A client recently asked me, “What exactly is fascia, and how does it relate to pain?” It is a great question because fascia is mentioned frequently in massage therapy, but it is not always explained in everyday language. Fascia, pronounced “FASH-uh,” is a web of connective tissue that surrounds and supports your muscles, bones, joints, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It extends throughout your entire body, from your head to your toes. Think of the White Material Around an

If you've been battling Wisconsin's summer allergies, you may recognize the feeling... Your ears feel plugged. Your head feels heavy. There's pressure around your eyes and cheeks. You keep swallowing, hoping your ears will finally pop. Most people assume it's "just allergies." Sometimes it is. But sometimes the muscles in your neck, jaw, and shoulders may also be contributing to that feeling. According to the Cleveland Clinic, allergies are one of the most common causes of Eu

"I have so many knots!" It's one of the most common things I hear from clients. But what exactly is a "knot?" Is it really a knot in the muscle? Can massage actually get rid of it? The answer is fascinating. A muscle knot isn't actually a knot. A muscle knot, often called a trigger point, is a small area within a muscle where a group of muscle fibers becomes stuck in a contracted state. Normally, muscles contract when you use them and then relax when you're finished. Healthy

Do you notice constant tightness in your shoulders or neck? Does it feel worse by the end of the day, or turn into headaches that seem to come out of nowhere? Many women assume it’s just stress or posture, but if it feels like it never fully goes away, there’s usually more happening beneath the surface. If you go to your General Practitioner, you may be told you have muscle strain, tension headaches, or even migraines. But how do you know what’s really causing it, especially

Low back and hip pain Do you notice a nagging pain in one of your hips? By the end of the day, does it become almost unbearable? If you go to your General Practioner, they may tell you you have bursitis or gulteal tendonitis, but how do you know for sure? If you think you've "done nothing". If it just started hurting one day out of nowhere, lets explore the musculoskeletal possibilities! It sometimes could be that your SI joint or pelvis needs re-aligning with your Chiropract