I love the holidays. I love decorating, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, and celebrating with family and friends. But let's be honest, along with the holidays comes plenty of stress, chaos, and toxic energy. 
  We are constantly under pressure to *Buy, Buy, Buy*! Everything from commercials to social media to product packaging is designed to make us buy it. At no other time is this pressure greater than during the holidays, where giving gifts is marketed to us as being a measure of love. 
  2020 has been such an odd and stressful year, it really amplified the things that cause us more stress than joy. 

  I have a huge confession to make. As a business owner, it is VERY rewarding to watch your bank account grow during the holidays. As a result, so much of my energy ends up being devoted to getting people to buy gift cards rather than my focus being on the health and wellness of my clients. In this year, when energy is already spread so thin, mental health already volatile, the toxicity of it all became so apparent to me.

  As a resolution for 2021, I feel the need to recommit to wellness. Not only for my own health, but for the example it can set for my clients and followers. How am I going to do this? In a couple of fun ways I am looking forward to:

  1) If you've been in my office recently you'll known that I've started to offer some retail products. While at first this could seem like another toxic pressure to place on clients, I commit myself to only offering products that I truly believe will enhance health and wellness. This includes our custom-designed Heat Therapy Wraps as well as my favorite brand of tea. And I have more wellness products coming this year!

  2) I am embarking on my own experimental wellness journey, with a different challenge every month! I'll be able to document my various journeys on social media as well as in my monthly blog posts. I have a few ideas, but I welcome and encourage your suggestions!
​  There is one very specific guideline I must stick to- the monthly project must encourage a healthy mind, body, and soul, and bring about only positive changes. It can be something as simple as a commitment to read a book, or as challenging as swearing off social media. But no diets, nothing that encourages negative, restrictive or obsessive behavior. If you have an idea please share it with me!

  So what is my wellness experiment for January? 

  In January 2021 I commit to practicing yoga every day for the entire month. 

  I look forward to 2021: The Year of Wellness and to sharing it with all of you!

  Let's be honest, the cost of healthcare and wellness is high! Whether paying for health insurance and deductibles for medical
expenses, or paying for better food or a gym membership, all the measures we take to stay healthy add up quickly. 
  Including regular massage therapy in your budget might seem daunting. An hour massage session usually costs between $70 and $100, depending on the location. Most insurance companies do not cover massage, and even if they do many therapists don't accept insurance. But there is a way to include massage in your budget. 
  Begin by scheduling a massage appointment once every 4-6 weeks. I often say that if we all had the time and the means to do so, I'd recommend a weekly massage for everyone! But even for the most financially secure among us, that can become expensive. Luckily, you don't have to do this to reap the benefits of massage. It's more important for you to establish a consistent routine for your massage sessions. Once a month is fairly easy to budget out. Just make sure to stick to your schedule. The body responds very well to routine, so as long as you stay in a consistent routine you will find that you will still have less pain in between sessions.
  Does a monthly massage still strain your budget? Most massage therapists offer 30 minute sessions. Schedule a half-hour session for yourself once every 4-6 weeks, and maybe every few months treat yourself to an hour or a 90 minute session when you feel confident in doing so.
  Remember, one way or another your health will cost something. Healthy food costs more than junk food, insurance rates are astronomical, and wellness therapies such as massage do come with a price tag. But most would agree that we'd rather pay to prevent illness than pay to recover from one.
  If you get a massage once a month, it only costs about the same as a daily cup of coffee. And caring for your long-term health and wellness it is certainly a worthwhile expense in your monthly budget.    

  The short, sweet, and simple answer to this question is "No." No one is ever "too old" for massage. But let's explore ways in which aging may affect your massage session. 

   As we age, our mobility becomes more difficult. Getting on and off a massage table, or turning over during a session, may seem like a chore. This is one main reason why you may feel that you cannot receive a massage. However, this is a problem that is easily solved. Moving slowly, not rushing, and having someone there to make sure you are safe is all you need! Your therapist should be trained to assist you, and should also be patient. (If you ever go to a massage therapist who makes you feel rushed and is impatient with you, do not go back to them!) 

  There are some conditions that develop with age that you should discuss with your massage therapist ahead of time. Osteoporosis, arthritis, or disk degeneration are examples. Before your first session, you will likely need to fill out a health history form and it is important for you to tell your therapist about these types of conditions. Be honest about your health history and areas of pain. Your therapist will know how to adjust the massage techniques to ensure that no harm is done. To a well-trained therapist, this should not be a problem at all. 

  Something to keep in mind: In New York State, Licensed Massage Therapists are allowed to legally limit their practice to patients within a certain age. Usually, this is in regard to how young a patient can be. Rarely will you see a therapist limit their practice based on more advanced age, but on occasion it does happen. Respect the therapists' guidelines, as they may feel they do not have the proper skills to ensure your safety- such as the physical ability to assist you in turning. (Again, this is rare, but legal in NY) 

  Don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with your therapist. Your comfort and health are their priority!    

  I have heard many people tell me this, and it breaks my heart every time. 

  "I'd love to get a massage but I'm too overweight."

  I begin the blog series with this painful statement because it brings up so many other issues beyond someone's weight. It's not as simple as someone feeling bad about the numbers on a scale. It has to do with feelings of shame, self-consciousness, self-loathing, vulnerability, and worthlessness. 

  To address the concerns that are solely about weight- very rarely would a higher body weight mean you could not receive a massage. Sometimes, the health issues that can come along with a higher weight could cause complications that your massage therapists should known about - such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. But as long as those conditions are monitored and controlled, there is no reason why you cannot receive a massage. 

  But let's move on, because when someone tells me that they are "too overweight", I understand that they usually mean a number of other things. 
  People of a higher weight are, unfortunately, used to being ridiculed. Being self-conscious and embarrassed about their bodies is common. When someone says they are too overweight for massage, often they mean that they would be embarrassed about being seen unclothed. Some feel like a therapist would be disgusted to touch them. 

  I have good news! Your massage therapist is NOT judging you. They are going to find the best way to treat your muscular pain regardless of how much you weigh. I have worked on people of ALL shapes and sizes, and not one found that their weight prevented them from having a relaxing, soothing experience. If you are self-conscious about their body and prefer for me to not massage or undrape a specific area, I always respect your wishes, as would any licensed massage therapist. Becoming comfortable with a therapist will take a little while, but once you build that relationship you'll wonder why you didn't treat yourself to massage sooner. 

  To end, I have a very important piece of advice that I want everyone to follow: If you ever go to a massage therapist and they make you feel embarrassed because you are a higher weight- DO NOT EVER GO BACK. If that happens, it is the therapist who is in the wrong, NOT you! 

  Everyone deserves to get a massage, and everyone can and should- regardless of your body weight.  

In my 10+ years as a massage therapist, many wellness fads that have come and gone. Every season brings a new "life-changing" secret to health, beauty, weight loss, or youth. Each promises a simple fix. Eat this super fruit, try this fitness class, eliminate this one substance- and all your problems are solved!

Out of the hundreds of life hacks that have come along, there is only one "secret" I can confidently say is true. 

The secret the wellness is.... that there isn't one!

Don't be disappointed- this is a good thing! Once we can accept that health requires work, discipline, and some tough self-love, we can begin to move forward in our wellness journeys. We can stop wasting time (and money!) on things that don't work for us. 

Many of these "hacks" do work to a certain extent. For example; CBD oil has shown itself to have anti-inflammatory effects. But when a product is advertised as curing everything from headaches to cancer, such as how CBD has been marketed to us, it may be too good to be true. Every fad diet, every new fitness craze, they all promise simple solutions to complex problems. And even if work for some people, they may not be right for your body's unique needs. 

Health and wellness require that we take a hard look at ourselves, our lifestyles, and take care of our bodies physically, emotionally, and mentally. That means eating well, getting the proper exercise, engaging in activities that stimulate our brains, seeking out mental health counseling when needed, establishing a healthcare routine that puts the focus on you, finding healthy ways to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression. 

This can seem daunting because it requires effort on our part. Think of your body as a investment, and the effort you put into keeping it healthy will pay off in the end. 

  It has been a long 3 months and I am so happy to be back in my treatment room seeing all my beloved clients. I have missed you all!

  Remaining open is dependent upon keeping local COVID numbers low. The State has outlined several guidelines for businesses to help slow the spread of the virus and keep us all safe. Let's work together to ensure a healthy Mohawk Valley!

  Before your next appointment you should know a few things:

  1) Masks and/or face coverings must be worn at all times. 
       Because we will all be in such close quarters there can be no exceptions to this rule. If you have medical condition that causes wearing a mask to be difficult, you will likely need to reschedule your appointment to a later date when the mask requirement is lifted. If you struggle with a respiratory ailment or any serious medical condition, it is most likely safer for you to wait to receive a massage anyway considering those with preexisting conditions are the most at risk!
  While lying face down during your session, a covering will have been placed over the headrest, allowing you to move down your mask and breathe easier without risking exposure. While face up, everyone will need to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. 

  2) Travel Advisories
      Though New York State COVID numbers are down, many other states are seeing a rise in cases. Recently, the Governor has mandated that those who have traveled to or from several states must quarantine themselves for 14 days after returning to New York. 
  Evolve is taking a firm stance on following these mandates. If you have traveled to any of the cited states within 14 days of your appointment, you must reschedule. Failure to do or failure to inform us of travel history may result in future scheduling consequences and well as State fines. (Please help keep us all healthy!)
  The travel advisory includes the following states (list is updated as needed):

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

3) If Experiencing Symptoms of Illness:
     If anytime in the week prior to your session you experience any of the following symptoms, you must reschedule your appointment:
  -Fever  
  -Chills
  -Cough
  -Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  -Fatigue
  -Muscle or body aches
  -Headache
  -New loss of taste or smell
  -Sore throat
  -Congestion or runny nose
  -Nausea or vomiting
  -Diarrhea
  

4) Failure to Disclose
     As a massage therapist I work in close contact with several people every day. These people then go home to their families, friends, and coworkers. One person knowingly exposing another to illness can cause a deadly ripple effect. Failure to disclose symptoms of COVID, possible known exposure of COVID, a history of a positive COVID test, or a history of recent travel to at-risk states, may not only result in scheduling consequences but could also result in hefty state fine. 
  COVID-19 is a deadly, contagious virus that we still know little about. As a community, we must do our part in flattening the curve and stopping the spread.   

Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe and healthy!

  Because massage used to be reserved for spas or beauty salons, most men believed it was a luxury that was only meant for women. With massage therapy finally being recognized as an effective healthcare treatment, men are discovering the numerous benefits to receiving regular sessions. In fact, massage therapy is ideal for improving men's overall health.  

1. Decrease Pain
   Men are often engaged in strenuous physical activity, whether it's playing sports, going to the gym, or doing yard work. All of these activities are rough on the body, especially muscle tissue. Massaging the muscle can reduce cramping, relieve stubborn "knots", and relax tight areas of muscle and connective tissue. Manipulating these areas not only feels good while getting the massage, it can relieve pain for weeks, sometimes even for months! 

2. Reduce Injuries and Increase Strength
  These two go hand in hand. Massage reduces injuries by increasing the "pliability" of muscle tissue, which is different from "flexibility". Flexibility is how far your muscle can stretch, pliability indicates how quickly you can reach your full stretch. Do you find that you need to warm up for a long time before you get to your full range of motion? You may have poor muscle pliability, which increases your risk of severe injuries such as tears, sprains, and strains. 
  Massage will manipulate, relax, and stretch the muscle tissue as well as increase blood flow and reduce cramping. Together, these techniques reduce the chance of injury, increase strength, and improve endurance and athletic performance. 

3. Relieve Stress
  Unfortunately, we still live in a world where men are encouraged to hide their true feelings. Yet men have just as many emotional burdens as women, and research shows that bottling them up or ignoring them is unhealthy. 
  How does massage help? Relaxing the body and muscle tissue slows the heart rate and activates your body's parasympathetic nervous system (think "rest and digest"). This helps reduce the stress responses that can have damaging effects on the body. 

4. Lower Blood Pressure
  Heart disease is the number one killer of men, and many don't even realize there is a problem until it's too late! Anything that can have a positive effect on heart health is essential. Massage therapy not only reduces stress and improves circulation, but helps decrease pain and muscle cramping so you can lead a more active lifestyle. 

5. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
  One good habit usually leads to another. One of my favorite aspects of massage therapy is the incredible wellness journey it helps start. It is not uncommon for a client to begin coming in while suffering from chronic pain, and after a few weeks of regular treatment have them say, "I feel so good, I think I can start exercising again!"
  And the effects usually don't stop there. Once someone is able to take control of their wellness for themselves, the healthier choices begin coming more naturally. Some quit smoking, or consult a nutritionist. Others realize they need psychotherapy or other health therapies. Sometimes, just feeling better physically or emotionally can change a person's entire outlook on themselves and their lives. It's a journey Licensed Massage Therapists are always humbled and honored to be a part of. 

Nothing says "I Love You" like a gift the nurtures the body, mind, and soul! 

Let your sweetheart know that you'd love something *sweet* for Valentine's Day- a Gift Card from Evolve Massage & Wellness!