Welcome to the new Equilibrium Therapeutic Massage website! As our business grows, we’ve taken time to reflect on the reason for our success: You.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, and we hope to serve you for many years to come. Your health is our priority, and we cherish the relationships we’ve forged and maintained with our clients.

In addition, we’d like to extend a special online offer to you: $10 off of your next relaxation massage. Just click on the image to the right, print off the voucher (limit one (1) voucher per person), and present it to your therapist at the time of your session.

We’d like to extend an invitation to browse our website, call for an appointment, or just stop in to chat. We appreciate the opportunity to be your massage therapy clinic of choice, and to help you keep your body in balance.

In health,
The Equilibrium Therapeutic Massage Staff:
Debbie Bates, LMP
David S. Christian, LMP
Dorothy Holt, LMP
Tracey Kiteley, LMP
Erin Murphy, LMP
Laura Torzewski, LMP

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week® is October 23 - 29, 2005. To learn more about Massage Therapy, please visit the AMTA information center website.

Pathology: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Most of us have heard of it. Many are living with it. The good news is that you don’t have to.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an impingement of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The usual result is numbness and/or tingling in the “trigger fingers” – the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Many things can impinge the nerve – muscular tension, fluid (edema) buildup, bone on bone, even swelling due to pregnancy. But massage therapy can have a profound effect on CTS. By reducing muscular tension, re-educating the muscles, and facilitation of edema, the median nerve can be freed from impingement. The symptoms of CTS can be reduced or sometimes relieved entirely.

However, other pathologies can mimic the symptoms of CTS, and a diagnosis from your doctor is imperative. If you are experiencing CTS symptoms, please visit your doctor and ask him/her if massage can benefit you. You may even be able to have your treatment covered by your insurance.

Massage Tips

Enjoy performing massage on your family and/or friends? Here are some tips:

• Always massage so it is comfortable to your client. The old adage of “no pain – no gain” doesn’t apply to massage. Especially if it’s relaxation your client is interested in.
  
  
• Massage the limbs toward the heart. This helps facilitate blood flow in the correct direction, and keeps the blood vessels of the limbs healthy.
  
  
• Does your client have tension headaches? Try turning the ambient light in the room low, and massage concentric circles into your client’s temples. Then press firmly into their forehead, brushing your palms or fingers toward their ears. You can follow up with massage to the nape of the neck, stroking upwardly toward the lower ridge of the skull. End with a period of rest for your client, and you can apply a warm-water soaked towel to their forehead or under the back of their neck.
  
  
• Don’t forget the hands and feet! These are high-tension areas that get a lot of use throughout the day. If you only have a few minutes to massage someone, these are great areas to quickly reduce tension and help your client to relax. They might be surprised they’re holding so much tension there, and they’ll appreciate your effort!

2005 Equilibrium Therapeutic Massage - http://www.eqmtherapy.com