What I learned at San Diego Pain Science Summit (Copy)

Pain sucks, and it drives many of clients to me for relief.  

In February, I took a break to advance my understanding of new pain research and how to apply it in my massage studio. 

The purpose of the San Diego Pain Science Summit is to bring new pain science into practical, clinical application for manual therapists (massage, chiropractors, physical therapists).  Here are my main take aways I am now using in my massage studio: 

1) The nervous system makes the body like a cloud, not an engine.  Clouds are unpredictable, engines follow clear rules.  Despite our attempts to understand biomechanical causes of pain and aches, many times our ideas based on anatomy and physiology are the starting point, not the solution.  Often the ache or pain comes from a cause that is too complex to give a clear diagnosis, and the nervous system should be our focus.

The nervous system, not the tissue is the target for healing and change.  However, the nervous  system is more like a cloud than a car engine.  It is soo complex we don't always know how working on one part will affect the whole.  Hence, I focus much of my massage on the nervous system.  Many say that massage provides the relaxation 'space' to make changes and pain reduction to heal more comfortably.  

2) Muscles and tissue act like an engine that can be assessed and treated.  Although the nervous system has new importance in pain science, anatomy and physiology are still important.  Great anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology are an important part of my work.  The current model for understanding and resolving pain now emphaisizes pyschological, social, and nervous system.  The physical perspective is still essential for assessing the cause of pain and using terapy that help.  This is great since I continue to invest time learning anatomy with my mentor Whitney Lowe and his well recognized Orthopedic Massage Program.  When clients come with pain, I assess the client history and physical body to determine a likely tissue cause of the pain, and then select massage techniques that will help that specific tissue.

Ask me about an assessment for your pain complaint.   

3) Science over marketing.  Ongoing neuroscience and pain research is creating new findings and demonstrating the lack of evidence for old ideas.  This community of massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors is really working to use clinical techniques informed by science.  Additionally, we keep our marketing in line with research to stop perpetuating ideas that science does not support.  

This is why my marketing is a bit sparse on making promises compared to other therapists.  I don't like to regurgetate massage marketing messages and promises that are not supported by science.  Of course, my clients are convinced by my work, not marketing. 

Most importantly, I met a new circle of colleagues and joined an international community who will raise my awareness of science and clinical application, as well as my overall level of knowledge.  These are really sharp people always debating new ideas and keeping me on my toes to become a better therapist.  

Be well, Jesse

My 'style' of Relaxation Massage (Copy)

Several of you recently asked me about my 'style' of relaxation massage:

For relaxation therapies (when pain is not present), I adopt a style suited for the client's request, using my reflexology, hot stones and thai massage training. In practice, it looks like a medium pressure massage that flows over the whole body in a very continuous manner, seldom breaking contact with the body. I vary the rhythm and pressure to keep the sensation interesting, and I take extra time for the feet and hands, back of neck and sacrum. We will also work together to do some deep breathing. I also frequently move and stretch the arms, legs and neck. Clients enjoy this integration of breathe, massage, and movement.  Most come back because my style is very different from other massages they have received.  

My style looks a lot like Lomi Lomi, a style from Hawaii which can be viewed in the video link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tAXNrqBE0s
(I do use sheets to cover my clients unlike this demo)

The sensation of calm and the flow of movement allows the client to sink into a deep relaxation level where their body can receive new information in their nervous system. I work with your nervous system to change how you feel. We often get stuck in chronic tension or continuous pain which leads the changing our movement patterns and functionally 'forgetting' other the sense of relaxation. With new or different information, the nervous system can return to more relaxed state and easier movement patterns.

When a client has pain I use a different style (Orthopedic Massage) that assesses the injured tissue and adopts techniques to facilitate the process of healing. I will post on that soon. . .

Happy Easter Spring Day!

Mobile Group and Couple Massage | Masaje Domicilio Para Parejas y Grupos (Copy)

Many of you have asked about visiting your rental or home here in Baja Norte.  Yes, we do offer mobile massage and facial!   Rates are usually about $1 a minute depending on location, therapy and distance.  

We can bring up to 4 male or female therapists to everywhere from Real del Mar Golf Course in Rosarito to La Bufadora in South Ensenada, and Valle de Guadalupe.

Keep in mind I do chair work for offices and parties too: 15 min chair massage is a great way to relax from work stress or socialize at a summer party.

Give me call to coordinate schedules! +52646 128 5160 or US +1608 554 4567

Jesse

#bachelorparty #familyrenunion #bacheloretteparty #couplesanniversary

Couples Massage Package (Cruise boat) Copy

Massage is an amazing experience to share with your partner so you both feel rested and connected, without taking energy from other - let us do the work! Our clean, private room provides deep relaxation for you both.  Our small massage studio is #1 on TripAdvisor.

The massage package includes: 

• private pickup & drop off at boat or downtown location of your choice

• two customized massages using a variety of techniques, 

• aromatherapy

• hot towel neck stretch! 

60 min is just 127; 90 min $179;  120 min (1.5hr!) just $229. Hot rocks and deep tissue +10$ an hr. About half the price of cruise boat or luxury hotels. 

Reservations in advance here or within 24 hrs Patty at MX +52 646 286 8776 or US +1-619 678.0908

If you like facials and ocean breeze, check out our Valle Mobile Spa Serives mobile to your rental. No massage is available on the beach public beaches in Ensenada.

Why I use coconut oil for massage: (Copy)

There are many options oils and lotions for therapists to use, and I use coconut oil.

Why?

It is light and absorbs in the skin well leaving no oily after feeling. 

It is healthy for skin as a moisturizer, and may have some antibacterial and anti fungal qualities. 

No fragrances so you won't walk out smelling like roses.  Well, maybe coconut cookies . . . .j/k.

No chemicals that are harsh on the skin.

No deep stains on my sheets requiring extra chemicals or bleach to clean (environmental benefit).

It's edible like play doh and silly putty . . . two of my favorite toys.  

Be Well,  Jesse