Elements Therapeutic Massage - Missouri City

Available Appointments

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:59:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 5/21/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Ashley – 12 pm, 1 pm, 3 pm
Katurah – 6 pm, 7 pm

Tuesday 5/22/12
Ashley – 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Teresa – 3 pm
Amanda – 4 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm

Wednesday 5/23/12
Katonia – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Ashley – 1 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
Teresa – 6 pm, 7 pm

Thursday 5/24/12
Ashley – 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm
Teresa – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm
Amanda – 4 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm

Friday 5/25/12
Katonia – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Amanda – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 5/26/12
Amanda – 9 am, 12 pm, 2 pm
Ashley – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 5/27/12
Amanda – 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 13 May 2012 10:59:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 5/15/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm

Tuesday 5/16/12
Teresa – 4:30 pm
Amanda – 4 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm

Wednesday 5/17/12
Katonia – 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Thursday 5/18/12
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Friday 5/19/12
Katonia – 10 am
Teresa – 12 pm, 1 pm
Amanda – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 5/20/12
Katurah – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 5/21/12
Katurah – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 06 May 2012 10:57:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 5/7/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Tuesday 5/8/12
Teresa – 1:30 pm, 4:30 pm
Amanda – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Wednesday 5/9/12
Katonia – 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Teresa – 3 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Thursday 5/10/12
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Friday 5/11/12
Katonia – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm
Katurah – 5 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 5/12/12
Amanda – 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm

Sunday 5/13/12
Amanda – 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm
Wayne – 2:30 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 13:58:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 4/30/12
Katonia – 9 am, 9:30 am

Tuesday 5/1/12
Teresa – 4:30 pm
Amanda – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Wednesday 5/2/12
Katonia – 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Teresa – 2 pm, 3 pm, 3:30 pm

Thursday 5/3/12
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm

Friday 5/4/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 11 am
Teresa – 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 5/5/12
Katurah – 11 am, 1 pm, 2 pm
Michelle – 2 pm, 3 pm
Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 5/6/12
Katurah – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Michelle – 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 10:55:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 4/23/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 11 am

Tuesday 4/24/12
Teresa – 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm
Amanda – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Wednesday 4/25/12
Katonia – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 2 pm, 3 pm

Thursday 4/26/12
Amanda – 3 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm

Friday 4/27/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 11 am
Teresa – 1:30 pm, 2 pm
Amanda – 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 4/28/12
Amanda – 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Teresa – 12 pm, 2:30 pm, 4 pm
Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 4/29/12
Amanda – 10 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:56:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 4/16/12
Katonia –12 pm

Tuesday 4/17/12
Teresa – 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Michelle – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Wednesday 4/18/12
Katonia – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Amanda – 2 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm
Teresa – 3:30 pm, 5 pm

Friday 4/20/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 10 am, 11:30 am
Michelle – 2 pm, 3 pm, 4:30 pm

Saturday 4/21/12
Wayne – 1 pm, 5:30 pm
Amanda – 1:30 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 4/22/12
Wayne – 4:30 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Availablie Appointments

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:35:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 4/9/12
Jennifer – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 1 pm

Tuesday 4/10/12
Teresa – 9 am, 10 am, 3 pm

Wednesday 4/11/12
Katonia – 9 am, 1 pm
Teresa – 4 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Thursday 4/12/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm
Kevin – 4 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm

Friday 4/13/12
Jennifer –10 am, 1 pm
Katonia – 11 am, 12 pm

Saturday 4/14/12
Teresa – 1:30 pm
Wayne – 3:30 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Sunday 4/15/12
Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:50:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 4/2/12
Jennifer – 10 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Katonia – 9 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm

Tuesday 4/3/12
Teresa – 9 am, 11:30 pm, 12:30 pm
Michelle- 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Wednesday 4/4/12
Katonia – 10 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Teresa – 3 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm

Thursday 4/5/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm
Michelle – 4 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Friday 4/6/12
Jennifer –10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm
Katonia – 11 am, 12 pm
Michelle – 2 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Saturday 4/7/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Sunday 4/8/12
Michelle – 11 am, 12 pm, 3 pm
Wayne – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:20:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 3/26/12
Jennifer – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 11 am

Tuesday 3/27/12
Tracy – 12 pm, 1 pm
Teresa – 3 pm, 4 pm, 4:30 pm

Wednesday 3/28/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10:30 am, 12 pm
Michelle – 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm
Teresa – 3 pm, 6:30 pm, 7 pm

Thursday 3/29/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 12 pm, 1 pm
Michelle – 4:30 pm, 5 pm

Friday 3/30/12
Jennifer –10 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Katonia – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 2 pm
Michelle – 2 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm
Tracy – 1 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm

Saturday 3/31/12
Teresa – 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 4/1/12
Tracy – 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Wayne – 3 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Massage Therapy for Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:36:00 -0500

Massage therapy may improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.

Massage is a broad term encompassing a variety of approaches to the manipulation of soft tissue to achieve health benefits. Massage techniques have been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures. Practitioners primarily use their hands but may also use their forearms, elbows or even their feet in some methods. Lubricants are often added to reduce friction and discomfort during the application of massage techniques. Early scientific evidence suggests that people with Parkinson's disease might have reduced symptoms after massage. More studies are needed.

In a new study, ten patients with Parkinson's disease were assigned to receive a 30-minute session of traditional Japanese message in combination with standard medications. Various outcome measures, including walking speed, range of shoulder motion, muscle pain and fatigue were evaluated before and after treatment.

The researchers found that walking speed, shoulder stiffness and the severity of other symptoms all improved after massage therapy. The authors concluded that massage therapy in combination with conventional medications may benefit Parkinson's disease patients. However, larger-scale well-designed studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be made.

In addition to massage therapy, several other integrative therapies have been evaluated for their potential effects on Parkinson's disease symptoms. Parkinson's patients have shown modest improvement in symptoms following music therapy, including in some aspects of motor coordination, speech intelligibility and vocal intensity, bradykinesia (slow movement), emotional functions, activities of daily living and quality of life.

For more information about integrative therapies for Parkinson's disease, please visit Natural Standard's Comparative Effectiveness Database.

For more information about massage therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness Database.

To comment on this story, please visit Natural Standard's blog.

References

Donoyama N, Ohkoshi N. Effects of traditional Japanese massage therapy on various symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease: a case-series study. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Mar;18(3):294-9. View Abstract
Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

The information in this brief report is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Copyright © 2012 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.

Let Your Back Pain Loose

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:47:00 -0500

It doesn’t matter whether you are a desk jockey, athlete, construction worker, stay-at-home mom or retiree, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain and discomfort throughout your life. Researchers and doctors agree that low back pain is one of the leading major health problems in today’s society. With cooler temperatures and less than favorable conditions, back pain can be even more present this time of year as snow shoveling duties, icy sidewalks and extreme winter sports can be the norm.

According to industry reports, 70 to 85 percent of people in the U.S. experience low back pain some time in their lives. Each year, 5 to 10 percent of the workforce misses work due to low back pain and almost 10 percent of all patients are at risk for developing chronic pain and disability.¹

Back Pain Triggers

One of the most frustrating characteristics of back pain is its ability to sneak up on you when you least expect it. You bend over to pick up your toddler from the bathtub and an unexpected pain shoots through your back and shoulders. You end the day feeling great after going on a weekend bike ride with buddies or playing a friendly flag football game with family, but wake up the next morning with your back muscles as stiff as an iron rod. Or, you may have spent the day in a long board meeting with few scheduled breaks and by the time you get your exhausted body to bed, all you can do is toss and turn because of a dull constant pain buzzing throughout your neck, back and shoulders. Sound familiar?

Industry statistics indicate that 97 percent of non-specific back pain problems are triggered by outside influences such as muscle strains, awkward movements, staying in a static position for too long, or when the combination of minor stresses occur together. The most common reported causes of low-back pain include:

Heavy Physical Work
Bending
Twisting
Lifting
Pulling and Pushing
Repetitive Work Patterns
Static Postures

Back pain usually is discovered when causes like the ones listed above are combined with an individual’s poor body stability, tone, flexibility and balance.²

Back Pain Remedies

So, what types of remedies should you use to combat back pain? Experts suggest taking a holistic approach to reducing back pain incidents by keeping your body fit with proper exercise and diet, using relaxation techniques such as massage and yoga, and enlisting proper posture practices such as ergonomically correct computer stations, strengthening core muscles and sleeping on your back or side with pillows supporting your knees and back.³

Massage

As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to combating back pain based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. A 2011 study compared structural and relaxation (Swedish) massage techniques, and found that both types of massage worked well to remedy chronic low back pain with few side effects. The study also found that massage helps people with back pain function better even after six months, which can help support their ability to work, take care of themselves and be active.⁴

For those who use massage as a preventative measure to back pain or to manage daily back stress, one massage a month is common. Weekly massage sessions may be necessary for injury relief or to relieve chronic neck or back tightness that interferes with your daily life. If this is the case, weekly sessions are essential in order to build on each week's improvements in healing until the desired results have been achieved.

Yoga

The backbone of yoga practice and purpose is increasing an individual’s flexibility, while lengthening and strengthening a body’s muscles and mind’s focus. In relation to alleviating back pain specifically, recent studies have revealed that yoga classes have been linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain. In one of the largest U.S. yoga studies to date, back-related functionality improved and symptoms were diminished with yoga at 12 weeks, while clinical benefits such as reduced use of pain medications lasted at least six months.⁵

Balance and Stability

Another common remedy to combat back pain is adding balance and stability moves to your daily activities. There are various poses and stability exercises that target your back muscles and core, but three simple balance movements that can get you started include: Bird Dog (extending your opposite hand and leg while on your hands and knees); Superman (extending both arms and legs while lying on your stomach); and Plank (holding your body off the floor by leaving your forearms and toes touching the floor). Start by holding each movement for 10 seconds and increase your time as you become stronger.

At some point in your life, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain. Whether it’s spending too much time hunched over your computer, shoveling heavy loads of wet, dense snow, or taking a wrong turn down a steep mountain ski run, back pain has a way of creeping up on you. The key to alleviating back pain is to take a holistic approach to treating and preventing your muscle aches and strains. By using a combination of the relaxation, flexibility and stability building techniques described above, low back pain can become a thing of the past, allowing you to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to begin living a restored, vibrant and pain-free lifestyle.

XXX

Sources:

¹Buselli P, Bosoni R, Buse G, Fasoli P, La Scala E, Mazzolari R, Zanetti F, Messina S. Trial Abstract for Effectiveness evaluation of a SMATH System, October 2011.

²Chaitow, Leon. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, June/July 2006.

³ Buford, Darren. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, August/September 2001.

⁴ Group Health Research Institute. Annals of Internal Medicine, July 2011.

⁵ Karen J. Sherman; Daniel C. Cherkin; Robert D. Wellman; Andrea J. Cook; Rene J. Hawkes; Kristin Delaney; Richard A. Deyo. A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011.

Available Appointments

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 09:41:00 -0500

**These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 3/19/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 11 am
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 6:30 pm, 7 pm

Tuesday 3/20/12
Tracy - 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Teresa – 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 4:30 pm

Wednesday 3/21/12
Katonia – 12 pm, 1 pm
Michelle – 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 Pm
Teresa – 1 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm

Thursday 3/22/12
Jennifer – 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Michelle – 2 pm 4 pm, 5 pm

Friday 3/23/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm
Katonia – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm
Teresa – 1:20 pm, 2 pm
Michelle – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm
Tracy – 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm
Wayne – 4:30 pm, 5 pm

Saturday 3/24/12
Jennifer – 9 pm, 10 am, 1 pm
Michelle – 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Teresa – 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm
Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 3/25/12
Michelle – 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm
Wayne – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 10:59:00 -0500

** These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 3/12/12
Katonia - 9 am, 10 am, 12 pm

Tracy – 2 pm, 4 pm

Tuesday 3/13/12

Tracy - 10 am, 12 pm, 1 pm

Michelle – 2 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm

Wednesday 3/14/12
Katonia – 9 am, 11:30 am

Michelle – 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

Thursday 3/15/12

Jennifer – 10 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm

Michelle – 3 pm 4 pm, 5 pm

Wayne – 6 pm, 7 pm

Friday 3/16/12

Katonia – 9 am, 10 am, 11:30 am

Jennifer – 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm

Tracy – 1 pm, 5 pm

Michelle – 3 pm, 4 pm, 5:30 pm

Wayne – 3 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Saturday 3/17/12
Tracy – 9 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm

Teresa – 12 pm, 4 pm

Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5pm

Ashley – 5 pm, 6 pm

Sunday 3/18/12
Tracy – 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm

Teresa – 12 pm, 1 pm

Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5:30 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

** Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Available Appointments

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:24:00 -0600

** These Appointments are Currently Open**

Monday 3/5/12
Katonia - 9 am, 11:30 am

Jennifer - 11:30 am, 12:30 pm

Ashley - 6 pm, 7 pm

Tuesday 3/6/12
Teresa - 10:30 am, 11:30 am

Tracy - 10 am, 12 pm, 1 pm

Kevin - 4 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm

Katonia – 9 am, 11 am

Wednesday 3/7/12

Michelle – 1 pm, 3 pm

Ashley – 6 pm, 7 pm

Jennifer – 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm

Thursday 3/8/12

Kevin – 12 pm, 2 pm

Michelle – 2 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Ashley – 6 pm, 7 pm

Friday 3/9/12
Katonia – 9 am, 10 am

Jennifer – 12 pm, 1 pm

Tracy – 2 pm, 4 pm

Wayne – 5 pm, 6 pm

Saturday 3/10/12
Jennifer – 9 am, 11 am

Kevin – 10:30 am, 12 pm, 1 pm

Wayne – 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm

Sunday 3/11/12
Kevin – 9 am, 10 am, 11am

Michelle – 12 pm, 1 pm, 4 pm

Wayne – 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm

Additional Appointments may be available to meet your scheduling needs.

**Call Elements Therapeutic Massage NOW at 281.403.5300 to book your Elements Experience!**

Members book online at touchofelements.com/missouricity

Set the Stage for Aging Gracefully

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:23:00 -0600

Read full article: http://touchofelements.com/missouricity/wellness_news/30/set-the-stage-for-aging-gracefully

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City

Valentine's Day Special

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:11:00 -0600

It’s the season to show your love by celebrating Valentine’s Day. We’ve got the perfect gift this year. It’s easy to order, fun to give and even better to receive.

Special Massage and Roses Valentine's Day Offer

55-Minute Massage Gift Card and a Dozen Pink or Red Roses for just $99*

Pre-order your gift by visiting http://touchofelements.com/missouricity/valentines-special and completing the form by February 10, 2012.

Bust through the Resolution Rut by Focusing on Overall Health, Well-Being for the New Year

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 15:56:00 -0600

With the hustle and bustle of the hectic holidays in your rear view mirror, the never-ending possibilities for a healthy and happy new year are on the horizon. To grasp the unlimited potential the New Year can bring, people can be as frantic about New Year’s resolutions as they were on Black Friday racing to purchase the top toys on last year’s holiday guide.

Statistics show that almost half of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. Although many resolutions fall to the wayside shortly after the journey begins, research shows that making resolutions can be useful, as people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than those who do not.¹

Make Resolutions Likely to Stick

The key to making resolutions that you can live by is to keep it simple. Write down two or three goals at most and set benchmarks for achieving the goals so you can enjoy incremental successes along the way. According to a resolution list from the U.S. government, many of the most popular resolutions fall within the category of overall health and well-being.² Whether your resolution this year addresses reducing stress, increasing fitness, losing weight or improving sleep, the following tips will help you combat the resolution rut and keep you on the road to achieving overall health and wellness for the New Year.

Start Your Mornings with a Dose of Mental Health and Physical Relaxation

To establish a lifestyle routine focused on healthy living and well-being, it is important to start your day with some easy and simple mental health and physical relaxation exercises that focus on preparing you for whatever obstacles you may have to tackle during the day. By combining stretching/yoga poses with meditative breathing and positive thinking, you are well on your way to the road of living a restored and vibrant life.

Clear the Mind and Relax Your Body: Before rolling out of bed to greet the morning sunrise, take a few minutes of long, deep breathes to clear out the cobwebs from the night before and prepare your mind for a productive, stress-free day. By focusing on the positive aspects of what you plan on accomplishing for your day, you are setting yourself up for a happy and healthy mental wellness day. Research from the Mayo Clinic has indicated that health benefits from positive thinking may range from increased life span and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease to lower rates of depression and distress, better psychological and physical well-being, and improved coping skills during hardships and stressful times.³
Balance Your Body, Balance Your Life: To get your day started off on the right foot, begin your morning routine with some quiet meditative and muscle relaxation time. In as little as five minutes, you can loosen your back, neck and leg muscles with common yoga moves such as child’s pose, downward dog and standing tree.

Power Down Your Brain at Night to Reset and Revamp Your Mind

Ending your day on a relaxing note will promote overall health and well-being by creating an environment focused on recharging your mind and body. At least an hour before going to bed, make it a habit to turn off all technology – television, phone, e-mail, Internet, social media, music, etc. This will help you power down your brain at night to prepare your body for a restful and fulfilling night’s sleep. Another key component to resetting and revamping your mind is ensuring that you allow yourself an adequate amount of sleep each night. When you get home from work, set your alarm clock for whatever time you need to go to bed to ensure 7-9 straight hours of shut eye. When the alarm goes off at night, you should be in bed ready for sleep. An adequate amount of sleep will help you have a more energetic, productive and healthy attitude during the day.

Refuel with Weekly Appointments with Friends and Fitness

Work, family and personal everyday commitments can leave your mental tank empty and craving some “ME” time. Refuel your tank by picking one stress relieving activity that you enjoy and schedule it on your calendar on a weekly basis. This could be as simple as reading a book/magazine for an hour, arranging a coffee date with a friend, volunteering or playing racquetball. By taking time out for yourself on a weekly basis, you are fueling your tank of self worth and demonstrating not only to yourself, but to your friends and family, that your mental health is important enough for you to set time aside each week for emotional and mental fulfillment.

Similarly, it is important to fuel your body by incorporating fitness activities into your weekly routine. Physical activity not only helps your body’s fitness levels, but it also is an excellent source for preventing and managing stress. Whether it’s taking your dog for a 30-minute walk, going for a jog, biking the kids to/from school, taking fitness classes or swimming laps, consistent activity is good for not only relieving stress in your muscles/body, but also the stress in your mind.

Restore and Revitalize with Monthly Massage Therapy Sessions

To keep your mind and body aligned and working in sync, monthly massage therapy sessions are important to restoring and reinvigorating your overall health and well-being. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Some of the most common massage therapy techniques include:

Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury.
Swedish Massage: Focuses on relaxation, stress relief and overall health and wellness.
Hot Stone Massage: Specializes in easing muscle tension without deep pressure.
Trigger Point: Focuses on highly localized muscle knots where the body holds tension and carries stress.

As you sit down to make your resolutions this year, it is important to focus on reasonable and attainable goals that are easy to incorporate into your everyday life. By using the daily, weekly and monthly tips in this article, you will be well on your way to not only making resolutions that will stick with you throughout the year, but also help you establish a well-rounded lifestyle focused on overall health and wellness. Resolutions are a journey, so enjoy the ride this year to a healthier and happier you. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City today to begin revitalizing your health and well-being for the New Year.

Sources:

¹ University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 58, Issue 4, 2002.

² USA.gov, Popular New Year’s Resolutions, October 2011.

³ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, May 2011.

Close Out Holiday Season Stress by Rejuvenating your Mind and Body with Massage Therapy

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:57:00 -0600

The children are nestled all snug in their beds while visions of holiday loot dance in their heads. Little Johnny has his video games and little Susie her dolls. Dad has his new power tools and the doggies have their new fresh-baked dog treats. All mom wants when it’s all said and done is a long winter nap. But, alas, the clatter inside your head won’t give you any time for a moment’s rest.

As the exhausting and hectic holiday season comes to a close and the New Year peeks out on the horizon, many of us find ourselves stressed out, maxed out and bloated to the max. Although the holidays are a time for making memories with family, friends, co-workers and your children, the festivities unfortunately can include chaotic family obligations that leave you feeling worn out both mentally and physically.

Too much of a good thing can lead to stress (hosting 20 of your closest friends and family for holiday dinner), overindulgence (having seconds, thirds and fourths of Grandma’s famous gingerbread cookies) and exhaustion (too many cocktail party functions combined with late nights by the fireplace drinking too many glasses of homemade eggnog). Instead of wrapping up your holiday season as a bundle of stress that leaves you with a chaotic digestive system, give yourself the gift of massage to rejuvenate your body and restore your system with positive energy.

Kick Stress to the Curb with Therapeutic Massage

Whether you need to release tension, reduce stress or simply relax and feel your best, regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions are essential for promoting your overall mind and body well-being. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to wellness based on the body's natural ability to heal itself and stabilize your systems. Regular monthly massages provide relief to people of all ages and all walks of life from the competitive athlete to the home gardener or the over-stressed business person. It is the perfect recipe for helping you unwind from the holiday stress and prepare yourself for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.

Balance Your Body with a Healthy Diet and Stable Digestive System

Eating healthy during the holidays is borderline impossible, but instead of mentally beating yourself up for indulging during the season, take action today to begin stabilizing your digestive system and balancing your body. Therapeutic massage sessions can promote a healthy digestive system by relaxing tense abdominal and intestinal walls, as well as stimulate activity of your major digestive organs (kidneys, small and large intestines, colon) to improve circulation and waste removal. When combined with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates, massage therapy can help regulate your bowel movements, flush out the toxins in your system and leave you feeling more energetic and rejuvenated as you embark on the New Year.

Regularly Scheduled Massage Therapy Sessions Benefit Your Mind and Body

Research analysis from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that a single session of massage therapy can reduce common ailments such as blood pressure and heart rate, while multiple sessions can reduce common mental and physical conditions such as depression and pain.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City today to step out of the holiday fog and breakthrough into the New Year feeling physically energetic and mentally prepared for a happy and healthy lifestyle.

While you’re at it, why not schedule multiple monthly massages for the first six months of the year to jump start your body’s physical and mental well-being? Now, that sounds like a good New Year’s resolution you can stick to for total body health and wellness.

25% Off Massage Gift Cards at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:07:00 -0600

Massage Therapy Gift Cards Top the Charts this Holiday Season!

Elements Therapeutic Massage gift cards are perfect for family, friends, and co-workers. Avoid the crowds and long lines! Order gift cards on our website! Choose a design, add a personal message and email it to the recipient! You can even choose the exact date to email your gift card!

25% Off Any Massage Gift Card

online promotional code: MGC25

Go to: http://touchofelements.com/missouricity/gift-cards

Fine print: This offer expires Saturday, December 24, 2011. Gift cards expire one year from the purchase date. Discount is based on regular massage rates. Gift cards are non-refundable.

Buy 3 Get 1 Free!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:11:00 -0600

Massage Therapy Gift Cards Top the Charts this Holiday Season!

Massage gift cards are perfect for family, friends, and co-workers.

SAVE ON MASSAGE GIFT CARDS! PLUS GET ONE FREE!

Members: Buy three 55-minute massage gift cards for $149 and get one 55-minute massage gift card for free! (No fee to mail to Members.)

Non-members: Buy three 55-minute massage gift cards for $199 and get one 55-minute massage gift card for free! ($2.00 to mail to Non-Members.)

Order using the Buy Now buttons (no paypal account needed) or call 281.403.5300 to order your gift cards. You may request to have your gift cards mailed to you or you may pick them up in the studio during normal business hours.

Fine print: This offer expires Saturday, December 24, 2011. Free gift cards will expire 3/31/12. All other gift cards will expire 12/24/12. We close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. We will be closed on Christmas Day. Gift cards are non-refundable.

3 Reasons to Get a Massage More Often

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:25:00 -0500

Why a regular massage should be a fundamental component to your overall wellness program

We'd all love to get massage on a regular basis. If that sounds more like a luxury and not a necessity, check your facts. Health experts recommend regular massage therapy with good reason!

Consider these three excuses to get a massage as often as you like:

1. Your pain wasn’t built in a day.

You didn’t develop that ache or pain or health condition overnight. Pain comes from things you do over a period of months and years, like working at a desk or computer. And it’s likely to reoccur simply due to the routine of everyday life and the toll that it takes on your body.

A regularly scheduled massage helps you keep on top of your health rather than playing catch-up all the time. American comedian and actor, Bob Hope received a massage almost every day of his life and he lived to be almost 90.

Think about how much money you spend on healthcare to treat symptoms like chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety and depression — and to diagnose you when you’re sick — and consider then how much you could save by adding a preventive treatment like regular massage.

2. Stress happens — all the time.

Your stress triggers are always with you, not just on days when you decide to treat yourself to a massage. Sure, there are bigger, one-time events that are intensely stressful, like losing a job. But low- to moderate-level stress triggers — crazy traffic, difficult people, delayed flights — are an ongoing part of everyday life. And experts widely agree that this chronic, continual stress is the underlying cause of 80 to 90 percent of all health conditions.

Stress leads to all kinds of serious, chronic health conditions including high blood pressure, insomnia and obesity. And there’s more and more research showing that stress alone can lead to certain types of cancer.

You can’t stop stressful situations from happening. Even if you practice stress management techniques like meditation, it’s challenging to completely prevent the natural chemical reactions that stress triggers in your body. But you can manage its lasting effects on your health by “stress-detoxing” on an ongoing basis. Frequent and consistent massage helps your body sustain its stress resilience mechanisms and keeps stress hormones in balance, in turn reducing the risk of chronic health conditions and illnesses.
Therapeutic massage can become a part of a regular stress management program. Making this is a priority can help you maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and even alleviate depression in certain situations.

3. Quality of life isn’t just for special occasions.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage about half our clientele comes in for regularly scheduled massages. Some of the longtime clients become concerned if they can’t come in for their regular session — because it helps keep them healthy and enables them to lead an active lifestyle.

Even if you’re not experiencing pain or mobility challenges that keep you from hiking, biking, golfing or other physical activities you enjoy, massage can simply be the breather you need to keep your sanity and perspective in a hectic society. Think about how that can improve your outlook, attitude and relationships with your spouse, kids, family, friends, coworkers, boss...

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City: 281.403.5300

Massage Therapy for Automobile Accident Victims

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:42:00 -0500

There is no doubt that wearing seat belts saves lives. It is the single most effective thing you can do in a car to save your life. Statistics show that 63 percent of people killed in automobile accidents were not wearing seatbelts. Each year there are about 35,000 people who die as a result of a car crash. Half of them could have been saved if they had been wearing a seatbelt.

More than 75 percent of serious injuries and deaths from a car crash occur close to home and more than half at speeds slower than 40 miles per hour. An unbelted person weighing 160 pounds in a car going 30 mph can crash through a windshield with a force of 4,800 pounds.

But wearing a seatbelt is not a 100 percent guarantee against injury. While they do save lives, the very nature of what they do can cause soft tissue injury to the abdomen or result in broken or displaced bones. In a collision or rollover, the seat belt will tighten and the body will be thrust hard against it as the restraining mechanism does its job.

After surviving a car accident the person will most likely experience a lot of pain, even if there are no visible signs of injury. When a sudden traumatic event occurs the body's protective mechanisms kick in. There is an endorphin rush, which can mask any pain and, along with an increase in adrenaline, enables the person to escape from the perceived danger. Unfortunately, after the danger has passed, the production of these chemicals subsides and the result is pain - sometimes lots of it. The last thing a person may want to do is get a massage. Others, who know about the benefits, will rush to make an appointment for bodywork.

Types of Injury
Perhaps the most common injury that a massage therapist will see after a car accident is whiplash. As the car comes to an abrupt stop, the body, even though restrained, will quickly be propelled forward and back in a kind of snapping motion. The pain or other difficulty may not be apparent for days, weeks or even months after the accident.

Other injuries can include bruising across the chest from the seatbelt, or more seriously, internal injuries, which result as vital organs are compressed against the spine or ribs. The shoulder harness portion of the seatbelt crosses over the heart, lungs, diaphragm and liver as well as the ribs, sternum and clavicle, all of which maybe affected, even in a moderately low impact crash. Ribs broken by the force of the seatbelt might splinter and enter lung tissue, penetrate the liver or puncture the kidneys. The lap portion of the seatbelt crosses over the pelvis and lower spine and can have an impact on the intestines, colon and spinal nerves. As bad as these injuries sound, they are less life-threatening than being thrown out of car or being catapulted through the windshield.

There are some people who will refuse emergency treatment after an accident. This may be because they feel fine or think the injuries are minor. In the next day or two when the pain begins, they may come to a massage therapist for relief. Without a thorough examination by a physician there is no way of knowing if a person has internal injuries. Administering massage therapy at this point can do more harm than good. Anyone wanting to receive therapy from a massage therapist or any other bodyworker must see a physician first to rule out any serious internal injury.

Once internal injuries are ruled out, massage therapy can be one of the best treatments to enhance healing for both the mental and physical trauma experienced as a result of the accident. Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City can help!

Massage an inexpensive treatment for pain

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:43:00 -0500

Chronic neck and back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States.

It accounts for a large percentage of health care dollars: In 2005, we spent close to $90 billion on medical procedures, imaging studies and medications for neck and back pain. That's up from $52 billion in 1997.

Still, the percentage of people with neck and back pain continues to escalate, and so does the cost. So, it behooves us to keep looking for other ways to treat and manage chronic pain:

Massage therapy also was felt to reduce the overall cost of care. However, there are many forms of massage treatment, and it has not been clear which type is most beneficial for people with low back pain.

A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine sheds some light on this.

Relaxation massage, a standard technique, helps relax the tense muscles that contribute to pain. Structural massage uses a more specific approach to release tension, requires more training and might be more expensive.

The researchers speculated that the patients receiving the structural massage would have greater pain relief than those getting the simpler massage.

Each of the massage groups received a weekly one-hour massage for 10 weeks; the placebo group received usual care for people with back pain - including pain medications, muscle relaxers and physical therapy.

After 10 weeks, both massage groups noted a significant reduction in pain, as well as an improvement in their daily functioning; there was no significant difference between the two types of massage therapy. The improvement in function seemed to last at least six months, but benefits after one year were questionable.

The authors concluded that both relaxation and structural massage were beneficial treatments for people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

The bottom line is that it might simply come down to which type of massage therapy you prefer, and that is something each of us needs to determine for ourselves. Other factors: Obesity, lack of exercise and depression are all on the rise and contribute to pain.

So if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain: Work on getting your weight into a normal range, exercise daily and get help if you suffer from depression. If this doesn't do the trick, consider gifting yourself with a massage periodically. It might be one of the best investments you make in your health and well-being.

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City: 281.403.5300

Children and Massage- A Powerful Combination

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:30:00 -0500

Every child, no matter the age, should be massaged at bedtime on a regular basis." So says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., of the Touch Research Institute (TRI) in Miami, Fla. Field and her associates at TRI have worked diligently over the past decade proving the benefits of massage for children. But this is not a new concept. Infant massage has long been a common practice in families of Eastern and African cultures. Many indigenous tribes use some form of bodywork to soothe, relax and heal their little ones, sometimes including scented oils and herbal remedies as part of the experience. With our modern technology and hurried lives, we frequently find ourselves lacking in quality family time and touching each other less. The ancient practice of massage can serve to reaffirm a close bond with our children, and to convey a comforting sense of security and trust.

Touch is the first sense to develop in humans. It is essential to our health and well-being. Babies have been known to fail to thrive and even die without an adequate amount of physical contact. Adults, as well, can become depressed and ill if they are isolated from this most basic of human needs. Children who learn healthy views of touch and are provided with positive tactile experience by their caregivers are more likely to grow up to be adults with healthy self-esteem, a sense of appropriate boundaries and long-lasting intimate relationships.

TRI researcher Maria Hernandez-Reif, Ph.D., says she regularly gives massage to her own daughter. When asked if other parents should do the same, she says, "Absolutely, a daily massage at least. That's what the studies show. Regardless of whether it's an infant, a child with illness, a preschooler, pregnant women or the elderly -- no matter who we studied we have found that massage benefits all age groups and individuals of different conditions."

Massage is a wonderful stress-buster for children. "Oftentimes when we think about stress," Hernandez-Reif says, "we think it's just an adult condition, only adults have stress. But if you think about it, even young infants and children are prone to stress." A young child starting school who is unfamiliar with the area or children in the class will experience stress. Family illness or financial problems, divorce and even vacations can produce emotional strain. Hernandez-Reif notes that one of the consistent findings in studies of the benefits of massage therapy is a reduction in stress and stress hormone levels: "There is a relationship between stress and the immune system. If stress hormones are chronically elevated, the [hormone] cortisol will destroy the healthy immune cells that fight viruses and tumors and keep the immune system healthy. If you can reverse that, you not only reduce stress but also reduce stress hormones, allowing the immune system to bounce back and do its job, which is to heal the body and keep it healthy."

As for children's behavioral response to massage, she says, "They are happier and in a better mood. We have observed they appear more relaxed, calm and oftentimes fall asleep during massage." If it's the child's first massage, they may squirm a bit because they are not familiar with this type of touch. Due to the discomfort and pain of medical procedures inflicted on them, infants and especially premature babies may have developed a negative association with touch. Given this new, positive experience they relax and their bodies quiet down.

With infants, a gentle gliding stroke is applied to the body, but as the child grows older, the massage may become more sophisticated to include work on the feet, fingers and toes, and use of more extensive types of strokes and techniques. "Teens are a little different," Hernandez-Reif says. "With young children we can train the mother or parent to do massage for a daily dose. Teens, however, don't seem to like their parents giving them massage. They respond better to a massage therapist." TRI's guideline of 15- to 20-minute sessions is a good rule to follow at home. Longer sessions can be overstimulating or even uncomfortable for a younger child with a short attention span.

One of the best ways to give your baby safe, positive messages about touch is to give her massage on a regular basis. Early infant massage may stimulate the developing nervous system and brain, and memory of that positive touch may then be permanently registered in the body cells. By improving circulation, respiration, digestion and elimination, massage promotes a sense of comfort in your baby and makes her less prone to colic. As the baby grows, the stroking of massage prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking by promoting strength, motor coordination and self-confidence. Infant massage is becoming very popular with new parents and a number of resources are now available to get you started. In addition to books and videos, you can find certified infant massage therapy instructors in local private practice and at hospitals and clinics specializing in holistic medicine.

Once massage is established as a family routine, it can benefit your child throughout his growing years. Preschoolers have shown better performance on tests of their intellectual and manual skills after a 15-minute massage. They also slept better during naps, were less likely to be overactive and had better behavior ratings. For teens struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, massage helps to balance unstable hormones and can relieve anxiety by producing a state of relaxation. A supportive relationship with a massage therapist who gives them safe, unconditional touch can also increase their feelings of self-acceptance and self-confidence during those trying years.

Children with Special Needs
The studies at TRI have ranged from massage for pre-term infants to parent-administered massage for children with chronic illness. This research is having a profound impact on pediatric healthcare, providing a noninvasive treatment within a positive, nurturing experience. Pre-term infants and cocaine-exposed and HIV-positive newborns have responded to massage with increased weight gain, decreased stress behavior and improved motor skills tests. Pre-term babies also slept better and were more alert and active.

Stress has been identified as a major contributor to exacerbated symptoms in children with chronic illness, if not the root of the disease itself. Coping with frequent hospitalizations, painful or uncomfortable treatments and restrictions on diet and daily activities can take its toll on parents and siblings as well as the patient. Massage reduces stress hormone levels and provides an ideal opportunity for positive interaction between parent and child in the midst of the negatives of treatment. In TRI's studies on chronic illnesses, parents were instructed in administering nightly massage sessions. Across the board, not only did the child's symptoms improve, but both the child and parents experienced a decrease in anxiety.

Controlling stress is crucial for children with diabetes, asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and skin problems. As stress hormone levels rise, symptoms increase -- in the case of diabetes and asthma, sometimes putting the child's life at risk. In TRI's research, massage has been shown to improve blood sugar levels in diabetics, improve pulmonary function in asthmatics, decrease JRA pain and improve skin condition in children with eczema. Massage for children with cancer is currently being studied by TRI with the expectation that it will decrease the stress of medical procedures and boost the immune system. "From my perspective, one of the most important research findings from our studies is that massage therapy increases natural killer cells," Hernandez-Reif says. "These cells are constantly traveling through our body looking for foreign objects and tumors to destroy. Massage therapy naturally boosts these cells. This has tremendous implication about the benefits of massage for keeping people healthy."

Massage has proven equally effective for psychological and behavioral problems. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibited less hyperactivity and more on-task behavior, and generally were happier with regular massage treatments. For autistic children, there was a decrease in touch sensitivity and disruptive behavior, and increased ability to relate to their teachers. Adolescents suffering from bulemia had improved body image and decreased depression and anxiety, while teen psychiatric patients experienced improved sleep and clinical progress as well as decreased depression, anxiety and stress.

"What we would like to see is for massage therapy to be added to standard care -- not to take the place of medical care, but to go hand-in-hand with the doctor's care to help the child recover more quickly," Hernandez-Reif says. "I think it's a great tool."

Touch is essential to a child's development, sense of well-being and good health. Children reach out for touch as naturally as they do for food and water. A nightly massage can ensure that touch is a positive, nurturing part of their human experience. And, as Field says, "They love it."

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City- 281.403.5300

Massage: It's real medicine

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:36:00 -0500

Having your honey rub your back is sweet, but it's tough to compete with the hands of a pro. A good massage therapist can make you feel like a new person. And now research suggests massage can ease insomnia, boost immunity, prevent PMS, and more. Maybe that's why hospitals are making it a standard therapy.

"All of our surgery patients are offered the treatment -- I call it 'service with a smile' -- and it's a mandatory weekly prescription I give myself," says Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., director of the Cardiovascular Institute at New York Presbyterian Hospital--Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and a member of the board at LLuminari, a health-education company.

Our advice: Enjoy your hands-on time with your sweetie, but set aside some time for a real massage, too. Here are some feel-good reasons:

Goodbye, pain

It sounds like a no-brainer, but rubdowns are especially effective for aches like low-back pain. Researchers at the Group Health Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington, found that massage works better than common treatments including chiropractic therapy and acupuncture. It's not clear why, but several studies show massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol while boosting the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Those changes slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and block your nervous system's pain receptors. Massage also increases blood flow to the muscles, which may help them heal. (Health.com: Frequently asked questions about massage )

A bonus: Massage also seems to ease distress from migraine, labor pain, and even cancer, as well as the body tenderness seen with fibromyalgia, says Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Plus, the benefits may last as long as a year after just a few treatments, says Partap Khalsa, Ph.D., a chiropractor and a program officer at the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the agency funding many major studies on massage.

Hello, dreams

Fluctuations in several types of brain waves either relax you or wake you up. Massage increases delta waves -- those linked with deep sleep -- according to a study at the Touch Research Institute. That's why it's easy to drift off on the massage table, Field says.

Nice to have you back, brain power

The Touch Research Institute study that connected massage to sleep also found that a 15-minute chair massage boosted alertness. "Subjects reported that it felt like a runner's high," Field says. Tests also show that brain-wave activity stimulated by massage is linked to improved attention.

Take that, colds

Massage helps ward off bugs by boosting your "natural killer cells," the immune system's first line of defense against invading illness. "We know that cortisol destroys natural killer cells," Field says. "Therefore, since massage decreases cortisol, your immune cells get a boost." Massage even seems to boost immunity in those people with severely compromised immune systems, such as breast-cancer patients. (Health.com: Which massage is best for you?)

Blues, be gone

Less cortisol and more serotonin and dopamine in your system may also mean less stress, anxiety, and depression. "We know that the right side of the frontal lobe of the brain is more active when we're sad, and the left side's activated when we're happy," Field says. "Our studies have observed that massage decreases activity in the right lobe and increases functioning in the left." The well-being people feel after a massage is a big reason why some hospitals offer it to anxious patients preparing for surgery and cancer patients going through chemo.

Shove off, PMS

A small study of 24 women with severe PMS found that massage reduced symptoms such as pain, water retention, and mood swings. Try it with proven remedies such as exercise (and who-cares-if-they-work solutions like a little dark chocolate).

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City at 281.403.5300 to schedule your massage session.

Integrative Way: Managing chronic back pain

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 09:22:00 -0500

Chronic neck and back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care in the United States.

It accounts for a large percentage of health care dollars - in 2005, we spent close to $90 billion on medical procedures, imaging studies, and medications for neck and back pain, up from $52 billion in 1997.

In spite of all of these interventions, the percentage of people with neck and back pain continues to escalate in the United States, and the cost of care per person also continues to rise. Given that data, plus the current problem of shrinking health care dollars, it behooves us to keep looking for other ways to treat and manage chronic pain.

Massage therapy holds promise as an alternative treatment for low back pain. In fact, a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2003 suggested that massage therapy was superior to both chiropractic manipulation and acupuncture in relieving pain for people with persistent nonspecific back pain (back pain that was not due to a disc rupture, spinal stenosis or similar cause). Massage therapy also was felt to reduce the overall cost of care. However, there are many forms of massage treatment, and it has not been clear which type is most beneficial for people with chronic low back pain.

A new study in the Annals of Internal Medicine sheds some light on this.

In this study, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers randomized 401 patients with nonspecific low back pain to one of three treatments: structural massage therapy, relaxation massage therapy, or standard care (placebo).

Relaxation massage, a standard technique taught in massage therapy schools, helps to relax the tense muscles that contribute to pain. Structural massage uses a more specific approach to release tension in the structures of the musculoskeletal system: the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Structural massage requires additional training and may be more expensive than relaxation massage.

The researchers speculated that the patients receiving the structural massage would have greater pain relief than those getting the simpler massage.

Each of the massage groups received a weekly one-hour massage for 10 weeks; the placebo group received usual care for people with back pain, including pain medications, muscle relaxers, and physical therapy.

After 10 weeks, both massage groups noted a significant reduction in pain as well as an improvement in their daily functioning; there was no significant difference between the two types of massage therapy. The improvement in function seemed to last at least six months, but benefits after one year were questionable.

The authors concluded that both relaxation and structural massage were beneficial treatments for people with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

The bottom line here is that the type of massage you get for back pain probably doesn't matter that much - it may simply come down to which type of massage therapy you prefer, and that is something each of us needs to determine for ourselves. The healing presence of the massage therapist (or any health care practitioner for that matter) may also contribute to the outcome of your massage treatment.

What else is important when considering back and neck pain? Obesity, lack of exercise, and depression all are on the rise in the United States, and all of these contribute to pain --- in fact, they probably account for the increase in incidence of back and neck pain overall.

So if you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, start with the basics - work on getting your weight into a normal range, exercise every day and get help if you suffer from depression. If this doesn't do the trick, consider gifting yourself with a massage periodically - it might be one of the best investments you make in your health and well-being. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City to get started.

Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden are medical directors of Sutter Downtown Integrative Medicine program. Have a question related to alternative medicine? Email adrenaline@sacbee.com.

Quick Fact from Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:39:00 -0500

The University of Auckland, NZ, study found massage decreased migraine frequencies, improves sleep quality and induced heart rate and cortisol decreases for migraine patients.

Massage: more than relaxation

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:53:00 -0500

Massage therapy is known for providing relaxation, but it can do much more for people.

“Just over the years it never ceases to amaze me what it can help with,” said Jo Fank, licensed massage therapist and owner of Massage Therapy by Jo, Mason City.

One of the major health benefits is increasing circulation, which can help with other ailments, therapists say.

“It increases circulation two to three times” of normal, said Kathy Lutz, licensed massage therapist and owner of Kathy’s Therapeutic Touch, Mason City.

Specifically, a massage and the resulting increased circulation can help remove lactic acid from lymph nodes and muscles, she said.

“Lactic acid — that’s where people feel bumps and crunches,” Fank said. “By adding the circulation it keeps that from forming in the tissue.”

Athletes would benefit from releasing lactic acid as it helps muscles recover more quickly, said Glenda Eddy, licensed massage therapist and owner of Must Kneaded Massage by Glenda, Mason City.

Massage therapy can also help decrease muscle pain.

“It helps release endorphins so it can help with some pain,” Eddy said. “It also helps loosen some of the muscles.”

Loosening the muscles will make them less tight, which will relieve stress on joints, she said. This can also help manage chronic pain such as arthritis.

“There’s a way of releasing discomfort painlessly,” Lutz said. “People don’t have to have pain.”

Some swelling can also be alleviated with a massage.

“A massage can help push the swelling out of the area,” Eddy said.

Pregnant woman can also benefit from prenatal massages.

“It helps with tightness and relaxation,” said Eddy, who noted massages often focus on the lower back, shoulders and neck.

Beyond physical health benefits, massage therapy can help people mentally, say the therapists.

“We live in a lifestyle of go, go, go,” Lutz said. “Sometimes we need to recharge.

“We always make sure our phones are charged or our cars are serviced, but what do we do for ourselves?” she added.

Relaxation from a massage can help relieve stress, headaches, anxiety and fatigue, therapists say.

“The most important thing to remember,” Fank said, “is you can get a vacation from life for an hour or half hour without any travel.”

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City today!

THE TOP 7 REASONS MASSAGE MAKES YOU FEEL FANTASTIC!

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:32:00 -0500

RELEASE YOUR ENDORPHINS

It’s no secret that therapeutic massage makes you feel wonderful. This is because therapeutic massage causes your brain to release endogenous opiates called endorphins or the “feel good” chemicals. Endorphins have a “morphine-like” quality that is described as causing exhilaration and relaxation and thus it often relieves pain, anxiety, and stress that you may be experiencing.

IMPROVE CIRCULATION OF VITAL NUTRIENTS AND REMOVAL OF TOXIC WASTE

Your massage therapist uses specialized techniques called effleurage to stimulate blood and lymphatic fluid circulation. The increase in circulation brings blood with oxygen and vital nutrients to the area that will help to heal and restore it and also removes toxic wastes that have accumulated.

GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A BOOST

When your blood circulation is improved, the amount of disease fighting white blood cells and natural killer T cells is also improved. Since massage also counteracts the effects of stress (which lowers your immune system function) it is a double boost!

LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Massage therapy will stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and lower elevated blood pressure, slow your heart rate and your respiration into a harmonious and natural rhythm. (1)

RELAX MUSCLES

We all experience micro-trauma’s to our muscles everyday whether it’s from sitting at the computer too long, sleeping in a “funny” position, or trying to open the door with an arm load of groceries. Our surrounding muscles act to protect these trauma’s by tensing up so that the injured part is “guarded”. This causes aches, pains, and “knots” to develop. Your massage therapist detects these problem areas and uses a variety of special techniques to help relax the muscles and allow proper circulation for healing.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP

Massage therapy has been demonstrated to increase the amount of serotonin in your body which modulates sleep and mood among many other functions (2). With the addition of an increase in endorphins making you feel good and in a relaxed mood, many patients with insomnia report to us that they have a restful night sleep after a massage session with one of our therapists.

BLAST AWAY EFFECTS OF STRESS

We all experience our fair share of stress these days. Stress is actually a “fight-or-flight” response that prepares our body to take emergency evasive action or emergency offensive action. This response was vital to our ancestors if they were being threatened by a predator, but nowadays, sitting in a cubicle or the carpool lane – there is no flight and there is no fight – there is just our bodies “coping” with it. We do this by storing all this tension and extra energy in our muscles.

Massage therapy can actually decrease the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and increase serotonin (sleep modulator) thus significantly counteracting the effects of stress (2). As mentioned above, massage will lower your heart rate back to normal. It will also stimulate the systems that were shut down to conserve energy such as your immune system, reproductive system and digestion. Your muscles relax and your stress levels have been lowered significantly.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City at 281.403.5300 today!

(1) Aourell, Moa; Skoog, Martina; Carleson, J. “EFFECTS OF SWEDISH MASSAGE ON BLOOD PRESSURE” Complimentary Therapies in Clinical PracticeVolume 11, Issue 4, November 2005, Pages 242-246
(2) Field, Tiffany; Hernandez-Reif, Maria; Diego, Miguel; Schanberg, Saul; Kuhn, Cynthia. "CORTISOL DECREASES AND SEROTONIN AND DOPAMINE INCREASE FOLLOWING MASSAGE THERAPY" International Journal of Neuroscience 115.10 (2005). 29 Jul. 2008

Swing Back into the School Groove with Routine Massage Therapy

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 10:16:00 -0500

As the days of summer slowly fade away and the busy days of back to school season push full speed ahead, your routine can quickly switch from lazy summer afternoons to carpools, after school activities and homework assignments. Before your family calendar fills itself to the brim with school functions this fall, homecoming events and holiday parties, make sure to pencil in some restoration and relaxation time for yourself by scheduling monthly massage appointments for the next 3-6 months. Taking time out of your busy schedule to focus on you is not only good for your health and well-being, but your improved mood and increased energy levels can rub off on those around you as well. It’s a win-win for both you and your family!

Back to School = Back to Routine

Routine is essential when you’re focusing on maintaining your health and wellness. As you plan out the remainder of 2011 and look forward to the new year, now is a great time to get into the habit of reducing stress and enhancing your lifestyle with massage.

Industry research suggests that many diseases are stress related and high stress can be a leading contributor to accelerating the aging process of our bodies, both internally and externally. Regularly scheduled massage sessions make it easy for you to dedicate yourself to a healthy and happy lifestyle by allowing you to take time out for yourself on a monthly basis to maintain reduced stress and increased energy levels. A consistent massage routine will leave you feeling restored, invigorated and vibrant.

Back to School = Back to Health

According to a September 2010 study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Swedish massage produces measurable biological effects and may have a positive effect on the immune system. Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(10):1–10.

Increasing your immune system is important during the fall season, especially for teachers and families returning back to school as germs can run wild along school hallways and inside classrooms. Incorporating massage into your back to school routine can help you maintain a stronger immune system during cold and flu season, thereby reducing missed days at work and school.

Back to School = Back to Massage

It never hurts to be reminded of all the wonderful benefits of receiving massage and body work treatments on a consistent and regular basis. According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals (www.abmp.com), massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Massage has many benefits, such as:

Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.
Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
Increases joint flexibility.
Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.
Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.
Contributes to shorter labor, reduces the need for medications and supports a quicker recovery.

As you get back into the swing of things this fall, remember to get back into massage. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City today to schedule your monthly massage therapy sessions and start getting back into the groove of a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Massage alleviates back pain: Study

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:15:00 -0500

A new study reinforced what physical therapists have long suspected: Massage, when coupled with traditional medical treatment, provides significant relief from chronic back pain.

That’s good news for the 70 percent to 85 percent of Americans who experience back pain at some time. It’s the most frequent cause of limited activity in people under 45, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Findings of the study, conducted by Seattle’s Group Health Research Institute, were published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine. They suggest that massage therapy provided greater back pain relief than conventional approaches alone. Massage recipients spent fewer days in bed, were more active and took fewer medications. Research suggests massage stimulates injured tissue and calms the central nervous system.

Nobuku Anderson, 68, was among the 400 members of Seattle’s Group Health Cooperative whose persistent back pain led them to participate in the study.

For decades, she’d kept back pain at bay with regular exercise, sporadic massage and trips to the chiropractor. She also occasionally took aspirin. When she tried to carry a case of wine into her three-story townhouse one day in 2006, the pain seized her almost immediately.

She recuperated, but never fully. The pain was still there. Anderson was paired with a physical therapist, who in 2008 suggested she join the institute’s clinical trial. She would continue regular treatment with a weekly, hourlong massage.

“Almost immediately, it felt better and (relief) lasted a couple of days” she said, adding that subsequent massages offered longer relief.

At 10 weeks, more than one in three patients who received massages said their back pain had lessened or ceased. By comparison, one in 25 patients who got usual care reported improvements.

The study also found that after six months, massage recipients still reported pain relief. After one year, reported benefits were no longer significant.

The massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City listen to your needs and employ the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience.

We invite you to experience the rejuvenating benefits of therapeutic massage today and discover the positive effect it can have on your body and your well-being.

August 2011 Member Rewards

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:37:00 -0500

We appreciate all of our Wellness Program Members! To show our gratitude, this month we are offering you a $20 account credit when you come in with a friend who is new to Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City!

Use your account credit to upgrade to a longer massage or add Hot Stones! Call us today to schedule your appointments!

Here's the fine print: Valid during the month of August 2011 only. Valid at the Missouri City location only. Must be an active member with no failed autopays. Credit will be added to your account and may be used on your next visit. Credit will only be issued to members who bring new clients to the studio only.

ENTER TO WIN THREE 55-MINUTE MASSAGES!

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:49:00 -0500

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City is giving away three 55-minute sessions this month to one lucky winner. Click on the link on the right side of this page for more information.

Can Massage Therapy Deliver Lasting Relief from Sciatica?

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:23:00 -0500

Massages sure feel amazing, don’t they? After a massage session, you feel so relaxed and light. But just how effective is massage as a way to treat sciatica?

Massages can in fact be quite helpful if you suffer from back pain or sciatica. If you can manage to find a massage therapist with knowledge of muscle imbalances, you’ll do much better.

There are quite a few upsides to massage for sciatica. You’ll notice that a lot of massage therapists these days employ a variety of different techniques and styles. Anything from traditional massage to energy work or even correcting muscle imbalances. Many studies have even shown that massage can improve flexibility, decrease back pain, encourage sound sleep, and decrease feelings of depression.

When you’re looking for a therapist to give you a good massage for sciatica, try to find one that has an understanding of muscle imbalances. These types of massage therapists are unbelievably rare, but if you can find one, you’ll be quite happy. Since most causes of sciatica actually come from muscle imbalances, finding someone who knows a lot about it can help tremendously.

What are the benefits of massage therapy for sciatica? Massage can increase blood circulation and help reduce any sort of inflammation. Massage helps to move lymph through your system, which can actually impede circulation and and promote inflammation if it isn’t managed. Not only that, but you’ll be more flexible, be more relaxed, have a better night’s rest, and you have an overall sense of well-being.

Massage can help relax tense muscles that may be putting pressure on your sciatic nerve, as may be the case with conditions such as Piriformis Syndrome. But can it help be an effective treatment in all cases of sciatica?

Well, although you might feel good after a massage, you should not rely solely on massage to treat sciatica. Simply put, massage does not deal with many of the important underlying factors that are responsible for back pain and sciatica such as muscle imbalances, poor posture, or other personal habits we might have about how we hold our body throughout the day.

You will probably see some amazing results if you combine it with other types of treatment out there. But alone, it just doesn’t cut it. Perhaps it would be more effective to use massage together with other forms of treatment like stretching exercises that can restore equilibrium to how you hold your body.

So, go and get a massage. I’m sure it will help you feel better and relax you. But be sure to not stop there. Keep working and untangling the root cause and you’ll find lasting relief.

If you found these tips helpful and you’d like to discover the best sciatic nerve pain exercises and the ones you definitely want to avoid, check out my Bulletproof Back review. This program, combined with massage therapy is quite helpful for relieving sciatica and back pain.

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City

Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:41:00 -0500

Does a good massage do more than just relax your muscles? To find out, researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles recruited 53 healthy adults and randomly assigned 29 of them to a 45-minute session of deep-tissue Swedish massage and the other 24 to a session of light massage.

All of the subjects were fitted with intravenous catheters so blood samples could be taken immediately before the massage and up to an hour afterward.

To their surprise, the researchers, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a division of the National Institutes of Health, found that a single session of massage caused biological changes.

Volunteers who received Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol in blood and saliva, and in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. They also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system.

Volunteers who had the light massage experienced greater increases in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment, than the Swedish massage group, and bigger decreases in adrenal corticotropin hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.

The study was published online in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City at 281.403.5300 to schedule your session.

The lead author, Dr. Mark Hyman Rapaport, chairman of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, said the findings were “very, very intriguing and very, very exciting — and I’m a skeptic.”

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/health/research/21regimens.html?adxnnl=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1285012951-9sEsTVAKsla2hJi72lf/DQ

Prenatal Massage at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:35:00 -0500

Focusing on the individual, Prenatal massage can provide an atmosphere to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Balancing a pre-pregnancy routine as you work toward preparing for an unknown can be a high stressor. Numerous studies have shown a link between high levels of anxiety and stress to increased complications during labor and delivery. As such Prenatal Massage can have a powerful overall effect for pregnancy.

Natural changes in hormone levels that accompany pregnancy include an increase of norepinephrine and cortisol (stress hormones) as well as a decrease in serotonin levels (low levels are associated with depression). Women who have received massages during pregnancy have shown significantly altered levels of these hormones, decreasing stress hormones and increasing serotonin levels. Reducing the changes in hormone levels has been associated with fewer complications during birth and fewer instances of newborn complications.

Given the physical and mental benefits associated with Prenatal massages and acknowledging this special time in your life, we encourage you to discuss massage with your prenatal care provider prior to adding it to your prenatal program.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City, each massage is individually customized to best fit your health and wellness regimen. We look forward to helping the new families in the Fort Bend area. Contact us at 281.403.5300 or elementsmissouricity@touchofelements.com to book an appointment with one of our specialists.

March Madness Mondays at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City!

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:56:00 -0500

REMINDER- It's March Madness Mondays at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City! Every Monday this month, take 50% OFF an 80-minute therapeutic massage session. Add hot stones for only $20. ONLY 1 MONDAY LEFT! Visit us at http://touchofelements.com/missouricity, email us at elementsmissouricity@touchofelements.com or call us at 281.403.5300 to request your appointment.

Can’t Sleep? Serotonin and Massage May be the Answer

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 09:26:00 -0500

Do you struggle for hours to get to sleep, no matter how tired you are? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night and lay awake for hours, watching the clock and worrying about the next day? If so, you’re not alone. Insomnia is a very common sleep problem with more than 30% of the adults in the U.S. suffering from it; and 10% experiencing chronic insomnia (National Sleep Foundation).

Insomnia comes from the Latin words for “no sleep”. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficultly staying asleep, waking up too early and poor quality, “non-restorative” sleep. Chronic insomnia is poor sleep every night or most nights for more than 6 months.

Insomnia takes a huge toll on your energy, mood, and ability to function during the day. Chronic insomnia can even contribute to long-term health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

But you don’t have to put up with insomnia. There are a wide variety of methods recommended for treating insomnia. Many of them involve simple life-style and daily habit changes such as not watching TV in bed, avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine in the evenings and developing a relaxing bedtime routine. Others involve a variety of medications – some over the counter; others prescriptive. But, now there are also complementary alternative medical (CAM) choices, one of which is therapeutic massage.

Serotonin plays a key role in mood, body temperature, physical coordination, appetite and sleep; and therapeutic massage can work to increase serotonin levels. A 2000 study on back pain and massage conducted by the Touch Research institute and the University Of Miami School Of Medicine demonstrated that in addition to a decrease in long-term pain, subjects receiving regular therapeutic massage also experienced an increase in serotonin levels and improved sleep*.

Therapeutic massage is a healthy and substance-free way to increase serotonin levels for the sleep deprived. Additionally, serotonin is a natural way to produce melatonin, which causes a drop in body temperature and positively influences sleepiness.

If you’re one of the 1,000’s of Americans suffering from lack of sleep, simple changes to your lifestyle and daily habits can always help. But you should also consider massage, as regular therapeutic massage sessions may prove to be the healthy, logical, safe and inexpensive way to put a stop to your sleepless nights.

Not sleeping? The skilled massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City can help you get a good night’s rest. Call us at 281.403.5300.

* “Research: Massage Eases Lower Back Pain, Increases Range of Motion”, Massage Magazine, Jan/Feb. 2002

More About Sports Massage

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:59:00 -0500

Sports Massage encompasses several techniques, designed for the three aspects of an athletic training regimen, pre-event, post-event & maintenance. Most athletic activity involves the repetitive use of certain muscle groups that can result in muscle imbalance & compensatory patterns. Sport massage prepares the body for physical activity, helps prevent injuries, and keeps it in optimal condition.

Pre-event - prepares the body for activity by warming up and stretching soft tissue. This increases flexibility & range of motion by enhancing performance & aiding in injury prevention.

Post event - assists in removal of metabolic buildup helping to alleviate muscle tension, soreness, cramping & reduces recovery time.

Maintenance - focuses on strained and fatigued muscles from over-exertion. Specifically designed massage promotes flexibility, resets nerve signals to muscles, alleviating possible structural imbalances & compensation and increases nutrient-rich blood flow necessary for healthy muscle tone. Incorporating sports massage to your routine minimizes recovery time between workouts allowing for more training sessions, enhancing physical performance.

The Benefits of Sports Massage

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:58:00 -0500

Regular sports massage can:

reduce the chance of injury, through proper stretching and event preparation, and through deep tissue massage
improve range of motion and muscle flexibility, resulting in improved power and performance
shorten recovery time between workouts
maximize the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow
enhance elimination of metabolic by-products of exercise

How Does Massage Help?

Recovery- Therapeutic massage helps the body recover from the stresses of strenuous exercise, and facilitates the rebuilding phase of conditioning. The physiological benefits of massage include improved blood and lymph circulation, muscle relaxation, and general relaxation. These, in turn, lead to removal of waste products and better cell nutrition, normalization and greater elasticity of tissues, deactivation of trigger points, and faster healing of injuries. It all adds up to relief from soreness and stiffness, better flexibility, and less potential for future injury.

In addition to general recovery, massage may also focus on specific muscles used in a sport or fitness activity. For example, areas of greater stress for runners and dancers are in the legs, for swimmers in the upper body, for tennis players in the arms. These areas are more likely to be tight, lose flexibility, and develop trigger points.

Over-training- Adequate recovery is also a major factor in avoiding the over-training syndrome. Over-training is characterized by irritability, apathy, altered appetite, increased frequency of injury, increased resting heart rate, and/or insomnia. It occurs when the body is not allowed to recover adequately between bouts of heavy exercise. Therapeutic massage helps you avoid over-training by facilitating recovery through general relaxation, and its other physiological effects.

Trouble spots- You may also have your own unique trouble spots, perhaps from past injuries. A therapeutic massage therapist can pay special attention to these areas, monitor them for developing problems, and help keep them in good condition. An experienced massage therapist can also compliment treatment received from other health care professionals for various injuries.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City at 281.403.5300 to schedule your sports massage session with one of our skilled therapist.

Source: www.holisticonline.com

696 Groupons Sold! Amazing!

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:52:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City is looking forward to meeting all those who bought our groupon soon!

Check Out Our Groupon

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:18:00 -0600

$49 for an 80-Minute Deep Tissue or Swedish Massage from Elements Therapeutic Massage ($99 Value) http://www.groupon.com/houston/deals/elements-therapeutic-massage-houston?utm_campaign=UserReferral&utm_medium=email&utm_source=uu17333803

Elements Therapeutic Massage opened 75th studio, franchise owner Ashley Wills fulfilled life-long dream owning her own business newest location Missouri City, Texas

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 12:10:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage opened 75th studio, franchise owner Ashley Wills fulfilled life-long dream owning her own business newest location Missouri City, Texas
Source: corp.touchofelements.com

Elements Therapeutic Massage, one of the fastest-growing franchises in America, has opened its 75th studio, and franchise owner Ashley Wills has fulfilled a life-long dream of owning her own business with the newest location in Missouri City, Texas.

55-Minute Massage Gift Cards for $55! (Wrapping Included)

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 20:57:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City makes gift-giving simple. Give the gift of massage. All gift cards will be placed in a holiday-themed gift bag and stuffed with tissue. Holiday shopping made easy!

Pre-orders are accepted. Call 281.403.5300 to pre-order your gift cards. We’ll have them wrapped and ready for pick-up when you arrive.

Thank You

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:26:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage Missouri City would like to thank everyone who attended our first Holiday Open House. We hope you all had as much fun as we did! We can't wait to see you again soon! Many of you took advantage of our 2 for $99 Gift Card Sale! What a great gift! Again, thank you!

Can Massage Therapy Save You Money on Healthcare?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:58:00 -0600

You might think of a massage as a luxury. But can massage therapy actually pay for itself by reducing your medical bills?

There’s growing evidence that massage is a beneficial complement to medical treatments for certain chronic health conditions. Significant research is ongoing in this area, notes the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). While experts emphasize that the medical benefits of massage need more study, some research has shown evidence that massage therapy is effective in treating chronic health conditions that lead to billions of dollars in healthcare costs a year in America.

Ranging from back pain, migraines and fibromyalgia to anxiety and depression, chronic health conditions are costing Americans dearly in out-of-pocket medical expenses to seek relief at doctor’s offices, pharmacies and operating rooms. These are the types of conditions that massage can help with the most.

According to NCCAM, a 2008 review of 13 clinical trials found evidence that massage may help relieve chronic low-back pain.
The Mayo Clinic notes that some studies have found evidence that massage therapy is beneficial for anxiety and noted that ongoing sessions of massage therapy can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness) — as well as improve symptoms of depression.
According to The Mayo Clinic, some research has shown that massage decreases chronic pain in people suffering with fibromyalgia or migraines.

Massage is even being used to help make cancer treatment less traumatic and debilitating. Massage therapy has been shown to bring a 50 percent improvement in symptoms including anxiety, pain and fatigue among patients being treated for cancer, according to the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. And a study of more than 300 advanced-stage cancer patients in multiple hospice facilities found that massage may help relieve pain and boost mood for cancer patients.

Increase the benefits with regular massage treatments

Regular ongoing massage treatments can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year, notes the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals group. Getting a massage at consistent intervals is an investment in your health, and just because massage feels like pampering doesn’t make it any less therapeutic.

Think of massage appointments as one of your ongoing health and wellness habits that you do to prevent the costs, stress, pain, discomfort and upheaval associated with illness and disease.
More massage! Better health!

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, we’ll work with you and your practitioner to create a plan for regular, ongoing massage therapy sessions that can keep you healthy while working with your schedule and lifestyle, your health concerns and your priorities. Call or come in today and let’s talk about how you can get more massage and well-being in your life.