5 Ways to Make Massage Therapy Affordable on Every Budget

Massage Therapy has long been looked upon as a luxury. But I must tell you that there is more to it than that. You should not wait until you are on a once in a lifetime vacation to get a massage for relaxation purposes. Have you ever had muscle pain? Have you been receiving injections for your back or knee pain? Do you know of someone that had whiplash or other muscle injuries from accidents?  Massage Therapy can help with all of these issues.

Almost everyone I know loves to get massages but there is one obstacle the vast majority of the population can't get beyond. 

M-O-N-E-Y 

In this article I would like to give you 5 options for making Massage Therapy affordable for you.

First Set A Budget

You need a Massage Therapy budget. By doing this, massage will not become a burden and you will know how often you can afford to get treatment. It is my experience that frequency is not as important as consistency.  Regardless of which of the following methods you use it is important not to skip the budget step.

1. Insurance 

Some insurances over Massage Therapy. Contact your insurance company to see if this is an option for you. In most states Personal Injury Protection and Worker's Compensation pays in full up to a certain amount. Once coverage is established contact Massage Therapists in your area to see if they will accept it.

2. Massage School Clinic  

Many massage schools allow people to get 50 minute massages at a very low rate. Medical Training College in Baton Rouge is about $25.00. Call the school to make an appointment. Remember these are students and they are learning. If you are looking for someone with experience this is not the best option for you.

3. Chair Massage 

Chair Massage is typically charged by the minute. If only have 15 dollars, in many cases it gets you 15 minutes. I know a few minutes isn't much but it is better than nothing as long as you are consistent with it. You can find Chair Massage at most malls, health fairs, and certain events. Call around to see if therapists in your area offers this.

4. Space Your Treatments Out  

I would like everyone to get a massage once or twice per month. That is not always possible for everyone. Try getting a massage every other month or at least once every quarter. The key is to be consistent. 

5. Massage Envy 

I know a lot of people aren't fond of them but they are geared towards low budgets. Call and ask about their membership plan.

Massage Therapy should be a major part of everyone's health care routine. Don't let lack of money stand in your way.

Missed Opportunity

If you have never heard of Restaurant Impossible, where have you been? It is a show that airs on Food Network. Restaurant Impossible, hosted by Chef Robert Irvine, is responsible for helping many struggling restaurants recover and make their business thrive.

The show has 2 days and $10,000.00 to transform the decor, menu, the owner and staff. Now, that is a tall order. In order to make this happen Restaurant Impossible relies on volunteers in the community to help with the process. I recently volunteered and may I tell you, it is really hard work. The show is real. They are not lying about the 2 day thing. You should have been there to see the rush at the end to get everything ready for the big reveal and opening night.

One of the volunteers found out I was a Massage Therapist and told me that I should have brought my massage chair. She said even if I had offered my services for free, I still would have done well on tips. I just smiled, although this thought had crossed my mind as well. I didn't do it because I figured that we would all be to busy for a massage. Yes we were busy but we did have lunch breaks. And by the end of the day we all needed massages. I can't believe that I didn't ask the show if I could provide that service. I will try not to let an opportunity like this pass me ever again.

Why did everyone on the show need a massage?  

1. The staff works long hours.
2. It is a lot of labor.
3. The process is stressful.

These 3 things would be easier to tolerate if a 10 - 20 minute massage was introduced.

Erase My Ache Massage In Baton Rouge Louisiana

4 Things To Look For In A Massage Therapist

Do you know what you should look for in a Massage Therapist? Do you know what to stay away from? These are questions that my family and friends tend to ask me before they receive their first massage service? I commend them for having the guts to go there with me because many people tend to go into Massage Therapy blind, therefore making the likely hood of a terrible experience increase.In this post I want to give you a 4 things to look for in a Massage Therapist which will ensure that you will have a good and productive session.

1.) The Massage Therapist Must Be Qualified

Gone are the days of practicing on your friends and calling yourself a Massage Therapist. Most state require a certain level of certification, in order to charge for service. In Louisiana the minimum amount of formal education is 500 hundred hours. I was fortunate to attend Medical Training College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana which allowed me to receive over 700 education hours. Having this education is very important because without the person wouldn’t know what conditions massage is good for and which one’s not so good. It also insures that the person knows the bone and muscle structure of the body. After formal education is completed the therapist must pass a massage exam and a state licensing exam. Then every year the therapist must complete continuing education requirement. In Louisiana it is 12 hours per year. On top of all of the at the therapist is required to carry liability insurance in order to be prepared for an unfortunate accident.

So you see, there is more to being a qualified Massage Therapist than meets the eye.  The good news for you is that most therapist comply with these rules and regulations because they want to stay in business.

2.) Stay Away from Businesses That Don’t Want Exposure

We have all seen these types of so-called massage places on the news. You know the ones that the police try to bust but just can’t find the evidence. These are not reputable massage businesses. Yes, they may have a Licensed Massage Therapist on staff which offers tradition massage sessions but this is just a cover up. Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage is not how the make their real money. The specialize in happy ending and such things. Any reputable self-respecting Massage Therapist would not offer these services. I care too much about myself and my profession to stoop this low.

This type of massage parlor will not advertise that these types of behaviors are going on there. The rumor spreads by word of mouth. The person answering the phone will not talk of such things over the phone. You wait to place your real order when you come in and it is all in code.

If an unsuspecting client calls, the receptionist is very good at explaining the benefits of Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage. You wouldn’t have a clue.

If you do book the appointment, when you arrive for your session take an observation. What does the place look like? If you are getting a proper massage your therapist should not be wearing  high heels and a black teddy. I”m just say.

If you going  to a place like this, STOP. If you are caught there you could be in serious trouble depending on the services you are receiving.

3.) The Therapist Should Offer The Type of Services You Need

Before I book a massage, I already know the kind that I want. I never book with a Massage Therapist that doesn’t know much about Deep Tissue because that is the main thing I am looking for. The same should go for you. Before you book a treatment make sure that you know what you are looking for. Do you just want to relax? Do you have tight and uncomfortable shoulders? Do you want a spa atmosphere? Once you know the answer to this questions, it will make your search a lot easier.

You also need to decide if you want to visit a spa or a massage clinic. Having someone come to your home is living the good life because they take care of all the hard work for you. However, if you like driving to the spa that’s great. Do What your heart desires.

4.) Caring

Don’t spend your money with a therapist that is selfish with his or her main target being money. You want a therapist that cares about you and your well-being. You are looking for someone who has a giving heart because you want a genuine relationship to grow between you. Who wants to develop a relationship with a person that is only self motivation. Here again, you are fortunate that many of Massage Therapists are giving and caring by nature.

These are just a few things you need to look for in a Massage Therapist. Let me know so things that you look for by posting a comment.

Thanks for reading,

Why Knots?

If you’ve ever gotten a massage, you have probably felt a knot. I would even go so for as to say,even if you haven’t gotten a massage before, you have felt a knot. You just didn’t know it. Most of the questions asked by my clients, are in reference to knots. Normally as I am pressing into the muscle tissue, a client will ask,”What…is…that?”

Well, what is that?

A knot is the shortening of the muscle tissue. This shortening causes the muscle to be in a constantly restricted state.  This of course will cause pain because of the diminished blood flow. To illustrate my point: Imagine a water hose stretched to its full capacity. Then, tie a knot in the middle. Not only is the water hose shortened but the water supply is unable pass through.

 3. Reasons for Knots

1. Repetitive Strain

These days we are all guilty of overly using one particular muscle group or another. Most of us text which exhaust the muscles of the thumb. Most of us type on the computer, which contracts the muscles in the fingers, arms, neck and upper back. Many of us have jobs that call for the same muscular action for hours at a time.

2. Posture

Good posture is key to having healthy muscles. Many of our aches and pains could be avoided if we would sit and stand correctly. Muscles are arranged in the body in a particular order and to serve a particular purpose. When we continue to sit slumped over, we force our muscle to work harder than they are designed too.

3. Activities

Stretching is not just a suggestion. When participating in sports such as: football, basketball, dancing, hockey, soccer, etc; its important to pamper your muscles. These activities expect a lot out of the body. Improper stretching techniques will cause avoidable tightness.

Get Them Out!

Sorry to disappoint you, but knots will not just passively vanish. You have to do something about it. The most common way to treat them is to get a therapeutic massage. It is quite likely that one treatment is not enough. However, you should feel progressively better each time. In between treatments it may be helpful to stretch the area. To reduce pain apply ice. In order to lessen tightness apply heat. And always, always remember to drink a lot of water.

Top 10 Occasions To Host A Spa Party

Do you want to host a spa party but are unsure what occasions are appropriate? Not to worry, I give you a my top 10 favorite events for spa parties. Please note that this list is not all-inclusive because spa parties can fit into almost any situation. Also note that my list is not in any particular order.I just want to get your brainstorming going. I want you to stretch your imagination and see all of the possibilities. 

1. Girls Day or Night In

It’s important for all of us to have our moments of relaxation. So why night pick a day or a night to hang out with your best girlfriends and get pamper? Who wouldn’t love this? You could have a variety of service providers come over to help you all eliminate stress and rejuvenate. You could included massage therapy, facials, nail, make-up, etc. You could even have it catered. Everyone will have a blast.

2. Bridal Shower

Is there anyone in the world more stressed than a bride? Well, maybe her bridesmaids. This is a much-needed, yet fun idea because it will give you more bonding time before the big day. To make it special for the bride you could let her have a longer massage while the rest of the guests have mini services. For an occasion such as this, a photographer would be wonderful to commemorate the evening.

3. Final Exams

If you are in college and facing a big test that will make you are break you,stress is inevitable. This is an option for your study group. If you have been studying really hard, why not take a 3 hour break to restore your energy? I recommend you doing this the day before. For this occasion you will probably want massage therapy more than anything. Get a massage for your final exam is a wonderful idea because massage therapy has been known to enhance a persons thinking ability and attention span. Give it a try, you might be surprised.

4. Production Wrap

If you are in the film industry deadlines are crucial. So why not celebrate when you have made it to the finish line? Everyone loves massage especially people with demanding jobs. This will go over well.

5. Family Reunion

Okay, so you’re tired of the old family picnic? Why not do something different next your. Have a spa party. Most of your relative will enjoy doing something different for a change. Even if the men aren’t into it, pick a night just for the ladies. For this occasion a photographer would be nice to have a memento of this day or night.

6. Bachelorette Party

Maybe the bride doesn’t like the traditional party ideas. Try something new. Trust me she will love it. Be creative and pick services that you know she’ll love.

7. Baby Shower

Maybe you think the games are a bit old and overdone for you. This fun idea is always a hit.

8. Employee Appreciation

Your employees will love you for this. If you want them to be loyal to you, so them how much you care. This will do it 

9. Charity Event

If you are involved in giving back to the community, this is a way to impact many lives. It will be a day they will never forget.

10. Just Because

If you have a group of people interested, go for it. There doesn’t have to be a reason. Just do it. It will be the most fun.
Many of you are probably wondering what types of services are offered at spa parties. Well, honestly the sky is the limit, as long as the person will travel.
Many spas offer spa parties at their office which is fine but I really don’t see it as such. All of the guests are in separate rooms. If you ask me that is not much of a party.
Having a spa party at your home or office is the way to go. Many people even rent a room for the event. This way you can enjoy your day or evening together as a group.

If you are in Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana and would like to schedule a spa party call 225.439.2741 or visit our website www.erasemyache.com.

5 Steps to Eliminate Tight and Achy Muscles

Do you suffer from achy muscles? Do you feel like your muscles are tighter than normal. Is your massage appointment several days away but you need relief now?

Not to worry there is help for you.

I am going to give you 5 steps that will help you eliminate tight and achy muscles.

1. Apply Heat

This step is very crucial because it will allow your muscles to relax quicker and the next steps will be more effective. There are many methods to applying heat. These are some of my favorites.

• Hot Shower

A hot shower works because it eases your muscles into a more relaxed state. The most effective way to use this technique is to allow the water to beat on the tight and achy areas. Don’t burn yourself but make the water as hot as you can comfortably stand it.

• Hot Bath

This option is good to use if you are suffering from tightness in your legs, feet, or hips. Soaking has always been a remedy for achy muscles. I would also suggest you pour a little Epsom Salt in your bath water. Again, make the water as hot as you can stand it without burning yourself.

• Hot Towel

You have two options here. You can use the towel dry and hot or wet and hot. It depends on what you like better. If you choose to go with the dry and hot method, put the towel in the microwave or some type of heat source. If you choose to go the wet and hot method, soak the towel in hot water. Be careful with the hot water towel. Do not put it on your body dripping wet. Wring the towel out thoroughly. Then, put it directly on the tight or achy muscle.

• Warm Neck or Back Wrap

You can buy these online. You just put the wrap in the microwave for a few minutes and apply it to the appropriate area.

I know there are other methods of applying heat but these are my favorites. Just remember that with whatever method you use, do it for at least 20 minutes. If you don’t have 20 minutes to spare then do as much as you can. However, when my back it hurting me bad enough, I have no problem finding the time.

2. Self-Massage

Although self-massage is not as effective as seeing a professional, it can take the edge off for a while. There are some tools for the trade here as well.

• Tennis Ball

This is the tool most often used when doing self-massage. It can get in the areas that your hands can’t reach. First you must find a way to apply pressure with the ball. You can use the wall or floor. Press the ball between the wall or floor and your tight muscle. When doing this I like to roll the ball up and down. Try to stay off of your spin.

• Golf Club

I don’t know what it’s called but the end of a golf club makes a nifty massage tool. You can massage your back and all those hard to reach areas.

• Your Hands

I know you are not a Massage Therapist. Listen, all I am asking you to do is just rub it. If you are experiencing a migraine headache, rub your temples and the base of your skull. Don’t make it to complicated. You can do it.

• Ask a Friend

I know the topic is self massage but if you don’t think you can do it, ask a friend to try. Just have him or her massage the tight and achy area. Maybe some compression will be easy enough. This is done by placing your hand on the muscle and pressing and releasing. It’s sort of like CPR. Compression will at least increase blood flow to the area which will help it to release toxins and ease pain.

The massage should last between 10-20 minutes but the longer the better.

3. Stretching

Stretching is a very important daily activity. You should definitely add it to you health practices.  This step comes third because if you choose not to get the massage the stretching could make the tightness worse.

Example: If you have a rope with a knot in it, and you have two people pulling at opposite ends, the knot only gets tighter. The same principle applies with your muscles. That’s why Massage Therapists stress getting massages on a regular basis. Stretching is good in its proper place but it doesn’t take the lead over massage.

4. Water, Water, Water

I can not stress this enough.  I put this step fourth but it should be done before, during, and after. Water helps release the toxins from deactivated trigger points into the blood stream, which will then be eliminated from the body. If you want your massage to have a lasting effect do not forget this step. 

5. Repeat

This is not just a one time deal. It is a way of life. I’m not saying you have to do these steps everyday. However, whenever your muscles feel tighter than usual your health should be your priority.

If you follow these steps your wonderfully loose muscles will begin to last longer and longer between massage sessions. Keep trying and soon you will be a pro at easing your tight and achy muscles.