Putting yourself in another’s shoes is much easier said than done.  However, when it is genuinely and successfully attempted it can provide us with some of the most powerful and insightful learning tools.  The 2013 IMTRC provided such an opportunity to attendees in break-out sessions held during the final day’s push towards ascertaining a new massage therapy research agenda for the coming years.  Each break-out session was designed to “see” massage therapy from a different vantage point as well as to assess strengths and challenges that developed from their new viewpoint regarding the legitimacy and acceptance of massage.

As a massage therapist in a family of doctors and more traditional practitioners, I am consistently reminded of many overarching issues that arise when practitioners from holistic and western philosophies attempt to collaborate.  Sitting in on the discussion of massage therapy from the perspective of physicians, the conversation I absorbed was very familiar to me.  In general, there is a need for massage to be redefined, protocoled, and for dosage studies to get underway in order for the efficacy of massage to accurately be measured.  With such studies, syntax and documentation for massage therapy will also need to be addressed and streamlined.  For weeks after this conversation I had the ringing of a physician’s voice in my ear with “what is massage? what is massage? we need to DEFINE MASSAGE!,” I then began to ask myself this.  I have been doing this for 4 years now and here I am at my clinic, working with my clients and all of a sudden I cannot manifest a singular definition for massage.  As a result, I asked my clients.

To many of my clients, massage is…

…an opportunity for them, after surgery, to get range of motion and soft tissue screening between appointments with their surgeons.

…a process in which they can begin to accept their body again after facing any of a spectrum of body image alignments.

…a time during which they can be educated about how work and deconditioning are present in their body; a starting point for setting goals.

Truly quantifiable feedback from my clients only came when exact measurements had been taken: range of motion and strength-based assessments specifically.

My observations at the conference as well as direct feedback from my clients, led me to strongly encourage the enforcement of education reform in massage schools.  For studies of massage efficacy to occur successfully, the measurable components of massage and bodywork need to be isolated.  Therapists need to know how to use a goniometer, how to take blood pressure, how to assess gait and limb discrepancies.  I see massage therapists as important teachers to clients.  We spend more time with our clients than nearly any other practitioner has the luxury of doing.  Understanding functional movement screening and quantifiable outcomes is invaluable to our practice.  This knowledge will give us a solid starting point from which we can BEGIN to understand the effects of massage on our clients in a much more specific light.

I hear massage therapists talking about how massage cannot be measured; “it’s too subjective.”  The important thing to remember, I believe, is that patients are always, first and foremost – human – nebulous and subjective.  There are always aspects of patients that are perhaps not measurable or easily captured. This, consequently, often relates to how therapists feel about the entire field of massage. Many clients choose their therapists based on a “certain something,” something special and perhaps not easily expressed or found in another therapist.  Many massage therapists talk about this, concerned that if we start to take the holistic nature out of massage by throwing it into the science realm, clients will lose that relationship.  Regardless of how “scientific” or measurable a modality is, our clients will always be able to see that side of us.  Now it is our responsibility to find a way to meld what will become a more protocol-oriented treatment regimen WITH that certain something, and create a new type of massage that is both intuitive and organized around proven outcome-based techniques.  I truly believe that this is our future and I truly believe that it will be powerful and meaningful for the entire medical field.

Sarah J. Rogers, LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist

Sarah J. Rogers is a licensed massage therapist and an internationally certified personal trainer. She received her training at The Cortiva Institute in Watertown, MA and The American Academy of Personal Training in Boston, MA. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and of IDEA fit. Having received her BA in Anthropology and History of Science at Smith College, she shares a deep intellectual and philosophical connection to her clients and work.

Sarah works with each client to develop a comprehensive treatment to suit each client’s goals. She incorporates neuromuscular therapy, advanced osteopathic stretching, myofascial release, stretching, and personal training. She also integrates relaxation, meditation and motivation techniques. Sarah understands and appreciates the various ways in which people use their bodies to get through their every day lives, and enjoys the process of tracing the source of discomfort and injury.

A life-long athlete, Sarah enjoys yoga, running, swimming and biking among other things. Sarah has coached swimming, participates in special education wellness programs (Cantor Youth & Special Olympics). Sarah believes that holistic and traditional health should be equally accessible to every individual. She participates in the Collaborative Health For All initiative by Jill’s List in collaboration with Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

Swedish / Deep Tissue / Myofascial Release / Pre-Natal / Active Isolated Stretching / Body-Awareness / Personal Training

“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.

…This Month at OMBE!

From the desk of Kristen M. Reynolds, PT, DPT, PMA^®-CPT

If you have any questions about Pilates or physical therapy, please contact OMBE schedule a complimentary 30-minute session with Kristen.

Always interested in dance, sports and fitness, Kristen Reynolds is a former YMCA and Junior Olympic gymnast, coach, and ACE personal trainer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from James Madison University in 2006 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2009.

While practicing in orthopedics and sports medicine, a mentor introduced her to the Pilates Method and she has since pursued comprehensive training and professional certification from the Pilates Method Alliance to compliment her clinical interests. Dr. Reynolds is one of the few instructors in Massachusetts to have earned the distinction of PMA Certified Pilates Teacher. Additionally, she is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Sports Physical Therapy Section, Massachusetts Chapter, Shoulder and Manual Physical Therapy Special Interest Groups.

Integrating the Pilates principles and repertoire with her manual therapy skills has produced successful rehabilitation outcomes for a wide variety of patients, including adolescents, elite athletes and dancers, and individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Dr. Reynolds utilizes this alternative therapeutic approach to improve muscle performance and joint mobility, correct posture and alignment, enhance body awareness, and create an evenly conditioned body that is more resilient to extremity and spinal injury. She offers one-on-one physical therapy sessions, private Pilates training, and small group Pilates and ballet barre classes.

Check out OMBE’s specials this month, designed to help you get a little spring in your step!

Massage + Yoga Classes = Receive 15% OFF your first yoga and first 50-minute massage session

Pilates Mat Classes = All classes are $10 all month if you’ve never tried Pilates at OMBE

Eco-Beauty Bar = Purchase $100 work of products and get 10% OFF

Book your first class online.

*Offers expire 5.31.13. Book online.

More about OMBE:

ONE MIND BODY EARTH. At OMBE, we are committed to integrative medicine and the environment. We synergize Western and Eastern medicine to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Our practitioners combine their expertise and compassion to help each client discover their unique mind-body balance.

Being green is an integral part of our commitment to create a healthy environment for our guests. We only use organic massage oils, PVC-free yoga mats, organic cotton linens, and are dedicated to being at the forefront of the green movement. Essential to our green approach is the use of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products, energy-neutral policies and our efforts to recycle everything. At our OMBE events, 100% of proceeds go to local environmental charities.

Your experience at OMBE will empower you to achieve your best health, strength and well-being.

The #BacktoBackBay campaign is a way for the community to support local businesses affected by the Boston Marathon.  Tonight is the first event that has come from this campaign and it involves a Pub Crawl that starts at 6pm.  Please support our local businesses – whether it’s for a quick bite to eat or beverage – a little will go a long way.

While you are in the neighborhood, stop by OMBE to learn more about our integrative health services and classes.  Our April specials include:

10% OFF your 1st 80-minute Massage

20% OFF21-Day Spring Cleanse

10% OFF a 10-pack of Prenatal Yoga classes

20% OFF Marathon Special

Thank you for all of your support!

We hope this post finds you and everyone close to your heart well after last week’s events.  Over the past two weeks, we have been overwhelmed with all of your well wishes and support.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much!

We hope to see you soon at OMBE!

Check out OMBE’s specials this month, designed to help you to put a little spring in your step!

20% OFF our 21-Day Spring Cleanse

*Offer expires 4.30.13. Book online.

Catherine O’Halloran, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Catherine O’Halloran completed her Bachelors of Science in Anatomy and Cell Biology, with a minor in Psychology at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. Following that, she attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto and obtained her degree as a Naturopathic Doctor. CCNM is one of seven naturopathic colleges accredited by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education.

Catherine chose this profession because she saw the need for a type of health care that treats the entire person, and not just the symptoms of disease. She strives to follow the guiding principles of the profession, especially treating the root cause of disease and utilizing the innate healing power of nature. Through her training at CCNM, Catherine learned each therapeutic modality, including nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, homeopathy and physical medicine. In addition, she has taken courses through the Benson Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine at Harvard and has started training in craniosacral therapy.

Although Catherine treats a wide variety of patients, with varying diseases, she has a special interest in women’s health and pediatrics. In her clinical year at CCNM, Catherine was fortunate to be on a specialty shift in pediatrics, treating conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD and childhood epilepsy.

Catherine is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors, the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Doctors and the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She currently holds a physicians license through Vermont.

Jacqueline Rho, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Jacqueline S. Rho is a naturopathic doctor, specializing in preventative and family care medicine. She treats her patients as a whole, addressing the root cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms. She has devoted her education to advancing her knowledge in Naturopathic, Homeopathic, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She received her Bachelor of Science at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA, having a focus in biochemistry and inorganic chemistry. She then researched neuronal development at Harvard Medical School before receiving her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. She is an active member of the New Hampshire Association of Naturopathic Doctors, New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Dr. Rho has a focus in women’s health, cardiovascular conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and autoimmune conditions. She treats many other health conditions as she utilizes clinical nutrition, Classical Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and functional medicine in an integrative approach to provide individualized health care. She has helped many with weight loss and detoxification, teaching her patients the lifestyle changes that are needed to improve their health and prevent disease.

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

As an advocate for alternative health care, I am excited for the upcoming International Massage Therapy Research Conference in Boston.  This conference gives therapists in our field the opportunity to meet other therapists  and researchers from around the world who are working hard to create a strong scientific foundation for the work that we do.  As the conference gets nearer, I am going to feature articles and research produced by many of the doctors and therapists who will be present at the conference.  We are so excited that this will be right in our backyard and I look forward to sharing this with you.  Keep an eye out!  I’ll be offering pop up specials to throughout the spring in recognition of this awesome conference.

Conference Details:

Friday, April 25th – Sunday, April 27th

Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center

Boston, MA

Click here for event details.

We still have volunteer positions open for massage practitioners and anyone who are passionate about integrative health.  As a volunteer, you will have access to the conference!

Our first featured articles will be on fascia, an important connective tissue in our bodies.  Before any articles are featured, for those geeks out there who really want to know more, here’s a bit of information from the Fascia Congress on what exactly fascia is:

Fascia has both generalized and specialized functions in the human organism. As such, it is the subject of a wide range of scientific research with many specializations of focus and emphasis. Similarly, fascia and its properties are of central importance to clinicians practicing in various conventional therapies and in the wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities.

Recent scientific research in the field of the human fasciae has resulted in several significant findings. Combined, the results from the worldwide research activities constitute a body of significant and important data. It is our shared vision that it is time to gather together all the latest and best scientific information about the body’s connective tissue matrix.

Future conferences will continue to provide collegial settings for the mutual benefit and collaboration of basic scientists, academicians, and professionals engaged in the many clinical practices where fascia is an important consideration.

About Fascia

Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body. It forms a whole-body continuous three-dimensional matrix of structural support. Fascia interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones and nerve fibers, creating a unique environment for body systems functioning. The scope of our definition of and interest in fascia extends to all fibrous connective tissues, including aponeuroses, ligaments, tendons, retinaculae, joint capsules, organ and vessel tunics, the epineurium, the meninges, the periostea, and all the endomysial and intermuscular fibers of the myofasciae.

There is a substantial body of research on connective tissue generally focused on specialized genetic and molecular aspects of the extracellular matrix. However, the study of fascia and its function as an organ of support has been largely neglected and overlooked for many years. Since fascia serves both global, generalized functions and local, specialized functions, it is a substrate that crosses several scientific, medical, and therapeutic disciplines, both in conventional and complementary/alternative modalities.

Among the different kinds of tissues that are involved in musculoskeletal dynamics, fascia has received comparatively little scientific attention. Fascia, or dense fibrous connective tissues, nevertheless potentially plays a major and still poorly understood role in joint stability, in general movement coordination, as well as in back pain and many other pathologies. One reason why fascia has not received adequate scientific attention in the past decades is that this tissue is so pervasive and interconnected that it easily frustrates the common ambition of researchers to divide it into a discrete number of subunits which can be classified and separately described. In anatomic displays the fascia is generally removed, so the viewer can see the organs nerves and vessels but fails to appreciate the fascia which connects, and separates, these structures.

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

Sarah Rogers
Licensed Massage Therapist & Certified Personal Trainer

Sarah J. Rogers is a licensed massage therapist and an internationally certified personal trainer. She received her training at The Cortiva Institute in Watertown, MA and The American Academy of Personal Training in Boston, MA. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and of IDEA fit. Having received her BA in Anthropology and History of Science at Smith College, she shares a deep intellectual and philosophical connection to her clients and work.

Sarah works with each client to develop a comprehensive treatment to suit each client’s goals. She incorporates neuromuscular therapy, advanced osteopathic stretching, myofascial release, stretching, and personal training. She also integrates relaxation, meditation and motivation techniques. Sarah understands and appreciates the various ways in which people use their bodies to get through their every day lives, and enjoys the process of tracing the source of discomfort and injury.

A life-long athlete, Sarah enjoys yoga, running, swimming and biking among other things. Sarah has coached swimming, participates in special education wellness programs (Cantor Youth & Special Olympics). Sarah believes that holistic and traditional health should be equally accessible to every individual. She participates in the Collaborative Health For All initiative by Jill’s List in collaboration with Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

*Swedish / Deep Tissue / Myofascial Release / Pre-Natal / Active Isolated Stretching / Body-Awareness / Personal Training

“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.

Check out OMBE’s specials this month, designed to help you get a little spring in your step!

10% OFF Prenatal Yoga 10-series

Moms-to-be enjoy 10% OFF a 10-series prenatal yoga pack for any of our evening and weekend prenatal classes in Boston. All first prenatal yoga classes are $15! Book your first class online.

*Offer expires 4.30.13. Book online.

More information on our mom-to-be and new mom classes:

NEW mom? Check out the article in StrollerTraffic.com featuring OMBE’s NEW post-natal yoga and Pilates classes! We have both indoor and outdoor classes this spring and summer!

Prenatal Yoga FAQs

More about OMBE’s yoga studio:

Visit OMBE’s eco-friendly yoga studio overlooking beautiful views of Boston’s Copley Square. Our yoga classes provide a welcoming atmosphere for students of all levels. OMBE’s yoga instructors encourage students to develop their strength, flexibility, and balance as well as a deeper sense of relaxation. All yoga classes are limited to six participants ensuring that each student receives individual instruction.

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

What Can Pilates Do For You?

From the desk of Kristen M. Reynolds, PT, DPT, PMA^®-CPT

Stay tuned for “Mamalates!”

OMBE is proud to announce a NEW class designed for NEW mothers (recently featured in StrollerTraffic.com), who rarely have time to take care of themselves while caring for their new baby. During the postnatal period, It is vital for new moms to take some time for themselves and reconnect with their own mind and body. OMBE’s postnatal Pilates class will offer a safe, effective, and progressive means of reforming the body, while socializing with other new and local moms.

The energizing workout consists of Pilates Mat repertoire to restore your body into pre-pregnancy shape, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises that target areas prone to tightness, weakness, and pain related to pregnancy, delivery, and childcare. Class will emphasize the value of breath, reconnection of the pelvic floor and abdominal walls, and improving postural alignment.

In this class, new mothers will:

• Reactivate the deep stabilizing muscles of the core
• Reconnect the abdominal walls and pelvic floor
• Correct postural deviations that occurred as a result of the natural changes in your body during pregnancy
• Train the upper body in a functional manner to enable moms to lift and carry their growing baby without neck, back, and shoulder strain.
• Gain confidence and energy as they embrace motherhood

This class is taught by a physical therapist and certified Pilates teacher. It is important to note that pregnancy, delivery, and recovery from childbirth is highly individual. Mothers typically return to exercise after a 6 week postnatal checkup, or later if your baby was delivered via Cesarean. A doctor’s clearance is necessary before beginning this postnatal class.

A first-time drop-in costs $15, and subsequent drop-ins are $25. A 10-pack of classes is $200, with a 10 percent discount in April.

If you have any questions about postnatal fitness, Pilates or physical therapy, please feel free to go online or call OMBE at 617.447.2222 to schedule a complimentary 30-minute session.

Always interested in dance, sports and fitness, Kristen Reynolds is a former YMCA and Junior Olympic gymnast, coach, and ACE personal trainer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science from James Madison University in 2006 and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2009.

While practicing in orthopedics and sports medicine, a mentor introduced her to the Pilates Method and she has since pursued comprehensive training and professional certification from the Pilates Method Alliance to compliment her clinical interests. Dr. Reynolds is one of the few instructors in Massachusetts to have earned the distinction of PMA Certified Pilates Teacher. Additionally, she is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Sports Physical Therapy Section, Massachusetts Chapter, Shoulder and Manual Physical Therapy Special Interest Groups.

Integrating the Pilates principles and repertoire with her manual therapy skills has produced successful rehabilitation outcomes for a wide variety of patients, including adolescents, elite athletes and dancers, and individuals with chronic orthopedic conditions. Dr. Reynolds utilizes this alternative therapeutic approach to improve muscle performance and joint mobility, correct posture and alignment, enhance body awareness, and create an evenly conditioned body that is more resilient to extremity and spinal injury. She offers one-on-one physical therapy sessions, private Pilates training, and small group Pilates and ballet barre classes.

There is nothing like the FREE feeling of spring… not having to walk flat footed and stooped over to keep our balance.  I am currently day-dreaming about those days.  They’ll get here, don’t worry.  Meanwhile, we’re stuck tracking our way through narrow passages through snow mounds, hoping that our footing can fall into the previous person’s footing without much trouble.  I get a fair number of clients asking me if there’s anything they can do to strengthen themselves in preparation for the winter.  Well, though we are pretty far into the winter, it is never too later to help yourself and improve your stability strength.

If you look at the way most of us spend our time, we move FORWARD and sometimes backwards, but mostly forward.  This means that we lack strength in moving in any other direction.. I mean, who walks down the street sideways?  So, in conquering your goals of improving your stability strength, consider the following ideas:

LATERAL LUNGES

LATER JUMP OVERS (JUMPING LEFT AND RIGHT OVER A CONE OR A LINE)

LATERAL LUNGE BEHINDS (CROSS MOVING LEG BEHIND STANDING LEG; this works glutes along a longer range of motion)

JUMPING JACKS (YOU CAN MAKE THIS HARDER BY SQUATING DOWN INTO EACH LANDING; WORK THOSE HIPS!)

SUPERMAN (THE BACK IS PART OF THE CORE!  OUR CENTER OF STABILITY)

ADDUCTING CRUNCHES (PUT A ROLLED UP BLANKET BETWEEN YOUR KNEES; SQUEEEZE, THEN SLOWLY CRUNCH WHILE EXHALING)

SIDE RUN (CROSS YOUR TRAILING LEG TO THE FRONT THEN BACK OF YOUR LEADING LEG AS YOU RUN SIDEWAYS)

Note:  When working a muscle group, you want to ensure that you have enough rest before challenging the group again.  This will help in the building and maintenance of strong muscles.  Want more ideas?  Email me to chat: sahrogers@gmail.com.

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

Sarah J. Rogers, LMT, AAPT-CPT, TRX
Licensed Massage Therapist & Certified Personal Trainer

Sarah J. Rogers is a licensed massage therapist and an internationally certified personal trainer. She received her training at The Cortiva Institute in Watertown, MA and The American Academy of Personal Training in Boston, MA. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and of IDEA fit. Having received her BA in Anthropology and History of Science at Smith College, she shares a deep intellectual and philosophical connection to her clients and work.

Sarah works with each client to develop a comprehensive treatment to suit each client’s goals. She incorporates neuromuscular therapy, advanced osteopathic stretching, myofascial release, stretching, and personal training. She also integrates relaxation, meditation and motivation techniques. Sarah understands and appreciates the various ways in which people use their bodies to get through their every day lives, and enjoys the process of tracing the source of discomfort and injury.

A life-long athlete, Sarah enjoys yoga, running, swimming and biking among other things. Sarah has coached swimming, participates in special education wellness programs (Cantor Youth & Special Olympics). Sarah believes that holistic and traditional health should be equally accessible to every individual. She participates in the Collaborative Health For All initiative by Jill’s List in collaboration with Boston Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

*Swedish / Deep Tissue / Myofascial Release / Pre-Natal / Active Isolated Stretching / Body-Awareness / Personal Training

“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.