- Integrated Body Therapies
Christine A. Ruppert, LMT5712 Stillwell Road
Rockville, MD 20851301-231-8695
Wellness
How Massage Therapy Can Boost Your Body’s Immune System
It’s estimated that roughly 9% of the U.S. adult population has received at least one massage in the past year. Massage therapy is a vast, ever-growing industry that is practiced by countries around the world. While most people seek massage to relieve physical stress and tension, it may also prove useful in boosting the body’s immune system.
The body’s immune system is responsible for fending off infectious disease and illness. Although invisible to the naked eye, we encounter a plethora of microscopic germs on a daily basis. Some of these germs are completely harmless or even beneficial, whereas others seek to invade our bodies and cause illness. The good news is that we have an internal defense mechanism to protect against this silent, hidden invaders: the immune system. It’s works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to not only identify bacterial and viral invaders, but also to neutralize them. continue reading
Massage and Regional Pain Syndrome
Regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, is a chronic condition that’s characterized by long-lasting severe pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin. In some cases, it may only affect a limb, but roughly a third of people who suffer from this disease report symptoms throughout their body. Whether you suffer from localized symptoms or whole-body symptoms, you can find relief through massage therapy.
Causes of Regional Pain Syndrome
Doctors and medical experts continue to debate over what exactly causes regional pain syndrome. With that said, the general belief is that it’s a type of central nervous system disorder that’s often triggered by surgeries and/or injuries. continue reading
Pressure Point Massage Therapy
There are dozens of different types of massage therapy, each of which has its own purpose and unique characteristics. However, among the most effective forms of massage therapy for pain relief is pressure point. Whether you suffer from occasional or chronic pain, you should consider pressure point massage therapy. It’s a safe and effective way to relieve pain while improving circulation throughout the body. continue reading
Autism and Massage/Bodywork
Just returned from my Milwaukee massage therapy conference. Many opportunities to continue my education. One of my favorite classes was a first hand story from a mom with a daughter that has autism. She relayed how she found, after many years of frustration with the lack of helpful strategies to support her daughter, that certain massage and bodywork techniques made an immediate and positive impact on her child’s ability to communicate and relate more readily with her family. It was great to learn more about autism and I am motivated to pursue further education in this field.
Will let you know my progress!
How Massage Therapy Can Benefit People with Diabetes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 208,000 people younger than 20 years old have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. An additional 86 million adults 20 years old and older have pre-diabetes. To put these numbers into perspective, roughly 9-10% of the entire United States population has diabetes. While advancements in modern medicine have led to some effective treatment, a centuries-old practice has been also been shown to be effective in treating diabetes. continue reading
What is a Pinched Nerve and How Do I Treat it?
A “pinched” nerve is one of the most common types of back and neck problems. It’s characterized by the compression by bony structures (i.e., vertebrae, discs) on one or more nerves running from the brain down through the spinal cord. Nerve “entrapment” by contrast, occurs when a given nerve is squeezed by surrounding soft tissues (i.e., muscles, tendons or ligaments) which can occur more frequently. These nerves play an important role in our body’s function, so when one becomes compressed, it can affect our normal movements. Symptoms from either pinched or entrapped nerves can include pain, limited mobility, tingling “pins-and-needles” feeling, and in some cases numbness. continue reading
Massage Therapy for Improved Sleep
There are an estimated 40 million people in the U.S. who suffer from some type of chronic sleep disorder (source). Lack of sleep can suppress your immune system, impair memory/cognitive function, promote weight gain, and disturb your body’s normal hormonal balance.
Many people who suffer from chronic sleep disorders resort to medication sleep aids to help them fall asleep and stay asleep at night. While these medications may initially help, their effectiveness begins to diminish over time as you build a tolerance. Sleeping pills can come with potentially serious side effects like stomach bleeding and kidney failure. continue reading
Massage Therapy for a Pulled Hamstring
A pulled hamstring is among the most common injuries sustained by runners. It’s characterized by the excessive stretching and/or tearing of fibrous muscle tissue in the thigh. The hamstring muscles contract with each stride you take, and normally this causes no reason for concern. But pushing your body beyond its physical limits can result in injuries like a pulled hamstring. continue reading
Can Massage Therapy Help Treat Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that is characterized by an excess amount of sugar in the blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 29.1 million people in the United States, or 9.3 percent of the population, suffer from this disease. While diet and exercise is paramount for mitigating the effects of diabetes, there’s some belief that massage therapy can help as well.
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How Massage Therapy Relieves Stress
Stress is something that everyone will experience at some point in their lives. Whether it’s related to work, relationships, finances, health, or a combination thereof, stress can take a toll on your body in more than one way. According to StatisticsBrain, 73 percent of the U.S. adult population experiences psychological symptoms caused by stress, and 77 percent experience physical symptoms. Thankfully, the centuries-old practice of massage therapy can combat stress, allowing you to live a more enjoyable, relaxed lifestyle. continue reading