- Integrated Body Therapies
Christine A. Ruppert, LMT5712 Stillwell Road
Rockville, MD 20851301-231-8695
Massage
Do You Suffer From Sciatica? Try Massage Therapy
Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a painful condition in which one or both sides of the sciatic nerve is compressed. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, stretching from the lower back and splitting into two at the pelvis, with one nerve going down each leg. It is responsible for sending and receiving electrical impulses from the brain, essentially telling the muscles in the legs and feet when to contract.
There are several different factors known to play a role in the formation of sciatica, including weight gain, spinal disc herniation, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, pregnancy, and trauma to the spine or surrounding tissue. Normally, the sciatic nerve remains unconstrained, but there are certain conditions, diseases and injuries that will compress the nerve, resulting in sciatica. continue reading
Relieve Stress and Improve Your Health with Foot Massage
When was the last time you treated yourself to a foot massage? The average person stands on his or her feet 4 to 5 hours per day, but some people may stand for 8 or more hours per day. All of this pressure placed on the feet can lead to soreness, tension, and even musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Thankfully, massage therapy can counteract these adverse effects, allowing individuals to conduct their normal daily routine without pain and discomfort in the feet. continue reading
Beat Work Stress: 6 Tips To Feel Better and Work Better
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The workplace is one of the top sources of stress in the average person’s life. According to a 2009 study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), a staggering 69% of employees in the U.S. say work is a “significant source of stress,” and 41% say they are tense throughout the workday. If you constantly feel stressed at work, try some of the following tips to create a more tranquil and relaxing work environment.
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7 Things You Never Knew About Massage
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as receiving a massage from a licensed therapist. Just a brief 30-minute session can relieve built-up tension, promote blood flow, and flush toxin-filled liquid out of your system. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the practice of massage therapy.
#1) There are Hundreds of Different Types of Massage
While most people are familiar with Swedish and Deep, there are hundreds of other types of massage that shouldn’t go unnoticed, some of which includes myofascial release, pediatric, sports, Balinese, Anma, Esalen, Reflexology, and Shiatsu. continue reading
Massage Therapy Promotes Health and Longevity In Seniors
Seniors are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. According to the government-run organization-Administration On Aging (AOA), there were 39.6 million Americans 65 years of age or older in 2009 (source). This number is expected to double by 2030 to 72.1 million. With such a large percentage of the population entering their “golden years,” it’s important for the general public to take a proactive approach towards seniors’ health and well-being. continue reading
How Massage Therapy Can Relieve Your Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, affecting tens of millions of Americans each year. They are characterized by shooting pain in the head, scalp, neck and surrounding area. While most people treat their tension headaches with acetaminophen or similar over-the-counter pain relievers, massage therapy can prove to be just as effective, if not more so.
The Scoop on Tension Headaches
What makes makes tension headaches unique is how they are created. Scientists and doctors are still trying to determine exactly what happens when a person experiences a headache. The brain is an incredibly complex organ with an estimated 100-500 trillion synapses, and the more we study it, the more we realize just how little we know about it.
With that said, doctors have pinpointed the cause of tension headaches as built-up muscle tension – muscles in the head or neck which remain constricted. continue reading
Stretching Tips to Keep You in Shape
There are many ins and outs of stretching; both literally and figuratively. Some of the most appealing aren’t always the best ones. When muscles haven’t been stretched in a while, and/ or have not been exercised regularly, you may experience some irritation as you begin or resume your stretching program. Resist the temptation to over stretch, to stretch too fast or to stretch to a place that is more uncomfortable than necessary. This helps you avoid possible and sometimes serious injuries.
Seven Conditions That Massage Can Help
Many people associate massage with pampering or as luxury reserved for special occasions. And indeed, it can be so, with its own appealing benefits. Additionally, and with increasing scientific evidence, massage has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to your wellness, health and fitness program. Consider these possibilities:
Massage is good for improved flexibility in muscles and joints. However much we try, we cannot always maintain the correct balances to keep joint and muscle movement optimized. We favor one leg over the other, we bend over our computers for too long, we sit too much – all these practices contribute to imbalances. Through massage, and specifically, active and passive stretching, your massage therapist can bring relief to any compromised flexibility. continue reading
Meditation and Massage: Excellent Combination for Processing Emotions
A recent study found that meditation beats ordinary rest when it comes to dealing with difficult emotions and memories. Even better, the form of meditation that works best is one you can do while you are enjoying a soothing massage.
Researchers used MRI machines to scan the brain activity of experienced meditation practitioners during a variety of activities. Comparisons were made between regular rest and 2 forms of meditation. One was non-directed meditation where the mind was allowed to wander. The other was guided meditation where the practitioner is more involved. continue reading
Did you know that massage can be used to treat depression?
There’s nothing better than relaxing at the end of a stressful day. You can get in your comfy clothes and just unwind. A massage is a very useful tool to help relax your muscles and your mind. But did you know that massage can also be used to treat depression?
While medication may be used in the treatment of depression, the use of massage may be greatly beneficial as well. continue reading