Massage for the Athlete- Staying in the Game

We love to play games, the challenge, the feeling of victory or perhaps just a personal goal achieved. Staying in the game can become a challenge, staying on top of your game can be surmountable if you have the right tools.

My massage practice is filled with weekend warriors and serious athletes alike. Whether you're running your 20th marathon or still playing softball on the weekend, you're no stranger to injury. To remain on top, you must be mindful of your body's condition and limitations. My goal as a therapist is to assist you to first become aware of where your limitations are and to implement a plan to remove them. We will work together to increase rage of motion,  lengthen and tone muscles and fascia, and address any prior injuries. A runner with tight calves and hamstrings can greatly increase endurance and energy by removing these restrictions. The effect on your game is profound, this is exactly why all professional athletic teams employ a massage therapist ...for them its imperative.

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Top Reasons Why You Should Drink Lemon Water

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“When life gives you lemons... squeeze them, mix 1/2 lemon with six ounces of distilled water and drink twice daily.”

The amazing benefits of our dear friend "The Lemon"

• It's an antimicrobial, antibacterial antiseptic, it prevents bacteria and decomposition of tissue.

• Lemon prevents disease and assists in cleansing the system of impurities.

• Reduces indigestion, heartburn, bloating and belching.

• Lemon helps assimilate nutrients and regulate your digestion.

• Bolsters digestives fluids allowing greater assimilation of nutrients.

• Detoxifies by stimulating liver function. The liver makes more enzymes from fresh lemon juice than any other food!

• Dissolves uric acid and other poisons.

• Sufferers of chronic rheumatism and gout will benefit by taking lemon juice.

• In pregnancy, it will help to build bone in the child.

• High in potassium, it will nourish the brain and nerve cells.

• Strengthens bone and makes healthy teeth.

• Its magnesium, in conjunction with calcium, has an important part to play in the formation of albumen in the blood.
• Lemons are useful in treating asthma, biliousness, colds, coughs, sore throat and flu.

• Regulates blood carbohydrate levels which affect the blood oxygen levels.

• A teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water relieves heartburn.

• For rheumatism, one or two ounces of lemon juice diluted in water should be taken three times a day: one hour before meals and at bedtime.
  
  

When choosing a lemon, choose one with thin skin that is heavy for it's size. The more points on the bloom calyx (green stem star on the bottom) the sweeter and more nutrients in the lemon. Choose wisely.

Renee Hammel-Snow LMT
www.BaltimoreMassageTherapy.com

Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain

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It is estimated that over 116 million Americans suffer from debilitating chronic pain each year, of which low back pain is the most common. According to The American Academy of Pain Medicine, “Back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old.  More than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-64 experience frequent back pain.” There is a proven and effective way to treat most forms of chronic pain —myofascial release using foam roller therapy.
By performing myofascial release techniques using a foam roller or ball, you can reduce trigger points, decrease tissue tension, and break down scar tissue adhesions in injured myofascial tissue (muscle and fascia) formed by a combination of acute trauma, poor posture, repetitive movement, over-training, or inadequate sleep. The goal of myofascial release is to speed up the healing and recovery process, reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, balance the body, and prevent injury.

How does myofascial release work?
Fascia is a three-dimensional fibrous matrix interconnected throughout the body from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet.  Fascia surrounds muscles, bones, and joints providing the body structural integrity and strength. Dysfunctional fascia is a leading cause of chronic pain, reduced flexibility, and decreased athletic performance.
Located within the muscle and tendon tissue are two sensory receptors called the muscle spindle and the golgi tendon organ.  These sensory receptors monitor muscular and tendon tension from the surrounding tissue and relates it to your nervous system. They are highly sensitive to changes in muscle tension and rate of change. Stimulation of the golgi tendon organ leads to a decrease in soft tissue tension.
Placing pressure directly on tight or overly toned muscle tissue using deep tissue massage therapy or myofascial release techniques stimulates the golgi tendon organ to relax tension in the soft tissue.  Decreases in soft tissue tension will help break down scar tissue adhesions, increase joint mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function