Explore Our Medical Massage Therapy Health Articles
Dive into our collection of informative health articles to learn more about the benefits of medical massage therapy. Discover how this therapeutic approach can help manage specific conditions, enhance well-being, and improve your overall quality of life.
We invite you to explore these valuable insights and take the first step toward better health. Remember, prioritizing self-care is an essential part of achieving a healthier, happier you.
Read Our Articles to uncover the many ways medical massage therapy can make a difference in your journey to wellness.
Why Choose Our Medical Massage Therapy Services?
Our practice is committed to delivering exceptional care tailored to individuals with chronic pain and those requiring specialized attention. We provide comprehensive support for patients managing both acute and chronic pain, as well as those coping with stress and anxiety.
Our focus is on offering outcome-driven massage therapy services designed to enhance well-being, promote recovery, and improve overall quality of life. With a dedication to personalized care, we strive to meet the unique needs of each patient, helping them achieve lasting relief and wellness.
Insurance and Reimbursement Information
We accept NYSHIP and No-Fault Insurance for auto accident-related treatments. Additionally, many insurance providers offer reimbursement for our massage therapy sessions.
For more details about coverage, eligibility, and claims, visit our Insurance and Reimbursement Information Page.
Medical Articles
Explore our collection of medical massage therapy articles designed to provide insights into managing specific conditions. We hope these resources encourage you to consider massage therapy as a step toward improved health and well-being. Remember, prioritizing self-care not only benefits you but also creates a better “we.”
At our practice, we focus on providing exceptional care for individuals with chronic pain, understanding their unique need for specialized attention. We also support patients dealing with acute pain, chronic conditions, anxiety, and stress. Our outcome-based approach to massage therapy ensures high-quality care aimed at enhancing recovery and overall well-being. We are proud to deliver superior care that you can trust.
Additionally, we accept NYSHIP and No-Fault Insurance for auto accident treatments, and many other insurance providers offer reimbursement for our sessions. For more details, visit our Insurance Information Page.
Massage Therapy for Health: What the Science Says
- Insights from leading organizations like the Mayo Clinic validate the benefits of massage therapy for managing pain, reducing stress, and supporting recovery.
Discover how science supports massage therapy and explore how it can positively impact your health. Read more on our
Do you experience numbness, pain, or tingling in your hand, particularly in your thumb, index, middle, or half of your ring finger? Do you use your hands repetitively or forcefully? Do you often bend your wrist, have arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis), thyroid imbalances, or hormonal changes associated with menopause or pregnancy? If so, you may be suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The wrist and the base of your hand are made up of small bones called the "carpals." These bones form a narrow tunnel known as the "carpal tunnel," which houses nine tendons and the median nerve, responsible for sensation and movement in your fingers. Since this tunnel has limited space, any swelling in the area can compress the median nerve, leading to irritation and potentially permanent nerve damage if left untreated.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can mimic other conditions that require different treatments. Therefore, it’s crucial to have an experienced physician evaluate your symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy is a highly effective treatment for CTS. By relieving pressure on the median nerve and increasing circulation, massage therapy helps alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. Additionally, retraining proper hand posture and reducing biomechanical stress are critical to avoiding exacerbation of the condition.
Unlike medications, injections, or surgery, medical massage therapy offers a non-invasive solution without side effects. At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, we have developed a specialized protocol that has been life-changing for many of our clients. A 30-minute session could help prevent surgery and may be the solution you’re seeking.
Take the First Step
As always, consult with your physician or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. If you’re ready to explore a non-invasive, effective approach to managing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, contact us to schedule your session today!
How to Begin
- Relax your shoulders. When possible, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
- Visualize a balloon in your stomach.
- Inhale: Fill the balloon in your belly, letting it expand.
- Exhale: Deflate the balloon as you release the air.
Practice Makes Perfect
Start slowly—just a few breaths at a time—and practice several times a day. With consistency, your breathing patterns will naturally improve, and you’ll feel the calming, restorative benefits of this technique.
Reconnecting with diaphragmatic breathing can lead to greater relaxation, reduced stress, and better overall health. Ready to give it a try? Take a deep breath and begin your journey to mindful breathing!
Learn about the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing for wellness and healing on the Medical Massage Articles page by Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy.
Cancer screening tests play a crucial role in detecting cancer early, often before symptoms develop. Early detection can make treatment more effective and improve the chances of a cure. Below are some common cancer screenings and guidelines:
Recommended Cancer Screenings
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms are recommended starting at age 45 but may begin as early as age 40, depending on individual risk factors.
- Cervical Cancer: Screenings are advised every five years for individuals with a cervix.
- Colorectal Cancer: Colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45.
- Prostate Cancer: African Americans and individuals with higher risk factors should discuss screening with their doctor beginning at age 45.
Personalized Screening Plans
Talk with your healthcare provider to determine the best screening tests for you and how often they should be performed. If you don’t have a doctor, check with your insurance provider for a list of in-network physicians.
Self-Examination for Cancer
In addition to medical screenings, you can perform self-checks by examining your skin thoroughly, including areas like your fingernails, palms, forearms, upper arms, legs, genital area, buttocks, and feet.
Stay Updated
Screening recommendations evolve as new research becomes available. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the American Cancer Society’s website: Get Screened – American Cancer Society.
Many headaches are caused by trigger points in the neck and head—tight, sensitive spots in the muscles that refer pain to other areas. While factors like sinuses, certain foods, coffee, odors, hunger, and lack of sleep are often cited as headache triggers, the underlying pain is frequently mediated by these trigger points. Understanding this connection is key, as addressing trigger points can often relieve headache pain.
Types of Headache Experiences
Headache sufferers can generally be divided into three categories (simplified):
No Headache People
These individuals may have tight or even painful neck muscles, but they rarely, if ever, experience headaches.Ordinary Headache People
These individuals experience occasional headaches that are mild enough to not interfere significantly with their daily activities. These headaches typically respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers.Severe Headache People
Severe headache sufferers endure significant pain that can be disabling. Their condition often impacts work, leisure activities, and personal relationships. They may also face the challenge of others not fully understanding the extent of their suffering.
Relieving Headache Pain with Massage Therapy
Trigger points in the neck and head can be a major source of headache pain, and addressing these areas through targeted massage therapy often provides relief. By releasing tension and improving circulation, massage therapy can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, offering a drug-free option for managing pain.
If you’re struggling with headaches—whether occasional or severe—massage therapy may help you find relief. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support your journey to better health and comfort.
Prenatal massage offers the same benefits as regular massage—relaxing tense muscles, easing sore spots, improving circulation, enhancing mobility, and promoting overall well-being. However, it is specially designed to meet the unique needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies.
Why Choose Prenatal Massage?
Carrying a baby changes your center of gravity, placing additional stress on your back, neck, shoulders, and abdominal muscles. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, making your pelvic joints less stable, and alters your posture by pulling your pelvis forward. Combined with the extra weight you carry, these changes can lead to discomfort, especially in the lower back.
Prenatal massage is tailored to address these specific challenges, helping to alleviate discomfort and provide much-needed relaxation.
Our Commitment to Quality Care
Although New York State does not require specific certification for prenatal massage, Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy goes above and beyond to ensure our therapists are specially trained and certified to provide safe and effective prenatal care. You’ll also enjoy the comfort of a specialized massage table with hollowed-out sections to accommodate your belly and breasts, allowing you to lie face down comfortably.
Pre- and Post-Natal Massage
Whether you’re expecting or recovering postpartum, you can count on Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy for expert care that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. We’re not just about relieving aches and pains—we’re about delivering a truly relaxing and restorative experience. We are “oohs and ahhs” and so much more!
Ready to experience the benefits of prenatal massage? Contact us today to schedule your session!
Sciatica pain can have multiple causes, but one of the most common culprits is the piriformis muscle. The sciatic nerve, which innervates the back of the leg, passes under, over, or sometimes through the piriformis muscle. When this muscle becomes tight or entrapped, it can lead to sciatica, causing intense pain in the lower back, buttocks, and down the back of the leg, even into the foot. This condition, commonly referred to as Piriformis Syndrome, can truly be a “pain in the buttocks.”
What Contributes to Piriformis Syndrome?
- Posture and Weight Distribution: Many people tend to stand with their weight shifted to one leg, which causes the piriformis muscle, responsible for outwardly rotating the hip, to work overtime.
- Driving Habits: Long-distance driving can exacerbate the condition. Sitting for prolonged periods with knees apart keeps the hips outwardly rotated, shortening the piriformis muscle and increasing discomfort.
- Pressure on the Sciatic Nerve: Sitting with a wallet in the back pocket can create undue pressure on the sciatic nerve, especially when driving or sitting for extended periods.
Tips to Reduce Discomfort
- Take frequent breaks during long drives, even if just to walk around the car.
- Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.
- Ensure even weight distribution while standing.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy can often relieve the pain associated with Piriformis Syndrome by:
- Releasing tension in the piriformis muscle.
- Addressing associated trigger points.
- Re-educating muscles to prevent recurring tightness.
At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, we’ve developed a specialized protocol for Piriformis Syndrome that has been life-changing for many of our patients. A 30-minute medical massage session may provide the relief you’ve been searching for.
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical doctor for a proper diagnosis and before undergoing any treatment. DO NOT SELF-DIAGNOSE!
Ready to take the first step toward relief? Contact us today to schedule your medical massage session!
Got allergies? Got pain? Consider Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)—an advanced medical massage technique that can provide significant relief.
What is Manual Lymph Drainage?
MLD is a gentle, rhythmical massage technique designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping the body collect and transport lymphatic fluid more effectively. This therapy often addresses edema (swelling due to fluid retention) and clears congestion in the body, significantly enhancing health and well-being.
At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, we specialize in Facial Massage, which can also greatly alleviate sinus and allergy symptoms. Learn more on our Facial Massage Page.
Benefits of MLD for Sinusitis, Allergies, and More
- Allergies & Sinusitis:
MLD techniques can relieve symptoms caused by allergies, such as hay fever or reactions to pollen and mold, by reducing edema in the mucous membranes and clearing facial congestion. It also boosts the immune system, making it effective for chronic sinus congestion and sinusitis. - Migraines & Chronic Headaches:
Migraines often involve swelling around blood vessels in the head and neck. MLD can reduce this edema, providing relief for migraines and chronic headaches. - TMJ Disorders:
While MLD won’t correct TMJ disorders, it can reduce the swelling they cause, offering welcome relief to sufferers. - Other Conditions:
- Acne
- Strains and sprains
- Chronic conditions like arthritis
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Constipation
- Post-surgery healing
Why Choose MLD?
MLD targets the intricate network of lymphatic vessels just beneath the skin, stimulating the lymph to move efficiently along proper pathways. This process cleanses the lymph, which eventually rejoins the bloodstream via veins in the cervical area.
The treatment can be performed with the patient fully clothed or unclothed, depending on individual needs and preferences.
What to Expect
Many clients who undergo a series of MLD treatments report dramatic improvements in their condition, including:
- Reduced swelling and congestion
- Improved energy levels and skin texture
- A calming of the nervous system, leading to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and better sleep
A Trusted Provider
At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, Marla Kaplan-Pelle, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Director, leads our skilled team. As a Recommended Community Provider for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, we are dedicated to delivering expert care.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Contact us today to explore how MLD can benefit you. As always, please consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
Discover the difference MLD can make in your journey to better health and well-being!
Sports Massage is specifically designed to address the muscle systems used in various sports. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting, sports massage can help you recover from injuries, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. A large part of our therapy focuses on maintaining muscle health to ensure optimal performance.
Why Choose Sports Massage?
- Injury Prevention: Regular sessions can help identify and address areas of tension, reducing the risk of injury.
- Recovery Support: Sports massage promotes faster recovery by increasing circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and alleviating stiffness.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Targeted techniques improve range of motion and muscle elasticity, allowing athletes to perform at their best.
Athletes R Us!
Whatever your sport, we’re here to help you perform at your peak:
- Golfers: After the sandtrap… Come have your traps worked!
- Tennis Players: After the match point… Come have your trigger points worked!
- Runners: Get rid of those ITB Blues!
Sports We Serve
From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, our services cover a wide range of sports:
- Golf
- Tennis
- Soccer
- Dance
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
- Softball
- Track and Field
- Cheerleading
- Field Hockey
- Ice Hockey
- Running
- Marathon Training
- Swimming
- Weightlifting
- Bowling
- Horseback Riding
- Football
- And More!
Take the First Step Toward Better Performance
Whether you need help recovering from an injury, preventing one, or just improving your overall athletic performance, Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy is here for you.
Contact us today to schedule your sports massage session and get back to doing what you love—better, faster, and stronger!
Oh, to have a teenager! Oh, to be a teenager! The teenage years are a time of transformation—both physically and emotionally. Massage therapy can be an invaluable tool to help teens navigate this challenging and tender age.
Why Massage Therapy for Teens?
The teenage body experiences rapid growth and development, often accompanied by aches, pains, and an increased risk of injury. Competitive sports, irregular sleep schedules, and less-than-optimal diets further strain young bodies. Massage therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
Physical Benefits:
- Muscle recovery from overuse.
- Improved body balance and stability.
- Relief from aches and pains caused by growth and physical activity.
Emotional Benefits:
- Improved body image and self-awareness.
- Reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Better sleep patterns and relaxation.
Massage keeps teens connected to their bodies, even as they undergo dramatic changes, providing both physical relief and emotional grounding.
Addressing Stress and Pressure
According to Reuters Health, one-third of the nation’s teens report feeling daily stress from overwhelming expectations by parents, society, peer pressure, and hormonal changes. At Hands On HealthCare Massage Therapy, we offer massage therapy sessions specifically designed to help teenagers relax, de-stress, and learn about self-care.
With teens bombarded by mixed messages about their bodies and the concept of beauty, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of health, wellness, and the concept of "good" touch.
What Teens Can Expect
Our teen-friendly spa experience is tailored to ensure comfort, education, and relaxation. Sessions include:
- Breathing techniques.
- Progressive relaxation methods.
- Stress-relief lessons.
Our safe and relaxing environment provides a haven for teens to unwind, rejuvenate, and focus on their physical and emotional well-being.
Special Experiences for Teens
- Mother-Daughter Spa Days: Build healthy habits and introduce a positive lifestyle to the next generation. Explore options on our Couples Spa Date Menu.
- Group Spa Treatments: Perfect for Sweet Sixteen parties or group celebrations. Spa parties are a fun and rejuvenating experience for teens.
Encourage Wellness Today
Massage therapy offers well-documented benefits for teens, and we’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t forget to fill out our Parental Consent Form before your teen’s first session.
Give us a call today to schedule a session and introduce your teen to the benefits of massage therapy in a safe and nurturing environment!
Have you ever wondered what can be done for headaches, neck stiffness, carpal tunnel-like symptoms, frozen shoulder, back pain, low back stiffness, or shin splints? The answer might lie in Trigger Point Therapy.
What Are Trigger Points?
Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around a nerve receptor, forming in muscles that have been overused, stressed, or injured—whether from accidents, surgeries, or repetitive motions. They can manifest as:
- Sharp pain
- Dull ache
- Tingling
- Pins and needles sensations
Active Trigger Points cause discomfort and pain, while Latent Trigger Points remain dormant until activated by stress or strain. Unfortunately, these points are often overlooked as the root cause of pain, and their presence is not detectable with traditional medical tests like MRIs or X-rays.
When untreated, trigger points can create satellite trigger points in other areas. For example:
- A trigger point in the trapezius may cause one in the temple.
- A temple trigger point may then create one in the jaw, potentially leading to TMJ symptoms.
What to Expect from Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Point Therapy is a focused treatment that is different from traditional relaxation massage. It requires collaboration between the therapist and client, as the client communicates the intensity and presence of discomfort to maximize results.
- Effective Results: Many clients notice significant improvement after just one session.
- Chronic Cases: Those with longstanding or chronic trigger points may require repeated treatments for optimal relief.
While it’s not a “fluff and buff” technique, Trigger Point Therapy provides targeted relief that can dramatically improve quality of life.
Why Choose Trigger Point Therapy?
Whether you’re suffering from localized pain or symptoms that seem unrelated, Trigger Point Therapy may help. By addressing the source of discomfort and breaking the cycle of satellite trigger points, this therapy can provide lasting relief.
If you have any questions about Trigger Point Therapy or would like to schedule a session, please contact us!