Massage therapy proven to relieve back pain

In a recent study, researchers enrolled 401 patients with chronic low back pain with no identifiable reason for their pain. After 10 weeks of massage therapy sessions, two-thirds reported their back pain was significantly reduced or gone altogether! That’s amazing! And with no drugs, shots, or other temporary treatments that only mask the real problem for the pain. Read full details of the study here.

Emma Nicholson, CMT of Massage by Emma has worked with numerous clients in the Charlottesville, VA area who suffer from back pain.  A specialized plan of action is made based on the client’s needs and current health considerations. Progress is carefully recorded so you get the maximum benefits from your sessions.

Don’t suffer any longer! Get a massage!

To make a massage appointment in Charlottesville, please contact Emma Nicholson, CMT.

A massage gift certificate is the perfect gift!

Give the gift of total bliss and relaxation with a massage gift certificate from Massage By Emma. Sink into a luxurious heated table and leave your cares and holiday stress behind!

Certificates are available in one hour or 90-minutes sessions for individuals and couples. Please click here to buy online! I will be happy to mail your certificate to that special someone right away.

Massage By Emma is conveniently located in downtown Charlottesville in a serene studio just minutes from the old Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Enjoy a blissful 60 or 90 minute massage with you loved one for that special occasion or “just because”.

Couples massage sessions are held at my Charlottesville, VA studio at 513 Stewart Street near Plantscapes Florist.

Click here to make your appointment!

You know you need a massage! Why not make an appointment for a relaxing treat that is also therapeutic? Massage has been proven to increase circulation and the production of the “feel-good” hormone seratonin.

Convenient Downtown Charlottesville Massage Therapy Location

Conveniently located in downtown Charlottesville, Massage By Emma is available to help you make your cares float away! Ample free parking is also available for your convenience.

Call (540) 784-8387 or email emmajnicholson@gmail.com to make a massage appointment in Charlottesville.

Certified Massage Therapist and Reiki Master, Emma Nicholson, will be offering relaxation and therapeutic massage therapy sessions beginning July 7, 2011. Techniques include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point as well as energetic balancing.

Nicholson is licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing and is also a partner in SeaRhythms, LLC, a massage therapy practice in Charlottesville, VA.

Sessions are by appointment only and can be made online at http://namaste-massage.net or by contacting Nicholson at ejnmassage@yahoo.com.

Massage Therapy and Reiki by Certified Massage Therapist, Emma Nicholson. For further information, please visit http://namaste-massage.net

Emma will be seeing clients at the SeaRhythms office at 415 Lexington Ave, Charlottesville, VA on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning February 1, 2011.  Owner and therapist, Tammy Dudley, CMT, will continue to see clients there on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Emma and Tammy will be working together to make SeaRhythms the premier provider of therapeutic massage in the Charlottesville community. In addition to seeing private clients at their office, they are also available for outcall individual and couples massage, bringing to the home everything needed for the clients’ relaxation experience.

The two plan to actively seek opportunities to serve the wellness needs of the community.  SeaRhythms news and community events are reported at the SeaRhythms News Blog: http://MassageInCharlottesvilleVA.com. 

 A menu of services offered by Tammy and Emma is listed at http://SeaRhythms.com.

Most couple’s massage classes are group endeavors that leave everyone feeling uncomfortable and left out of the instructor’s attention. I offer one-on-one couple’s massage instruction in my office or your location. I provide all the necessary supplies and you and your partner get my undivided attention for over two hours.

The couples massage instruction includes:

• Setting the relaxing environment
• Setting your intention to match your partner’s goals for the massage
• Basic massage instruction and safety precautions
• Hands-on instruction for each partner

You will leave the class with a basic knowledge of massage techniques and a plan to give your partner a wonderful massage!

Rates for couples massage instruction:  In my office:  $150/2+ hours  In your location:  $200/2+ hours

To schedule a session, please contact Emma Nicholson, CMT.

“”Massage was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing pain and disability only amongst subjects with acute/sub-acute low back pain. Massage was also significantly better than physical therapy in improving back pain … or disability. For subjects with neck pain, massage was better than no treatment, placebo, or exercise in improving pain or disability, but not neck flexibility. “

The study  provides insight into the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy (CAM).  The report relies on data from 265 randomized, controlled trials and five non-RCTs involving CAM use by adults with back, neck and/or thoracic pain.  Source:  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

For more information on how massage can help alleviate back pain, contact Emma Nicholson, CMT in Charlottesville, VA.

Piriformis syndrome, also known as “pseudo-sciatica” (meaning “false sciatica”), is actually referral pain and other symptoms (tingling, numbness, etc.) caused by tightness and knots of contraction in the piriformis muscle, which runs from the upper femur bone to the edge of the sacrum, the triangular pelvic bone that is below the lumbar spine. The symptoms of piriformis syndrome are very similar and may be indistinguishable from true sciatica.

Only a qualified health professional can distinquish between the two conditions. Once you have received a diagnosis of Piriformis Syndrome, there are several treatment options your health care provider may suggest:

• Physical Therapy – Emphasis on stretching and strengthening the hip rotator muscles
• Rest – Avoid the activities that cause symptoms for at least a few weeks
• Anti-Inflammatory Medication – To decrease inflammation around the tendon
• Deep Massage – Advocated by some physicians

Here are some examples of simple exercises to stretch the piriformis muscle:

• Sitting Cross-Legged:  One of the easiest ways to keep your hips open and stretch your piriformis muscle is by sitting cross-legged on the floor for several minutes a day.
• Piriformis Chair Stretch:  Another easy way to stretch out the piriformis, especially if you have a desk job, is to cross one leg over the other with your ankle resting on the knee of the opposite leg. Gently press down on the inside of the knee and slowly lean forward until you feel a mild stretch in the hips.
• Lying Piriformis Stretch:  A more intense stretch can be performed while laying on your back on the floor. Cross the right leg over the left, with the right ankle resting on the left knee. Slowly lift the left foot off the floor and toward you while you apply gentle pressure to the inside of the right knee. Hold 20 to 30 seconds, and repeat on the other side.

Before beginning any treatment plan, consult with your health care provider. If you would like more information how massage therapy can help with Piriformis Syndrome, please contact Emma Nicholson, CMT  in Charlottesville, VA.

Sources:

Elizabeth Quinn, Sports Medicine Guide

Jonathon Cluett, M.D., Orthopedics Guide

Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves pain and inflammation of a thick band of tissue, called the plantar fascia, which runs across the bottom of your foot — connecting your heel bone to your toes.

Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.

Plantar fasciitis is particularly common in runners. People who are overweight, women who are pregnant and those who wear shoes with inadequate support are at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis.  Source:  Mayo Clinic

There are several self-care options to treat the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.  I personally use The Foot Log and find it gives my foot a great stretch and massages reflexology points, as well.