“LOVE this place. Have been going on a regular basis. Robert is a magician. It’s changed my body going to see him. Beautiful little space, really reasonable prices. highly recommend!”

“I’ve seen several therapists here over the years – most recently Jen and Allison – and every time it’s been a great experience. I tend to have chronic headaches and upper back pain and both have improved significantly since I’ve been going here regularly.  Quiet, clean, easy to make appointments, generally wonderful. I’ve moved out of Williamsburg, but I’ll go here for massages as long as I’m in NYC.”

“I am so happy to find such a great spot for massages in Williamsburg!  After two amazing 90-minute sessions with Amanda, I am now a devoted follower and bought a 10-session package.  I’ve had many massages from many different therapists, but Amanda is the best therapist I’ve ever experienced!  Her strong hands not only execute flawless technique, but also a singular focus of energy and intuition directed at all the right places with the right amount of pressure.  I’m sure the other therapists are just as good, but since I clicked right away with Amanda, I’ll stick with her! ”

“I received a massage from here as a gift and really enjoyed it. I got lucky  was scheduled with Emily. She was warm, professional and instantly made me feel comfortable. Emily took the time to do a pre-massage consultation and feel I got a more customized massage because of it. I will defiantly go back and would recommend it to anyone of my friends.”

“It was the most relaxing massage I have ever had.  We sat together for a few minutes and discussed the things that ailed me, and he gave me a full body massage to get rid of all that stress i was holding onto.  Needless to say,  I am going to be booking weekly appointments with Robert!  Clean, cozy, quiet little space with lots of TLC.  I am extremely happy and have referred him to several friends already!”

A growing number of studies are finding that chronic back pain has a strong genetic component. In the past, researchers who looked at families with multiple back patients had trouble ruling out the environmental factors that relatives often share, like similar lifestyles and careers, or habits like smoking and lack of exercise. Now, however, studies have shown a clear connection.

In one large analysis published in February in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, researchers at the University of Utah used records from a large health and genealogic database to study more than a million Utah residents. As they scoured the data, they focused on people with herniated or degenerating disks — diagnoses that commonly result in chronic pain.

The data showed that having a second-degree relative (aunt, uncle or grandparent) or third-degree relative (cousin) with the condition increased a person’s risk, regardless of environmental factors. And having an immediate family member raised a person’s risk more than four times.

Other studies have strengthened the hypothesis by identifying at least two versions of a gene that produces a collagen protein and appears closely linked to sciatica and disk herniation.

Written By: Annahad O’Connor in the New York Times

So what are “knots” exactly? Well I am so glad you asked! The simple explanation is that our muscles are layered and are oriented in many different directions. Their layers cross each other at various angles – think of some as parallel, like 14th Street and 23rd Streets in Manhattan, and others as perpendicular – 2nd Avenue as compared to 10th Street. To add complication, there are often several layers of muscles right on top of each other. You may find that at these crossings, from time to time, rather than gliding past each other nicely as usual, muscles may become adhered or “stuck” to their surrounding structures, resulting in a crunchy, lumpy, hard and painful spot that can feel stuck and uncomfortable. (Knot is a misnomer, as muscles aren’t literally tangled up). An adhesion can start to limit your range of motion, making it harder to move or stretch in a certain direction, which is often uncomfortable and painful.

A common spot for someone to feel a bit stuck is Levator Scapulae because of its angular orientation (Think Broadway, how it runs along at an angle to all the other streets). Levator starts at a point high up in your neck, and runs at an angle to attach to your Scapula (or shoulder blade).

Why do we get knots? Muscles become adhered for all kinds of reasons, most commonly because of posture and sitting still (in front of a computer or at a desk) for too long. Sound familiar?  When we don’t move around, we don’t allow proper blood flow – blood being important because it lubricates our muscles, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients, all while speeding away the yucky stuff that accumulates over time. We aren’t meant to be sedentary, our bodies need movement and action to stay healthy. (An extreme side of this is when muscles atrophy, or waste away, from lack of movement.) Another contributing factor to adhesions is dehydration. Coffee and alcohol are diuretics, and in order to stay well hydrated and it good shape, our bodies require water. Muscles are a pretty spongy tissue, and need to stay well hydrated to perform their best. Injuries can also contribute to adhesions, and they are commonly found at points of scar tissue.

How do you get rid of knots? There are a few things that you can do to treat adhesions, most notably stretching and massage therapy. Massage therapists will fully warm up an area before working on it, using long, gliding strokes and deeper kneading strokes (fancy terminology for these strokes is Effleurage and Pettrisage).  Applying pressure to the area with their fingertips, fists, elbows and forearms, your therapist will sink in slowly into the painful area that is bothering you. A skilled therapist will at first work along the length of the muscle using long gliding strokes to feel the adhered areas, and then work across the points of adhesions using a technique called Cross Fiber Friction to help gently unadhere those stuck spots. This usually feels a little painful, but very very good. (What I like to call “Delicious Pain”. The session should follow with gentle mobilization and stretches for maximum benefit. You can also give yourself a massage at home using a foam roller.

How can I prevent getting knots in the future? Take Breaks – don’t stay in the same position for hours and hours, walk away from your desk or computer regularly, and use the most ergonomic posture that you can when doing repetitive work. Stretch regularly, it helps establish nice patterns of movement and increases your range of motion. Stay hydrated, skip excess caffeine and alcohol. Keep in touch with your body through activities that allow an understanding of how you’re feeling, like meditation and yoga. You wouldn’t wait for your car to break down before changing the oil – take a moment to listen to your body and notice where you have stress and tension, so that you can take preventative action before a condition worsens. Regular massage appointments can also help inform you and remind you of what is happening with your muscles, all while treating the pain and discomfort and increasing circulation.

When home remedies or our patience wears out, and we’re still feeling worn out, what’s to be done? Actually, abdominal massage is often overlooked by both professionals and patients, but receiving massage to your midsection has so many comforting benefits! Abdominal massage can truly nurture your digestion–the perfect therapy after a day (or several…) of gluttonous eating. By the external touch, your middle organs rouse the internal activity of your stomach muscles to behave healthfully. Those accumulated toxins will be cleared away and all those sensitive nerves in your middle will thank you for the extra care.

What is especially beautiful about abdominal massage is that it is able to treat both the cause and the symptoms–the gentle-but-intentional rubbing of the midsection relieves the stress that causes the tension and the pain as well as relieves the pain itself.  Also, unlike other areas of the body that would be impossible (or pretty difficult) to work on yourself, you have easy access to your own abdomen and can even treat yourself.  You can try this sitting or lying down, for up to ten minutes: begin on the lower left side of your abdomen and gently rub in small circles in a clockwise motionwith the pads of your fingertips. Move in a counter clockwise motion, continuing your soft and slow touch, until you reach your hip bone. You can then try to lightly continue across to your navel and then finish where you began. Remember to breathe in fully and deeply and concentrate on what you need to relax. Try using different depths of pressure, as different areas will be more sensitive than others. (As always, if you experience severe cramps or chronic pain, talk to your doctor, as it may be a sign of something more serious).

I want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement, and for sending us so many referrals and kind reviews.  I am so happy that we welcomed in 1,500 new clients this year, and that our team of LMTs has expanded to 14 Therapists! As our practice has grown in the worst economic times from 10 clients to over 3,000 clients, I feel an overwhelmed with a sense of community, and so thankful for the abundance of work that the neighborhood has provided.  Thank you again, and if you know anyone who could benefit from a massage, please send them our way!

Warmly,

Rachel Beider

We will be Closed on Sunday Dec 25th and Monday Dec 26h, and re-open on Tuesday December 27th at 10AM.

Have a Safe, Enjoyable and Relaxing Holiday, and don’t forget to buy Gift Cards for your loved ones, on our homepage.

Local to Williamsburg is Artist Sharon Goldberg’s With Roots, living creations including gorgeous Jewelry, tiny terrariums, and ornaments.

Also nearby is the Artist, Designer & Vintage Market, which is associated with Artists and Fleas. Established on North 6th street in 2003, this part-showing, part-alt-retail space has housed varied and various vendors, ranging from designers, collectors and artists. The vibes are artistic and dynamic, with different offerings of vintage, handmade and indie goods–a great fit for anyone fussy (Or Grinchy…) in your friend or family circle. The market had a spinning DJ every week and also gives you the chance to meet the artist you’re buying from.

The list of artists is ever-growing, with even more being offered during the holiday season, but one of my favorite vendors for clothing for men and women is House of Reboot, which hosts a effortless glam-casual hoodies, sweaters and dresses. Know anyone wild about jewelry? SparkleFarm is terrific: wholly adorable and affordable. For the homebody in your circle, consider the housewares from Evolving Habitat, which are totally attractive and spunky designs.

The vendors are constantly expanding in product and number, and you’re able to decide on your own favorites Saturdays or Sundays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m on North Seventh. Limited holidays showings are also available at the Chelsea Market, located on the northeast corner of 15th and 10th, December 16-December 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This pop-up event is closed December 25 and has limited hours on the 24th–see artistsandfleas.com for full, fabulous details.

A couple of quick and easy treatments include turning on (or investing in!) a humidifier, using a loofah in the shower, and applying your choice of moisturizer right after you towel off. The timing here is key: moisturizing after a shower helps your already-open pores lock in the hydration of the lotion that they need. This prevents an over-secretion of oil, which is what can lead to some of those bumps.

For more stubborn outbreaks, consider making a new habit of dry skin brushing. Not only does this practice an additional exfoliation step, but it also encourages the release built-up toxins and stimulates blood flow to the specific brushed area. You can start by choosing a long-handled brush, at your favorite health food store, pharmacy or spa. A brush with natural bristles is better than one with synthetic bristles–these may irritate your skin and do more harm than good. Before you shower, use the brush on the soles of your feet and work up, all over your limbs, using an upward motion, as this will boost blood flow toward your heart. One round is fine, two rounds of brushing is better. With less toxins and better circulation, our skin will be more nourished and potentially our energy levels will be higher and our immune systems will be sharper. 

Keeping skin hydrated and invigorated helps protect us from the external season chill. Rachel recommends Williamsburg neighborhood boutique, Skinny Skinny’s line of Body Oil, and especially enjoys their Rosemary Bergamot scent. If our pores are hydrated and relieved of dead cells and proteins, then the chances of developing ugly bumps or even catching colds are much smaller. Consider these extra steps to care for your biggest organ, biggest detoxifier, and biggest barrier so that it may take its best care of you.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.  If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you.  You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot.  Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth.  And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on.  No, it won’t be easy.  There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them.  We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems.  That’s not how we’re made.  In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall.  Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time.  This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself.  Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves.

4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner.– Its amazing how much we do for others and how very little we do for ourselves. Do something just for you, and by taking care of yourself you will be your best for those who need you.  If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else.  Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you.  Don’t change so people will like you.  Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing.  Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success.  You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us.  We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past.  But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.  Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive.  But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either.  You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else.

11. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises.  Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

12. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely.  It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company.  There’s no need to rush.  If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

13. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet.  Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you.  But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

14. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you.  Concentrate on beating your own records every day.  Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

15. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you.  You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough.  But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past.  You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation.  So smile!  Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

16. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart.  You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate.  Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.”  It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.”  Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself!  And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too.  If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

17. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it.  If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.  Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

18. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things.  The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

19. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done.

20. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile.  Don’t take the easy way out.  Do something extraordinary.

21. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while.  You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well.  You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears.  The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

22. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life.  When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

23. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy.  One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time?  Three years?  Five years?”  If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

24. Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen.– Focus on what you do want to happen.  Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story.  If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

25. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life.  Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs.  Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have.

As seen on:  Marc