Self Healing Techniques: Hips & Low Back

Do you experience low back pain that eventually travels to the hips, SI joint, and legs?

Low back discomfort can range from dull aches to sharp and nagging pain. This video (located below) provides self-healing techniques for your hips and low back. Another popular name for these massages and stretches is Lifesaver! If you have a therapy ball, it will come in handy with this video. You will learn a few massage techniques with the ball and helpful stretches.

I will speak on a vital back muscle called the QL – it performs side bending in the torso and hip elevation. Let’s think about our daily routine that requires QL actions.

I will use myself as an example:

My day consists of:
• Standing
• Physically assisting clients
• Driving
• Sitting
• Exercise
• Meditation

Other than assisting my clients, it seems like a pretty typical day that doesn’t include QL actions, right? Well, when you sit, how do you sit? Are you sitting on your wallet, or do you have your foot tucked under you? Are you leaning off to your left when you drive or meditate? How about when standing, what’s your favorite foot when leaning? The left foot is fantastic, but I’ll be honest, I am biased. The QL is also present to help stabilize the hip – we overwork and hike up that favored hip more than we know!

So, the next time you feel low back or hip pain, ask yourself, “Am I leaning?” Then make your way over to Holistic Bodywork’s blog and perform the stretches that work best for you.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or comments

Let’s heal together.

Erica Ware LMT & Founder of Holistic Bodywork

Reopening with Precautions

COVID-19 Guidelines

“Yes!” but also, “Um wait, is it safe?” – This is all of us right now after learning about Kentucky slowly reopening.

The state health department announced, on May 07, 2020, that Massage Therapists can reopen beginning May 25.  Reopening is exciting because I’m sure we are all looking to jump back into our bodywork regimen.  On my end, there has been pulled muscles, migraines, hip pain, and leg throbs – Yikes!  How about you?

            I would love to see all of your faces and begin helping you heal again!  I understand that many of you may be experiencing some apprehension around integrating into a New Normal.  Rest assured, Holistic Bodywork will strictly follow CDC guidelines.  Below, there is a list of guidelines for the therapist and clients as well.  As time goes on, this list is subject to change.

Therpist:

  •  COVID19 screening questions via phone days before the session
  • Client intake form completed online
  • The room and restroom is cleaned/sanitized before and after each client.  That includes all furniture, massage table, doorknobs, and floors.
  • Waiting area is closed
  • Therapist will meet client at door with hand sanitizer
  • Therapist will wear cloth mask throughout session
  • Therapist will wear gloves when massaging the face
  • Before and after session, therapist will wash hands up to elbow thoroughly
  • Used sheets are kept in a separate area and bagged.

Client:

  • If first time, client must complete intake form online
  • Client has COVID19 screening questions via phone
  • If you have COVID19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) or have come in contact with someone who may have COVID19, please stay home and reschedule.
  • Waiting area is closed – client will have to wait in the car
  • When meeting the therapist at the door, client cleans hands with sanitizer
  • Client wears mask throughout session
  • Client puts clothes in one area of the room
  •  Contactless payment options: Client saves debit/credit card on file, payment applications, or via phone to eliminate transfer of objects
  • After session, client cleans hands with hand sanitizer

If you have any questions about the guidelines, please feel free to call, text, or email. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping yourself and others healthy. I’m looking forward to seeing you all!

Let’s heal, together.

Erica Ware – LMT & Founder of Holistic Bodywork

Raise Your Hand If

How often have you been told what you should do to keep yourself pain-free and healthy?


After hearing what you should do, it usually follows up with a question you have, “how do I successfully execute what these recommendations?” I have been here numerous times while also feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information given.

Here’s the exciting news – that is the reason for this blog! You will not only learn how to stretch successfully, foam roll, etc. correctly, but here you can explore what feels right for you. Several stretching, and other healing variations, will be available for you to explore what feels right for you. After all, deep inside, we know what’s best for ourselves, right?


Videos of stretching & foam rolling techniques will also be available for you to watch and use as many times as you need. These videos will make it easier for you to keep up with your bodywork regimen.
Let’s heal together.

Erica Ware LMT & Owner of Holistic Bodywork