Wishing Well Spa

12/09/2022

SPECIAL NOTICE: It’s gift certificate season. Currently we are offering buy five get one free massages through December 31, 2022.

I would like to make all of my clients aware of a price increase as of January 1, 2023. This will be your last chance to buy gift certificates at my current rates. I am going to a one price system, no matter what kind of massage you get it will be the same price. It will stop all the confusion with my pricing. All of the deep tissue pricing will be the same. All other pricing will change. I wish you a merry Christmas and happy holidays. 

09/10/2020

Are you knotty ? I can help you book a massage today. come and see me I’m open in my home studio.

https://www.vagaro.com/wishingwellmassageandspa

 https://apple.news/APmZkJz9_SD6ajNZ6gSnr-A

It's not a good sitch.

03/04/2020

I wanted everyone to know that we have left the Yoga Bliss building. I have exciting news that I will unveil soon. If you need a massage Lydia and I are still available and will be working out of a different location or my home studio.

“We Wish You Well”

01/28/2020

Hello Facebook family,

I would like to introduce Lydia Price, LMT. She is the other half of Wishing Well Spa and is an amazing therapist and friend. I am very proud to have worked with her the past two years. Help me build her business and book a massage with her today. Here's a little about Lydia in her own words.

https://www.vagaro.com/us04/wishingwellmassageandspa

As always,
"We Wish You Well"

I’ve been a certified massage therapist since 2003 when I completed my training at Central State Massage Academy. I was ranked top in my class & have been fortunate enough to have worked in many different settings throughout my career. My bodywork sessions have a signature flow that combine long massage strokes with muscle kneading at a slow rhythmic pace that allows for maximum relaxation. I specialize in Swedish and deep tissue massage and often incorporate reflexology, muscle stripping, and trigger point therapy whenever possible. I am quite comfortable & experienced working with clients who have chronic pain/injuries and find that work to be especially rewarding. I believe massage therapy is a universal gift that everyone should be receiving!

12/18/2019

I would like to thank everyone who came out for our second art show featuring Mary Howard. We drank wine and had a fine time. I would also like to congratulate our two door prize winners. Nate Dempster who won A free month of yoga from Yoga Bliss. And Virginia Kramer who won the 90 minute massage. We look forward to seeing you guys next time. Mary’s artwork will be up for one more month please come by and get a local piece of artwork for Christmas.

As always “We Wish You Well”
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05/07/2019

Got chicken legs? Don’t forget about your chicken wings. The serratus anterior muscles are what I refer to as our “wings.” They help us move our arms multi-dimensionally and with great speed. We may not necessarily rely on them for quadrupedal locomotion, but they help us move forward by increasing our arm’s distance from danger, keeping predators at an arm’s length away or drawing an imaginary boundary.
When the serratus anterior is flexed, it appears to lengthen the arm by wrapping the scapula forward toward the chest. When done repetitively this creates a motion like flapping wings or a movement patterns like that of a four-legged animal. Serratus anterior muscles are also known as the “boxer’s muscles” because of their mobility pattern. A boxer’s punch and reach come from the effectiveness of the scapula protracting and retracting.

The serratus anterior muscles are also breathing accessory muscles. They originate on the upper eight ribs and insert into the medial border of the scapula. They stabilize the shoulder blades and when flexed will spread the ribs for an inhale. The greater the inhale, the greater the internal pressure. This pressure creates a strong support for action, balance, or resistance. When the serratus anterior muscles are weak, they contribute to neck problems, rotator cuff issues, numbness down the arm, poor circulation, and lymphatic return through the armpits. This last issue is a particular concern as it can lead to a backlog of toxins in the breast tissue and lymph nodes. This area must remain open and with venous return flowing. Because the serratus stabilizes the positioning of the arm and shoulder, this muscle is important for inversions.

05/07/2019

Got chicken legs? Don’t forget about your chicken wings.

The serratus anterior muscles are what I refer to as our “wings.” They help us move our arms multi-dimensionally and with great speed. We may not necessarily rely on them for quadrupedal locomotion, but they help us move forward by increasing our arm’s distance from danger, keeping predators at an arm’s length away or drawing an imaginary boundary.

When the serratus anterior is flexed, it appears to lengthen the arm by wrapping the scapula forward toward the chest. When done repetitively this creates a motion like flapping wings or a movement patterns like that of a four-legged animal. Serratus anterior muscles are also known as the “boxer’s muscles” because of their mobility pattern. A boxer’s punch and reach come from the effectiveness of the scapula protracting and retracting.

The serratus anterior muscles are also breathing accessory muscles. They originate on the upper eight ribs and insert into the medial border of the scapula. They stabilize the shoulder blades and when flexed will spread the ribs for an inhale. The greater the inhale, the greater the internal pressure. This pressure creates a strong support for action, balance, or resistance.

When the serratus anterior muscles are weak, they contribute to neck problems, rotator cuff issues, numbness down the arm, poor circulation, and lymphatic return through the armpits. This last issue is a particular concern as it can lead to a backlog of toxins in the breast tissue and lymph nodes. This area must remain open and with venous return flowing.

Because the serratus stabilizes the positioning of the arm and shoulder, this muscle is important for inversions. Serratus is also a support for arm balancing. When activating serratus you can do a variety of pushups without bending the elbows.

Strengthening Exercises
Breathe.
Place your hands on your ribcage just below your armpits and breathe deeply. Feel for these muscles activating. Feel the ribcage expand and contract. Now try these two exercises:
Wall Presses
Stand facing a wall, arm distance length, with palms shoulder height on wall. Lean forward with your torso toward the wall, without bending your arms, feeling the shoulder blades come closer together at the spine. You are flexing the rhomboids and stretching the serratus simultaneously.
Floor Presses
Sit on the floor, legs crossed with feet on ground. Place your palms on the floor by your hips, with arms straight. Press you body away from the floor by using the serratus anterior. You may only gain an eight of an inch to begin but keep practicing. Soon you can move your feet in the air provided the torso is suspended high enough to gain ground clearance. Greater ground clearance is created by the serratus pushing the torso away from any obstacle or object.

Serratus anterior reminds us to use muscles that we cannot see, and to take a greater focus for connecting and feeling. They are unlike the biceps or quadriceps in that you must pay greater attention for subtle shifts and feedback. They won’t yell and scream like the more robust and extroverted muscles. It’s a good lesson. Be more aware to everything that is quieter to respond.

As always, we wish you well.

04/30/2019

Pain around groin can be because of a minor injury that may have occurred and went unnoticed. These minor pains and injuries can be easily dealt with treatments at home. However there can be injuries and pains of enhanced intensity and thus would be serious problem that needs proper treatment. Such problems do not only involve pains but would also give you other signs too. A pull or strain around these muscles that bring your limbs together can cause an extremely painful condition and can affect your movement and routine life activities. Intensity of groin pains can vary from mild to severe and it can be result of a rapid movement causing strain or a tear or rupture or other injuries.

Groin pains could even be caused because of a groin hernia. A groin pull or strain particularly is a sports injury and recovery would need multiple treatments, care and patience as it would heal slowly and gradually with complete medical attention and rest. These pains can happen to anyone at any age. Usually people who are involved in sports are more at risk of groin strains because they perform a lot of running, jumping, kicking and other high speed direction changing activities that can cause a fall, twist or other injuries.

Massage therapy involves techniques that helps in releasing tensed muscles and thus stimulates flow of nutrients and blood around the affected area, enhancing the process of healing. Although it is recommended that for intense injuries, you should wait for a week or more as recommended. If injuries are intense, then immediate massage therapies can cause it to become worse.

Grade 1 Injuries: For such pains and strains, stretching is recommended from day 1 if you can perform them without any pain. Regularly stretch groin muscles and it would enhance your recovery. However if any pain is experienced, stop and wait until you can stretch without pain. Massage therapy would prove helpful and you can begin it after 48 acute stage hours of groin injury or strain.

Grade 2 injuries: Light stretching should begin from third day if you can perform them without any pain. Regularly stretch groin muscles and it would enhance your recovery. However if any pain is experienced, stop and wait until you can stretch without pain.Massage therapy would prove helpful and you can begin it after 48 acute stage hours of groin injury or strain.

Grade 3 injuries: Avoid stretching until 2 weeks and begin if you can perform without any pain. Light massage can be done from 5th day, although follow recommendation of your doctor. Any massage if performed too early can be dangerous for such injuries.

Important Tips:
Apply these massage therapies regularly.
Make sure that these therapies are not painful. If any pain is experienced, do not continue and give your muscles a break for few days. Do not overdo any massage activities.
These therapies would show recovery and rehabilitation results in some days so keep patience.
Regular massage therapies could also prevent from repeated injuries and strains.

Massage therapies can really prove helpful for groin pains, strains and injuries if performed appropriately. Overstressing your muscles can cause the problems to get worse so avoid doing that. Compliment therapies with rest, icing and light stretching. In some severe cases, surgeries are necessary and in such conditions; no therapies should be used.

We wish you well.

04/22/2019

90%

Non-surgical treatments are successful in approximately 90% of coccydynia cases. Treatments for coccydynia are usually noninvasive and include activity modification. Coccydynia refers to any type of persistent tailbone pain. The tailbone, located at the very bottom of the spine, is medically known as the coccyx. Coccydynia is typically felt as a localized pain that usually worsens when sitting or with any activity that puts pressure on the bottom of the spine. Coccydynia may be reduced or alleviated by massaging tense pelvic floor muscles that attach to the coccyx. Tense muscles in this region can place added strain on the ligaments and sacrococcygeal joint, limiting its mobility or pulling on the coccyx. Through manual manipulation, the joint between the sacrum and the coccyx can be adjusted, potentially reducing pain caused by inadequate coccyx mobility. After attaining sufficient pain relief so movement is better tolerated, daily low-impact aerobic activity is beneficial, as the increased blood flow brings nutrients to the area and encourages the body’s natural healing abilities. An additional benefit of aerobic activity is the release of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relieving chemicals.

If you find non-surgical treatments or pain management methods effective, prolonged use of massage is a sound treatment option for you.

We wish you well.

04/17/2019

Massage Therapy and Scoliosis

Ten in every two hundred children develop scoliosis between the ages of 10 and 15. Although boys and girls seem equally affected, the curvatures in females are three to five times more likely to progress into more pronounced aberrant postural patterns. As scoliosis is frequently asymptomatic, it is often overlooked, and the parent may only notice that the child’s clothing no longer fits properly.

Structural scoliosis refers to the way the body is constructed. Congenital scoliosis is present at birth. It is caused by irregular spinal or rib development in utero. Neuromuscular scoliosis is due to muscular problems around the spine. It may be caused by diseases such as polio, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, muscular weakness or paralysis.

Functional scoliosis occurs when the spine is formed normally, yet appears curved. Injury, body compensation patterns, poor posture, uneven leg length, tight or spasming muscles or inflammation may cause functional, or secondary, scoliosis. Functional scoliosis may be identified when the spine straightens with bending or rotating movements. Functional scoliosis can worsen with time and become ingrained in the body's structure, making it more difficult to treat.

Massage can benefit those with structural and functional scoliosis. It helps relieve pain caused by scoliosis. Massage relaxes the muscles of your back and body and helps improve flexibility. A 2006 case report by Michael Hamm, LMP, found massage to be effective at relieving pain, improving sleep and increasing the ability to conduct daily activities for people with scoliosis.

Our skilled massage therapists can use a combination of massage strokes, sustained pressure, positioning and stretches to help balance the muscles of the back and body to relieve or eliminate functional scoliosis. Increased body awareness will allow you to change movement habits that contribute to functional scoliosis.

We are here to help.

As always,

We wish you well!

04/10/2019

My aching back!

The quadratus lumborum muscle is a small flat quadrilateral shaped muscle found in the low back region. This muscle consists of superficial fibers and deep fibers.The QL originates at the 12th rib and the tips of the lumbar, runs in an inferolateral direction and attached to the iliac crest. The quadratus lumborum muscle laterally flexes the vertebral column. It also acts to fixate the 12th rib during inspiration.
Our therapists are skilled in a variety of modalities to help reduce and potentially eliminate contractures and adhesions commonly found in the QL muscles. Contractures and adhesions in the QL can result with chronic repetitive strain injuries and overuse injuries (such as frequent bending/lifting with improper biomechanics), the chronic stage of healing after traumatic muscle strains (e.g., athletic low back injuries), and other traumatic injuries that cause damage to the muscle or other structures in the iliolumbar region of the back (such as “Slip and Fall” accidents or Motor Vehicle Accidents).

We wish you well.

04/01/2019

We use our forearms...

in nearly every activity and movement we perform throughout the day, from simple, common activities such as eating, using a keyboard/texting, cooking, carrying groceries or purses/backpacks, to more specific activities such as walking, sports, artistic endeavors, gardening, and performing forearm maneuvers in various occupations.

Due to their constant use in almost all physical activities and movements, the forearms can become injured at home, on the job or during sports. Arm pain can be caused by a wide variety of problems, ranging from joint injuries, sports injuries, overuse conditions, fractures, and compressed nerves.

Repetitive-motion disorders are increasing and can develop over time, such as from continually using machinery or some sports, such as serving in tennis or volleyball. Competitive and weekend warrior athletes sustain a wide variety of soft tissue, bone, ligament, and tendon and nerve damage to their upper extremities. These types of injuries are directly related to trauma or repetitive stress, and account for a significant amount of ‘down time’ for recovery, particularly those sports in which the arm is utilized for throwing, catching or swinging. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or damaged. Minor brachial plexus injuries, known as stingers or burners, are common in contact sports, such as football.

Current research suggests that technology is a contributing factor. Intensive use of cell phones, mouse and keyboard among professional computer users has been identified as a risk factor for pain in various regions of the upper extremity including the forearm.

Treatments and therapies for forearm pain? Since the forearm is used in almost every form of regular activity, forearm pain can be a very real disruption to daily life. R.I.C.E.: Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the most traditional treatments and therapy for most forearm pain, regardless of the cause. Reduce activity. Nothing gives your nonstop forearms relief better and faster than stopping and reducing activities until the forearm feels better. Yeah, most of us don’t have the luxury of stopping, and that’s what I told myself for years. But, at some point chronic pain can become so severe it’s totally disabling.

Massage is excellent for myofascial release, relaxing and facilitating recovery of tired, sore or injured forearms. Even if the forearms themselves are too inflamed for massage, massaging the shoulders and upper back can go a long way in providing forearm pain relief.

We wish you well.

03/23/2019

A pain in the butt!

And hip. And hamstrings.

The deep glutes are a common unsuspected source of pain. When you have low back pain, buttock pain, hip pain, or leg pain, your trouble might be caused by trigger points in the obscure gluteus medius and minimus muscles. They are a pair of overlapping pizza-slice shaped muscles on the side of the hip. Other muscles in the region are usually involved as well, such as the gluteus maximus, piriformis, and the lumbar paraspinal muscles. However, the gluteus medius and minimus are a bit special: their contribution to pain in this area is often significant, and yet people who have buttock and leg pain rarely suspect that it might be radiating from muscle knots so high and lateral.

The leg pain that the lateral glutes produce can be so nasty that many health professionals mistake it for sciatica1 (irritation of the large sciatic nerve that passes through the buttocks and into the leg). But beware: sciatica is often an incorrect diagnosis for pain in this area. Arthritis is another common scapegoat, but this diagnosis is rarely correct, even in many aging people: most signs of arthritis (on X-ray) are not associated with any pain, and most people who have hip pain definitely do not have arthritis — only 9–15% according to one large study. Most hip pain is something else, and muscle pain is a strong candidate, especially when there is no other clear diagnosis.

One trigger point therapy treatment completely relieved a nasty stubborn hip pain that I'd had for five months!
~Jan Campbell, retired French language teacher, Palm Springs, recovered easily from several months of hip pain
What does Perfect Spot feel like? Sciatica, among other things

Even without nasty symptoms, pressure on these muscles may still feel important. They usually harbour trigger points that aren’t obvious until they are poked (“latent” trigger points), but which cause symptoms like stiffness, “heavy”-ness, muscle fatigue, vague discomfort and diffuse aching throughout the hip and buttocks and descending into the leg. Their importance is often unsuspected because the key gluteus medius and minimus trigger points are not found where the symptoms are … but they produce symptoms that spread backwards to the sacrum and down the leg.

Important! This article is best for people with a minor low back or leg pain problem. If you are having more serious or long-term pain, please start with a low back pain tutorial. Given their stealthy nature, massaging these muscles can feel like a surprising and satisfying discovery of the true source of stiffness you did (or didn’t) know that you had — that’s what makes it a “perfect spot.”

by Paul Ingraham, Vancouver, Canada

We wish you well!

03/18/2019

Should I get a massage to lose weight?

If you’re looking for a way to lose weight that doesn’t involve diet or exercise, you’ll find plenty of information on the internet about massage. Many websites recommend abdominal massage and other forms of massage therapy as effective weight loss methods. But before you call your local massage therapist to set up an appointment, you should find out what massage can and cannot do if you are trying to lose weight.

Weight Loss Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy can work wonders for people who are trying to lose weight. But massage treatment alone doesn’t make weight loss occur. So if you are hoping that a massage will reduce your cellulite, decrease your belly fat or shrink your thighs, you’re likely to be disappointed.

But massage can make it easier for you to stick to a stressful or difficult diet and exercise program. These are just some the of the benefits that dieters may experience with massage therapy:

Decreased stress
Reduced anxiety
Decreased muscle soreness
Reduced back pain
Improved range of motion
Improved mental state
Better sleep
"Massage is also a wonderful healthy way to reward yourself for all of the hard work you are doing!” says Bethany O'Shei of Clay Health Club + Spa in New York City. Bethany has been a licensed massage therapist for eight years and says she works with many clients who use massage along with a comprehensive program of diet and exercise to lose weight.

“Massage helps release endorphins in the body that give us that euphoric happy feeling,” she says. “And by doing healthy things for our body we build a better relationship with ourselves and treat our bodies with the respect we deserve.

Several research studies support her claims. In one report published by the British Medical Journal researchers explain that the healing power of massage is especially helpful for people without a strong support system. “Touch itself is likely to be therapeutic, particularly in those with limited opportunities for physical contact, such as patients without intimate friends or family or with painful physical conditions.”

What Kind of Massage Is Best for Weight Loss?
If you are new to the treatment, you'll learn that there are many different types of massage from which to choose. For example, Swedish massage is popular for it's stress relief benefits. Deep tissue massage is helpful for people who exercise and are prone to sore muscles. Shiatsu massage is a technique where the therapist uses localized pressure to provide relief.

So which type of massage is best for weight loss? Lynda Solien-Wolfe, is the Vice President of Massage & Spa Performance Health and the Massage Makes Me Happy Initiative Chair. She says that Swedish massage is helpful for most.

"I would recommend a Swedish Massage with at least moderate pressure, especially if you’re a first timer. I suggest it because it’s great for circulation, loosening muscles, touches a variety of problem areas and improves your overall since of well-being. Another suggestion is to practice self-massage, on problem areas, at home with a cream because it helps tone muscles and keep circulation going between massages and workouts."

She adds that finding a qualified massage therapist and clear communication is also important to ensure that you are comfortable during your service. "It’s always a good idea to have a consultation with your massage therapist before your first treatment. People come in all shapes and sizes and your massage therapist, just like any other healthcare professional, understands this and their main concern is improving your health during your treatment."

Should I Get a Massage to Lose Weight?
Massage can be a helpful part of your complete weight loss program. But it’s important to keep your expectations in check. Focus on eating a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and getting enough physical activity each day. Then find a licensed massage therapist in your area who can help you to keep your body feeling strong, flexible and relaxed.

By Malia Frey
Updated May 17, 2018

03/13/2019

As the temperature heats up and everything begins to bloom, those plagued with allergies begin the season-long battle against red, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and sinus pain –and that is just the beginning of the list of issues affecting those with allergies during the spring and summer months. If you have allergies, you’re probably on the lookout for new ways to keep those symptoms at bay.
This year, find the allergy relief you need by incorporating Massage Therapy into your wellness routine.
Massage Therapy and Allergy Relief
You may wonder how Massage Therapy can relieve something as seemingly unconnected as allergies. While massage cannot stop the allergic reaction that you may have to allergens, it can help modify and dissipate the symptoms. The health benefits that normally are associated with Massage Therapy such as stress reduction, improved circulation and improved immunity can improve your tolerance of allergy symptoms.
Many studies show that higher stress levels can impact allergy symptoms. This can be linked to higher levels of histamines while you are experiencing stress, which exasperates existing allergic reactions. A study of asthmatic college students showed that, when under stress and exposed to allergens, they exhibited higher levels of sputum eosinophils, a white blood cell associated with allergic responses. Hospital admissions and fatal allergic reactions have also been shown to correlate with high stress triggers.
By undergoing regular Massage Therapy, especially during peak allergy season, you can decrease stress levels and improve your circulation and immune system. While these are excellent reasons to seek massage therapy year round, these benefits of Massage Therapy can help minimize your body’s reaction to allergens and make you more comfortable during the spring and summer months.
Another benefit of using Massage Therapy in relation to allergies is the different trigger points that can help relax tension in the body and reduce the body’s panic reaction to allergic reactions. It also can soothe muscles that are tight from coughing and sneezing, giving you relief from allergy-related pain.
Tips to Naturally Control Allergy Symptoms
If you are trying to eliminate medications used for allergy relief (be sure to check with your doctor first) on top of Massage Therapy there are other natural remedies to help control your symptoms. Adding more spice to your diet in the form of cayenne and other hot spices can help clear sinuses. Licorice root is excellent for increasing your natural steroid levels to combat histamines and may help reduce mucus production. Of course, eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and drinking plenty of water are all good ways to stay in good health and fight off any ailment with an improved immune system.

Schedule Your Appointment with Wishing Well Massage Today.

We wish you well.

Sources: Massage Heights article

03/04/2019

Reflexology at Wishing Well Massage

Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears. It’s based on a theory that these body parts are connected to certain organs and body systems. People who practice this technique are called reflexologists. Reflexologists believe that applying pressure to these parts offers a range of health benefits. How does reflexology work?
There are a few different theories about how reflexology works.
In traditional Chinese medicine. Reflexology rests on the ancient Chinese belief in qi (pronounced “chee”), or “vital energy.” According to this belief, qi flows through each person. When a person feels stressed, their body blocks qi. This can cause an imbalance in the body that leads to illness. Reflexology aims to keep qi flowing through the body, keeping it balanced and disease free. In Chinese medicine, different body parts correspond with different pressure points on the body. Reflexologists use maps of these points in the feet, hands, and ears to determine where they should apply pressure. They believe their touch sends energy flowing through a person’s body until it reaches the area in need of healing.

Is reflexology safe to try?
Generally, reflexology is very safe, even for people living with serious health conditions. It’s noninvasive and comfortable to receive, so it may be worth trying if it’s something you’re interested in. However, you should talk to your doctor first if you have any of the following health issues: circulatory problems in the feet, blood clots or inflammation of your leg veins, gout, foot ulcers, fungal infections, like athlete’s foot, open wounds on your hands or feet, thyroid problems, epilepsy, a low platelet count or other blood problems, which can make you bruise and bleed more easily. You may still be able to try reflexology if you have any of these issues, but you might need to take a few precautions to avoid any adverse effects, lightheadedness, tender feet, emotional sensitivity. But these are short-term side effects that tend to go away shortly after treatment.

Compliment your massage by adding reflexology to your service today.

As always,

We wish you well!