Most Kneaded Essentials Massage and Bodywork

07/01/2021

New services and prices check em out guys!

06/26/2021

06/19/2021

Many fitness instructors still teach the importance of stretching extensively before and after any sort of exercise, and if you’re a member of a gym, you’ll undoubtedly see this being done often. But what if I told you that many of us have been stretching all wrong? While it’s hard to change old habits, this change is imperative if you want to get the most out of your workouts, and prevent injuries along the way.
Many of us have always been told that before working out you should stretch and warm up right? But times change and research shows us just how wrong we are sometimes. While the warm up part is entirely true, let’s look at a scenario; you put a rubber band in the freezer and leave it for a day. The next morning you go and pull the rubber band out of the freezer and immediately stretch the rubber band. How far do you think the rubber band will stretch? Because it’s cold, not very far before it just snaps, right? So now imagine that your muscles are that rubber band. If you perform static stretching (a technique in which a significant stretched position is slowly reached, then held for some time) while your muscles are “cold”, they’re not going to stretch much, and you run the risk of pulling or straining a muscle.
In fact, static stretching before a workout reduces your strength and power output for up to an hour! While static stretching is out of the question before a workout, there is a way to warm your muscles up and stretch them without putting them in danger. Dynamic flexibility exercises are exercises where movement starts slow, and gradually builds to the full range of motion and speed. Have you ever seen athletes warming up by mimicking the movements they are about to make in their match? Those movements would be considered dynamic flexibility exercises. They start small and gradually increase range of motion, and therefore the muscle stretch, while warming up the muscles at the same time.
While static stretching before physical activity is not suggested, it can be helpful in aiding recovery after physical activity. It is important to note that anytime you’re stretching, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t force your body into it. While that may be common sense for many, we live in a time where many still abide by the mantra “no pain, no gain” and that just isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to stretching..
If you want to stretch your muscles before a workout, focus on stretches that include movement as opposed to stretches that are static, and save the static stretches for post workout to help your muscles recover.

06/16/2021

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 160 children are have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. One of the most prevalent challenges associated with ASD is sensory processing disorder. This is a condition whereby people have difficulty receiving and responding to information coming in through the senses, oftentimes being overly sensitive, even associating loud noises or gentle touch as overwhelming or even painful. However, research has shown that touch can help people with autism overcome or better manage sensory processing disorders and help lead to a more normal life. While this is an amazing development there are a few things to be aware of, whether you have ASD or are bringing in a family member who does.
The effects and benefits of massage are extremely individualized, especially in those with ASD. To some, massage can bring significant discomfort, while others appreciate the act. Each session with a client with ASD is customized so you or your loved one can get the most benefit. This may mean working a very limited area to introduce this form of touch, like only a short session on the hands or feet first, and slowly increasing the time and area each session. It may also mean that we cut any session short so as not to overstimulate. Many people with ASD have a hard time with full 60- or 90-minute sessions at first, but may often work their way up to that. The goal is to produce positive sensory input and aid in balancing the brain’s processing areas that are affected by the disorder. For some, applying slow, sustained, deep pressure to joints and the surrounding tissue can deliver intense relief of some symptoms and reduce mal-adaptive and self-stimulating behaviors. For those with repetitive and ritualistic movements, muscle soreness may be common and often adds to the sensory difficulty, but isn’t often recognized for what it is. Massage can help to relieve much of that soreness at the same time, effectively doubling the benefit.
We can adjust the approach to each individual but it is imperative that we know as much information as possible when going into the treatment and that you communicate clearly throughout. If communication isn’t possible with the client, we always want a guardian present to be able to interpret for us and direct what adjustments need to be made.
While there is so much to learn about Autism and how massage and other therapies may help, one thing that is known, is that touch can help them manage some of their frustrations. If you have more questions, please reach out and we can discuss your individual needs.

06/16/2021

When you think of the pain, stress, and struggle that women go through during labor and delivery, you may not exactly think of any association with massage in all of that. However, this is the perfect time to receive massage; whether from your partner or a professional massage therapist who is on call to be with you throughout your labor. Studies have shown time and again that massage before and during labor can help with the process in a variety of ways.
Prenatal massage is fairly well-known along with the benefits that accompany it, such as increased relaxation, decreased anxiety, stress, back and leg pain, and just all around feeling better through pregnancy. Regular prenatal massages can also help assist in the birthing process as it keeps the body in a relaxed state on a regular basis, potentially leading to an easier labor. Many women leave prenatal massage where it’s at, before the big day comes, but there are many benefits of massage while you’re in the midst of labor. Tiffany Field, the director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Health System, has done several studies on the benefits of massage during labor. When conducting a study of pregnancy and labor massage, the partners of the women were instructed to massage the areas that were most painful (generally the legs and lower back) while the women laid on their side for the first 15 minutes of every hour they were in labor. The women labored for an average of 3 hours shorter, needed less medication, and experienced less pain than normally reported. Who doesn’t want a shorter, less painful labor?
One would think that the pain of labor would overpower the relaxation of massage, but there are a few theories about how massage during labor affects the body. One of the most notable is the Gate Control Theory, which suggests that when receiving a non-painful massage during labor, the body will be flooded with pleasant sensations that will overpower many of the painful sensations.
When receiving massage during labor you can work with a licensed massage therapist who is knowledgeable in the specific needs of pregnant women, or your partner can complete the massage. When your partner is massaging you during labor, it is important that they are taught some techniques by a professional massage therapist who will show them the areas to focus on, specific strokes and techniques, tips to keep from hurting or tiring their hands, as well as some positioning ideas. Receiving a massage during labor by a loved one may bring more comfort to the mother during labor due to the familiarity, and can be a special time to bond for mother and partner. This is also a wonderful way for your partner to feel like they’re contributing to a process that can leave many feeling helpless and on the sidelines.
There are several different techniques that can be used to massage a mother during pregnancy and labor. Here’s just a few…
Kneading: slow meaningful kneading in the shoulders, low back, thighs, and hips can help reduce tension. Take your hand and leaving your palm accessible, fold your fingers down. Apply gentle pressure by grabbing the muscle between the heel of the hand and closed fingers. Squeeze the muscle slowly and firmly, release, and repeat, moving across the entirety of the muscle.
Stroking: Use a lotion, oil, or cream that allows a good glide, but has just a bit of tackiness to provide some grip. Applying firm pressure with the palm of your hand, stroke from shoulder to hip and thigh to knee. Use both hands, making sure one stroke begins before the other ends. Keeping constant contact is important. Let the mother guide you to the areas she is dealing with the most pain.
Direct Pressure: Fold your fingers flat against the palm of your hand, keeping your wrist straight. Use the flat back of your fingers and knuckles to press into the mother’s painful area. You can use your body weight to lean deeper if more pressure is needed. You may also use the heel of your hand, however that may be uncomfortable on the wrist when used for longer periods of time.
Reflexology: Using your hand to apply pressure in certain areas of the hands and feet may help relieve pain in other parts of the body. If you can’t get some lessons on which points to apply pressure to and how to do it effectively, a general foot massage can still help distract the nervous system, allowing those relaxing sensations to overpower some of the painful ones.
Whether performed by a licensed massage therapist or a loved one, massage during labor has been shown to help a mother mentally and physically through one of the biggest moments of her life. If you’re preparing for your big day, or that of a loved one, talk to us about how we can help you integrate massage into the labor process.

11/05/2020

More than 4.5 million Americans are living with at least one knee replacement. While there’s numerous reasons you may need a knee replacement, arthritis – the degenerative wear and tear on the joint over time – is the most common. Whether you’ve recently had a knee replacement or your doctor just mentioned it as a possibility, looking at what you can expect after the surgery is a great way to decide if and when it’s best for you.
For most people considering a knee replacement, significant knee pain has been a constant issue for quite some time, and you may have tried numerous forms of non-invasive or less-invasive measures of dealing with it; braces, physical therapy, steroid shots, etc. But there comes a point where surgery really is necessary to improve your quality of life, because the degeneration of the joint is only going to get worse. The good news…the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that 90% of people who have a knee replacement experience considerably less pain. But it’s not like you’ll just wake up from surgery and suddenly your knee is like it was when you were 20. Sorry! There’s a lot of work that’ll go into recovery, but it WILL be worth it. So, let’s break this down for you.
Immediately after you wake up from surgery, there will probably be a physical therapist there who’s going to want to get your knee moving right then. They may take you through some passive range of motion, meaning they’re moving the leg and knee for you, but they’ll also want you to try walking on it pretty soon after surgery too. Weight bearing is important to aid in the healing process of the joint. You may think that’s soon, but it’s absolutely necessary. Statistically speaking, those who put weight on the knee soon after surgery recover quicker than those who don’t. The last thing you want is scar tissue to set into a joint; that means limited range of motion. Not exactly an ideal situation.
Before release, most hospitals require you to be able to get in and out of bed, walk short distances, get up and down stairs, bend the knee to 90 degrees, follow precautions and avoid injuring the new knee. Note, every hospital is different; one may require just bending the knee to a 90-degree angle and others have a long list of requirements. Before you go in for surgery, you’ll want to find out the requirements for your release, so you know what to expect. If you have a multi-level home, don’t have a care-taker or are facing other rehabilitation challenges, you may be released to a rehabilitation facility so you have constant care until you’re able to move more freely on your own. The use of a cane, walker, or other forms of support may be necessary for the first few weeks.
You’ll more than likely be able to leave the hospital anywhere from 1 to 5 days after surgery; this really depends on the hospital policies, your health, recovery from anesthesia, and what your physical therapist and doctor decide based on your overall recovery outlook. When you go home, your doctor may prescribe the use of a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. CPM machines help move the leg, straightening and bending it slowly while you’re lying down. Your doctor and physical therapist will decide if a CPM machine is recommended and if so, how many hours a day you’ll need to use it. Studies have come to conclude that the short-term benefit of CPM machine use is substantial, but long-term recovery is the same for those who use it as those who do not; so, many insurance companies no longer cover it. If that’s the case, don’t worry. Again, the long-term results seem to be the same.
Physical therapy is a must after a knee replacement; there’s no question about it. When meeting with your physical therapist they will evaluate your range of motion and all factors involving your plan for rehabilitation, including what personal goals you have. Don’t just settle for some arbitrary standard set by textbooks. Make it personal. What activities do you want to get back to? Just because a certain level of flexion and extension means “full recovery” for most people, that doesn’t apply if a good quality of life to you means going out to golf every weekend without pain, or hiking at your local parks. Your PT will need to adjust their rehab protocols to fit your goals.
Other daily activities will be affected, like driving. If your knee replacement took place on your non-driving leg, you should be released to drive as soon as you’re able to get in and out of the car comfortably and you’re not taking pain medications that can impair your ability to drive. If your driving leg was the one operated on, it may be anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after surgery before your doctor releases you to drive. Returning to work after your surgery dependsentirely on your job. If you work a sedentary job, you may return to work much earlier than if you work a job that requires any kind of standing or lower body physicality.
Just so you’re aware, those first few weeks may be hard. And generally speaking, the longer you waited to have the surgery (i.e. the more degeneration that occurred) the harder the recovery may be. That’s not to say you can’t fully recover, just that it may be more painful and frustrating at the start of the recovery process. For most, somewhere between 3 and 6 months is the point where patients start to really see just how great their knee feels and can get back to the activities they once enjoyed before the knee pain took over. For some, full recovery may take as long as 12 months. Listen to your doctor, your physical therapist, and your body. Push yourself when needed, even when you don’t want to, but give yourself time to rest too. Balance is key. It WILL be worth it!

11/01/2020

Most Kneaded Essentials would like to take this month to thank all of our hardworking First Responders, Teachers, and Medical Personnel by offering them a 15% discount this month off all individual services. Thank you so much for all the work you do to keep us safe.

Call 719.602.8784 or visit www.theMKEssentials.com/book-online to book your appointment today!

11/01/2020

If you ever experience pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand and fingers, specifically the thumb, index, and middle fingers, then you may want to get checked for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. CTS is a fairly common problem resulting from pressure on the median nerve by the transverse carpal ligament, a broad band of tissue that wraps around the wrist. This compression is most often the result of repetitive movements of the wrist and fingers such as typing, assembly line work, sewing, etc. It also seems to show up alongside other conditions such as hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and is even a common side effect of pregnancy.
While we most often associate this pain, tingling, or numbness in the wrist and hand as an obvious sign of compression of the median nerve in the wrist, i.e. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, it’s important to also rule out other possible causes, including nerve compression at the neck, shoulder, or upper arm. You see, this median nerve is a branch of a much larger nerve coming from the spinal cord. So, while passing around and through the numerous structures on the way to the fingers, it can become compressed at any point, resulting in the same symptoms as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis so the real cause of the symptoms can be treated effectively.
Once CTS has been diagnosed, there are a number of movement and position modifications that can help take pressure off the nerve and ease your symptoms.
• Use a splint to keep the wrist in a neutral position
• Use a support under the wrist when typing or using a mouse to keep the wrist neutral
• Don’t overextend or flex the wrist frequently
• Rearrange your space if needed to decrease the need for wrist flexion or extension
• Loosen your grip when grasping items
• Take frequent breaks throughout any task using the hand and wrist to stretch and move in different directions
Swelling is a big culprit in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The pressure on the nerve creates inflammation, resulting in swelling that only adds to that pressure. Because of this, your doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, or even steroid shots in severe cases, to reduce the swelling. Oftentimes, just getting the swelling under control can take enough pressure off the nerve to let the healing process take place and ease the symptoms greatly. If these modifications and medications aren’t quite doing the trick, the next step is often a recommendation for physical therapy to begin a regimen of exercises and stretches that can help. If this still doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is often surgery. This can be done with an open incision or endoscopically, but either way, the most common surgical procedure involves cutting that transverse carpal ligament to allow more room for the median nerve to pass through without pressure.
While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a fairly common condition, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer with it. Use these tips to ease any current discomfort and hopefully prevent any more!

08/27/2020

Neck pain is common and there’s a variety of things that can cause it. You may have just slept wrong and tried to turn your head a certain way only to feel some pretty sharp pain; then you’re stuck walking around all day barely able to turn to the side. You may have been hunched over at your desk all day, or done some exercise that didn’t quite agree with you. Whatever the cause, it’s no fun. Of course, a massage session here will help, but there are some things you can do in the meantime to ease that pain.
Stretching
Neck pain is frequently the result of tension within the muscles. When the muscles are tight, they bear down on blood vessels, decreasing blood flow to areas, resulting in even more pain, like those nasty tension headaches that can come along for a ride. Stretching can help loosen that tension and improve blood flow, overall decreasing your pain levels. Slowly tilt your head forward, back, and side to side, until you feel a good stretch in each position. Hold it for several seconds and breathe deep. Release and keep moving through the motions and stretching. Listen to your body and find the places where the stretch really seems to be the most effective.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Heat can help to improve blood flow and relax the muscles, while applying cold can decrease inflammation. You can use whatever feels right, but alternating between the two will often help even more. Apply your heating pad for 5 minutes, then a cold pack for 2 or 3 minutes. One round may be all you need for very mild symptoms, but if the pain is persistent, keep alternating between the two for up to 20 minutes, ending with cold to make sure any inflammation is taken care of.
Self-massage
You can use your fingertips, knuckles, self-massage tools like a Thera Cane, or even just a tennis or golf ball; anything that will provide direct pressure into the muscles. Start gently working throughout the neck and shoulders to warm up the tissues, and slowly work into deeper pressure as it feels right. Don’t be afraid of slight discomfort, but stop if you experience any sharp pains.
Get a different pillow
If you’re experiencing neck pain frequently, try switching up your pillow to see if it may be the cause. No one size fits all here. You need to find what works best for your body. And don’t forget that those pillows need fluffed and replaced on a regular basis to keep the proper support.
Of course, you can always come get a massage when you’ve got any sort of pain like this, but I know that’s not always possible and I still want you to feel amazing as much as you can. So, use these tips the next time your neck starts bothering you, and book your next massage to keep you feeling great too!

08/21/2020

Only 10 days left for you to get your 30% for any service at Most Kneaded Essentials Massage and Bodywork.

What are you waiting for? Book online today!

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08/13/2020

August is already half gone! Don’t miss out on this amazing deal.

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08/07/2020

With all the different types of massage techniques there are, it can be confusing and overwhelming when you see yet another term on the long list of modalities available. Neuromuscular therapy (NMT) is one of those that a lot of people tend to have questions about. It sounds interesting, but most people outside the industry might not know what it really is. So, let’s look at what it entails and determine if it’s right for you.
Most people who are experiencing pain or who have an injury will benefit from neuromuscular therapy. As massage therapists, we tend to talk about nerve compressions, ischemia (loss of blood flow), trigger points (highly irritable areas that transfer pain elsewhere), and postural imbalances that are causing you pain. Neuromuscular therapy can help relieve all of these things, but even if you don’t know the cause of your pain, it still may be a great type of therapy for you. Whether you’re dealing with an injury like a muscle tear, some muscular imbalance, or dealing with generalized pain in an area, neuromuscular therapy may be a good treatment option. NMT can help to relieve your pain, increase your flexibility and range of motion, and restore muscle strength.
When you’re receiving a neuromuscular session, you’re not going to experience those long flowing strokes that are so often associated with massage. Instead, you’ll notice we’re applying pressure into an area and holding for some time. We may use fingers, knuckles, or elbows to achieve that deep, sustained pressure, depending on the area. We hold this pressure to allow the body to respond; there may be a slow or immediate feeling of release, or even a small twitching sensation. While the direct pressure into these areas may be a little uncomfortable at first, that should quickly ease, and it’s important to keep the lines of communication open throughout your session. We don’t want you to be in pain, so if you feel like the pressure is ever too much, please let us know immediately. We’d rather take our time and go a little slower and be a bit gentler than to have you in more pain. The purpose is to get you out of pain, and while you may have a slight discomfort here and there, we don’t want to cause you any more discomfort than is necessary.
If you’re still on the fence about whether you want to try neuromuscular therapy, feel free to reach out anytime and talk with us. We’d love to help you determine if this is the right kind of treatment for your specific situation.

08/02/2020

July is over but the deals at Most Kneaded Essentials continue.

For the month of August only, book a first time appointment with us and get 30% OFF any massage service.

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07/30/2020

For many, massage therapy is considered a very important part of their health care; and as such, needs to be taken seriously. While a massage will surely feel amazing, there’s a few things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most benefit from those sessions.
Timing, Timing, Timing
Try to schedule your massage when you can take the time after to really soak in the benefits and enjoy that after-massage feeling. While you may think that squeezing it into a busy week will make a crazy week better, if you’re rushing back to work, or anywhere else, it can be difficult to enjoy the stress relief you’re meant to after your session. While it’s definitely beneficial to just go home and nap and relax all day after a massage, that may not always be possible. So, at the very least, schedule out some extra time after your session, even for just an additional hour or so, to do something relaxing; go for lunch, spend some time at the park, catch up with a friend, or whatever can keep you feeling great for longer.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
The last thing you want when you’re getting off of the massage table is to try to squeeze into your favorite night on the town jeans, or uncomfortable high heels. Your muscles are feeling great, your mind is clear, and your body is adjusting to this wonderful new relaxed feeling. Bring super comfy clothes so you don’t feel restricted for the rest of your day. If you’re headed straight home afterwards, bring your pajamas! There’s no judgement here.
Eat Something Light
Eating a light snack before your massage can help you feel your best after, but it’s important to not eat a large meal. Deep pressure will usually feel amazing on your back, but not so much if you have a full stomach getting that pressure too. Save the larger meal for after your massage, when you’re likely to be more hungry anyway.
Communicate
To get the most from any massage, it’s important for you to communicate honestly with me. If you’re tender in an area, have pain, or if anything has changed since our last session, please let me know. My job is to help you find relief. That last thing I want is for you to be uncomfortable or just not enjoying the work.
Massage therapy is health care. So, help me help you get the most out of your session.

Book Your Massage Today!
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07/28/2020

Let’s face it, life can be stressful. There are to-do lists, deadlines to meet, people to take care of…the list goes on and on. While some may handle the pressure just fine, many people struggle with the overwhelm daily, leading to sometimes crippling anxiety. It’s a serious issue and it’s important to know what you’re dealing with, possible solutions, and preventative actions you can take. Here’s some information to help you navigate the muddy waters of anxiety.
Anxiety is felt as an overwhelming sense of apprehension, fear, and dread, often marked by physical signs, like tension, sweating, increased pulse rate, and difficulty breathing calmly. It will often build up and intensify over time, and can result in irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. For some, it’s a consistent feeling of being anxious about things, and at times, that can escalate into anxiety or panic attacks; episodes of intense anxiety and panic that can cause heart palpitations and hyperventilation.
While there’s numerous treatment and methods for managing daily anxiety as well as anxiety attacks, one you may not have considered is massage. It’s not going to eradicate all forms of anxiety, so you never feel anxious again, but it has been shown time and again in studies to have a major impact and greatly improve the symptoms of those who regularly experience anxiety. Getting regular massages can help to lower your heart rate, decrease blood pressure, improve concentration, release muscle tension, improve your quality of sleep, and regulate the release of certain ‘feel-good’ hormones to calm the body and mind.
There are also several ways you can manage your anxiety on a daily basis.
Be more active
When you increase your heart rate and work your muscles, your body releases the same feel good hormone you receive when getting a massage, helping you to feel better emotionally and physically.
Cut back on your caffeine intake
Did you know that caffeine can increase anxiousness in those who struggle with anxiety and sometimes even cause anxiety in those who don’t? High levels of caffeine can even increase your chances of having a panic attack.
Find your trigger
Try keeping a journal. When dealing with anxiety, you’ll see that some days you struggle more than others. Not only is journaling therapeutic in itself, but you may be able to look at what could have caused your anxiety to increase from day to day. Maybe foods, people, situations; find patterns and adjust to see if you can avoid those triggers.
Meditate
While you may not have a lot of time in your day to meditate, even taking 5 minutes will help. The deep breaths will help lower your heart rate and having as few moments to get a handle on the day is always helpful.
Get more sleep
When you haven’t gotten enough sleep, your brain sends signals to your body that something is wrong, resulting in higher levels of anxiety and feelings of stress. Prioritizing your sleep will help make sure your body doesn’t feel like it’s under attack.
Seek professional help
Having someone to talk to about what you’re going through and being able to unrestrictedly express your thoughts, can make a world of difference.
Anxiety can interrupt so many parts of your life. We want to help you control it as much as possible. Pair massage with these tips and let’s work together to get your anxiety under control.