The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog
The Centre, P.C. offers the latest plastic surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
Archives
Meet Ann - Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Massage Therapy Self-Care - Tuesday, February 06, 2007
by "Sam", Sharon Seal, LPN, CMT, ET
1/31/07
You have just left The Centre after having a massage. You feel good, maybe a little sore because those knots were worked out, but you know that you will feel even better tomorrow.
Seeing a massage therapist routinely is great but sometimes our schedules, or just life, won't allow us to do so. Self-care between visits will really help.
There are many things you can do between bodywork visits:
**Drink water. I know, I preach this all the time but our bodies NEED water to survive and function properly. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headache, muscle weakness and many more symptoms. Keeping yourself hydrated especially after physical activity can help you feel better. After every massage you should try to increase your intake of water so toxins that have been released by the muscles can be dissipated.
**Stretching. This can be done in a yoga class or in front of your TV. If you have a partner, stretching can be even more fun when done together. No partner...not a problem...friend or a child can be great. You might even find yourself giggling and having a good time, reaping emotional and physical benefits.
**Tennis balls. Yes...I said tennis balls. Put a tennis ball on the floor and lay on top of it. Ok...now you really think I have lost it. Clients that know me understand that I do have a method to my madness and find out that I sometimes do know what I am talking about! The tennis ball acts as pressure and can help ease sore muscles. If your lower back is sore, lay on the tennis ball and roll over it. You will be amazed at how it will feel and help. It will not take the place of hands but it can get you over the hump and help keep those muscles pliable.
**Ice and Heat. If you find that you pull a muscle, always use ice the first 24-48 hours. After that, you can use heat. You can alternate ice and heat after that to trick your circulation. I know that heat usually sounds better when you "wrench" your back, but again...trust me, use ice.
**Supports. These can be anything from supportive pillows for your neck, head, or back. Some pillows can even be immersed in cold water or heated in the microwave and used when needed. Personally, I keep an ice pack in the freezer in a tube sock. This is very handy for me.
Anything you do to proactively benefit your health is a plus in my book!
The Centre, P.C. is a unique plastic surgery practice located in northern Indiana. Our heartland values of compassion and concern for your particular needs are complemented by the professional expertise of our surgeons and staff.
At The Centre, P.C., we offer two tracks to patients in Elkhart and South Bend and throughout Indiana and southern Michiana. On the one side are our cosmetic surgery and skin care services and products. And on the other is a coordinated set of services – surgical as well as therapeutic – for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the hand, wrist and forearm due to illness or injury.
- 800.909.2992
Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511
Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534
