Many clients who compete in races and events will ask me when they should receive their massage – pre or post race?  I typicaly respond that it is beneficial at either time or both, but that I, myself, prefer after a race. Sports massage uses a variety of different techniques which are used depending on the training and race schedule of each athlete and, also whether they are injured. The timing of a sports massage will change the intent of the session and the techniques employed. Recent research confirms the benefits that our bodies receive post race or post training.

From a recent study published in Science Translation Medicine on 2/1/12, it appears that a massage which is administered to skeletal muscle after exercise-induced trauma has occured, will not only help to reduce inflammation but reduce the stress of exercise-induced muscle damage.  In this study, biopsies of 11 male subjects’ vastus lateralis (a quad muscle) were taken 10 minutes after a massage to that area or after no massage to the control group and then, again after 2.5 hours of recovery time for both groups.

This is good news for all of the endorphin junkies out there who purposefully induce an inflammatory response from hard training sessions!  One might wonder whether the same benefits would hold true for people who suffer from a condition or an auto immune disease such as fibromyalgia or lupus which produce inflammation?  As well, one might ask if similar results are found following a massage without the exercise-induced muscle trauma?

Medical Qigong sessions usually last about an hour. Clients lie fully-clothed on a massage table and simply relax. You may experience the energy work in a variety of ways: physical feelings such as realignment or softening, more subtle feelings of tingling or warmth, or perhaps more exotic sensations of colors or sounds. Whatever the experiences may be, they are not the purpose of the session. Rather, the intent is restore your balance and vitality and put a spring in your step. It’s the lasting changes that matter.

You do not need to be suffering from a serious illness to benefit from a Medical Qigong session. Many people enjoy the sessions as a wellness practice with deep relaxation and restoration. Athletes – like martial artists of the past and present – enjoy the deep relaxation, internal calm, and enhanced focus.  Sessions of Medical QiGong are available at the offices of Tri Massage and  may be scheduled with Keith Harrington directly by contacting him at 703-946-7205 or kwharrington@gmail.com.  For additional information please go to his website at: www.creatingthenew.org

A Therapeutic Massage session will consist of a mix of massage techniques that each massage therapist has learned and mastered in her own unique style to best address the needs of each individual client. For new clients who have a specific issue, we recommend starting with a 60 minute session to allow the massage therapist ample time to assess the contributing factors associated with the main issue. For our sports minded clients, a therapeutic massage will be a good choice for you because a sports massage similarly, employs different techniques into one session.

You will find that each massage therapist  has had a different educational focus and has developed a unique approach to her sessions therefore, it is always good to try more than one to find which person and which technique works best for you.  As Hot Stone Massage and Rain Drop Therapy Sessions require set up time and additional materials, these sessions must be selected separately.

You may choose your massage service and massage therapist through our website’s scheduling service.  Sherry works here Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  Sharon takes appointments on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will take single appointments by request.  Tracey is available at the office on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  A complete description of our services and massage therapists can be found at www.trimassage.com.  Always feel free to email us or use our waiting list for your special request.

Marjorie’s ebook format makes it easy to view each stretch from your digital screen or it may be printed out, if you prefer to have a paper version.  There are seven volumes and each one addresses a different area of the body (ie neck, arms, hands and wrists, legs, back and hips, feet and lower legs).  Choose the manual you most need or get them all!  They all offer introductory information, great photos, very detailed instructions and tips on proper body positioning to help achieve the most benefit from each stretch. Utilize this great tool to increase your flexibility, range of motion and to prevent injury or to aid in a quicker recovery.  Now, that you know what is involved and how good you will feel, you may choose the broccoli over the french fries!

Click here to view and to purchase the ebook series:  Flexibility First. And, remember that we do offer instructional classes for AIS (Active Isolated Stretching) at our office – check out our website for our upcoming classes!

As a massage student in 1996 and a then-competitive triathlete with an over trained body, I was fortunate to be introduced to Tamsin Stewart at one of my classes which showcased different types of bodywork.  She was practicing a type of bodywork developed by Thomas Griner which is now called Neurosoma. As a massage student, we wereencouraged to experience different types of bodywork and as an over trained athlete I was always seeking the type of bodywork that would fix my ailments.  I scheduled an appointment with Tamsin and after receiving my first bodywork session from her, it was obvious that this was the technique that worked best for me.  While this type of work was no less painful for me (due to the condition of my muscles) than a deep tissue massage, it left my muscles feeling more expanded and more alive and, gave me the hope that things were on the mend.  It was not the same feeling following a session of deep tissue massage for me which usually left me cringing and feeling “mashed”.

What is Neurosoma?  It is a delicate fingertip technique  which targets the source of the pain as opposed to the symptoms that we feel.  It is a more precise technique which when applied with exact pressure and stroke will stimulate and heal the little feedback nerves that can go awry in the muscle.  If you have ever felt a muscle spasm, you wish that the muscle would stop contracting and relax to get some relief from the pain you experience at that moment.  Muscle spasms and overly contracted muscles can develop and your body many times will mask the pain with endorphin, especially when we ignore the initial warning signals given to us.  With the neurosoma technique, the feedback nerves are stimulated and this feedback loop is re-instated so your brain is aware of the muscle spasm and then, will decrease the amount of contraction to the muscle and restore function.

If you are interested in experiencing a session or would like to find out more about this technique, contact Tracey or make an appointment on-line.  Come find out first hand!

Personal Trainer, Kevin Cody of PHASE Fitness Yoga is offering personal instruction tailored to your ability and fitness level at our office beginning January 23rd! Classes will be held on Sundays mornings at 10 am and Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm.

These small group sessions are designed to teach you proper technique and fundamentals, while providing a routine for regular use. READ MORE….Through consistent practice, you will progress from simple movements to more complex as your body and mind improve their coordination. Since each class will have no more than 4 participants, you will receive hands on instruction rather than just watching a demonstration in a crowd.

This unique approach to exercise is designed to correct the physical imbalances caused by your body’s tendency to specialize. While it is a crucial component of any workout regimen, it is especially useful for athletes to avoid injury and over training, as well as anyone who has chronic pain from inefficient, repetitive movement. No matter what your fitness goal, PHASE Fitness Yoga will give your mind and body the tools to succeed. Come and join one class for $50 or make the commitment to improve your flexibility and sign up for a package and pay as little as $40 per session.