Rivers Edge Health+Wellness

04/30/2026

Today let’s chat about the primary changes your body goes thru after age 40 due to hormonal changes.

*Metabolism slows
* Muscle mass decreases
*Body fat increases, especially around our middle
*Naturally become more insulin resistant (we can’t burn off carbs the way we use to)
*The stress hormone, cortisol increases (causing more belly fat 😩)
*Digestive enzymes decrease (causing gas, bloating and acid reflux)
*Hair may start to thin and become more brittle
*”Shrinkage” may occur due to diminished bone density.

As we age, healthy eating, proper
Exercise, sleep patterns & water intake are all crucial to maintaining an active lifestyle.
*Eating a balanced diet, increasing your protein intake, prioritizing your fiber intake and be conscious of portion sizes.
*Protect your sleep & recovery, the sweet spot is at least seven hours, establishing consistent sleep habits, no screen time, temperature control climates, comfortable bedding, and keeping a note pad on your nightstand to do a bit of journaling to quite your thoughts can all improve your nights rest.
*Water intake! The daily recommendation is half your body weight in ounces throughout the day! Start with lemon water first thing in the morning to optimize your liver & kidney function, fires up and cleanses the urinary system before adding anything else to your body! Try a few drops of Lemon essential oil to that first morning water! Adding other essential oils such as lemon/lime, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Or citrus blends to your water throughout day can give you a fresh boost! Remember to consume water at a moderate rate, drinking more than 8 oz in less than 20 min does not allow your body to absorb at a beneficial rate. Slow down & give your fascia the time it needs to properly absorb your intake!

This info along with our health & wellness options; Myofascial Release Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Infrared Sauna/Chromolight Therapy, Thermography, Essential Oils and Cacao ceremony can all aid in improving your quality of life as we age!

04/22/2026

https://optimalhealthwnc.com/events/

Come be a part of the Welness Symposium 2026.

04/10/2026

What is the difference between massage and myofascial release?

This is a common statement at our practice……”I’d like to book a massage appt.” Our reply……We do not and never have offered massage therapy, nor have we ever had a massage therapist on staff. Our staff consists of three physical therapists, all trained with the John Barnes Approach to Myofascial Release.

What Is The Difference Between Massage And Myofascial Release ...
Myofascial Release (MFR) and Massage Therapy differ mainly in focus:
MFR uses sustained, gentle pressure to release deep connective tissue (fascia) restrictions for long-term pain relief.

While typical massage therapy uses rhythmic, lubricating strokes on muscles to promote relaxation, circulation, and general muscle soreness relief.

04/06/2026

Cranial sacral therapy may help provide relief for certain conditions, including headaches. There’s a low risk of side effects and you may try this therapy if you have musculoskeletal head, neck, shoulder, or back pain.

Cranial sacral therapy (CST) is sometimes also referred to as craniosacral therapy. It’s a type of bodywork that relieves muscle and joint tightness around the bones of the head, sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back), and spinal column.

CST is noninvasive. It uses gentle pressure on the head, neck, and back to relieve the stress and pain caused by musculoskeletal tightness. It can, as a result, help to treat a number of conditions.

It’s thought that through the gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and pelvis, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system can be normalized. One case studyTrusted Source suggested that this therapy promoted normal CSF flow in one patient.

However, any abnormality or blockage of CSF flow requires prompt medical attention. In these situations, CST can be considered as an adjunct complementary therapy.

Susan & Flossie, our physical therapists are able to perform cranial sacral therapy. It can be part of an already-scheduled treatment visit or the sole purpose for your appointment.

Depending on what you’re using CST to treat, you may benefit from between 3 and 10 sessions, or you may benefit from maintenance sessions. Your healthcare provider will help you determine what’s right for you.

04/02/2026

Ceremonial grade Cacao is loaded with Nutrition! We'll be sharing more info on the health benefits of Cacao and scheduling Cacao ceremonies for you to experience this incredible plant medicine!

04/01/2026

Welcome to Rivers Edge Health+Wellness!
*Myofascial Release Sessions
*Craniosacral Therapy Sessions
*Chromotherapy
*Essential oils
*Thermography (breast only)
*Infrared Sauna Therapy
*Cacao ceremony

What can you add for your wellness journey?
391-5046 to schedule your selfcare!

03/31/2026

It’s Tuesday~Chooseday!
Where your mind goes, your energy flows
Notice your thoughts
CHOOSE what empowers you~
Not what drains you!

03/30/2026

Chromotherapy, or color light therapy, uses specific light wavelengths (colors) to promote mental and physical well-being, commonly utilized in saunas or baths. It focuses on balancing emotions and boosting energy, with colors like red for stimulation, blue for relaxation, and green for balance, creating a calming sensory experience. Chromotherapy is optional while inside our Infrared Sauna!

Key Chromotherapy Color Benefits:

RED:Energizes, stimulates circulation, and increases pulse rate.

BLUE:Calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation.

GREEN: Alleviates stress, restores balance, and aids in relaxation.

ORANGE: Boosts energy, enthusiasm, and enthusiasm.

YELLOW:Enhances mental activity and supports a positive mood.

VIOLET: Encourages imagination, meditation, and creativity.

TURQUOISE: Promotes clearer skin and relaxes thoughts.

03/27/2026

Today we’re introducing you to Cacao! Isn’t Cacao just like Cocoa? The simple answer is NO! Cocoa is the processed version of the cocoa bean that has been heated, finely ground & sifted. This high heat processing drastically reduces the acidity & creates a more mellow flavor but strips the bean of many of its natural nutrients. Cacao is the raw, unfermented, unprocessed cocoa bean. It has a more intense, bitter flavor with superior health benefits! Cacao is intensely rich in antioxidants which support our cell function via their free radicals scavenging properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage and inflammation in large numbers if left unchecked. The antioxidants found in Cacao may help support normal inflammatory response which provides downstream benefits for; *immune function *joint function *Skin health *musculoskeletal function*Cardiovascular function *Nervous system function. our event calendar for Cacao Ceremonies!

03/26/2026

Myofascial release (MFR) is a safe, hands-on physical therapy technique that applies gentle, sustained pressure to the fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs—to alleviate pain, reduce tightness, and increase mobility. It is used to treat chronic pain, injuries, and tension by releasing restrictions when proper pressure is applied.

Our therapists are practitioners of Manual Therapy (John Barnes Approach): Involves gentle, sustained,, and direct pressure for 3-5 minutes, allowing the fascia to elongate naturally without oils or lotions.

We often get requests to schedule a massage. We have no massage therapists on staff and have never offered massage therapy services. Myofascial Release vs. Massage
Myofascial Release: Deep, targeted, and sometimes intense, aimed specifically at connective tissue restrictions.
Massage: Often more focused on muscle relaxation, circulation, and relaxation.
Schedule your MFR session today!

03/24/2026

What is the significance of creating a baseline through an initial thermography scan, followed by a follow-up scan six months later, and then continuing with annual scans? Annual scans enable baseline comparison, facilitating the tracking of year-to-year changes, which can aid in the early detection of gradual developments that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. Thermography is highly sensitive to inflammation, which is associated with numerous chronic conditions, and can detect subtle changes years before they become apparent through other modalities. Why risk waiting? Incorporate thermography into your preventative care plan, alongside traditional screening methods for breast health, as it may detect vascular changes associated with tumor growth earlier in some cases.

***Disclaimer: Annual thermography scans can serve as a useful supplemental monitoring tool, particularly for tracking inflammation or changes over time. However, they should always be used in conjunction with, rather than in place of, standard medical screenings and professional evaluation.***

03/23/2026

Spring has arrived, bringing with it a multitude of seasonal allergies. For individuals who experience adverse reactions to blooming flora, managing symptoms can be a significant challenge. One common symptom is headaches. Craniosacral Therapy (CTS) is a gentle, hands-on technique that utilizes a light touch or pressure to release tension surrounding the body's connective tissue network, known as fascia. CTS promotes pain relief from headaches, facial pressure, and neck pain. Give us a call @ 391-5046 to schedule your session today.