About Karla Freitag

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So far Karla Freitag has created 12 blog entries.

June 2018

Hello from the staff at Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group!

As you enjoy time with family, friends doing your favorite summer activities, take time to make wellness and massage a regular part of your summer self care routine.

Please enjoy our June Newsletter by clicking on this link: June 2018

You are invited to follow us on Facebook and Google + for news, information and massage & wellness tips.

Check out our Amazon Associates page to find self care products we recommend.

Do you use Google or Yelp to search for things to do and places to go?

If so, we would love it if you left a review for us so others can experience the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy too.  Thank you in advance!

2018-06-20T22:19:23+00:00June 20th, 2018|Monthly Newsletter|
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Best Father’s Day Gift

Why Massage is the Perfect Gift for Dad

It’s not just stressed moms who appreciate a massage – hard working dads love to receive massages too. What better time to treat your dad than Father’s Day?

Dads can be so hard to buy gifts for at the best of times

Dads probably smile when they are presented with yet another tie, gift set or Amazon voucher.  How happy could you make your dad with a thoughtful gift that will really benefit his health and well-being too?

For Father’s Day, it can be difficult to decide what to give the man who has given you so much. How do you show him just how much you appreciate him? This year, why not give the most special man in your life the gift of health and well-being and treat him to a massage?

Why a massage is a great gift

Even if your dad is a newcomer to massage therapy and probably wouldn’t book one for himself, he’s probably always wondered what a massage would be like. By giving him the gift of massage for Father’s Day, you take the decision out of his hands and simply give him an opportunity to find out for himself how amazing massage can be!

As any massage lover knows, a massage isn’t just something you get after an injury or to relax when you’ve been overdoing it, it’s an important part of a healthy lifestyle that’s good for you in its own right. Massage therapy is a good preventative step you can take to keep yourself healthy; treating your dad to massage is a way of telling him that you care and want him to stay well.

What better way to show a great dad just how much he means to you? If you need any more convincing, here are a few benefits you might like to share with him on Father’s Day.

What a massage can do for your dad

  • Regular massage can help to improve his physical performance. As men and women get older it undeniably gets a bit harder to stay fit, but scheduling in regular massage therapy can help by improving flexibility and overall physical performance, which means your dad gets to stay more active for longer.
  • It helps to keep his blood pressure lower. Cardiovascular health is a big health concern, especially for men, and a dose of regular massage can be a real help with lowering blood pressure if it’s on the high side. It also helps reduce stress and tension.
  • It’s good for raising immunity. Rather than dealing with the misery of colds and minor illnesses, strengthen his immune system with a massage so that he can fight them off better. Studies have shown that massage really does help to boost natural immunity and increase well-being, which will help your dad to fight off disease and improve his quality of life too.
  • It helps to boost energy, and improve feelings of wellbeing and vitality.

    With all those benefits, you have to admit that a massage gift certificate is much better for your dad this Father’s Day than another pair of socks or that tie!

2018-05-29T21:28:50+00:00May 29th, 2018|Uncategorized|
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May 2018 Newsletter

Hello from the staff at Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group!

As we enjoy the warm and sunny weather, we’d like to take this time to encourage you to make wellness and massage a regular part of your self care routine.

You are invited to follow us on Facebook and Google + for news, information and wellness tips which we post regularly.  These will provide you with good information and special deals for massage therapy.

Please enjoy our May Newsletter by clicking on the link below:

May2018

2018-05-24T18:03:42+00:00May 24th, 2018|Monthly Newsletter|
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Self Care Between Massages

Self-Care – Looking After Yourself Between Massages

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could have a massage every day of the week? While that may be unrealistic, we can make the most of our massage treatments by doing some self-care between massages.

First rule – drink water!

There’s a reason why your therapist gives you water after a treatment; it hydrates your body and keeps your muscles relaxed. Water is great for your skin and muscles, while potentially helping to prevent headaches.

Keep up the stretching

A common problem for many is feeling achy and tight after a day’s work. When stretching is part of your daily routine, it will help ease muscle aches and soreness. If you want to make the effects of your massage last longer, stretch between sessions.

It doesn’t matter when you fit your stretches in, as long as you make a habit of it.

Stretches shouldn’t hurt. Ease into stretches gently, and holding them for at least 30 seconds. This will give you better results than shorter, deeper stretches.

Epsom Salts

Epsom salt baths are great for keeping muscle aches and stiff joints at bay – they contain magnesium which is also good for relieving stress. To prevent soreness after a massage, add Epsom salts to your bath as directed and relax.

Hot and cold therapy

In between massages you may begin to feel a build-up of tension – nip it in the bud with heat therapy. Applying heat can help to sooth aching muscles and relieve any tightness and tension. Heat can also improve and stimulate blood flow to the area. Try a heating pad, or heat up a damp towel in the microwave for warm moist heat.

If you injure yourself in between massage sessions, try using cold therapy to numb the pain and decrease inflammation. Cold therapy is good for strains, sprains and other minor injuries (if you’re unsure, or are in serious pain, see your healthcare provider).

For severe pain and/or swelling, take a cold pack, a frozen water bottle or even frozen vegetables in a bag, wrap it in a towel and place on the affected area. If you have sore feet, try rolling the frozen bottle under your foot.

You can alternate between hot and cold therapy but always leave a period in between for your body to adjust.

One last and very important tip:

Make massage therapy part of your regular self-care routine. If you’re unsure about how often you need a massage, the best person to ask is your therapist.  They will know if you need extra sessions or just maintenance care, and will make sure your massage is tailored to your needs.

2018-05-22T17:32:43+00:00May 18th, 2018|Self Care, Uncategorized|
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Five Massage Myths Busted

Five Massage Myths Busted

You might think you know all there is to know about massages – but some myths still seem to hang around, and we’ve probably heard them all. Here are a few we hear all the time…busted!

1. Massage can spread cancer

One of the biggest and possibly most enduring myths, that massage can spread cancer,  may keep people away from massage that could really benefit from it.

There is no evidence that cancer can be spread by massage. Manipulating tissue during a massage will not make tumor cells move. Receiving massage therapy is not harmful for cancer patients~it’s actually good for most of them.

2. Don’t get a massage if you’re pregnant

Massage is great in pregnancy and is safe and beneficial during all trimesters. Nevertheless, many therapists will ask that you get the “okay” from your doctor before receiving massage as a precautionary measure.

Always let your massage therapist know in advance if you are pregnant so that he/she can adapt the techniques.

3. Massage therapy releases toxins

Massage doesn’t detoxify your body. True toxins are things like mercury, lead or botulinum are dangerous to your body and massage will not help to eliminate these.

Massage may help your body expel the by-products of muscle contractions post-exercise, like lactic acid. However, it is capable and efficient at filtering out most waste products using the lymphatic system, kidneys and liver.

 

4. Soreness is sign of a good massage

Soreness is not an indication of a good massage. The amount of discomfort you feel the following day isn’t a badge of honor. If it’s your first massage, or it’s been a long time, if you’re not very active, you might be a little bit sore afterwards.

If you’re used to regular massage therapy you’re unlikely to feel sore afterwards.

5. You don’t need to drink extra water after a massage.

You really do need to drink water after your massage and that’s why we offer it to you. Drinking water after a massage will keep you hydrated, may prevent residual soreness and improves the movement of your lymph fluid.

2018-05-18T21:45:02+00:00May 18th, 2018|Massage Myths, Uncategorized|
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Ordering doTERRA oils

To order doTERRA oils online follow these instructions:

~Go to: my.doterra.com/cornerstonewellnessgroup

~Click on “Shop” & choose from the drop down menus

~Click on the product(s) you would like to order and add to your cart.  Once you do that you will see:

~Click on “Continue as Guest” & add items to your cart

~When your order is complete, head to “Check Out” and you will be asked to create an account. You will only be required to this upon your first order.  

For subsequent orders, you will be prompted to login with your ID# and Password prior to shopping.

2018-03-19T03:39:41+00:00March 18th, 2018|Essential Oils|
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January 2018

Happy New Year from the staff at Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group!

As we turn the page of another new year, we’d like to take this time to encourage you to make wellness and massage a regular part of your self care routine.

You are invited to follow us on Facebook and Google + for news, information and wellness tips which we post regularly.  These will provide you with good information and special deals for massage therapy.

Please enjoy our January Newsletter by clicking on the link.

We look forward to seeing you in 2018!

2018-01-23T22:42:11+00:00January 23rd, 2018|Monthly Newsletter|
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Holidays

Thank you for making it a great year!  As we look back on 2017, there have been changes, challenges and of course, blessings.

We have gained 2 new therapists Vidya and Katelyn and have a new wellness partner, Carla, from Blue Sky Personal Training!  These 3 ladies add depth and experience to our amazing team.  To learn more about any of our staff and wellness partners, follow this link: https://medicalmassagecenter.com/our-team/

This fall we also said good-bye to one very special therapist, business partner and friend, Tiesha. Although she has moved on with her career, her impact is still felt on those whose lives she touched at CWG.

In addition to new staff, we also added more therapeutic massage options for you to choose from! This is a perfect time of year to try our new deep tissue technique Hot Bamboo Massage.

It is warm and soothing yet deeply effective, specific work!  We’ve received great feedback from those who have tried it already!  Now, it’s your turn to give it a whirl!  To schedule with Laurel and Jeremy & receive a 10% discount, click here: Hot Bamboo in January.

As we look forward to this holiday season, we also think of the difficulties and stresses this time of year can bring. Please follow the link to read the CWG DECEMBER NEWSLETTER. You will find helpful articles which address how to handle these stressors in HEALTHY ways!

Blessings to all of you from the staff at Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group! We wish you a warm, healthy and joyful Christmas with family and friends.

We look forward to seeing you in 2018!

 

2017-12-18T05:18:54+00:00December 18th, 2017|Monthly Newsletter|
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Essential Oil Basics

Cornerstone Wellness & Medical Massage Group uses only doTerra and Young Living oils. The following information is usage advice from these companies.

I’m new to essential oils. How do I use them?

Each bottle of essential oil comes with directions for how to use it; these directions vary based on your region. Please consult the product label for appropriate usage directions.

I see the term “carrier oil” used in several places. What is a carrier oil, what does it do, and why should I use it?

A carrier oil is a vegetable oil—such as coconut oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil—that can be used to dilute essential oils. Carrier oils ensure the appropriate dilution of essential oils as applied topically. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil. In fact, it prevents waste due to excessive application.  1% dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil; 5-6 drops per ounce)

What is a “hot oil”?

“Hot oils” are oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied to the skin. Examples of hot oils and blends include Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme and OnGuard. For some people, Peppermint’s cooling sensation is also intense.

If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add Biotone unscented or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed.

What if I experience skin discomfort or irritation?

If discomfort or irritation occurs, stop using the essential oil and apply carrier oil to the affected area. If a rash occurs, this may be a sign of detoxification. Drink adequate water to encourage the release and removal of toxins in your body. Toxins present in petrochemical-based soaps and skin care products, detergents, and perfumes may trigger some of the detoxification reactions. Consider discontinuing these agents if a reaction occurs. Be aware that water actually drives oil into the skin and eyes. Never use water in an attempt to flush the oil off of the skin, as this may increase discomfort. If essential oil gets in your eye, flush with carrier oil as quickly as possible to alleviate any discomfort. If eye discomfort does not subside within 5 minutes, seek medical attention.

How often can essential oils be applied? How much do I use?

Follow the proper usage instructions printed on each essential oil label. Essential oils are very powerful, so start low and go slow. Excessive use of essential oils may increase the risk for adverse reactions. In most cases, 1–2 drops are adequate, and using more may waste product. Depending on the essential oil, you can gradually build up to 3–4 uses per day, if desired.

Can essential oils be used during pregnancy or while nursing?

As with any medical condition, we strongly recommended that prior to using essential oils, you seek the advice and recommendation of a competent, trained health care advisor who is experienced in essential oil usage. Some people choose to avoid overuse and excessive use of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Idaho Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), as well as the blends and supplements that contain these oils.

Can essential oils be used on children?

Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but should be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. Some products come pre-diluted with carrier oil, as indicated on product labels, and are intended for direct application on children. You can dilute 1–2 drops of essential oil such as SleepyIze™, RutaVaLa™, Gentle Baby™, and Peace & Calming® with a carrier oil and apply to the bottoms of the feet.

How does exposure to sun affect essential oil use?

Some essential oils, especially citrus oils, contain natural molecules that react with sunlight (UV light) and cause a sensitivity reaction. Some brands of essential oils and oil blends that contain these compounds come with a warning to avoid sun/UV light for 12–48 hours after applying. Always use caution when starting to use a new oil. If sun sensitivity is a concern, do not apply to areas of the body that will be exposed to sun/UV light within 12-48 hours of application.

What about the use of essential oils with specific medical conditions? Can essential oils interact with prescription medications?

If you have a disease or medical condition or are using a prescription medication, it is recommended that prior to using an essential oil, you consult with a health care advisor who has experience with essential oils. Seek the advice of the prescribing physician and a pharmacist about potential interactions between any medication and essential oils.

doTERRA  and Young Living Essential Oils

Deep Blue (muscle and joint support):

Apply directly to tired, aching joints.

Rub on muscles before or after massage to reduce discomfort.

Use with carrier for deep tissue massage.

Breathe Respiratory Blend (respiratory support):

Diffuse into the air, or apply topically to chest and neck or bottoms of

feet to promote clear breathing.

On Guard Blend (immune defense):

Diffuse into air for purification.

Lavender (calms the nervous system, soothes irritated skin):

Diffuse into air to calm anxiety and soothe emotions.

Massage onto back or bottoms of feet.

Peppermint (stimulant **asthma is a contraindication**):

Inhale deeply to invigorate lungs or increase mental alertness.

Apply with lavender to neck and forehead to calm headache.

Melaleuca/Tea Tree (skin support, anti-fungal, anti-microbial):

Apply topically to bottoms of feet and toenails for healthy skin.

Frankincense (skin health, mood booster):

Diffuse into air to lift moods.

Apply topically to neck and forehead with lavender and peppermint

to calm stress and headaches.

Apply to bottom of feet to boost immunity.

Lemon (energizing, anti-depressant **Sunlight/UV sensitivity up to 48 hours**):

Diffuse into air to help life mood and and improve alertness.

2018-03-19T03:40:21+00:00November 20th, 2017|Essential Oils|
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Amputee Massage Therapy

Why Massage Therapy for Amputees?

Most treatments for helping amputees manage pain are pharmacologic, or medications, while many of these carry the risk of unpleasant side-effects.  Amputees are increasingly starting to turn to complementary and alternative therapies for relief. Amputee Massage Therapy, as a complement to medications, has much to offer clients with amputations.

What Are The Benefits of Amputee Massage Therapy?

Amputee Massage Therapy helps reduce the pain, stiffness, and spasms which occur in the muscles of the amputated limb. Additionally, massage restores flexibility and range of motion to overused muscles an amputee depends on to compensate for the missing limb.  Subsequently, an amputee achieves an improved performance of daily functions.

Residual limb pain is a painful sensation or feeling from the remaining part of the limb.  By increasing sensory input from the residual limb, massage may override the brain’s perception of pain. Massage therapy can also help develop tolerance of the residual limb to touch and pressure.

Dealing with the effects of scar tissue buildup is an everyday occurrence for an amputee’s injured and surgically repaired limb.  How does scar tissue differ from normal tissue?  It is avascular (no blood supply), thicker and less elastic than normal tissue. Because of this, scar tissue has limited range of motion with pain, itching, and sensitivity. Massage therapy helps to alleviate the symptoms associated with scar tissue buildup.

Amputee Massage Therapy also provides relief from irritated nerves and neuromas, reduces edema and improves skin health.

The evidence on mood improvement from massage therapy is strong.  Amputee Massage Therapy has a profound influence on quality of life by helping to manage depression and anxiety.

 

2017-11-20T05:08:57+00:00November 9th, 2017|Massage Techniques|
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