Bodies in Balance Massage Therapy, Flagstaff, AZ
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Bodywork Blog

COVID-19: Reduce Stress and Minimize Anxiety with These At-Home Therapeutic Techniques

4/29/2020

1 Comment

 
by Seth Johnson
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Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash
As you know, the COVID-19 epidemic has left many people – and businesses – without proper
support. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an article
that highlighted some very real concerns for people across the world:

  • General fear and worry about their own health and those of loved ones
  • Changes in eating and sleeping patterns due to the quarantine and stay-at-home order
          placed into effect
  • Troubles with sleeping and concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased substance use concerns
  • And more

We’re in unprecedented times, and it’s critical for us to do what we can to minimize damages
of the mind, body and spirit while we all try to navigate the twists and turns of this pandemic.
By staying proactive and creating a daily routine filled with a few tried-and-true therapeutic
techniques, you’ll be ensuring that your health and well-being continue to remain at the
forefront of your life – which will only aid you in these times of uncertainty.


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1 Comment

Why Reflexology Could Be The Most Beneficial Add-On To Your Massage Session

3/3/2020

0 Comments

 
By Seth Johnson
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​Photo by Mat Reding on Unsplash
How It Started
​

Reflexology, also considered “zone therapy”, is a complementary practice that focuses on
adding various amounts of pressure to different points on the hands, ears and feet. This holistic
practice has been used for decades, particularly based on the ancient Chinese belief that each
person has a life force energy known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”). The idea is that when a
person is feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, their body is blocking qi – and if
it continues to be blocked, more ailments can arise. With the practice of reflexology, it’s been
said that the body can better maintain balance; the reflexologist’s touch sends energy from
certain points of the body to the parts that need it the most.

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Understanding How the Client-Massage Therapist Relationship Develops

2/6/2020

2 Comments

 
​Author: Seth Johnson
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​Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
The physical health benefits of therapeutic massage practices – the stimulation of the lymph
system, the improved range of motion and decreased discomfort offered, the increased
circulation and release of endorphins – are often talked about because of their ability to, over
time and with maintenance, drastically improve our day-to-day lives. Many of us can attest to
the blissful feeling of dull aching that’s finally been put to rest – after all, that’s why people seek
out massage therapy, right?


What rarely ever sees the limelight, however, is the discussion of our individual experiences
with massage – the inner thoughts, feelings and perceptions that we have; the very experience
of developing the massage therapist-client relationship, however, is a unique one that could
give us a lot of telling insight on how the mind, body and spirit unravels when we’re feeling safe
and cared for.


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2 Comments

5 Amazing Benefits of FST That You Probably Weren’t Aware Of

1/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Author: Seth Johnson
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Photo by Jacob Postuma on Unsplash
Massage therapy is an encompassing term for a variety of therapeutic techniques, but most people only associate massage therapy with relaxation; in fact, the “therapy” component of massage therapy can completely transform a person’s life, especially if they use it regularly to maintain their health and wellness. FST, short for fascial stretch therapy, is a massage therapy practice that is used by both pro athletes and winter sports enthusiasts alike. Rather than focusing solely on those apparent tight muscles that we know need a good stretch, FST makes sure to also pay attention to fascia – a fibrous connective tissue that wraps around bones, muscles, ligaments, organs, tendons, nerves, and a whole lot more for added support.

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Give the Gift of Healing for Winter Sports Enthusiasts This Holiday Season

12/2/2019

0 Comments

 
By Seth Johnson
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Photo by Naomi Hutchinson on Unsplash
During the cold, jittery months of December, January, and February, Flagstaff is all about winter
sports, building snowmen, passing through all of the holiday lights and gathering around with
people we love. The holidays are truly a spectacular, magical period of time that allow us to
reflect on the past year while also generating hope for the future; as we’re thinking about what
type of gift we’d like to give those we love this holiday season, perhaps it’s time to consider
something not only practical, but incredibly beneficial for the mind, body and spirit – something
our loved ones need but may not be thinking about getting for themselves.


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Recently Injured While Playing A Sport? It’s Time to Consider This Viable Solution

11/2/2019

0 Comments

 
By Seth Johnson
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Photo by John Torcasio via Unsplash
Sports Injuries: Safety Isn’t Guaranteed
 
Growing up, we’re always told to be careful playing sports; our parents may have said
something to the tune of:
 
“Make sure you put on your helmet before riding your bike!”
“Where is your mouth guard? You need that before you can go out and play.”
“Don’t forget to put on your knee brace before going onto the field.”
 

These small words of wisdom sometimes go unappreciated when we’re that young, and even if
we do continue to apply these crucial preventative measures when we’re out moving around,

they don’t come with a 100% guarantee that we won’t get hurt. Whether it’s a quick injury – such
as from football collisions or missteps on the basketball court – or a longstanding injury, such as
from repetitively throwing or straining muscles, the healing process is truly determined by the
actions we take the minute our body is traumatized and when we realize that our body is
impacted.


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Essential Oils for Massage Therapy, Depending on Your Mood

10/2/2019

5 Comments

 
By Seth Johnson
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Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash
If you were recently here in Flagstaff to receive a therapeutic massage at Bodies in Balance,
you were probably asked if you’d like essential oils as part of your therapy session. Essential
oils have become one of the most widely talked about aspects of health and wellness lately, and
it’s because researchers are finding out just how much of a connection there is between smell
and emotion. Think about the last time you smelled warm cookies baking in the oven – how did
you feel? Hungry? Nostalgic, as if you were suddenly on a blast to the past to when you used to
bake delicious chocolate chip cookies with your grandma as a child? That’s no coincidence that
certain smells can bring up certain thoughts or feelings – but how exactly does it all work?


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5 Comments

“Let it Linger”: Crucial Tips for Keeping That Amazing Post-Massage Glow

9/4/2019

1 Comment

 

Author

Seth Johnson

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Photo By Camile Kmile 
​
Whew! That massage was so relaxing. The whispering sound of a flowing river in the
background was so dreamy that it almost made you fall asleep; the subtle smells of lavender or
other essential oils wafted through your nose and sent you to a magical, mystical place. The
nagging tension in your neck, the stress that had morphed into a firm knot in your back, the dull
aches and sharp pains of everyday life seemed to willingly melt away with every touch – and
now all you can contemplate is,

 “How can I make this feeling last?”

You’re not the only one. The worst feeling ever is to walk out of a deep state of inner peace and
relaxation, only to be so rudely revisited by the exact same pain and stress that just left your
body in the massage room. Luckily, there are some very real steps you can take to ensure that
glow doesn’t fade away…at least not anytime soon.

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1 Comment

Force vs. Finesse

6/2/2017

0 Comments

 
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It’s not uncommon for a client to request a therapist based on whether they think that therapist can or can’t deliver deep pressure.  For example, a new client might request a male therapist because they don’t think a female therapist can provide deep pressure.  Or they may not want a male therapist because they think that therapist can only do massage with deep pressure.

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New Service - Migraine Miracle !!

11/2/2016

2 Comments

 
I am super excited to announce our new service aimed specifically at relieving headaches!

I get migraine headaches and I am really excited about how well it works.  Here's my experience.  At the start of my session, I didn't have a full-blown headache but felt "headachy".  
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2 Comments

Why I Don't Put "Psychic" on My Business Cards

9/29/2016

2 Comments

 
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​As a massage therapist, I have a lot of cool skills.  I can help relieve your low back pain, loosen up your legs and hips so you perform better in your next race, and even melt away the tension of a stressful day.  And while many of my clients think I know exactly where the pain is and how to make it go away, I’m not psychic. But I’m often surprised by how many people seem to think that I am.


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2 Comments

Trigger Point Self-Care

1/28/2016

3 Comments

 
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It is possible and worthwhile to treat your own trigger points.  The Ther-a-Cane and Backbuddy are two commercial products designed to treat trigger points.  You can also use a tennis (or other slightly soft) ball, or your hands.  Experiment to find what’s most comfortable for you, and use the resources listed below to learn effective, safe techniques.  Foam rollers can help relieve trigger points, but are often not specific enough for full relief.


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3 Comments

DIY Ice Pack

1/20/2016

2 Comments

 
Ice Pack to Complement Massage
We often recommend ice to our clients to help manage inflammation and pain.  While the traditional bag of peas works well, it's not that great when your back or hip hurts and you need to lay on the ice.  In those instances, a flat gel-filled ice pack works best. And here's a simple option to make one yourself.

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2 Comments

Massage During Cold & Flu Season

1/18/2016

4 Comments

 
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​It's the time of year when there always seems to be something "going around" - fever, runny noses, coughing, sneezing... you know what I mean.  Here are a few important things to know about massage and colds and flu.
 
Massage could be your secret weapon to help prevent colds and flu.


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4 Comments

Trigger Points 

1/8/2016

2 Comments

 
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What are they?  How are they treated?  Why do they matter? 

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2 Comments

10 Tips to Get the Most from Your Massage

1/6/2016

15 Comments

 
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible.
 
2. Don’t eat a large meal just before a massage session.  Let your body digest your meal first.
 

3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax.


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15 Comments

Deep Tissue - What's in a Name

1/5/2016

0 Comments

 
Deep Tissue Massage
Clients frequently request Deep Tissue Massage when they call to schedule an appointment and they are often surprised that it’s not on our menu.  But here’s the thing -  "Deep Tissue" isn’t an accurate term for what they are almost always looking for.   ​

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Sciatica, Piriformis Syndrome, and Massage

1/4/2016

1 Comment

 
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Sciatica refers to pain that radiates down the back of your leg, often extending all the way from the lower back to the lower leg.  Pain is  often described as "sharp" or "tingling" and is due to caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.  Muscle weakness may accompany the pain.  The sciatic nerve runs from your spinal cord in your lower back down the back of each leg, and is the longest nerve in your body. 
 


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How to find YOUR perfect massage therapist

1/4/2016

0 Comments

 
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Recently, I saw a post on Facebook by someone looking for recommendations for a massage therapist. She and her husband do physically demanding work and want to add massage to their self-care routine.  Immediately thought “Pick me! Pick me!” and posted all the reasons I’m a wonderful therapist. 
 



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How Long Should My Massage Be?

12/30/2015

1 Comment

 
This is a question that doesn’t even occur to many clients.  60 minutes -- Isn’t that what everyone gets?  Actually no, some people get longer massages, some get shorter. Just like determining the frequency you get massage, the length of your massage depends on your particular situation and goals (see my other blog How Often Should I Get A Massage).

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(928) 853-5765                                                                 Professional Bodywork for Sports and for Life
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CONTACT
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​Call (928) 853-5765

​Send us an email.

Bodies in Balance Massage Therapy
​408 N Kendrick St #1
Flagstaff AZ 86001
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USUAL HOURS

​M            By Appointment Only
​T                     10:30 - 6:00
W                    10:30 - 6:00
​Th                   10:30 - 6:00
Fr                      9:30 - 4:30
Sa                     9:30 - 4:00