​If you’re a client of mine, you’ve probably heard me express my love of volleyball at some point. Maybe you’ve heard it even if you aren’t one of my regulars, because I love talking about it!
 My passion for the game stems from 5th grade on, and has grown into an obsession. Not only did I play volleyball all through grade school and high school, but I am STILL playing in any sort of leagues I can find. Indoor, sand, teams of 6s, 4s, even beach 2s. You name it, I’ve played it; and coached it. I have spent the last 7 years coaching middle school volleyball for Summerfield Schools, and was recently promoted to the head varsity position. 
 So why am I telling you all this? What’s my point? My background as an athlete means I GET IT. I’ve had every ache and pain in the book. My shoulder snaps, crackles, and pops. My hips are stuck in my defensive position. So what’s my secret then? How do I keep going? You guessed it: massage therapy!

My history with sports has melted its way into my career as a therapist. I, and Back to Basics, have had the honor of working with so many different teams, athletes, and events.
To name a few:
*University of Toledo men’s and women’s basketball teams
*University of Toledo women’s tennis team
*Glass city marathon runners - pre and post event
*Local mixed martial artists
*High School student athletes 

​Sports massage has numerous benefits, and can be used before an event, during training, after an activity, or to help recover after an injury.
Some noted benefits include:
-Increased flexibility and joint range of motion. 
-Decreased muscle tension and nerve activity
-Decreased muscle spasms and cramping
-Increased blood flow
-Removal of lactic acid in sore muscles
 
Everyone responds differently to physical activity, so whatever your therapy goals are, the therapists at Back to Basics have you covered! Maybe you are a hiker or biker. Maybe you love to swim, walk, run, or play ball like me. Anytime your body may start to feel run down, sore, tight or just sluggish, our phones are waiting for your call! Make sure to schedule an appointment for therapy, so you can continue on being active long into your future!

​If I had stopped learning about prenatal massages after school, then I would have said yes.  A side-lying massage with a limit on deep pressure and absolutely NO TOUCHING THE FEET!  Thankfully, I invested a little more time in prenatal massage and childbirth education.  One of the greatest benefits of massage during pregnancy is relaxation.  Regular massage supports the parasympathetic nervous system and endocrine system to produce an environment that encourages a healthy and productive pregnancy and labor. 
However, relaxation isn’t the only goal of prenatal massage and thankfully we are not limited to only relaxation techniques. Physical changes during pregnancy can create several muscular skeletal imbalances.  An increase in size of thoracic cavity, the shifts in the pelvis, tightness in the abdomen, and a decrease in arch of the foot are all changes that can lead to achiness in joints, low back pain and babies who want to hang out in one area of the pelvis.  Pain relief massage modalities such as neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release can be resolutions to these muscular imbalances and the suggestion of corrective exercises and stretches will help promote balance.  Massage is also extremely beneficial to increase circulation through the legs when the feet may begin to swell in the latter stages of pregnancy, another exciting side effect.
As far as the side-lying position, sure that’s a position that is recommended with the support of pillows, but depending on your medical history, what’s currently happening in your pregnancy how far along you and your over all comfort level will determine how you receive massage.

​After completing training with Spinning Babies, one of the most exciting techniques I learned (and continue to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE) is Belly Mapping.  Belly Mapping helps identify where in the uterus your baby is.  In a massage session I use this technique to help me gather more information about the pelvis and to teach moms how to practice recognizing baby’s movements; strong jolts are often kicks while flutters are often punches, hard round bumps are often head and or butt and long, smooth surfaces indicates the baby’s back.  This has become a beautiful opportunity to bond with baby and build a connection before delivery.  The pure joy in a new mom’s eyes as soon as I help her confirm that no that’s not gas that’s your baby saying hello, is a precious moment for me. 
Bonding is not the only reason why practicing identifying positions is important.  Knowing where baby is can help us know what positions are most helpful to facilitate an easier exit for baby’s delivery! Providing guidance and positions to my clients to practice before the big PUSH are tools in their tools box they will know how to use when needed.