Articles by Brandon J. Thomas on ArticleSnatch.com

Massage Therapy Shown To Be the Best Choice of Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:07:04 -0400

Massage therapists often gush about the therapeutic properties of massage therapy, saying it can lower levels of anxiety and stress, improve wellness, and even reduce pain. And for the most part, they’re right. Indeed, many academic studies have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of massage therapy, but these studies are usually small in their number of participants, and often massage therapy is indicated as a complementary treatment, for example, as a non-invasive pain reliever for cancer patients. A study in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine is therefore a breakthrough for massage therapists as it concludes that massage therapy isn’t just a good complementary therapy, rather, it is the best choice for treating lower back pain. The study, titled A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain, is so newsworthy because it concludes that general massage therapy is more effective than standard medical treatment when dealing with back pain. This means that a weekly massage can do more to ease chronic back pain than painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (think Advil) and physical therapy. **End Summary** Topics: Massage Therapy]]> Lower Back Pain]]> Pain Management]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage , office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Choosing A Chicago Massage Therapy School: Location, Cost and Program Type

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:06:26 -0400

Like many other major cities in the U.S. (Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami), Chicago has numerous massage therapy schools that potential students can choose from, all located within the city. Unlike many other major cities, Chicago does not have many nationwide or statewide vocational schools, like Everest College, offering a massage therapy program. Instead, nine largely local schools offer Chicagoans a massage therapy education, and a good way to break down which school is right for you is with three factors: Location, cost and program type. Starting with location, many Chicago massage therapy schools are located downtown, within a few blocks of Grant Park. These schools (Cortiva, The Soma Institute) are good choices for students either living in the downtown area or relying on public transportation, as there are many options nearby. Also within a mile or so of Grant Park and located near public transportation is The New School of Massage. Other options farther from downtown Chicago, but located along the I-94 corridor, include Northwestern College and the Marco Polo Schools. If transportation is not the ultimate deciding factor, cost may be. And Chicago massage schools vary widely in tuition rates. **End Summary** Topics: Chicago]]> Massage Therapy]]> Schools]]> Career]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage , office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Choosing A Los Angeles Massage Therapy School

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:00:24 -0400

A recession can be a good time to reassess and possibly change one’s occupation, and massage therapy is a good career choice for the 21st century. Indeed, U.S. News & World Report recently named massage therapy one of the top 50 careers of 2011 because the field is expanding and the education required for the job is relatively inexpensive (1). Los Angeles is an especially good place to start a massage therapy career due to local demand from individuals and businesses and the fact that there are many, many schools in the area from which to chose. Indeed, there are at least 35 separate academic institutions in the greater Los Angeles area that offer a reputable massage therapy program. Moreover, many of these schools have separate campuses in the greater L.A. metro area, meaning that there are actually more than 50 locations offering a massage therapy education. To narrow down the number of Los Angeles massage therapy schools, start with location. Will you have access to reliable transportation? How much time can you spend commuting? Will you work your classes around your schedule? Or will massage school come first? **End Summary** Topics: Los Angeles]]> Massage Therapy]]> Schools]]> Career]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage , office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

The Benefits of On Site Massage: Therapy and Convenience

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:24:35 -0400

On site massage can take several forms – chair massage, table massage, special event massage, sports massage – and can happen in many different settings – at the office, home, convention, party, athletic event, etc. Ultimately, on site massage therapy provides all the benefits of massage therapy – increased circulation, lower levels of stress, higher energy levels – in the exact location it is needed, making it highly therapeutic – and highly convenient. First, in the office, on site massage is a highly effective tool. For starters, there are the therapeutic benefits provided by office massage. Indeed, even short intervals of massage therapy have been shown to reduce levels of stress and ease pain from common office ailments such as stiff shoulders and neck or repetitive stress injuries. Moreover, chair massage in the office can also be used to reward employees, motivate them to finish a project or be part of a larger employee wellness program. With a massage chair easily fitting into a small office or even the corner of a room, and no need for recipients to remove any clothes, on site office massage is both highly therapeutic and convenient. **End Summary** Topics: on site massage]]> convenience]]> chair massage]]> office massage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides corporate massage , chair massage , office massage, trade show and sports massage throughout the US.

Ask for a state certificate when hiring a Los Angeles corporate massage therapist

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:47:04 -0400

Hiring a massage therapist for chair massage at your office(s) can be somewhat difficult (1), and in Los Angeles it used to be downright impossible. Fortunately, the California state massage therapist certificate has made life a lot easier for those looking to hire a corporate massage therapist, and it is the credential employers should look for when bringing a chair massage therapist into their office. Generally across America, employers should ask for a state massage therapist license or certificate when hiring a massage therapist for their office as these credentials usually require a respectable amount of professional training. However, simply asking for a state certificate won’t work in certain areas of the country, as several states have not yet started to regulate and certify their massage therapists. This used to be the situation in Los Angeles and the rest of California, until 2008 when legislation was passed to create a statewide massage therapist certificate. This was a true game changer – and lifesaver – for businesses and massage therapists in Los Angeles as it ensures a simple, reliable verification of training and professionalism in the massage therapy field. **End Summary** Topics: Corporate Massage]]> Chair Massage]]> Los Angeles]]> Hiring]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage , office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Sports Massage Therapy Keeping Chicago Teams Strong

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:32:51 -0400

Sports massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective for athletes competing at the highest levels. But it’s also been in the news recently in the Chicago sports world as two of the city’s baseball stars are using massage therapy to limit the impact of injuries and speed along the recovery process. Indeed, as the Chicago Tribune reported (Massage therapist helps Peavy stay on track, May 12, 2011), Jake Peavy, starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox, credited sports massage therapy for helping him recover from a shoulder injury. In the article, Peavy said his massage therapist helped reduce the amount of scar tissue buildup following a shoulder injury, and said that the therapist most likely saved him from having to have another surgery. Similarly, Chicago Cubs ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been using sports massage therapy to ease a stiff neck. In a recent article published on ESPN’s Website (Carlos Zambrano won't miss start, May 27, 2011), Zambrano said a regimen of exercise and sports massage would keep him in the starting lineup despite his injury. **End Summary** Topics: sports massage]]> massage therapy]]> sports]]> Chicago]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides Chicago chair massage , corporate massage, sports massage , special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

What to look for when hiring a corporate massage therapist

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:00:52 -0400

Corporate massage has been demonstrated to be an effective motivational tool in offices. However, when wellness directors make the wise decision to bring chair massage therapy into their offices, what should they look for in a therapist? First and foremost, most states now have certificates or licenses that massage therapists must (or should) obtain to demonstrate their completion of training and standards of professionalism. Be sure that any therapist you hire for corporate massage has one of these credentials. In states where these credentials do not yet exist, there are usually municipal credentials that can serve the same purpose. An acceptable substitute in areas without state or local licenses/certificates can be the massage therapist’s school transcripts (showing completion of 500 training hours or more) and a detailed resume. After assuring that your therapist has appropriate credentials, get an idea of his or her experience in providing office chair massage. Have they worked as a corporate massage therapist before? What is the length of their average massage? What areas do they focus on during their massages? Do they have their own massage chair? Are they comfortable providing all the supplies necessary to do onsite corporate massage? **End Summary** Topics: corporate massage]]> office massage]]> massage therapist]]> hiring]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides corporate massage , chair massage, office massage , trade show and sports massage throughout the US.

Chicago Massage Therapists Unable to Thwart Misguided Massage Therapy Regulation

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:48:30 -0400

Illinois is like most other places in the United States, with the government helping to regulate and ensure the professional quality of the massage therapists who live within its jurisdiction. Indeed, 40 of 50 states now have statewide regulations of their massage therapy industries, whose nationwide, annual income totals between $16 and $20 billion. It is therefore surprising and disappointing that the city recently decided to ban the opening of any new Chicago massage therapy businesses unless they have special permits and locate themselves in “industrial corridors”. Fortunately, massage therapy businesses already licensed in the city of Chicago were “grandfathered in” and do not have to move from their current locations. But it seems unfair that new massage therapy businesses, whose therapists must operate under strict regulation by the state of Illinois with specific professional requirements, must relegate themselves to neighborhoods that feature used-car lots, taverns, liquor stores, and warehouses. One of the more frustrating aspects of this new ordinance, which officially passed in June of this year, is that Chicago massage therapy professionals rallied to protest it when the ordinance first came up for a vote in April. **End Summary** Topics: Chicago]]> massage therapy]]> Chicago city council]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Massage Therapy and Chicago: The Cure for a Stressed-Out City

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:15:31 -0400

Some may argue that stress is prevalent in all areas of the world, but most would agree that big cities, with their concentrations of traffic, unemployment, and pollution, feature more stress than most other areas. While Los Angeles is usually at the top of lists of stressed-out cities, Chicago has had the dubious honor of being labeled America’s most stressful city by Forbes for the past two years. Forbes’s stressed-out city list for 2010 will come out soon, and while Chicago may not be at the top again, massage therapy will remain a constant for Windy City citizens looking to combat their stress and its harmful effects. Forbes generally looks at issues economically, so, when determining Chicago to be the most stressful city in America, one of the main factors behind this statistic was the city’s unemployment rate, which has been consistently higher than the rest of the nation. Fortunately, the unemployment rate has fallen in Chicago, but it’s still a couple of percentage points above the national average. Aside from high rates of unemployment, Forbes also places Chicago atop its most stressed-out cities list due to its poor air quality, falling home values, and generally non-sunny weather. **End Summary** Topics: Chicago]]> stress]]> massage therapy]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Los Angeles, Massage Therapy, and Californiaâs Statewide Certification

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:52:03 -0400

Nearly two years after State Bill 731 was signed into law, the process of becoming certified as a massage therapist in the state of California is still somewhat tenuous. But the momentum in the Los Angeles massage therapy world, and really across the state, has definitely shifted to massage therapists operating professionally under the new state certificate instead of through municipal agencies. Money is the main reason why it has taken so long for the state to implement its certificate, which allows massage therapists to operate legally across the state instead of just in individual municipalities. While the bill was signed in September of 2008, no certificates were issued until a year later, in September 2009. Instead, the state mobilized its resources to create the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), which is in charge of issuing certificates to the more than 33,000 massage therapists in California who can apply. While the state was setting up its council, the thousands of massage therapists in Los Angeles were still paying renewal fees for their massage therapy licenses, which, coupled with the original fees associated with applying for a license and police permit, totaled over $300. **End Summary** Topics: Los Angeles]]> massage therapy]]> certification]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Los Angeles: The City Most in Need of Massage Therapy

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:54:19 -0400

Every place in the world has its own causes of stress. In small towns, there’s the stress of finding employment, a good education, and starting a family. In bigger cities, there are similar stresses, and other ones like traffic, noise, and pollution. With these stress factors in mind, it seems safe to say that Los Angeles may be the most stressful place on earth and, therefore, one of the best places in the world to receive massage therapy. Why does Los Angeles deserve top spot on the stress list? Because it ranks so high on so many of the factors that cause stress in people’s lives. First, starting with unemployment, Los Angeles features an 11.6 percent unemployment rate, 2 percentage points above the national average and on par with some of the most depressed areas of the nation, like Ohio and Indiana. Other common causes of stress? The fear of natural disaster, which Los Angeles also ranks near the top in, with over 15 earthquakes – albeit minor ones – occurring in the metropolitan area in the past week (as of August 13, 2010). Traffic and pollution? **End Summary** Topics: massage therapy]]> stress]]> Los Angeles]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage , special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Mid-Size Companies Beginning to Implement Wellness Programs on a Large Scale

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:55:27 -0400

It is a well-documented fact that a majority of large companies (businesses with over 8,000 employees) offer health & wellness programs to their employees to keep their employees healthy, motivated, and productive while also lowering their healthcare costs. Employees at mid-sized firms (businesses with anywhere from 1,000 to 8,000 employees) can also benefit from effective wellness programs, but such programs at mid-sized companies haven’t been as ubiquitous, until recently. Small and mid-size businesses may be wary of corporate wellness programs as healthcare costs at such firms may be smaller than at larger firms, and, thusly, the initial costs of an employee wellness program may be seen as too large. Indeed, mid-size companies that do offer wellness programs often offer smaller incentives to their employees than large companies in order to keep down costs, a factor that could limit the effectiveness of their programs. The lower incentives offered by mid-sized companies can make sense if the business does not have the same amount of capital to invest in a health & wellness program that a large company may have. **End Summary** Topics: Wellness programs]]> mid-size companies]]> small companies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> "Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides wellness programs , for small, mid-size, and large companies, as well as for health insurers, throughout the US."

Wellness Programs: Tests to Determine Scale, Scope, and Strategic Goals

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:43:53 -0400

Starting a wellness program can seem a daunting task but, in reality, it can be a very simple process. While executive approval, support, and consultation is extremely important and the actual first step, once it is gained, laying the groundwork for a successful wellness program can be accomplished through the implementation of a few simple, but effective, tests and assessments. These assessments will help those providing the wellness programs, it’s no surprise that the majority of large companies employ wellness programs for their employees. But even at mid-size or small companies, a wellness program can be an easy and cost-effective thing to implement. Blood and body testing as well as stress assessments can help start strong and effective wellness programs, which can decrease health costs, increase productivity, and, ultimately, determine the scale, scope and strategic goals of a wellness program unique to the employees who participate. **End Summary** Topics: Wellness Programs]]> Initial Tests]]> Corporate Wellness Consult]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> "Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides wellness programs , for small, mid-size, and large companies, as well as for health insurers, throughout the US."

Corporate Wellness Programs: Dollars and Sense

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:50:41 -0400

A lot of articles talk broadly about the overall benefits of corporate wellness programs for businesses, how they can save companies money while leading to higher employee productivity, job satisfaction, and morale. This article will only focus on specific statistics of corporate wellness programs, demonstrating thoroughly – in dollars, cents, and percentages – the great value corporate wellness programs bring to the companies that use them. First, a comprehensive review of more than 100 peer-reviewed studies of companies with health & wellness programs over the past three decades showed an average annual savings in healthcare costs of $358 per employee. Moreover, companies in these studies saw, on average, $294 in annual savings per employee due to decreased absenteeism. That’s an annual savings of over $650 for companies enrolled in corporate wellness consulting and implementation and found that the return on investment on reducing healthcare costs was $3.27 for every dollar spent by the company and $2.73 for every dollar spent on reducing absenteeism. Another source also looked at studies of more than 50 comprehensive health & wellness programs and found that every study showed positive health outcomes for employees and an over 96 percent cost-effectiveness rate. **End Summary** Topics: wellness programs]]> employee health]]> cost-effectiveness]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> "Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides wellness programs , for small , mid-size, and large companies, as well as for health insurers, throughout the US."

In Home Caregivers and Families: The Medical Information Glut

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:16:01 -0400

Stress is a common factor facing primary caregivers who take on the responsibility of providing homecare for a loved one. Furthermore, families as a whole - and not just the primary caregiver - also face stress when a loved one needs homecare, as medical information about diseases and conditions can become overwhelming. A commonly overlooked cause of caregiver and family stress, too much medical information can stress out caregivers and lead to familial problems as well. When a family member receives a serious medical diagnosis the implications are often enormous. A disease like Parkinson's or a sudden, debilitating event like a stroke can mean the start of large and strict prescription drug schedules, various forms of rehabilitation, and important changes in lifestyle for both the family member receiving homecare as well as for the in home caregiver and the rest of the family. All the information and recommendations surrounding a newly diagnosed condition that requires homecare can be intimidating. The important thing, of course, is to not get overwhelmed. This, however, is easier said than done. One common cause of stress surrounds new prescriptions. **End Summary** Topics: caregivers]]> homecare]]> stress]]> families]]> medical information]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Finding a caring, professional in home caregiver or health professional in Las Vegas or anywhere can be a challenging task. You want to be sure that that the person you are bringing into assist with everyday needs will provide quality care. Check out CaregiverHub for all your home caregiver needs.

Homecare, Financial Stress, and Families

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:46:20 -0400

Many articles have been written about the stress primary caregivers encounter when taking on the responsibility of providing homecare for a loved one. Much less attention, however, is paid to the stress that families as a whole encounter when one of its loved ones needs homecare. One specific contributor to stress is the financial burden that homecare can bring. Indeed, money is one of the main points of stress for caregivers and their families. Working as a caregiver, instead of sending a loved one to a nursing home or assisted-care facility, may seem like a cost-saving choice, but it is important to remember how financially stressful caregiving can be. The responsibility of an in home caregiver is usually full-time or overtime (up to and sometimes exceeding 80 hours of work each week, depending on the situation), meaning that the majority of caregivers are not able to keep their jobs outside of the home, even if the job is only part-time. This labor, given for free, by family caregivers is estimated to be valued at an astounding $375 billion annually, with possible wages lost for the individual caregiver over time in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. **End Summary** Topics: homecare]]> financial stress]]> caregiver]]> family]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> "Finding a caring, professional in home caregiver or health professional in Los Angeles or anywhere can be a challenging task. You want to be sure that that the person you are bringing into assist with everyday needs will provide quality care. Check out CaregiverHub for all your home caregiver needs.

Corporate Wellness Programs Bring Big Benefit to Business

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:50:05 -0400

Health care and businesses have been two of the dominant topics over the past year, and rightfully so. Companies are trying to recover from The Great Recession, and the passage of healthcare legislation means a dramatic change in a sector that represents over 17 percent of the U.S. economy. With most major employers deeply involved in their employees’ healthcare coverage, corporate wellness programs are becoming increasingly valuable as successful programs have been proven to improve employee health and reduce healthcare costs. Costs are always a concern for businesses, and here corporate wellness programs have been proven highly effective in lowering them. Studies conducted by the University of Michigan’s Health Management Research Center showed savings for an individual company of $80 million dollars after the implementation of an effective wellness program. Other companies and businesses meanwhile saw tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings through increased employee productivity due to their corporate wellness programs. These companies’ wellness programs are similar in the services they offer, each company needs a program tailored to its size and needs. **End Summary** Topics: wellness programs]]> business]]> health]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> "Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides wellness programs , for small, mid-size, large companies, and health insurers nationwide.

Using Corporate Massage to Strengthen Business

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:27:14 -0400

With the stock market up 35 percent over the past 15 months and employers beginning to hire again, analysts are saying that a recovery in the U.S. economy has arrived. In a span of two-and-a-half years that has seen the markets shed over half of their value and more than 8 million jobs lost, the green shoots of an economic recovery are opportunities for employers to cash in. Retaining quality employees while attracting new business to your company are the best ways to capitalize in the recovery, and corporate massage can help in these endeavors. Recessions are great times to pick up highly qualified employees as many highly skilled people are unable to find jobs in the careers of their choosing. As the economy improves, these highly qualified employees may think about moving on to different fields and businesses. Corporate massage can help retain these employees, with chair or table massage therapy showing employees that they are appreciated, while also serving as an important part of a larger corporate wellness program. This is important, as studies have shown corporate wellness programs to be associated with less employee absenteeism as well as higher rates of employee job satisfaction and retention. **End Summary** Topics: Corporate massage]]> trade show massage]]> employee retention]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is the founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides corporate massage , chair massage , office massage , trade show and sports massage throughout the US.

The importance of sports massage therapy for all athletes

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:58:29 -0400

The Winter Olympics just finished last month in Vancouver, and one thing prevalent at the games – besides terrific performances by the world’s best athletes – was massage therapists, and a lot of them. And this prevalence of sports trainers with massage therapy training, as well as actual, professional massage therapists was not unique to just this year’s Games. Indeed, a study in The British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that 45 percent of the treatment athletes receive at major, international and national, sporting events comes in the form of sports massage therapy. The reason for this abundance of sports massage therapy is clear. In the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, an article published in 2008 demonstrated sports massage therapy’s extensive benefit for athletes, with sports massage therapy being credited in reducing levels of swelling while increasing levels of muscle strength after periods of strenuous exercise. In the same study, sports massage therapy also was shown to decrease the amount of energy the body must expend to heal damaged muscle groups. What does all this mean? **End Summary** Topics: massage]]> sports]]> sports massage therapy]]> athlete]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage , trade show and sports massage throughout the US.

Massage Reduces Agitation in Patients Suffering from Dementia

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:23:04 -0500

A gentle, slow stroke massage can reduce the physical expressions of agitation in those suffering from dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia refers to a cluster of symptoms resulting from brain disorders that greatly impair cognitive skills, without causing a loss of consciousness. Although the onset of dementia can occur in mid-life, it is most commonly found in the elderly, leading to institutionalization for the vast majority of sufferers. Many elderly patients become sensory deprived as their faculties fade away, but the basic need for touch remains constant. As patients lose sensory and cognitive skills, they become unable to interact socially, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety and agitation. Touch often remains the last bastion of communication when all other avenues have succumbed to the disease. Caregivers who administer massage therapy to patients in the end stages of dementia report having a closer bond with them, as touch fosters feelings of intimacy and emotional connectedness. Dementia is a slow progression of symptoms, sometimes lasting decades. At the onset, patients experience memory loss, confusion, language problems, changes in mood and difficulty performing daily tasks. **End Summary** Topics: dementia]]> massage]]> massage therapy]]> caregiving]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage , special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Massage Therapy Beneficial for Winter Activities

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:09:54 -0500

The air is getting crisp and snowflakes are beginning to fall. It’s the time of year that skiers, snowboarders and other winter enthusiasts have been waiting for. However, when heading outdoors, remember that you are asking your body to do things that it hasn’t done in many months. It is not uncommon for those who partake in winter activities to experience soreness and increased vulnerability for injuries. Incorporating massage into your winter wellness regimen will boost your muscle performance and help keep you healthy and injury-free. Racing down the slopes on skis or performing acrobatics with a snowboard is an exhilarating experience. It also requires your muscles to stretch and work in ways that your body has been unaccustomed to during the warmer months. The heightened workload put on muscles can cause a burning sensation and soreness that lasts long after the event. It is also common to experience a delayed onset of pain and tenderness, which can disrupt normal activities. Injuries from twisting or falling can also cause soreness, as well as having more serious ramifications. A therapeutic massage can gently stretch muscles and relieve pain and tenderness. **End Summary** Topics: massage]]> massage therapy]]> winter sports]]> sports massage]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage, corporate massage , office massage , special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Regular Massage Helps Reduce Frequency, Intensity of Chronic Tension-Type Headaches

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:18:20 -0400

Throbbing pain. Vice-like pinching. Pressure. Tension. There are many ways to describe a headache and recent research has shown headaches to be more than just a mere annoyance. Headaches are, well, a major headache for the United States where 157 million workdays accounting for almost $13 billion!! are lost each year due to missed work caused by headaches. Fortunately, recent research has also shown that regular massage therapy can help ease the intensity, duration, and number of tension-type headaches, a pain that 78 percent of American will experience in their lifetime. The effectiveness of massage for preventing and lessening the pain caused by headaches is another reason why people should use massage to improve their health and quality of life. But this research could turn out to be a Godsend for those who donâ€™t just suffer from infrequent headaches, but, instead, chronic tension-type headaches. There are three types of tension-type headaches: episodic, a stress-induced headache that can be treated with over-the-counter medicines and usually only occurs once a month, or less; frequent, which occurs 2 15 times a month and is usually associated with symptoms of migraine and canâ€™t be effectively alleviated through medication; **End Summary** Topics: massage therapy]]> headaches]]> massage]]> chronic pain]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Massage Therapy's Benefits for Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:15:41 -0400

When dealing with a progressive disease like Parkinsonâ€™s itâ€™s good to explore all options of treatments as medicines such as dopamine agonists and Levodopa gradually wear off and symptoms become more pronounced and debilitating. One form of treatment that can supplement the treatment of Parkinsonâ€™s disease is massage therapy. Recent research has shown that regular massage therapy can help patients suffering from Parkinsonâ€™s disease improve in their daily functions, sleeping abilities, self-confidence, walking, and well-being, as well as decrease their overall stress levels. Symptoms of Parkinsonâ€™s disease (rigidity, depression, fatigue, etc.) are conditions that massage therapy has been proven to relieve. The disease is a central nervous system disorder, where dopamine is not produced or received correctly. This failure of dopamine transmission leads to rigidity of muscles, poor balance, and fatigue. Collectively these symptoms can lead to depression, isolation, and low-self esteem. As I have written in previous articles massage therapy can help relieve many of these symptoms in all patients, whether they have Parkinsonâ€™s or not. It should therefore come as no surprise that massage therapy has been shown to help lessen these symptoms in patients that do have Parkinsonâ€™s disease. **End Summary** Topics: massage therapy]]> massage]]> Parkinson's]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event and trade show massage throughout the US.

Chair Massage Helps Students Avoid Threats to Health, Excel

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:50:02 -0400

The widely known stress reducing benefits of therapeutic massage are spurring a movement among learning institutions throughout the U.S. to provide students with access to chair massage, especially during exam weeks. Students at high schools and universities are being treated to chair massages, full body massages and other relaxation techniques as part of an ongoing effort to educate young people about the benefits of stress management. Exam weeks are notoriously stressful for students, as the exam generally comprises a significant percentage of the course grade. It is not uncommon to spend full nights studying, and this can cause a loss of mental focus as well as exhaustion. Extensive research has proven that massage is effective for calming feelings of anxiety and reducing stress. Massage can also improve mental clarity and stimulate creativity, which can be helpful when taking exams. Stress levels among young people are reportedly at an all-time high. Increased levels of stress are believed to be a major factor in the onset of depression, which can interfere with studies and have more severe consequences if left untreated. **End Summary** Topics: Chair Massage]]> Massage Therapy]]> Students]]> Table Massage]]> Mas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage , corporate massage, office massage, special event massage and trade show massage throughout the US.

Massage Therapy Helps Addicted Produce Good Chemicals, Expel Bad

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:03:33 -0400

Substance abuse is a serious problem that costs the U.S. an estimated 500 billion dollars annually in increased crime, lost work, treatment and social welfare programs. While there is no standard cause or cure for addiction, there are psychological, physical and emotional components that must be addressed in order to encourage a successful recovery. Massage therapy has shown promise in helping recovering addicts to address and manage these issues, while promoting a healthy method of self-care. Stress, whether internal or external in origin, is a major obstacle to the recovery process. Stress can cause feelings of anxiety and lead to a sense of being overwhelmed. This compels the individual to seek an escape, which often results in the downward spiral of addiction. Many studies have been undertaken to prove the efficacy that massage has on stress reduction. The Touch Research Institute in Miami has conducted many groundbreaking studies, and analysis of the data concludes that massage has a definitive impact on the amelioration of cravings, depression, agitation, stress and pain. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, and neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, play a powerful role in addiction. **End Summary** Topics: massage]]> massage therapy]]> addiction]]> recovery]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Brandon Thomas is a nationally certified massage therapist and founder of JoyLife Therapeutics. JoyLife Therapeutics provides chair massage, corporate massage, office massage , special event and trade show massage throughout the US.