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Our Massage Blog Made the Top 50 List!

June 24th, 2010 .

We are so pleased to be listed in Massage Therapy Program’s Top 50 Massage Blogs! Here’s their review of our blog:

“Great advice and tips on how to make the most of your massage treatments, and they even branch out into other areas of wellness like nutrition and exercise. If you’re new to the idea of massage therapy as an effective way to relieve a slew of symptoms, you’ll be intrigued and pleasantly surprised at some proven benefits, for instance, massage as allergy reliever.. and ” Lovely photos accompany how-to pieces to help illustrate best practices and exercises including yoga moves, or even how to give a great foot massage.”

News: Massage Williamsburg is Accepting Credit Cards

June 23rd, 2010 .
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Our client’s experience is very important to us at Massage Williamsburg! We’ve gotten some requests for alternative methods of payment. We listened, and now currently accept Visa and Mastercard! Feel free to use your card at your next appointment, or to purchase a Gift Certificate over the phone. To Book Your Next Session, call: 917-538-6560 or send us an Appointment Request

The Difficulty of Doing Less

June 21st, 2010 .
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in the grass Photo by conejoazul
as seen in Small Notebook
It seems like it should be easy to do less, but I find it to be pretty hard. It’s so much easier for me to throw out an old pair of shoes or give away a shirt, but to declutter my commitments? That’s not quick and easy. Some of the things I need to do are unavoidable, so my solution is to get them done in the quickest, most effective way possible. Productivity and simplicity often overlap, although they’re not the same.
Productivity helps you get more done, but simplifying removes what is complicated to make something easier and more clear.

What would happen if we simplified our commitments?

Would we find more joy in our daily life? Would we feel the satisfaction of living more purposefully? Part of me is reluctant to do that. I see others seemingly “doing it all”, and I want to have those things too. I want to accomplish things that I can enjoy and feel proud of. I know that my worth is not based on what I achieved, but I do tend to measure my day’s success by what I accomplished. It’s tempting to look at the person next to me and think, “well, she can do all of that, then shouldn’t I be able to do it too?” There is a fear of missing out, skipping an opportunity, or giving up a chance to have success.

If we try to have or do the same as everybody else, we miss out on the joy of doing what we are uniquely gifted to do.

The problem of comparing ourselves to others is that we all have different gifts. We aren’t meant to do the same things. We have so many opportunities, and if we try to do too many, we lose enjoyment. It’s like when there is a fun activity on the calendar, but when the day finally arrives we wish we could stay home because we’re too worn out. Perhaps instead of giving up projects or commitments, I could try to work really hard and finish them all, so afterwards I can have a “simple” life while I recover from stress and burnout? I don’t think it works that way. Some seasons in life naturally have more activities, but I think the key is to find the balance where we can take joy in what we’re doing.  When we feel like our activities are purposeful and beneficial, not just filling the time or due to a sense of obligation. Just because there is a need, it does not mean that you need to be the one to fill it. Just because something is good, it does not mean it is a good fit for you. And one of the best responses to manage time is, “I would love to, but first I’ll need to check my calendar and other commitments.” It’s ok to leave a few days blank on the calendar.

Latest Reviews from Our Clients

June 14th, 2010 .
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“Best Massage I’ve Ever Had: I keep coming back here because it’s the best deep tissue massage in Williamsburg. I’ve tried a couple other places before I found them, and I’d never go anywhere else. I’ve seen three different masseuses, and was totally happy with their work. They have you fill out a health intake form and they keep track of what you worked on, so even when I saw someone new this week, she knew exactly what I needed. I wish I could come more often, it’s totally worth the money.” -Natalie from Citysearch

“I saw Laurel and received an amazing massage! I felt relaxed and comfortable the entire time; she’s incredibly warm and friendly, but very professional. It’s clear that she really cares about your individual well-being, as she constantly checked in with me to see how I was doing. Also her enthusiasm for her work is clear – she was so excited to answer all of my questions about my body and the way it works. I felt so relaxed afterwards — Thanks, Laurel!!” -Lisa from Google Reviews

“I am a dancer and pilates instructor, and I have seen Leah several times when I was injured. Each time, Leah’s intuitive touch and knowledge of not only anatomy, but movement as well, guided my body out of trauma, and introduced the support it needed to realign and heal itself. I have seen many body workers, and I feel Leah is truly unique in her sensitivity to energy and in the subtlety of her touch.?” -Maggie from Google Reviews

“I had a wonderful massage from Jessica. She really helped my neck and shoulder which I’ve had issues with for years. I’ll definitely recommend to anyone looking for a great massage therapist!” -Lara from Google Reviews

“Massage Williamsburg is a neighborhood oasis, and Rachel is fantastic! She is so accommodating to your personal needs to give you the best possible massage. I felt so relaxed and refreshed that I immediately booked another appointment. Highly recommended!!” – Danielle from Yelp.com

Trouble Sleeping? Massage May Help

June 10th, 2010 .
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We all know that the average adult should be getting around eight hours of sleep a night. But who has time for that much sleep, right? You get up, commute to work, hit the coffeemaker to get yourself through the day, go home and sleep for what feels like a few minutes until the next morning. Wash, rinse, repeat.

If this sounds like you, let this be a wake-up call. Not enough sufficient sleep—or even worse, impaired sleep patterns—could affect your daytime function, concentration, and even things like your memory and mood. Sleep helps to keep your circadian rhythm, which in turn keeps your body in equilibrium. Changing your activities or work shift from days to nights run the risk of affecting that rhythm and your sleep pattern. But don’t worry! You have many options to help you restore the balance—one of them is massage.

Massage encourages the body to naturally release relaxation hormones, useful when you’re having sleep issues. Massage also inhibits the stress hormone cortisol, which also could be tampering with your sleep cycle. Many doctors who treat sleep disorders recommend using essential oils  to soothe and calm your body’s energy. At Massage Williamsburg we use lavender oil, a fundamental aromatherapy oil that reduces anxiety and improves mood and sleep quality. Your therapist at Massage Williamsburg can also give you some self-massage techniques that you can try before bedtime. Here’s some more information on How to Use Massage to Improve Sleep

5 Ways to Make Your Office Chair Suck A Little Less

June 7th, 2010 .
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As seen on Unplggd.com

041210-chair.JPG Unless you have a pocket full of cash, picking up an office chair that embodies the words attractive and comfortable can feel a little like a dream. Instead of spending your days pining away for a new one, try jazzing up the one you’ve got and see if it lifts your spirits until one day, your dreams come true.


1. Add New Wheels: It doesn’t matter if your office chair is old or new, most have wheels to make movement around the room easy. Changing them up can make for smoother gliding, plus add a bit of color. If your chair doesn’t have wheels, now is a great time to add them. There’s all sorts and sizes and sure to be a perfect match no matter what your aesthetic is.

2. Spray Paint It: Although the idea of busting out a can of spray paint on an office chairs sounds a little ruthless, there are specific paints for the job making the results lasting ones. You can purchase paint for fabrics, plastics and more. They don’t wear off, chip or flake and are a great alternative for one that has seen better days.

3. Reupholster It: We’ve talked before about reupholstering this piece of furniture. It’s not as tricky as you might thing and can actually have super-star results. You can match the look to other fabrics in the room, creating a cohesive look that can bring your space together in a snap.

041210-officechair.jpg

4. Pillow/Lumbar Support: Some chairs just don’t quite cut it when it comes to actual support. That doesn’t mean they are worn per se, it just means the way you sit in them isn’t really doing much for you. Personally we use a vintage molded Herman Miller chair and although it looks great, man it sucks for support. We have a pillow that switches back and forth from behind the back to under our bum. Although it’s not an attractive option (which we move when company comes over), it’s a $7 solution that works just fine!

5. Footrest: Often times, chairs either aren’t adjustable or don’t adjust and still work with the height of your desk (if you want to tuck the arms under when you are through). Try adding a footrest to take the pressure off your knees and ankles, making your chair feel brand new and like an old baseball glove, broken in and still going strong!

Making the Most of Your Massage: Questions To Ask

May 13th, 2010 .
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If you’ve been reading our blog for a while (many thanks!) you know the questions that massage therapists often ask their clients. But what kind of questions should you ask when you come in for a session?

What can I do to maximize the benefits of my massage?

Have you ever had a fantastic massage session only to have pain come back in a few days? Part of the problem is formed habits: After we walk outside, our shoulders go up to our ears. We carry really heavy bags on one shoulder. We cram our feet into uncomfortable shoes. We hunch forward and hold our wrists at a strange angle to type out our daily emails. The most amazing thing about chronic pain is how simple it is to avoid in its early stages. Ask your therapist this question and don’t be afraid to give their advice a try!

What are some good exercises to try between sessions?

There’s a lot we can do between massages to increase and lengthen the results of your sessions. Engage your massage therapist concerning movements (or maybe even postural changes) that you can try out at home or the gym. As Swedish Institute graduates, we were taught a lot about what exercises can help target specific muscle groups to have the greatest impact.

What products do you use in your practice?

Some spas or practices use products containing harsh chemicals or preservatives, such as parabens. If you have sensitive skin or any allergies, it’s important to ask your massage therapists what kind of products they use.  We stick to Sweet Almond Oil with Organic Lavender, or simple and moisturizing Grapeseed Oil for our sessions.

I would like to become more healthy. Is there any treatment we could try to help me with this goal?

Whether you are trying to become more healthy, flexible, or energetic, your massage therapist can assist you in reaching your goals. Massage therapists are trained in various exercises, stretches, and techniques that won’t just change the way you feel but the way you look at movement and your body.

I would like to try some complimentary therapies. Do you know of anyone in the area?

A good massage therapist is well connected in their local community! Massage Williamsburg recommends specific acupuncturists, yoga instructors, personal trainers, and even chiropractors. Just have a conversation with your therapist about what you would like to do, and he or she will send you in the right direction.

FAQs: Do I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

May 10th, 2010 .

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: the bane of every office worker and overworked musician around the globe. But what is it, and how can one be so sure that their wrist and hand discomfort is carpal tunnel syndrome?

The “carpal tunnel” in the name refers to the area in the wrist where the median nerve—which enables your hand to move and feel sensation—and your hand muscles run together in a big cable-like grouping. If overused the muscles can squeeze the median nerve, which causes pain and numbness in the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. This numbness is one of the things doctors look for when diagnosing CTS. You can also experience tingling in your hand if you have carpal tunnel, especially at night.

There are other conditions that mimic CTS that could cause similar discomfort. If the numbness presents on the forearm as well as the hand, it could be something called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, where there is pressure on your shoulder’s brachial nerve. Both CTS and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome can be attributed to overuse or repetitive strain of the muscles in your arm.

The good news, is that massage therapy can be an effective tool in both treating and preventing carpal tunnel syndrome.  Your therapist can use stretches and other techniques during your session to relieve pain and tension in your hands, restoring much needed circulation to your arms. Here at Massage Williamsburg we use White Flower Oil on inflamed muscles to help ease pressure on the sensitive nerves in your arm. And valuable advice from your massage therapist can aid you in managing CTS—and show you ways to prevent it from happening.

As always, if you think you have CTS, or any other condition involving numbness and pain, consult your health care professional. And if you can’t go right away, here are some things to try to soothe your injury in the meantime.

  • Use heat to relax tight muscles that may be putting pressure on the nerves in your arm.
  • If you use a computer everyday, make sure your hands are in neutral position—not flexed up nor down. Keep your shoulders away from your ears, too.
  • Try this stretch: Turn your outstretched hand palm up, placing your other hand across the fingers. Pull the stretching hand down and back towards you. This opens up the carpal tunnel! Switch hands and repeat.

Happy Mother’s Day from Massage Williamsburg

May 8th, 2010 .

Libby, Rachel's Mom with Neice Hannah

We’d like to take this moment to thank all of our Mothers who’ve supported us, nurtured us, and helped us to grow. We couldn’t have been where we are today without you. Wishing you a Very Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms of Massage Williamsburg! We love you very much!

- Rachel Beider

5 Yoga Moves You Should Know

May 6th, 2010 .
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Plank: Build strength in those arms by putting yourself in Plank position. From Cat and Cow, put your feet straight back behind you. You should be in a push-up position—this is Plank! Stay here for a few seconds, making sure your feet, pelvis, and torso are all one straight line.

Cat and Cow: Come to all fours on your mat (hands and knees). First try Cat—arch your back towards the ceiling, looking into your navel. Now comes Cow, where you arch towards the floor this time, and bring your head up to look ahead of you. Do this as many times as feels right, timing your breath as you go.

Downward Dog: This is probably one yoga pose you’ve seen before if you’ve ever watched workout TV! From Plank position, simply push your hips to the sky.

Try to keep those hips up while pushing your feet back to the earth. If this is too rough for you, you can bend your knees a tad. Keep your shoulders as far from your ears as you can!

Pigeon: Great for stretching hamstrings and hip extensors! From Downward Dog, send one of your feet up to your hands. Lean forward for a lunge. Right now you should look like a track runner. Supporting yourself on strong arms and your back foot, place your forward leg on its side. Take the support away and let yourself down over that front leg. More advanced tip: Bring your back leg up by bending your knee – this is the goal to strive towards.

Chair: Take yourself out of pigeon by going to hands and knees (and repeating the routine over again from Cat and Cow to Downward Dog). Now step one foot forward, then the other. Keeping your legs bent, come up to standing but ‘sit back’ a little, as if you were about to sit in a seat. Stay here, and raise your arms to feel the energy coursing through those quad muscles!

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