditions such as arthritis or disc disease, osteoporosis or other bone diseases, viral infections, irritation to joints and discs, or congenital abnormalities in the spine. Obesity, smoking, weight gain during pregnancy, stress, poor physical condition, posture inappropriate for the activity being performed, and poor sleeping position also may contribute to low back pain. Additionally, scar tissue created when the injured back heals itself does not have the strength or flexibility of normal tissue. Buildup of scar tissue from repeated injuries eventually weakens the back and can lead to more serious injury.

Occasionally, low back pain may indicate a more serious medical problem. Pain accompanied by fever or loss of bowel or bladder control, pain when coughing, and progressive weakness in the legs may indicate a pinched nerve or other serious condition. People with diabetes may have severe back pain or pain radiating down the leg related to neuropathy. People with these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately to help prevent permanent damage.

Source - http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Low Back Pain - Who, What and Why?

2010-04-06T20:59:00.002-06:00

From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke, a series on back pain. Future postings will address the structure of the back, causes of back pain, who is most likely to experience back pain, and how it is diagnosed, treated and prevented.

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If you have lower back pain, you are not alone. Nearly everyone at some point has back pain that interferes with work, routine daily activities, or recreation. Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain, the most common cause of job-related disability and a leading contributor to missed work. Back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States — only headache is more common. Fortunately, most occurrences of low back pain go away within a few days. Others take much longer to resolve or lead to more serious conditions.

Acute or short-term low back pain generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Most acute back pain is mechanical in nature — the result of trauma to the lower back or a disorder such as arthritis. Pain from trauma may be caused by a sports injury, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident or other stress on spinal bones and tissues. Symptoms may range from muscle ache to shooting or stabbing pain, limited flexibility and/or range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Occasionally, pain felt in one part of the body may “radiate” from a disorder or injury elsewhere in the body. Some acute pain syndromes can become more serious if left untreated.

Chronic back pain is measured by duration — pain that persists for more than 3 months is considered chronic. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine.

Source - http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Meet Brian Watson, our newest Massage Therapist!

2010-03-29T15:55:00.000-06:00

Brian has led a very interesting life. He was born blind, but has worked hard to pursue his education and career passions.

Brian graduated from Fruita Monument High School in 1998. Mesa State College was his next venture where he matriculated with 2 Bachelor's Degrees in Spanish & History. In 2007, he attended the Arizona School of Massage Therapy in Tempe, AZ, where he graduated from the Professional and Masters Programs. He is nationally certified and licensed/registered in Colorado and Arizona.

Brian has owned and operated his own studio in Colorado and also freelanced in Arizona. He is an exceptional therapist and specializes in deep tissue, cranial sacral, Eastern massage, reflexology, muscle release, acupressure, and many other modalities. Brian always does a pre-massage interview to understand the client's goals for the massage.

Why drink water after a massage?

2010-03-19T09:15:00.002-06:00

An adult can live several weeks without food, however, we can survive no more than about 10 days without water. Our body can only lose about 10% of its water and still live. In general, our body gets dehydrated very quickly. We lose about 2.5 liters of water every day, which we can replace with fluids and foods we consume.

Our body benefits from proper hydration and it is good to keep drinking water without waiting to be thirsty. If you are thirsty, it means your cells are already dehydrated. One clear sign of severe dehydration is where your urine is a dark.

Drinking water before and after a massage is highly recommended, as it makes it your muscles a lot easier to manipulate. During a good massage, your muscles will be stimulated and blood is circulated rapidly throughout the whole body, and this is the time where water, salt and other minerals are released. Having a glass of water will definitely help your body dispose of any accumulated materials in the muscles. A build up of such unwanted waste after massage can mean muscle aches and soreness.

Also, many people do not realize that massage can be dehydrating. The manipulation of the muscles dehydrates the body and moves the fluid around in the interstitial spaces between the muscles. It is similar to exercising; you lose water and electrolytes when you exercise. By drinking lots of water, you can reduce the chances of pain and soreness in the days following a massage.

Last but not least, for some people, they may feel a little disoriented after massage; having a glass of water can help bring the body and mind back to the present. Drinking water after a massage gives you time to return to reality and begin the next moments of your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Constance_Seng

Tanning Tax? What's next?

2010-03-07T08:53:00.002-07:00

The US Congress has added a provision to the Health Care Reform bill to add a 10% sales tax to all indoor tanning services. Currently, services are not subject to sales tax in most states, including Colorado. This includes auto repair labor, hair, nails, massage, delivery services, lawn care and much, much more!

So what's the big deal, right? If people can afford to go to a tanning salon, they can pay a little more right? Or maybe you think - I don't go to a tanning salon, so it doesn't affect me. Well, not really...

First off, The Massage Store does not offer tanning services, so this is not from a personal benefit standpoint. Tanning salons, hair salons, massage therapists are all being hit by this tough economy. Many are laying off staff, cutting prices and doing whatever they can to survive.

If this tax is imposed, some customers will continue to come in. But many will not. And for each customer that does not come back, it forces the business owner to look at ways to cut back on overhead, including laying off more staff. There are approximately 20,000 tanning salons in the US and another 20,000 other salons/spas that offer tanning. We could be looking at thousands of future layoffs and failed businesses, only adding to the economic troubles we are currently experiencing as a country.

And what's to keep Congress from going after other service businesses. This tanning tax could be just the start!

Back around 1990, Congress enacted a 10% luxury tax on planes and yachts, thinking that the people who can afford to buy such expensive purchases can afford to pay an extra 10%. Instead, sales of these items dropped drastically, causing thousands of layoffs all the way from the manufacturers, part suppliers and the dealers. Some states like Maine, where boat sales are a huge part of the economy, really took a hit. In 1992, President Bush and Congress repealed the luxury tax, and sales took off once again!

A quick search of "tan tax" on Google or any other search engine will yield a ton of stories and information about it.

The Indoor Tanning Association has setup a website that allows you to e-mail your Congressional representatives for free! It can be found at www.StopTheTanTax.com. I urge you to e-mail your Representative and Senators and urge them that higher taxes are not the answer to creating jobs and prosperity in this economy!

Cancellation Policy

2010-03-05T22:36:00.002-07:00

This is not our favorite topic to bring up, but sometimes we just have to. With our new Montrose location, it seems that this is a good time to re-visit this issue.

The Massage Store has a 24 hour cancellation policy. When you book your appointment, we are reserving a specific amount of time just for you. Due to the amount of work it requires and the actual time it takes, massage therapists generally only see 3-5 clients in a day. The therapists work based on pre-scheduled appointments, and not walk-in business. They are also not like doctors or chiropractors who may see 40-50 patients in a day.

When a client no-shows or cancels their appointment with little notice, we are usually unable to re-book that time, leaving the therapist with an empty time slot and without any pay.

We understand there are times when something comes up unexpectedly, and a short notice cancellation may be unavoidable. But just as you are busy and your time is valuable, the same is true of our therapists.

Our cancellation policy is this - If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must call 24 hours prior to the appointment time. Failure to do so, or failing to show for your appointment, will result in the full appointment being billed to the client.

We try to call and confirm appointments 1 day prior, but that is not always possible. Ultimately, it is the client's responsibility to call ahead and make any necessary changes to their appointment time. If we don't hear from you, we will expect you at the scheduled time.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

The Massage Store

Montrose Chamber Business After Hours

2010-02-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Montrose Chamber Business After Hours Mixer tonight! Lots of great people, delicious food and drink! Dave, Vivien and Amy did almost 40 chair massages tonight! Not bad for a couple hours! We look forward to seeing everyone again soon!

Press Release - The Massage Store Opens a New Store in Montrose!

2010-02-22T00:59:00.001-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MONTROSE RESIDENTS: LOOKING TO REDUCE AND RELIEVE STRESS, TENSION, ACHES AND PAINS?
The Massage Store is here to help with their new Montrose location.

Montrose, Colorado (February 22, 2010) – The Massage Store has opened a new location in Montrose. The Massage Store specializes in helping clients find relief from tension and pain caused by stress, accidents, and injuries. Their first location opened in April, 2006 in Grand Junction, but after seeing a constant increase of clientele traveling from the Montrose area, Vivien Teetsel, the owner, felt it was time to open a local office in Montrose.

The new office is located at 1020 S. Townsend in Montrose, directly across from Dairy Queen. Massages are done by appointment only by calling (970) 252-1111 or booking online at www.TheMassageStore.net. The office officially opened on February 22, 2010, but the Grand Opening will be held on March 5th and will include a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from the Montrose Chamber of Commerce as well as refreshments, door prizes and free chair massages.

The Massage Store, with a staff of 6 therapists, offers a variety of services to accommodate a wide range of clients, however, their most requested is a 75-minute massage, which is custom tailored for the client and can include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and cranial-sacral therapy. Most of the clients that visit The Massage Store are suffering from high stress situations, car accidents, work injuries or other health issues, all of which can cause many muscle related conditions, including, but not limited to, neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, sciatica, and range of motion loss.

If a client is looking just for some relaxation and stress relief, the staff at The Massage Store can accommodate that as well with a Swedish massage, hot stone massage, or even a candlelight couples massage for a husband/wife.

The Massage Store also caters to massage therapists by selling a full line of retail products for the massage industry. Their Montrose location will only carry a small selection, but items can be delivered from Grand Junction throughout the week. Product selection can be seen at www.GJMassageSupply.com.

About Vivien Teetsel - Vivien was born & raised near Taipei, Taiwan. Vivien learned massage therapy through private instruction and has been associated with The Massage Store since 2006. In 2008, Vivien and Scott decided to venture into the industry even more by purchasing The Massage Store from the previous owner. Vivien's attitude, humor and personality are a major draw for many of the clients that come into the store on a regular basis. She admits, though, that it is sometimes difficult overcoming stereotypes relating to her ethnicity and the massage profession. But with a personal clientele of doctors, nurses, chiropractors, attorneys, law enforcement officers and others, anyone that knows Vivien knows how dedicated she is to her profession, her character and her integrity.

For additional information, please contact Scott or Vivien Teetsel as provided below.

Contact Info:
Vivien Teetsel, Owner/Massage Therapist
Scott Teetsel, Owner/Marketing
(970) 252-1111 office
E-mail - Massage@TheMassageStore.net
Website – www.TheMassageStore.net

Free Chair Massage in Montrose!

2010-02-16T23:04:00.003-07:00

We are on our way to opening our new Montrose office on Monday, February 22nd!

On Tuesday, 2/23, we will be offering free chair massage at the Montrose Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer, at the Holiday Inn Express.

On March 5th, we will have our Grand Opening and public open house from 3-7pm. The Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:15pm that night. We will have refreshments, free chair massage and door prizes! Stop by and say hi!

Don't forget, everyone who comes in for a massage between Feb 22 and March 5 will receive 12 monthly 75-minute massages for just $45 each (A YEAR OF MASSAGE!). But, you must book early, as space is limited!

Visit our website, www.TheMassageStore.net, for more information!

Not Massage Related - Automatic, Online Backup!

2010-02-10T21:51:00.002-07:00

I know this isn't related to massage therapy, but considering you are reading this on a computer, I am sure you either are or should be backing up your important computer files - photos, financial information, MP3's, etc. Mozy.com offers a great automatic, online backup service.

They offer several levels of service, including a free service for up to 2GB of storage. After that, it is unlimited space for $4.95/month, $54.45/year, or $103.95/2 years. As you can see, this is very affordable, and best of all, it is extremely convenient! It can be scheduled to run automatically at any time of the day, so you never have to worry about it!

If you sign up this weekend, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, use the link below and the promo code VALENTINES to receive $10 off a 1 year subscription or $20 off a 2 year subscription. Should you miss the sale this weekend, you can use the promo code FEBRUARY for 10% off until the end of the month. But you must use this link - Mozy Unlimited Backup!

Heat vs. Ice Therapy

2010-02-07T22:46:00.002-07:00

Heat vs. Ice - When and what to use

	vs.
Heat is best for chronic and long-standing problems.		Ice is best for acute injuries.

If you apply the wrong modality (for example, if you apply heat when you should be using cold) you could make matters worse.

When to treat with HEAT

Heat treatment (or thermotherapy) relieves stiffness and chronic aches, facilitates relaxation, and stimulates circulation. It works by increasing tissue temperatures and blood flow, thereby drawing extra nutrients into the area to assist in the recovery and healing process.

Heat therapy is usually applied with a moist or dry hot pack. Heat can also be applied with diathermy, ultrasound, warm whirlpools, paraffin baths, infrared lamps and fluidotherapy.

When not to use HEAT

Heat should never be used on acute injuries until the swelling is controlled. Heat draws fluids into tissues and can increase swelling and inflamation. Do not use heat over swollen tissues or redness except under the supervision of your health care practitioner.
Do not use heat before vigorous exercise. Your muscles may be too relaxed for peak performance and safety.

Application

Typical treatment times for heat applications are between fifteen and twenty minutes. It takes heat a minimum of fifteen minutes to penetrate tissues to reach therapeutic temperatures.
Moist heat penetrates more deeply than dry heat and will not dehydrate tissues so circulation is improved, speeding healing. For moist heat when using dry packs (e.g., gel packs) add a layer of moist toweling.

Precautions

Follow packaged instructions carefully. Heat can burn and damage tissues if used improperly.
For steam heat, wrap hot packs in thick toweling to prevent scalding and control temperature. Use additional toweling as insulation if you lie on top of the hot pad.
Do not use heat over insensitive skin (e.g., in areas where you have numbness or decreased skin sensation).

Homemade Hotpack
Fill a cotton tube sock 3/4 of the length with plain white rice, beans, flax seeds, or oats, and sew or tie the end shut. Heat this in the microwave on a pie plate (to keep it clean) for 2 minutes. Be careful. It can catch fire if you cook it too long, and we can't be responsible for that! The pack will be very hot at first, so wrap it in a washcloth before you place it on your skin. As it cools, you can remove the washcloth. It will stay warm for about 20 minutes. You can use it over and over. For a pleasant aroma, add some lavender or sage.

When to treat with ICE

Cold therapy (or cryotherapy) is the treatment of choice for acute injuries. When applied immediately after an injury, cold treatment reduces tissue damage by reducing the metabolic rate and decreasing the production of metabolites and metabolic heat which result from the body's inflammatory response to the injury. Cold therapy also relieves muscle spasms, reduces post-exercise soreness, and stimulates circulation in areas of chronic discomfort.

Cold therapy can be applied with ice packs, cold and ice whirlpools, ice massage, commercial cold sprays.

When not to use cold

Do not use over insensitive skin or in the presence of poor circulation.
Elderly people, young children, and people with diabetes must be very careful with cold treatments. If you have any questions about cold therapy, ask your health care practitioner for advice.

Application

The first 72 hours after an acute trauma or subacute injury, you should only use cold treatments.
Treatment time varies depending on several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the type of cold therapy applied, and the size of the individual. For example, a thin person requires less treatment time because the cold does not need to penetrate through as much tissue to lower intramuscular temperatures. You'll know when you've had the cold on long enough, by monitoring the four stages of cold treatment: The first stage is an uncomfortable feeling; the second stage is a stinging sensation; the third stage is burning or aching; the fourth stage is numbness. It takes five to fifteen minutes to reach all four stages.
For acute injuries, apply cold immediately for a minimum of 10 to 20 minutes. Some folks keep the cold application on for an hour or more. Repeat the cold application every few hours for the first 4 to 72 hours after an injury.
To reduce post-exercise soreness, apply cold immediately after exercise for 10 to 20 minutes.
For chronic discomfort, apply cold for a minimum of 10 minutes. Repeat as necessary.
If you suffer from "ice burn" or "ice allergy" when you are exposed to cold, wrap the cold pack with a damp towel.
Follow packaged instructions carefully. Ice can burns or damage tissues if used improperly.

Homemade Cold Pack
Mix one cup of alcohol with two cups of water, and seal it inside a zip-lock freezer bag. You may want to double-seal the pack with a second zip-lock bag. This mixture freezes at a lower temperature so it stays slushy for good ice pack consistency. Lasts for 15 minutes or longer, and can be used over and over. A bag of frozen peas makes a good ice-pack, too.

When to treat with both Hot and Cold (Contrast thermotherapy)

For chronic problems, alternate cold with heat applications for greater circulatory effect.

(Source - www.backdesigns.com)

State Licensing/Registration

2010-01-31T23:37:00.002-07:00

Effective April 1, 2009, anyone providing massage therapy was required to register with the State of Colorado as a massage therapist. Prior to this, many cities and counties across Colorado had their own licensing requirements, but Grand Junction and Mesa County did not have any regulations.

In order to register, the massage therapist had to show they completed at least 500 hours of instruction at an accredited school, been practicing for at least 5 years or have passed the national certification exam.

Registering massage therapists allows clients additional piece of mind that their therapist is legitimate and qualified. While unregistered massage therapists can still work in massage parlors, they can not advertise themselves as a massage therapist or their work as massage therapy.

If you are looking for a new therapist, please ask them if they are registered with the State, and confirm their registration.

All of the therapists at The Massage Store are registered.

If you have any questions about massage therapist registrations, please feel free to contact us by e-mail or phone, (970) 243-3934.

Massage Therapy vs Massage Parlor - What's the difference?

2010-01-31T15:56:00.004-07:00

We frequently have people reference our store as a massage parlor. We kindly correct them that we are not a massage parlor, but many people do not know the difference.

The Massage Store only utilizes fully trained and experienced massage therapists. Each therapist has received a certain amount of instruction hours and hands on-experience, and they must be registered with the State of Colorado. Attending a massage school can cost up to $15,000 - $20,000.

But, not everyone who goes through is able to give a good massage or know what they are doing. So, we make each therapist take a strict test when they apply to work at The Massage Store. Many cannot pass, but those that do are usually offered a position.

A massage parlor uses women (usually) who are not trained and have not received any formal education on massage, the muscles and their functions. Massage parlors are usually in the spotlight for poor and sometimes illegal business practices. There is currently no regulation on these that we know of, as long as they don't advertise "massage therapy".

And that is the key, "massage therapy" vs. "massage parlor". The Massage Store is a massage therapy business, and all of our staff are massage therapists. They are not masseuses.

We take great strides to maintain our reputation and to make sure people that truly need therapeutic work done can come in anytime. For those with seedy, unethical requests, they can go elsewhere.

Montrose, here we come!

2010-01-22T21:36:00.002-07:00

We have mentioned recently that we have a pending announcement. Well, here it is - we are opening an office in Montrose!

Our office will be located at 1020 S Townsend Ave, directly across from Dairy Queen and next to Western Convenience gas station.

We will open on February 22nd and will hold a Grand Opening the week of March 1. Appointment hours will be 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday and 10-4 on Saturdays.

One or two of our current Grand Junction staff will likely alternate between GJ and Montrose, and we may hire a new therapist for the Montrose office.

We will offer the same massage services as we currently do, including our signature 75-minute massage for just $60, as well as hot stone, prenatal, couples massage and more!

We will also be carrying some retail product, including massage lotions, oils and creams, Sombra pain relieving gel, Biofreeze, massage supplies, etc.

We will be offering specials for our Grand Opening, so check back!

Thank you!

Scott & Vivien
The Massage Store

Can massage help with migraines?

2010-01-16T15:03:00.002-07:00

Here is an interesting article on the effects on migraines with massage therapy!

We have had many successful instances of relieving headaches and migraines for clients using various massage techniques. Let us know if we can help you!

The Massage Store
(970) 243-3934

Employee Stress - What is it costing YOU?

2010-01-10T23:03:00.005-07:00

Now more than ever, stress is a major factor in most people's lives. It can be caused by work (or being unemployed), finances, children, marriage problems, and much, much more.

Stress is a contributing factor in up to 75% of doctor's visits. Keeping stress levels to a minimum allows everyone to be more productive, healthier and generally happier.

But how does stress affect employees at work? Whether most of us will admit it, many people carry their stress and let it affect other aspects of their life. Employee stress affects employers each and every day and can potentially have severe consequences.

Employee stress can lead to: absenteeism/sick days, accidents & worker's comp claims, errors in judgement, poor customer service, conflict with other employees, reduced productivity, decreased morale, and much more! Each of these can have a dramatic and costly effect on a business if left unaddressed.

So, what can you do? Recognize that stress is a factor is many of your employees' lives and provide them an outlet of relieving some of their stress on a regular basis.

On-site chair massage is a great way of accomplishing just that. We send 1 or 2 highly trained massage therapists to your office with portable massage chairs. We ask that you provide us a conference room, empty office, break room, or some place away from their normal work areas, if possible. Employees, if they desire, will receive a 5-20 minute seated, chair massage, while remaining fully clothed. The therapist will focus on the employee's neck, shoulders and back, but as necessary, other areas such as arms, hands and legs can also be worked.

We offer 2 options for payment. The preferred method is the employer pays an hourly rate for each therapist, and employees sign up ahead of time. More employees tend to take advantage of the massage when their employer is paying for it, but it is also advantageous to the employer to have as many employees as possible de-stress.

The other option is to have each employee pay for their own massage. This method is not as preferable because we usually see less participation from the employees, but we still see many take charge of their wellness and take advantage of the massage.

The frequency we come to your office is up to you. Maybe you want once a week, every other week, or even once a month. Sometimes the frequency is determined by the size of your staff. If we can't accomodate everyone each time, then have us come more often so we each employee is able to participate and no one is left out. If your business is seasonal, we can alter our visits to you accordingly.

In these economic times, everyone is watching their bottom line, and we fully understand that. But please remember, healthy, productive, loyal employees are a very profitable asset to your company. Can you afford to not take care of them?

Call or e-mail us anytime for more information!

The Massage Store
(970) 243-3934
Massage@TheMassageStore.net

New Years Eve & Massage

2009-12-28T20:21:00.002-07:00

New Years Eve reminder! Alcohol and massage don't mix! After receiving a massage, the best thing to do is drink lots of water to help flush out the toxins released during your massage! One of the worst things you can do is drink alcohol. With New Years Eve just a few days away, please avoid getting a massage that day if you plan on drinking that night. Inevitably, we get 1 or 2 clients who get a massage that day, then party all night long. A day or two later, they call us complaining how the massage made them so sick. In reality, it was the alcohol after the massage that did it. So please don't mix the two!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Looking for gift for that special someone in your life?

2009-12-13T11:21:00.003-07:00

Give the Gift of Massage! Massage gift certificates make excellent gifts. It allows your loved one to take some time for themself, relieve some stress & tension (which we all know can accumulate over the holidays!) and improve their overall wellness.

Whether are offering a few Christmas specials, which can be found on our website, but our regular services are still available for gift certificate purchase! This includes our signature service - a 75 minute full body, therapeutic massage for just $60!

Gift certificates can be purchased in our store or online at www.TheMassageStore.net.

Do you have young children or grandchildren to buy gifts for? How about something that is truly fun and entertaining, while also very educational for them? For Christmas, we are featuring a special book series, the Snowff Adventure Series. It features Snowff, the Snowflake Kid, through his journeys as he learns about the water cycle, weather systems and other aspects of nature. These books are great for 2nd - 5th graders, but kids younger and older love them too! Each book comes with an audio CD so your child can read/sing-along. We invite you to visit our website for more information, then listen to Chapter 1 from each book online to see what you think for yourself! These books have a retail price of $24.95 each, but we are doing a special featured Christmas special of $16.95 per book. And don't forget, the audio CD is included! These books are available in our store or on our website, www.GJMassageSupply.com. We have 2 children, 5 & 8 year olds, and they both LOVE these books! Even in the car, they want to bring the CD's so they can listen!

Merry Christmas to everyone! Have a great holiday and Happy New Year!

News Channel 5 Story on Massage "Parlors"

2009-11-16T22:12:00.002-07:00

Tonight, KREX / News Channel 5 aired a special report (part 1 of 3) on massage "parlors" and prostitution. A couple things are important to know that the story didn't mention yet.

Massage parlor and massage therapy business are 2 different entities. A massage parlor is a business that offers massage services by UN-TRAINED staff.

Massage therapists and businesses offer therapeutic massage services by TRAINED therapists, that are required to be registered with the State of Colorado.

The state of Colorado began requiring all massage therapists be registered with the State on April 1, 2009. To become a registered massage therapist, the therapist have received a certain amount of training, be fingerprinted and pass a background check.

When the registration law took place, the city of Grand Junction estimated that there were approximately 8 massage parlors in the city.

The Massage Store is NOT a massage parlor. All of our therapists are registered with the State. We only offer therapeutic services, and do NOT offer any sexual services whatsoever. Our reputation is extremely important to us, and we would never do anything to jeopardize it.

We have contacted News Channel 5 to help clarify their story, and also to hopefully have them shed some positive light on the legitimate massage therapists in the Grand Junction area.

We are now a Sombra distributor!

2009-11-12T21:19:00.003-07:00

The Massage Store is now a distributor for Sombra Pain Relieving Gel. You are probably saying, what does that mean? We can now sell Sombra's products to other healthcare professionals at wholesale pricing, so they can then sell in their practices. Many local chiropractors and massage therapists use and sell Sombra, but are currently purchase it online from an out of area distributor. We now offer them a local source, at an affordable price!

We are also passing on savings to our retail customers by lowering our retail prices!

If you are not familiar with Sombra, it is an excellent pain relieving gel. They offer a Warm Therapy and Cool Therapy versions, and various sizes from 1/2 oz up to 1 gallon. Many people are more familiar with BioFreeze, and it is a similar product, but we feel Sombra is more effective and higher quality than BioFreeze.

For more information, please call or e-mail us!

SUNDAY APPOINTMENTS!

2009-11-11T13:38:00.003-07:00

We are accepting appointments for Sundays now! This coming Sunday, 11/15 will be the first week! Appointment times available are 10am, 12pm and 2pm! We only have a few slots open, so if you would like one, book soon!

Veteran's Appreciation!

2009-11-09T10:07:00.002-07:00

Veteran's Day is this week. Our military works so hard, but is often under appreciated. The sacrifices the men & women in our military & their familes make are enormous.

We would like to show our appreciation! We would like to extend a 20% discount to all active duty and retired military personnel and 10% discount to their immediate families.

These discounts are on any of our services and are valid through the end of November. Not valid with other offers.

Please call us at 243-3934 or visit our website at www.TheMassageStore.net to schedule your appointment. Please mention this discount when scheduling appointment.

Why do we offer a 75-minute massage instead of a traditional 60 minute?

2009-11-02T23:10:00.002-07:00

Many new clients call us asking for a "standard" hour massage. We kindly explain to them that we don't normally offer an hour massage and that our "standard" massage is 75 minutes. Many often ask why that is.

Frequently, places that offer an hour massage often include time to fill out paperwork as well as getting dressed and undressed in that 1 hour. So from the time you walk in until the time you walk out is 1 hour, but your actual hands-on massage time is more like 45-50 minutes.

If you are strictly looking for a relaxation massage, that might be ok. However, most of our clients have injuries, chronic pain and other issues that require deeper, more therapeutic work. We can't simply just brush over those areas. So, when The Massage Store first opened, we decided that to provide the type of massage our clients required and wanted, 75-minutes was the key. And that is 75 minutes of actual hands-on massage time. Filling out paperwork, paying and getting dresssed is all done outside of that 75 minute block of time!

Our customers love the extra time, realize more benefit from each massage session and ultimately recognize it as a better value for the money they are spending.

But we also understand, not everyone wants that long of an appointment. So, we do offer a 1/2 hour massage that focuses on a certain area, such as neck & shoulders, lower back, or legs.

We also offer 90 and 120 minutes appointments too, for those die-hard clients!

Chinese Cupping

2009-10-22T20:52:00.002-06:00

We had a client in the store today asking about some of the services we offer. Vivien mentioned to him that "cupping" might help some of the pain he is experiencing. He said "What?!"

Cupping is actually an ancient Chinese technique, using glass cups to create a vacuum effect on your skin, increasing blood flow to that area. Traditionally, it is done with fire, but we use a more modern, and safer system, but equally as effective.

We integrate cupping into your regular massage normally, but can do just a cupping session if a client wishes. However, we still need to warm up and massage that part of the body before applying the cups.

Visit our website and click on Health Articles to see a brief article on Cupping and some of it's benefits.

If you have any thoughts on this technique, we would love to hear from you! Visit our website (www.TheMassageStore.net) and click on our Blog!

Thank you!

From Vivien... Take time for yourself!

2009-10-14T23:56:00.002-06:00

When I was doing chair massage today at a law firm, there was a lady that told me she had killer headache for over two days now. She said if I can make her headache go away she will be my best friend. I started to work her neck, shoulder, pecs....at the end of her 10 minute chair massage, she told me I am her new best friend. Yay!

Often we let headaches take over our day. If everyone would just take a little time out of their "busy schedule" to get a massage once in a while, you would see less frequent and severe headaches. Look at it this way - if you can't even take time to take care of your own body, how well can you take care of anyone or anything around you? My mother is fighting with cancer now. She is one of those good wife, good mom. Her husband and kids always come first. Even her friends come before herself. I keep telling her now is the time to take care of herself. It is never too late to give your body a little more love.

Now, my friends, do you really want to wait until you are so sick then say if I would have only take a little more time to love my body....especially to those good moms, good wives, good women out there. Massage is not a luxury, it is a necessity! Take a little vacation for your body & mind. Don't tell me "I am too busy". If you don't have time for a 75-minute full body massage, then get our 30-minute back, neck and shoulder. Still don't have time? We offer in-store chair massage and you can choose from 5-20 minutes, depending on how much time you have. Even just a few minute massage can go a long way.

Just think of it as you are making a deposit toward your healthy life. This post is for my mother and all the #1 moms out there..... Until next time please be good to your body.

Vivien

Customer Appreciation Special! This is AMAZING!

2009-10-01T23:44:00.003-06:00

Lately, we have run a few specials with the intent of targeting new clients. We haven't forgotten about our current clients! We have an outstanding special for you!

During the month of October, we will take 10% off your next massage for EACH massage you have received at The Massage Store in the last 6 months (since April 1, 2009). If you came in twice, you get 20% off. If you came in once a month, you would get 60% off! If you came in 10 or more times, your next massage is absolutely free!

We have a few restrictions... 1 offer per client, can not combine previous appointments with someone else to achieve a higher discount, must receive the discounted massage in October, 2009, discounted service must be the same or lower value than majority of previous eligible appointments (i.e. if you come in usually for 75-min massages, your discount applies to a 75-min - if you get more 1/2 hour massages, then the discount applies to a 1/2 hour appt), not valid with other offers.

This is the first time we have offered this appreciation event! This is a very limited time offer, so hurry in for your next massage!

We can't wait to see you!

Scott & Vivien

Office Massage Party

2009-09-30T23:11:00.005-06:00

We are still conducting our weekly Office Massage Party contest! Our most recent winner was the Family Health West surgery staff! 2 of our therapists went up there and treated those hardworking ladies to some well deserved stress relief and relaxation!

If you haven't entered yet, it isn't too late. Go to our website, www.TheMassageStore.net, and enter to win!

WOW!

2009-09-28T09:23:00.002-06:00

Our great staff did over 250 chair massages this weekend at Fruita Fall Festival! We met lots of great people, saw lots of current clients and had a good time! Thanks for all that came out, and we look forward to seeing you in the store!

Come See Us at the Fruita Fall Festival!

2009-09-26T08:05:00.002-06:00

We are at Fruita Fall Fest this weekend meeting people and offering 5 minute free chair massage! Come down and see us, and if you mention you saw this post on our website or Facebook, we will give you 10 minutes free, just to show our appreciation for your support!

Remember, we are on Aspen, just down from the roundabout, between Mulberry and Peach. Almost right in front of what used to be Hot Tomato.

Thanks! We look forward to seeing you!

The Massage Store

Western Colorado Triathlon!

2009-09-20T07:56:00.007-06:00

We had a great time at the Western Colorado Triathlon yesterday at Highline State Park. Congratulations to the athletes! They all did a outstanding job. The race consisted of a .9 mile swim (Highline Reservoir), 24 miles road bike (around Loma & Mack) and a 6.2 mile trail run (around Highline Reservoir).

We had the opportunity to work on many of the race participants. Leg massages seemed to be the most requested, but a lot of back & shoulder work too! But they all seemed to enjoy their complimentary massage and walk away with a little easier than they walked in!

We look forward to the next race, the Rim Rock Marathon, November 14th over the Colorado National Monument. We will be at the finish line again with massage tables & chairs!

Farmer's Market - Last Week!

2009-09-16T23:13:00.003-06:00

This week is the last Farmer's Market of the season! If it is anything like years past, it is sure to be very busy!

We will have a guest in our booth this week - Natural Health Chiropractic! Dr. Grotts and his staff will be performing complimentary MyoVision muscle/body scans. This scan will help you identify potential problem areas in your body and health.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Keep in mind - we will be at the Triathlon on Saturday and Fruita Fall Fest next weekend!

New format!

2009-09-13T11:49:00.001-06:00

We just changed our method of posting news & updates on our website & Facebook! Some of you may have received some old posts come through, but hopefully we got them deleted!

Keep in mind that we have another drawing on Monday to win an Office Massage Party! If you haven't already, enter on our website!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and have a good week!