As a massage therapist it’s a rare instance that I turn someone away from my table. Like most in the medical professions I would like to help everyone who comes to me as much as I can. There are, however, a few conditions that absolutely contraindicate massage, blood clots for one. And there are some, like cancer, that hover in a gray area of concern and doubt.
During any discussion of massage and cancer it is important to dispel two myths. First, it has long been thought that massage can aid in spreading cancer through the lymphatic system. Current research shows that this is not true. Exercise increases circulation as much if not more than massage and does not aid in metastasis. Second, and more importantly, no matter what anyone tells you massage is not a substitute for conventional treatment. Early detection and treatment are paramount. Any treatment advised by your doctor should be acted on as quickly as possible.
Having said this, what can massage do for the cancer patient? As shown by Doctor Tiffany Fields at the Touch Institute in Florida, massage does have a beneficial effect on the human immune system; it aides in the clients general well being and may help in the bodies ability to heal itself. In the same vein, massage can help to sooth the anxieties and tensions facing a serious illness may cause.
While working with cancer patients it is crucial that the clients doctor be consulted before any treatment begins. there are several complications (edema, increased risk of fracture) that need to be addressed, and only a physician should give the final go ahead for treatment.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
You Asked Our Esthetician
Q. I've been hearing a lot about the new eyelash growth products like Revitalash®. Do they really work?
A. Yes, they do. Just ask Tanya, one of our estheticians who has seen her own lashes double in length and density with Revitalash®, the brand we carry.
Revitalash® was developed by Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff as a special gift for his wife, Gayle, while she was recovering from breast cancer. Intensive chemotherapy treatments had damaged Gayle’s once-beautiful eyelashes, leaving them sparse, breakable and fragile.
After extensive research with a team of talented cosmetic chemists, Dr. Brinkenhoff formulated an eyelash conditioner that, after just a few weeks, gave a renewed look of vitality to Gayle’s eyelashes.
Soon friends and family wanted to know Gayle’s secret to beautiful looking eyelashes. Gayle knew immediately the perfect name for the amazing eyelash conditioner that had given her eyelashes a renewed look of vitality: Revitalash®.
Thus, a new product was born; and a formula created originally for just one special woman has become a product available to women everywhere who want to have beautiful looking eyelashes.
Gayle and Michael are committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from RevitaLash® sales to benefit non-profit breast cancer research and education initiatives.
“Often we feel helpless when someone we love is suffering. I am very fortunate, in my own small way, to have been able to help Gayle through her recovery. Watching her be excited about her beautiful looking eyelashes has been a real joy.”
Have a skincare or beauty question? Visit FACES online BeautyBoutique to Ask Our Esthetician NOW.
A. Yes, they do. Just ask Tanya, one of our estheticians who has seen her own lashes double in length and density with Revitalash®, the brand we carry.
Revitalash® was developed by Dr. Michael Brinkenhoff as a special gift for his wife, Gayle, while she was recovering from breast cancer. Intensive chemotherapy treatments had damaged Gayle’s once-beautiful eyelashes, leaving them sparse, breakable and fragile.
After extensive research with a team of talented cosmetic chemists, Dr. Brinkenhoff formulated an eyelash conditioner that, after just a few weeks, gave a renewed look of vitality to Gayle’s eyelashes.
Soon friends and family wanted to know Gayle’s secret to beautiful looking eyelashes. Gayle knew immediately the perfect name for the amazing eyelash conditioner that had given her eyelashes a renewed look of vitality: Revitalash®.
Thus, a new product was born; and a formula created originally for just one special woman has become a product available to women everywhere who want to have beautiful looking eyelashes.
Gayle and Michael are committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from RevitaLash® sales to benefit non-profit breast cancer research and education initiatives.
“Often we feel helpless when someone we love is suffering. I am very fortunate, in my own small way, to have been able to help Gayle through her recovery. Watching her be excited about her beautiful looking eyelashes has been a real joy.”
Have a skincare or beauty question? Visit FACES online BeautyBoutique to Ask Our Esthetician NOW.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Massage Minute-Diabetes
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of living in America is that we don’t want for much; we have good public schools, excellent health care professionals, and are well fed. But with every good comes it’s bad. Due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles, high levels of obesity, and fast food culture, diabetes is on the rise and is now the sixth most common cause of death.
While there are several types of diabetes, types one and two diabetes mellitus are the most common. Both involve excessive levels of sugar in the blood. While type one is caused by pancreatic dysfunction leading to insufficient production of insulin, in type two, the body no longer responds to the insulin the pancreas does produce. In both cases the body is no longer able to process sugar, the bodies major source of energy. Unable to process sugar the body eats its own fat, protein, and eventually muscle, leading to a host of side effects.
People with diabetes may suffer from heart disease, edema (swelling), ulcers, kidney disease, impaired sensation, and neuropathy. The treatment for diabetes largely depends on which type of diabetes is present. Type one is typically treated with insulin injections to supplement the bodies lack of insulin. Type two diabetes is largely treated through diet and exercise, and less commonly insulin.
No matter which type of diabetes the client has massage may be helpful. First and foremost, it is imperative the client be healthy enough to receive treatment. Ulcers, heart disease, kidney failure, and loss of sensation all rule out massage. If the client is healthy enough, massage can aid in maintaining tissue health, and can help lower blood sugar.
While there are several types of diabetes, types one and two diabetes mellitus are the most common. Both involve excessive levels of sugar in the blood. While type one is caused by pancreatic dysfunction leading to insufficient production of insulin, in type two, the body no longer responds to the insulin the pancreas does produce. In both cases the body is no longer able to process sugar, the bodies major source of energy. Unable to process sugar the body eats its own fat, protein, and eventually muscle, leading to a host of side effects.
People with diabetes may suffer from heart disease, edema (swelling), ulcers, kidney disease, impaired sensation, and neuropathy. The treatment for diabetes largely depends on which type of diabetes is present. Type one is typically treated with insulin injections to supplement the bodies lack of insulin. Type two diabetes is largely treated through diet and exercise, and less commonly insulin.
No matter which type of diabetes the client has massage may be helpful. First and foremost, it is imperative the client be healthy enough to receive treatment. Ulcers, heart disease, kidney failure, and loss of sensation all rule out massage. If the client is healthy enough, massage can aid in maintaining tissue health, and can help lower blood sugar.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You Asked Our Esthetician
Q. I have dark circles underneath my eyes. I feel like I get enough rest, so why are they there and what can I do about them?
A. Contrary to popular belief, sleep habits have nothing to do with dark under eye circles. They actually may be caused by allergies and a simple OTC antihistamine may the answer. Another factor is that under eye skin is thin and there are numerous veins in this area so the color beneath can give a darker hue. Increased pigmentation caused by sun exposure could be another cause.
Many people have dark under eye circles and there is no real cure. Using an eye cream that contains peptides and retinoids will help build collagen and thicken the skin over time, making the dare circles less noticeable. Also, using an eye cream that contains an SPF will help prevent further sun damage to this delicate area. Finally, invest in a good concealer that is a half shade lighter than your skin tone and use it regularly.
Have a skincare or beauty question? Visit FACES online BeautyBoutique to Ask Our Esthetician NOW.
A. Contrary to popular belief, sleep habits have nothing to do with dark under eye circles. They actually may be caused by allergies and a simple OTC antihistamine may the answer. Another factor is that under eye skin is thin and there are numerous veins in this area so the color beneath can give a darker hue. Increased pigmentation caused by sun exposure could be another cause.
Many people have dark under eye circles and there is no real cure. Using an eye cream that contains peptides and retinoids will help build collagen and thicken the skin over time, making the dare circles less noticeable. Also, using an eye cream that contains an SPF will help prevent further sun damage to this delicate area. Finally, invest in a good concealer that is a half shade lighter than your skin tone and use it regularly.
Have a skincare or beauty question? Visit FACES online BeautyBoutique to Ask Our Esthetician NOW.
Monday, September 14, 2009
A Massage Minute
Who among us hasn't sprained a knee, a wrist, or some other joint. As a child I spent so much time in the ER getting x-rays I used to say I was testing the limits of my Dad's health insurance. Like most people the treatment for those injuries was RICE; Rest, ice, compression, elevation. This is very important to reduce inflammation and prevent further injury. Along with traditional treatment massage significantly aid the healing process.
To understand how massage can help a sprain heal, it's important to know a little about tendons. A sprain is a tear in a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone, or a ligament, the tissue that holds two bones together. Tendons and ligaments are composed primarily of collagen fibers that line up parallel to each other along the length of the tendon. In a first degree sprain a few of these fibers rip. In a second degree sprain the tendon is torn but not all the way through. In a third degree sprain the tear goes through the entire tendon, severing the muscle from the bone.
In the acute phase, twenty four to forty eight hours, of the injury, it's important to focus on controlling inflammation and preventing further injury. RICE therapy is ideal for this. Massage applied directly to the joint should be avoided. However, derivative friction can help to reduce inflammation. Derivative friction is light massage applied towards the body above the injured joint, and away from the body below the injured joint; this helps to encourage the movement of fluid.
In the sub-acute phase, after forty eight hours, massage can slowly be applied closer to the joint as client pain tolerance allows. The intent of massage is to help the tendon heal as effectively as possible. When the body heals a sprain it lays down scar tissue in the tendon in a haphazard way; these adhesions can interfere with tendon function. By working along the length of the tendon massage can help this scar tissue to line up parallel with the tendon fibers. Range of Motion exercises can also help with this.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a doctor is important before starting massage. Before beginning treatment the therapist needs to know that the injury is in fact a sprain and not something more serious, a fracture for example. It's also imperative to know the extent of the injury. With a severe, third degree, sprain surgery may be necessary followed by physical therapy and massage.
To understand how massage can help a sprain heal, it's important to know a little about tendons. A sprain is a tear in a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone, or a ligament, the tissue that holds two bones together. Tendons and ligaments are composed primarily of collagen fibers that line up parallel to each other along the length of the tendon. In a first degree sprain a few of these fibers rip. In a second degree sprain the tendon is torn but not all the way through. In a third degree sprain the tear goes through the entire tendon, severing the muscle from the bone.
In the acute phase, twenty four to forty eight hours, of the injury, it's important to focus on controlling inflammation and preventing further injury. RICE therapy is ideal for this. Massage applied directly to the joint should be avoided. However, derivative friction can help to reduce inflammation. Derivative friction is light massage applied towards the body above the injured joint, and away from the body below the injured joint; this helps to encourage the movement of fluid.
In the sub-acute phase, after forty eight hours, massage can slowly be applied closer to the joint as client pain tolerance allows. The intent of massage is to help the tendon heal as effectively as possible. When the body heals a sprain it lays down scar tissue in the tendon in a haphazard way; these adhesions can interfere with tendon function. By working along the length of the tendon massage can help this scar tissue to line up parallel with the tendon fibers. Range of Motion exercises can also help with this.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis from a doctor is important before starting massage. Before beginning treatment the therapist needs to know that the injury is in fact a sprain and not something more serious, a fracture for example. It's also imperative to know the extent of the injury. With a severe, third degree, sprain surgery may be necessary followed by physical therapy and massage.
Monday, August 31, 2009
You Asked Our Esthetician
Q. Can you tell me how your TRIA home laser system compares to laser hair removal treatments in a doctor's office?
A: The TRIA device uses the same technology as the professional hair removal lasers that physicians use, but it has been modified for safety for use at home.
The laser targets the dark pigment in the hair follicle and basically heats the follicle to the point that it disables it, making the hair fall out. That is why darker pigmented skin will not be able to use this device since the laser would not be able to target a follicle and could burn the skin. Likewise, if you have very blonde, gray, red or white hair TRIA will not work for the same reason. In fact, you will not be able to even unlock the device if your skin tone is not the correct color.
Just like professional treatments, TRIA does require several treatments since hair grows in different stages so you will have to go over the same area several times as the hair grows through its stages. Unlike professional treatments, you do have to shave the area before you use the Tria. Also, you can not wax before you use it because there will not be hair in the follicles to target.
As long as you follow the directions correctly and be patient, TRIA can be just as good as getting laser hair removal treatments done in the doctor's office, only much less expensive and much more convenient.
A: The TRIA device uses the same technology as the professional hair removal lasers that physicians use, but it has been modified for safety for use at home.
The laser targets the dark pigment in the hair follicle and basically heats the follicle to the point that it disables it, making the hair fall out. That is why darker pigmented skin will not be able to use this device since the laser would not be able to target a follicle and could burn the skin. Likewise, if you have very blonde, gray, red or white hair TRIA will not work for the same reason. In fact, you will not be able to even unlock the device if your skin tone is not the correct color.
Just like professional treatments, TRIA does require several treatments since hair grows in different stages so you will have to go over the same area several times as the hair grows through its stages. Unlike professional treatments, you do have to shave the area before you use the Tria. Also, you can not wax before you use it because there will not be hair in the follicles to target.
As long as you follow the directions correctly and be patient, TRIA can be just as good as getting laser hair removal treatments done in the doctor's office, only much less expensive and much more convenient.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
A Massage Minute
With the rising costs of healthcare and health insurance people are more aware Than ever of the need for prevention. The best way to avoid the doctor’s office is… tada…. don’t get sick.
Everyone knows the relationship between illness, obesity, and lack of exercise. But did you know that unrelieved stress causes significant damage to our system. High blood pressure, head aches, digestive problems, muscle pain, lack of energy, absenteeism, and low productivity can all be attributed to stress. Massage therapy on a regular basis will greatly reduce the adverse effects of stress.
Some of the benefits of massage include:
· Lowers blood pressure
· Increases circulation
· Increases endorphins
· Reduces stress hormones
· Reduces muscle tension
· Sooths nerve endings
· Produces over all feelings of well being
· Feels good
Best of all, massage therapy is a bargain, especially compared to the cost of a doctor’s visit and prescription. Come and talk to one of our expert award winning massage therapists. They will design a massage therapy program just for you.
Everyone knows the relationship between illness, obesity, and lack of exercise. But did you know that unrelieved stress causes significant damage to our system. High blood pressure, head aches, digestive problems, muscle pain, lack of energy, absenteeism, and low productivity can all be attributed to stress. Massage therapy on a regular basis will greatly reduce the adverse effects of stress.
Some of the benefits of massage include:
· Lowers blood pressure
· Increases circulation
· Increases endorphins
· Reduces stress hormones
· Reduces muscle tension
· Sooths nerve endings
· Produces over all feelings of well being
· Feels good
Best of all, massage therapy is a bargain, especially compared to the cost of a doctor’s visit and prescription. Come and talk to one of our expert award winning massage therapists. They will design a massage therapy program just for you.
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