Bodyworker's Corner - Myofibroblasts and Fascia

Occasionally I come across an article that helps the massage therapist in me learn new, effective technique, new ways of looking at anatomy and/or physiology or new ideas to consider when treating my clients.  Sometimes, like today, the article is SO good that I want to (need to) share it with SOMEBODY.  I have gone back and forth about putting it on this blog because I'm not sure our clients would find it quite as fascinating as I do.  I do, however, know that our bodyworkers (and those that follow us) will totally devour this information.

I decided to create a "Bodyworker's Corner" where I plan to share wonderful, relevant and exciting articles that I feel are helping me grow professionally and hopefully will help other bodyworkers learn and grow as well.


If you aren't a bodyworker but are someone who shares a fascination for the human body, you will totally love these articles as well so by all means...enjoy!


The first article I want to (need to) share is:  Thoracolumbar Fascia -- An Area Rich With Activity written by Patrick Ward, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and licensed massage therapist.  He owns Optimum Sports Performance (www.optimumsportsperformance.com), a sports conditioning and soft tissue therapy company which provides training, treatment, and consulting to professional, amateur, and high school athletes.


In this article, Ward illustrates how the autonomic nervous system may potentially regulate fascial pre-tension independent of muscular tone.  He explains that myofibroblasts (see the beautiful picture of them above) have smooth muscle properties and can contract on their own.. Ummm...wow.


He then goes on to suggest that since these myofibroblasts are under the control of the autonomic nervous system, that we can perhaps affect fascial hypertonicity through breathing.  He says: 


 "Respiratory function is on aspect of the autonomic nervous system that we actually have direct control over.  We can change our breathing and help to elicit a parasympathetic response to allow for greater relaxation and potentially less overall tissue tone/tension, "


As bodyworkers we know that educating clients about the importance of quality breathing, not just in massage sessions but in all of life, can have significant positive physiological effects...but did you know you were helping clients change fascial tone...on the CELLULAR LEVEL?  


This article rocks right?

________________________________________

If you haven't yet experienced one of our award winning services (including massage, acupuncture and more), come on over to http://www.bewellwithin.com today and book your first appointment in our Newton, MA office online!

Meet Mary!

We are so excited to introduce you to the newest addition to our therapeutic massage department--Mary Wahlman-Krogh, LMT!

 I have personally experienced Mary's work and very much appreciated her exceptional technique and her grounded and centered presence.  We are so proud to offer Mary's work to our clients!

1)    Tell everyone a little about yourself.

Hi everyone! My name is Mary and I grew up in Ithaca, NY. I was a corporate graphic designer for 5 years before I became a massage therapist. However, I think a part of me was always a massage therapist. I have always been fascinated with how our bodies work and move and I have always deeply believed in the power of human touch. I
was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2006 and through bodywork and exercise I was able to heal myself and I have been in remission for over 2 years. That experience made me want to give back, and so I became a massage therapist to help others who are living with chronic pain.

2)   What kind of training did you receive prior to obtaining your massage license?

I graduated from the 750-hour program at the Cortiva Institute in Watertown, MA. I have extensive training in Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular and myofascial release techniques. I also bring to my work 4+ years of experience doing Nia, a mind/body movement form,which looks at the body holistically and helps the body remember that movement is joyful. Practicing Nia daily deepens my awareness of how the human body works and allows me to really connect with what is going on in my clients’ bodies.

3)  What types of clients have you particularly enjoyed treating or have had great success with?  What did you enjoy about working with these clients?

I love working with all kinds of people, with varying needs and goals.  However I particularly enjoy working with people who have chronic pain or fatigue conditions as well as people who are suffering from a condition relating to the central nervous system, such as depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia or Alzheimer’s disease. I am fascinated with how the brain and nervous system affect the rest of our body, especially our musculoskeletal system.

I love seeing the difference in someone’s face when they feel like they can walk taller, smile more, move more easily or live free of pain.

4)  What is the unique experience clients will have when they come to see you (as opposed to a different massage therapist?)

In my work I try to combine the deeply relaxing techniques of Swedish massage with the more structural work of deep tissue and neuromuscular massage so that the client feels refreshed mentally and physically when they leave. I also incorporate a lot of range of motion and stretching techniques so that movement feels free and comfortable. I want my clients to remember that living in their body can feel good every day.

5)  What are some reasons that made you want to work at Well Within?

I was attracted to Well Within because of the collaborative approach to wellness. Every person needs a different treatment plan and I believe the most successful treatments are diverse. Having massage,  acupuncture, personal training and nutritional counseling all in the same beautiful space is really inspiring!

We encourage you to come in and try a session with Mary.  You will be so glad you did!  She has office hours on Mondays from 3pm-9pm and Thursdays from 8am-2pm.

From now until the end of October you can use the coupon code MARYMASSAGE to get 10% off your first session with Mary.

________________________________________

If you haven't yet experienced one of our award winning services (including massage, acupuncture and more), come on over to http://www.bewellwithin.com today and book your first appointment in our Newton, MA office online!

Q&A With Well Within's Newest Acupuncturist - Michelle Bellavance

We are proud to introduce you to, Michelle,  the newest member of the Well Within family!

Q:  Tell us a little about yourself
A:    I’m native to Massachusetts. I grew up in Methuen, MA. I have 2 sisters and 3 nieces. I obtained my undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I studied Communications and Film studies. I also work as the Admissions Coordinator at the New England School of Acupuncture.   


Q:  What kind of training did you receive prior to obtaining your acupuncture license?
A:   The New England School of Acupuncture is a rigorous 3 year program. I focused on Chinese and Japanese acupuncture styles. I completed 9 clinic rotations, 630 treatment hours and countless observation hours. I had clinical rotations at 2 local hospitals and have experience treating infants and elders. I also have a certificate from the Auriculotherapy Institute in California and went to Japan in 2009 to study advanced moxibustion techniques and post-stroke treatment.


Q:  What kinds of clients have you particularly enjoyed treating or have had great success with?
A:   I haven’t had a patient yet that I didn’t learn something from. I am always evolving as a practitioner. I have had a lot of enjoyment treating pregnant women as well as infants. With children, you really have to rely on what you see and feel because they can’t always comprehend what you are asking them in an interview.


Q:  What is the unique experience patients will have when they come to see you (as opposed to a different acupuncturist?)
A:  Since I have a comprehensive background in both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture, my patients can be sure that I will fully assess them and select which type of treatment suits their particular needs and comfort level. I am compassionate and competent.


Q:   Why did you choose Well Within as the home for your private practice?
A:    I chose Well Within as the home for my practice because I loved the collaborate environment that exists here. I understand that a patient’s needs may be outside what I, alone, can provide. Having like-minded individuals around, who care about the complete care of an individual really makes me feel supported. I know that this environment will allow me to give the best care possible to my patients.

________________________________________

If you haven't yet experienced one of our award winning services (including massage, acupuncture and more), come on over to http://www.bewellwithin.com today and book your first appointment in our Newton, MA office online!