Challenges and Change of Season

In my experience, the change of season from Winter to Spring always feels highly anticipated, hugely delayed and then very suddenly ARRIVED in a mad explosion of color and sound and scent, as though the birds, flowers and even the earth worms collaborate in a highly orchestrated, supremely delivered surprise. Though faith in the return of light and warmth might be all that drives me through the winter, that faith is always tested by the time spring truly arrives. This season was not different, and yet, it was.

Old things, ancient things stirred deep within, a part of myself returning, welcomed home at last.  My partner suggested a daily practice to reconnect with these energies, and the 30 day crystal grid challenge was born. 

I’m posting the photos on Elemental Work’s Instagram account @elementalmaine. Incorporating pieces from my crystal and mineral collection, bits of nature collected on my wanderings through Portland and the occasional quotes, these grids keep me focued, keep me planning, keep me creating and feeling through this seasonal shift. Come by IG and check out all 15 posts in the series so far and stay tuned for the grids still to come.

 

What is Medical Massage?

I’ve completed the first half of my medical massage training and have used this highly effective work on some of my clients.   I am spreading the word about my continuing education, and have been asked a few times now, “What exactly is medical massage?”  An excellent question!

Very simply, medical massage is massage that is prescribed by a physician for the treatment of a particular malady or injury.  If appropriate, the massage treatments prescribed could be billed to insurance.  Billable insurances include auto insurance in the event of an accident, workman’s compensation in the event of a workplace injury, and occasionally major medical insurance, if your policy specifies massage coverage.

When prescribed, massage is applied only to the area(s) included in the diagnosis—no full body work here, unless the diagnosis includes a systemic issue.  Some examples include:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Sciatic nerve pain
  • Lymphedema
  • Stress
  • Whiplash
  • Tendonitis
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • TMJ
  • Bursitis
  • Lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis
  • Pelvic tilting/rotation
  • Arthritis

Medical massage does not refer to a specific group of massage techniques, though some techniques are employed to a greater degree based on their ability to deliver measurably effective results.  These techniques include, but are not limited to, myofascial release, neuromuscular techniques, petrissage, and cross fiber friction.  

I am excited to be able to bring new, focused skills to bear with the clients I currently enjoy and look forward to adding new clientele with diagnosed needs.

To your health!

Laura Share is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Associate Polarity Practitioner at Elemental Work in beautiful Portland, Maine.  She was a massage therapy and Polarity instructor at Spa Tech Institute 2014-2016. She will earn her Medical Massage Practitioner certification in April 2017. 

Learn about her practice at www.elementalmaine.com

Elemental Work Celebrates Year One

As I notice the light leaving the sky earlier and earlier and the colors of the leaves changing, I want to take a moment to thank each of my clients over the last year who have helped Elemental Work to become what it is today.  

Seasonal Shifts

Seasonal Shifts

Doesn't time fly? Another autumn has arrived, and Elemental Work's first anniversary has arrived. I'm so filled with gratitude; for the year that has passed, for the folks who have come into my life and my practice, for all the valuable lessons I have learned, for all of the invaluable support I have received through this process. 

Giving thanks for Year One and looking forward to many more to come!