OMBE Center

Licensed Massage Therapist

Sarah J. Rogers is a licensed massage therapist who received her training at the Cortiva Institute in Watertown, Massachusetts. Her practice focuses on the mind-body relationship and the usefulness of this connection not only for healing, but also for seeking balance in everyday life. Sarah brings her experience as an athlete and her compassion for mind-body health to her practice, inspiring growth and comfort in her clients. Along with massage, Sarah is now offering Active Isolated Stretching which can be done alone or in tandem with massage therapy. Employing techniques focusing on relaxation, neuromuscular therapy, stretching, myofascial release, and overall balance, Sarah will work with you to develop a treatment style that suits your needs.

“Good for the body is the work of the body, good for the soul is the work of the soul and good for either is the work of the other.” -Henry David Thoreau.

Book online for any massage service at our Boston location or contact OMBE for additional information.

From the desk of Stacy Slawitsky, RYT….

Easy Ways to Exercise at Your Locale

For several years, I was a corporate road warrior, traveling to many parts of the country, sometimes for weeks at a time. Let’s face it: work travel can take its toll on your mind and body, and it’s hard to stick to good habits when your daily schedule is always changing.

1. Choose wisely: Pick your hotel based on its fitness offerings

I have seen the growth of hotel and gym cross-promotion over the past few years.  There’s Sports Club LA/Ritz Carlton, Exhale/Fairmont, just to name a few.  See if these brands are on your company’s preferred hotel list. Be aware that you may be charged a daily gym fee but most companies reimburse these fees as travel expenses.

Have no fear if you are not staying in a metropolitan area. A Holiday Inn I stayed at in Nebraska had an arrangement where guests could use a local gym in town. The bottom line is, seek and you shall find.

2. Ask and you shall receive: Leverage local gyms in the area

If the hotel gym doesn’t do it for you, check out gyms in the area. I have walked into gyms, explained my desire to maintain my fitness routine away from home and have walked away with complimentary guest passes for the duration of my stay.  It doesn’t hurt to ask, most like-minded fitness managers will empathize with you.

3. Land safely: Do yoga

Sitting on a plane for hours coupled with the stress of getting to your destination can result in stiff joints and an agitated mind upon arrival.  Relieve all of that with the power of a yoga class.  It’s easy as going on Yelp to find a class in your area that suits your needs.

4. Hop to it: Invest in a jump rope

Easy to pack and could be done in the comfort of your room (although this could result in some angry neighbors), jumping rope burns approximately 14 calories a minute (Mayo Clinic) so start jumping!

5. Kill two birds: Go site seeing and get your run on

One of the biggest complaints I have heard and experienced from work travel is not being able to explore the locale you were working in. Get a workout in and check out your locale by mapping a run around town using MapMyRun (www.mapmyrun.com).

6. Most important: Listen to what your body needs

Be mindful that any kind of travel can be physiologically taxing so listen to your body. I used to think that my workouts always had to be at maximum intensity. So on the road I would push my limits and then wind up being less productive at work because I was so drained from the travel/workout combo.   Remember that a 20 minute walk around town is better than nothing so if that’s what your body is craving then go with that!

Would love to hear your tips for exercising on the road!

Stacy Slawitsky, RYT

Certified Yoga Teacher

Stacy’s journey with yoga began in Manhattan as a means to relieve the stress of a demanding job on Wall Street. Her discovery of PranaVayu-Vinyasa yoga opened her mind and body in transformational ways. Her passion to share these practices with others led her to complete her 200-hour PranaVayu teacher training with founder David Magone.

Stacy continues to further her training through Buddhist meditation and philosophy workshops with the Buddhist Chaplain of Harvard University, Lama Migmar Tseten, and yoga instructors throughout Boston and New York. Her yoga classes encourage students to be kind to themselves by practicing patience and positivity with their asana practice, while playing a variety of good tunes along the way.

Book online for any private session or yoga class in our Boston yoga studio or contact OMBE for additional information.

From the desk of Jessica L. Molleur, Lic.Ac., DNBAO….

OMBE’s Running Elite Program

Boston, MA - This year, OMBE is offering a Running Elite Program to help runners train for the Boston Marathon, stay injury free, and reach their personal best.  The 30-day program includes four key components – a Running Gait Analysis, 80-minute sports massage, a Pilates class, and Yoga for Runners session to get runners off on the right foot now through 4.30.12.

Every year the team at OMBE helps runners of all fitness levels and experience complete the Boston Marathon pain-free. This package is designed to encourage runners to start their cross-training and injury prevention early. Runners begin with a gait analysis with sports rehabilitation specialist and holistic chiropractor, Dr. Erik Vose.  He provides a video analysis of your running biomechanics and makes suggestions to optimize your training.

The 80-minute sports massage with OMBE’s licensed sports massage therapists provides athletes with muscle tension relief and insight to possible over-training patterns.  The Pilates and Yoga for Runners classes expose runners to effective cross-training techniques to improve core strength and flexibility.  The Running Elite Program for $199, is a 20% discount from regular pricing.  Runners continue to receive regular massage sessions at 20% off through 4.30.12.

To purchase the Running Elite Program or schedule a session, visit their website at www.ombecenter.com, email info@ombecenter.com, or call 617.447.2222.

ABOUT OMBE: OMBE is committed to integrative medicine and the environment, synergizing Western and Eastern medicine to develop comprehensive treatment plans.  The eco-friendly center offers acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, naturopathy, nutritional counseling, personal training, Pilates, and yoga. OMBE is the recipient of the Boston Business Journal’s 2010 Green Business Award and Mayor Menino’s 2009 Green Business Award.  OMBE is one of the first 25 companies certified as a Sustainable Business Leader in Boston.  To learn more about OMBE visit their website at www.ombecenter.com or call 617.447.2222.  ###

From the desk of Jessica L. Molleur, Lic.Ac., DNBAO…

Here are a few of OMBE’s great Valentine’s Day specials that you can treat that special someone (or yourself) all day long!!

SHARE THE LOVE

OMBE’s Valentine’s Day Specials

Boston, MA – This February 14th, OMBE Integrative Health Center is going to make your planning a little easier by offering their Valentine’s Day packages Friday, February 10th through Tuesday, February 14th.  Guests can choose one of two packages featuring massage, Pilates, and yoga services to share with their sweetheart, mom, or favorite gal pal.

If you’re looking for a great deal on massage, opt for the Share the Love package.  Purchase any two massages of equal value from February 10th through February 14th and receive 10% off both sessions when you book February.  This offer includes 50 or 80-minute couples massage all month.  Looking to mix up your workout? Bring a friend to any ballet barre, Pilates mat, or yoga class this month and receive OMBE’s 2-for-1 deal. To schedule a massage or reserve your space in a class, you can visit their website at www.ombecenter.com and book online, email info@ombecenter.com or call 617.447.2222.

ABOUT OMBE: OMBE is committed to integrative medicine and the environment, synergizing Western and Eastern medicine to develop comprehensive treatment plans.  The eco-friendly center offers acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, naturopathy, nutritional counseling, personal training, Pilates, and yoga. OMBE is the recipient of the Boston Business Journal’s 2010 Green Business Award and Mayor Menino’s 2009 Green Business Award.  OMBE is one of the first 25 companies certified as a Sustainable Business Leader in Boston.  To learn more about OMBE visit their website at www.ombecenter.com or call 617.447.2222.

From the desk of Jessica L. Molleur, Lic.Ac., DNBAO…

There are many theories explaining how and why acupuncture works.  In western models, research has shown that acupuncture may regulate the nervous system, activate endorphins, stimulate the immune system or alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones.

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a comprehensive medical system based on over 3,000 years of clinical observation.  Acupuncture theory views the body from a holistic approach.  The body’s signs and symptoms help an acupuncturist form a diagnostic impression based on a pattern of symptoms.  This is why your acupuncturist may ask you several questions about your overall health that may seem unrelated to your primary concern.  The treatment plan developed will then not only be designed to treat the symptoms that you are experiencing but also the underlying cause of the problem.  It takes time to stimulate the body’s own natural healing process.  Therefore, the course of treatment with acupuncture or related modalities may be longer than expected and the results may be more subtle.

TCM theory suggests that the body is composed of an essential substance, called qi (chee). Qi is thought to be the essential energy which stimulates all of the important physiological functions of the body.  Qi circulates through the body through 14 major meridians or pathways similar to the way blood circulates through major vessels.  These meridians function as connections between major organs, muscles and tissues of the body to maintain a delicate balance of qi, yin and yang.  Yin and yang are two other important concepts in TCM representing the foundation and activity of all of the major physiological systems of the body.  Physiological health is viewed as an intricate balance between qi, yin and yang.

When the body is experiencing pain, discomfort or disease, an imbalance is occurring in one or more of the meridian systems.  Acupuncture is the process by which small, fine, disposable needles are inserted into acupuncture points along these meridians in order to access the qi and effect the functioning of major physiological systems of the body.  Acupuncture points are areas where the qi is thought to be the most accessible.  Research has also shown that acupuncture points have different electrical resistance and higher neuromuscular and vascular innervation.  These points are then used to unblock, restore and reconnect the flow of qi, yin and yang.

Additional modalities such as electroacupuncture, ear acupressure, cupping, tui na, gua sha, nutrition and herbal medicine are also used for treatment of various ailments.  Today, the amount of evidence based research is growing in support of acupuncture as it has become a valued treatment method for numerous conditions.  These include: back pain, disc degenerative disease, fibromyalgia, the common cold, angina, tinnitus, addictions, infertility, asthma, and headaches.

Feel free to ask me for related research articles or for additional explanation regarding your specific diagnosis. This information can be an important way to gain understanding and insight to the health problems you have been experiencing.

From the desk of Stacy Slawitsky, RYT…

For several years, I was a corporate road warrior, traveling to many parts of the country, sometimes for weeks at a time. Let’s face it: work travel can take its toll on your mind and body, and it’s hard to stick to good habits when your daily schedule is always changing.

Contained within part 1 of this 4-part Road Warrior series are some techniques that helped me stay fit on the road, whether in the glitz and glam of Manhattan or the southern comfort of Tennessee.

1. Plan ahead: Make a restaurant “hit list” before you go

Before you depart, take 10 minutes to cruise the internet for restaurants in your destination that you may enjoy. For example, I love sushi so would make it a point to find the hottest sushi restaurants in the places I was visiting. If you are at the mercy of other coworkers and clients, check out the menu before you go. Remember it takes 500 extra calories a day to gain a pound a week so one indulgent meal won’t kill you.

2. Make a picnic: Pack snacks for the airport

With approximately 18% of flights delayed, in 2011 (Bureau of Transportation Statistics) why be at the mercy of expensive airport vendors selling processed food if hunger strikes. Invest in a small cooler bag and pack wholesome snacks like cut up vegetables, fruit or hard-boiled eggs.  Or ditch the cooler bag and pack a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread.

3. Break a sweat: Exercise

First, see if your hotel gym suits your physical fitness needs. If not, see if the hotel concierge can arrange a complimentary visit to a local gym in the area. If you travel to one place frequently, some gym managers will put you on a guest list. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

4. Lead not into temptation: Say goodbye to the minibar

You arrive at the hotel, exhausted from your trip and craving sugar to stay awake.  Enter…the minibar. Don’t let yourself be susceptible to the cost and calories resulting from a minibar raid. Upon hotel check in, request minibar removal.  Some hotels charge for this but if you are a preferred guest they will usually waive the fee.  Your body will thank you!

5. Land safely: Meditate

It’s easy to feel anxious and literally “up in the air” while being on the road. This grounding meditation can help; envision a bungee cord extending from your low belly all the way to the center of the earth. Envision that cord was green or if you have a really hard time grounding envision it being half green/half brown. Note this visualization can be done at any time during the day so ground away!

If you come back from your trip and were not able to execute on some of the tips mentioned above (at the expense of your waistline), remember, if you can gain it you can lose it! So be kind to yourself and return to your regular fitness routine upon your arrival.

Calling all road warriors, what are some of your tips to staying healthy on the road?

Book online for any private session or yoga class in our Boston yoga studio or contact OMBE for additional information.

From the desk of Kristen Lutz, LCMT, MS…

Many claim that massage helps to ‘flush out’ lactic acid levels after a bout of exercise or after a sporting event.

Research is now telling us a different story.

Scientists are beginning to isolate the exact physiological mechanisms at play that aid in the recovery of muscles.

Through examining biopsies of muscles after exercise and post-exercise massage, massage therapy reduced exercise-related inflammation by dampening activity of a protein called NF-kB.  Massage also seemed to help cells recover by boosting amounts of another protein called PGC-1alpha, which spurs production of new mitochondria – a component inside muscle cells that are crucial for muscle energy generation and adaptation to endurance exercise.  The team saw no effect of massage on lactic acid levels [1].

This has implications for further substantiating the therapeutic benefits of massage therefore increasing the referrals from health care professionals as well as opening the door for more insurance companies to offer massage as a covered service.

1.     Brown, E. (Feb 1 2012). Study works out kinks in understanding of massage. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-massage-20120202,0,343517.story

Kristen Lutz, LCMT, MS | Licensed Massage Therapist

Kristen Lutz, a Nationally Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, is a graduate of Cortiva Institute – Boston (formerly Muscular Therapy Institute) in Watertown, MA. As a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and Massachusetts Chapter of the AMTA, her work is centered upon supporting clients in achieving optimal health and well being through listening and understanding individual needs . She integrates various massage techniques into each personalized session. These techniques include Swedish (relaxation), deep tissue, sports massage, orthopedic massage, neuromuscular (trigger point) therapy, and myofascial release along with stretching, range of motion, and breath work. She is currently training to be certified in Advanced Orthopedic Massage. Having completed the Usui Method Reiki II Certification, clients can benefit from the integration of energy work and balancing along with massage therapy.

Clients benefit from Kristen’s approach that each client is unique and no one treatment is alike. This customized approach leads to a more effective treatment. Kristen, a New England native, has been living in Boston for the past seven years. She graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Sciences from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH while playing collegiate women’s volleyball. She continued with her education and graduated with a M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and has worked in the health and wellness field as an exercise physiologist.

From the desk of Kristen Lutz, LCMT, MS…

This isn’t a post about food.  We’re talking about the method used when treating musculoskeletal and connective tissue injuries.

You may have heard of the R.I.C.E. method. It involves a sequence of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  There’s been some discussion in the rehabilitation and manual therapy world as to the effectiveness of this method as a go-to treatment for all acute injuries.  We are going to focus on muscle-tendon strains vs. ligament sprains.  Just to clear up semantics, you strain a muscle and you sprain a ligament. Either way there is injury and we want to figure out the most effective way to promote healing.

In comes the M.E.A.T..  Erik Dalton, PhD, Founder of the Freedom from Pain Institute, and international lecturer and trainer in Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy, after doing extensive research, has come up with an alternative to R.I.C.E.. M.E.A.T.involves Movement, Exercise, Analgesic and Treatment.  Movement is needed for the injured area immediately after the injury to prevent adhesions, increase circulation, and stabilize the joint and surrounding muscular and connective tissue. Exercise should start gradually following the acute stage to strengthen and stabilize the injured area.  Analgesic is the use of medications, natural (such as Traumeel) or pharmaceutical, to decrease pain but not suppress the inflammatory response, which is crucial to healing. Treatment includes muscle and connective tissue balancing and functional retraining to prevent recurrence of muscle guarding and improve motor control.

We want to first know if we are dealing with a muscle-tendon strain or ligament sprain.  Then we want to consider not necessarily stopping the use of ice immediately following an injury, but take another look at the approach after that time.  Will continuing to ice hinder the ability of your body to heal? Why should we consider making changes? Here is what has led to the shift from R.I.C.E. to M.E.A.T.:

• Research regarding clinical effectiveness of ice/cryotherapy is significantly lacking.
• Since ligaments have essentially no blood vessels (avascular) to deliver nutrients for repair, it relies on the diffusion of nutrients from the joint itself. Icing decreases the blood supply the area, therefore there will be less chance for the tissues to heal.
• Ice slows down the metabolism of the cells of the tissue, therefore slowing down the healing process.

So, what should you do?

• Whenever you have a significant soft tissue injury, seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional.  You will need to know if it is a muscle-tendon strain or ligament sprain and of course, rule out a fracture, separation or dislocation.
• Always follow up with a manual therapist (i.e. massage therapist, physical therapist, chiropractor) to discuss treatment of the injured area.  You may start to feel OK after the first few days, but left without treatment can lead to problems down the road.
• Inflammation is your body’s way to protect and heal injured tissues.  In some cases, inflammation can speed up healing, but too much can slow that process down.  Discuss both icing and heating options with the medical practitioner you are working with.  If they haven’t heard of M.E.A.T., discuss it with them.  A good practitioner is always willing to look into evidence-based approaches.

Still not sure about changing your approach? Cardiologists use to recommend weeks of bed rest for patients who suffered from a heart attack.  That is no longer the case.  Patients are up and out of bed within the first 24 hours and begin a progressive cardiac exercise rehabilitation program.  Medical practices and standards of care change.  Practitioners know more today than they did yesterday.  And a good practitioner is always willing to throw out old techniques to make room for newer ones.

Why R.I.C.E. when you can M.E.A.T. with an OMBE practitioner today? Pun FULLY intended.

Click here to book your next session.

Kristen Lutz, LCMT, MS | Licensed Massage Therapist

Kristen Lutz, a Nationally Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, is a graduate of Cortiva Institute – Boston (formerly Muscular Therapy Institute) in Watertown, MA. As a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and Massachusetts Chapter of the AMTA, her work is centered upon supporting clients in achieving optimal health and well being through listening and understanding individual needs . She integrates various massage techniques into each personalized session. These techniques include Swedish (relaxation), deep tissue, sports massage, orthopedic massage, neuromuscular (trigger point) therapy, and myofascial release along with stretching, range of motion, and breath work. She is currently training to be certified in Advanced Orthopedic Massage. Having completed the Usui Method Reiki II Certification, clients can benefit from the integration of energy work and balancing along with massage therapy.

Clients benefit from Kristen’s approach that each client is unique and no one treatment is alike. This customized approach leads to a more effective treatment. Kristen, a New England native, has been living in Boston for the past seven years. She graduated with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Sciences from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH while playing collegiate women’s volleyball. She continued with her education and graduated with a M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and has worked in the health and wellness field as an exercise physiologist.