Category Archives: Self Care

Toe Problems with Loveland Massage by Helena

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I have been noticing a problem with clients big toes that when the foot is in a resting position on the floor, the big toe sticks up unless the client consciously pulls it down to the floor.

This is an over use issue, with the muscles on the bottom of the foot not exercising enough.  This leads to plantar fasciitis.  Massage can help relieve the pain but exercising the foot is the most important thing.

One of the best exercises for this is to wear sandals with no back strap that you have to clench your toes to keep them on.  Also, place thirty marbles on the floor and pick them up with the toes and place them in their container.  You can also place a hand towel on the floor and roll it up with the toes ten times. 

I have a client (89 years) who can not do these things as the tendon on top if the toe is so tight, it can’t be clenched any longer.  At this age, the top of the toe rubs on the shoe and is ulcerated and sore most of the time.  Don’t let that happen to you.  Start these exercises now and do them daily.

Call Loveland Massage by Helena now at 970-218-7289 to schedule your massage.  I would love to help you too.

Truly yours,

Helena

Hair Pulling at Loveland Massage

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Hair pulling?  I know, it sounds bad but feels great for most people. 

Hair pulling is a great technique for headaches and migraines.  I have had wonderful results with this and clients remind me so I don’t forget to do it to them.

I grasp a handful of hair and pull firmly.  The scalp is skin over muscle then attached to bone.  Pulling the skin away from the muscle releases adhesion’s and allows greater movement.  It also relieves pressure on the skull, allowing greater blood flow which equals less pain. 

I don’t try this if the hair is very short, nonexesistant or very thin.  You can do this to yourself but it is nicer if someone does it to you.  Slide the spread fingers up against your scalp until hair is in between them, make a fist and pull. 

Call Loveland Massage by Helena at 970-218-7289 now to schedule your appointment.  I would love to show you this technique or do it for you.

Truly yours,

Helena

Removing Rancid Oil From Massage Sheets and Clothing

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My mom taught me this recipe for getting rancid oil out of clothing a long time ago.  My father it seems has an over abundance of oil glands and she had trouble getting it out of his shirts.

Fill up the washer with hot water and your regular laundry soap.  When it is starting to agitate add one cup of ammonia then, let it finish agitating.  Before the spin cycle starts, turn off the washer and let it soak over night.  In the morning, start the agitating again and let the washer run all the way through.  Dry as usual.

It is not very difficult but it is more difficult with the new front loading machines.  I guess you would have to use a laundry sink or 5 gallon buckets (with lids, because ammonia does not smell very good).

I have a friend who’s son is a chef and had to move back home.  His clothes smelled horrible.  She used this trick washing all of his clothes in one weekend.  It worked great and she was so relieved to have that stench gone.

I have another friend who was giving her boy friend a massage and they spilled the oil all over the comforter.  She used this trick and the comforter turned out like brand new.

Call Loveland Massage by Helena at 970-218-7289 for an odor free massage today.

Truly yours,

Helena

Tips for Plantar Fascitis

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Plantar fasciitis is pain on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot that can go up the leg as well.  One cause is not any/enough arch support.  If the foot is too flat the muscles are in a shortened tightened position.  Arch supports are recommended.

Icing the foot with a  pretty full water bottle that has been frozen can help.  If  it is too cold, wear a heavy sock. 

Some shoe stores carry a ball called the footsie ball that has raised dots all over it.  You can put it on the floor and roll it around with your foot to massage the foot.

You can also do some toe clenching exercises.  Pick up a marble or a pencil with your toes repeatedly several times a day.  Or try rolling a hand towel up with the toes. 

I have a client (a jogger) that needs to buy new shoes about every six to eight weeks to prevent foot pain.   They seem to break down that quickly.

Massage is also very helpful for this condition.  Deep tissue massage can really get in there and do some good. 

Call Loveland Massage by Helena today at 970-218-7289 to schedule your massage.  I look forward to helping you get back on your feet.

Truly yours,

Helena

Tips for Low Back Pain Part 2

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The best position to stand in for any length of time is with feet shoulder width apart, knees bent slightly and your pelvis tucked under.  This position is perfect for swaying back and forth to keep movement in the low back.  If you have small children in your life, this is by far the better position; as opposed to one hip sticking out with all your weight on the opposite leg. 

You can also employ the pelvic tilt while driving the car or sitting in the office.  Sit with shoulders on the seat back and tilt the pelvis under so the low back  is stretched. 

If you are overweight, loosing weight will help the low back as well.  With extra weight, the belly rolls forward which results in the low back muscles tightening up. 

The abdomen is the corset for the low back so core strengthening is recommended.  You could try Pilate’s or yoga for core strength.

I can also teach you how to use tennis balls to work the pressure points in the low back, and some ways to use your large foam roller.

Call Loveland Massage by Helena today at 970-218-7289 to schedule your massage.  I look forward to serving you.

Truly yours,

Helena