Massage Therapy Blog

Hot stone massage has been popular for years, but not all hot stone sessions are the same. At Focused Care, we offer Synergy Hot Stone Massage, a premium approach that uses specially designed stoneware instead of loose river rocks. Here’s what makes it different and what to expect. What Is

Prenatal massage can ease back pain, hip tightness and swollen feet, but expecting moms often ask: are there areas a therapist should avoid? A therapist trained in prenatal massage adjusts both where and how they work. Here’s what that looks like. Areas That Need Extra Care The abdomen Deep pressure

Most massage therapists are skilled, caring professionals. Still, it’s smart to know what professional care looks like, especially if you’re new to massage or trying a new place. Here are the signs of a trustworthy practice and the red flags to watch for. Signs of a Professional Massage Practice Licensing

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Many people with mild scoliosis have little or no pain, while others deal with muscle tightness, uneven shoulders or hips, and back aches. Massage is a common way people manage that discomfort, but it’s important to know what it can and can’t

Even a low-speed fender bender can leave you sore for weeks. Neck stiffness, headaches and back pain often show up a day or two after the accident, once the adrenaline wears off. Massage can be a helpful part of soft-tissue recovery, as long as it’s started at the right time

Tingling fingers, numb hands at night and a weak grip are classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s common in people who type all day, work with tools, play instruments, or do repetitive hand work. While carpal tunnel needs a medical diagnosis, massage is something many people use to help

Your rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles and their tendons that keep your shoulder stable while it moves. Because the shoulder moves in so many directions, these muscles work hard, and they’re easy to strain. Reaching overhead, lifting, throwing, painting a ceiling or sleeping on one side

Hip pain can make everything harder: getting out of the car, climbing stairs, sleeping on your side or sitting through a long workday. While some hip pain comes from the joint itself, a lot of it involves the muscles and tendons around the hip. That’s where massage can help. Common

You may have noticed “NMT” listed in our therapists’ credentials. Jean Kark is a certified Neuromuscular Therapist (NMCT), and therapists like Kim Good and Amanda Humbert use NMT in their sessions too. So what exactly is neuromuscular therapy, and how is it different from a regular massage? What Is Neuromuscular

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people book a massage. If you get a dull band of pressure around your head after a long day at the computer, tight muscles in your neck, shoulders and jaw may be part of the problem. Here’s how massage can help, and

If you’ve had back or neck pain that keeps coming back no matter how many relaxing massages you get, you may have heard of myoskeletal alignment therapy, often called MAT. It’s one of the specialized techniques Jean Kark, LMT, NMCT, MMT uses in orthopedic massage sessions at Focused Care. Here’s

Pregnancy brings back aches, swollen feet, tight hips and restless nights, so it’s no surprise that many expecting moms want a massage. A common question is when it’s okay to start, and whether it’s still okay late in pregnancy. Here’s a simple trimester-by-trimester guide. The most important rule: check with