Photo by Joe Flobrant

We’re all told, “Balance is important,” and that it is something we should be doing. But what does that mean exactly, and how can we apply it to better ourselves physically?

Balance – this is one thing in life that many of us overlook quite easily. Yet, balance is an essential part of life, a necessity for a healthy life. What does it mean to have balance, especially physically? Well, some think it means to have an equal amount of specific things – for example, rest and movement, stretching and strengthening, stretching and resting. I believe balance is different for us all, for we are all ourselves and no one else like us. No one’s body is the same. While I may need more stretching in an area, someone else may need strengthening. Balance is working to keep continuous harmony – this means paying attention to the things that are out of balance instead of adding equal amounts to both. If my body is tight, more so on the right side, I will not stretch both sides equally because this will bring zero change. 

Let’s think about low back pain that is brought on by leaning to one side. If I lean more to my left side, I probably need to correct it by going to my right side.

Think of balance in your emotions – if my spirit sees more of the shadow side of life, I do not need equal light and shadow. Depending on where I am, I will need more light to achieve balance.  Let’s apply this lesson to our mental health. A journal by Noakes (2012) explains how fatigue is a brain-derived emotion to protect the body from over exhaustion and keep balance.  So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, and you begin shutting down, listen to it and rest. 

This lesson also helped me understand the injustice and racial problems today – paying attention to the things that are out of balance instead of adding equal attention. If we play neutral and give attention to everything equally right now, there will be zero change. Right now, this is out of balance, and it is what needs more attention now. But that’s for another conversation.

Stay safe and let’s continue to heal together!

Erica Ware – Founder and Owner of Holistic Bodywork

That familiar band of tightness between the shoulder blades – Oh, does it visit you as well? Let’s talk about it.

Have you ever gone walking, and your sock decides to abandon your ankle to snuggle your toes? It becomes annoying, right?  That is how I feel about that nagging discomfort (sometimes pain) between the shoulder blades.

I have many people that reach out to me about the “pain between the shoulder blades” and how it becomes so annoying that it is the only thing that keeps their focus – this is a critical time to listen to the body.  The body will send whispers to let you know something is wrong, and we want to pay attention to those whispers before they become screams.

Yeah, okay, that sounds great, but how do you do that? Well, let’s pay attention to our actions before or during the pain.  The Rhomboids are, most of the time, the culprit of this pain. Now many people believe these muscles are always tight, but sometimes these muscles are in pain because they are overstretched. Yeah, I know it’s a bit of a mind flip.

Think about it, being hunched over at your work desk or maybe doing a puzzle, your shoulders caved in, and your back muscles are strained and overstretched. Discomfort can also come from muscles around the spine due to a lot of side bending (leaning). We all lean very often, and it is okay – you’re not lazy.  Your muscles are just tired and asking for a break.

Below is a video to help release the rhomboid muscles. Be sure to have a therapy ball or tennis ball on hand. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.

Enjoy!

Let’s heal together,

Erica Ware LMT & Founder of Holistic Bodywork

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

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