​  Here's something I often tell newly licensed massage therapists- be humble and learn to respect the power of pain. 
  What do I mean by this? 
  Pain is one of the most powerful influences in this world. Whether physical or emotional, we go to great lengths to avoid it. Why do pharmaceutical companies rake in so much money? Because we will go bankrupt to eliminate pain. 
  I tell new licensees to respect pain because if they get over-confident and tell their patients that they can get rid of pain- they'll learn VERY quickly that they do not have that power.   

  Pain is sneaky, pain is deceptive. It hides for long periods of time and then comes back with a vengeance. It will respond to a treatment one time and then never react to it ever again. It will ebb and flow, sometimes with no distinct trigger. But- a good massage therapist learns to understand your specific pain. They determine what is causing it, where it's "roots" lie. They develop a relationship with it. Only then, can it be properly treated. 
  Often the root of the pain is not in the place where you feel the pain. Sciatica is a good example of this. Sciatic pain can travel all the way down the leg even into the foot, but with the root being in the low back or the glutes (or both!). Similarly, there are conditions that mimic carpal tunnel syndrome, where pain is felt in the wrist and hand, yet the true cause is in the shoulder, or even the neck. Trigger Points (aka "knots") can refer pain to strange regions that seem to have no connection to each other. In all of these cases, you can treat the spot where pain is felt for months and never get relief- because the wrong spot is being focused on. 
  This is why massage therapy can be so effective as a chronic pain treatment. By using a holistic approach, meaning you treat the body as a whole, massage can uncover the spots where pain is created and where it hides. Then, by treating the pain at it's source- freeing up restrictions, reducing inflammation, relaxing tense muscle tissue- long term healing can take place. 
  The process takes patience, it takes humility, and it takes a massage therapist who truly listens to you and your experiences. (Never settle for anything less from any of your healthcare practitioners!) 

  This newsletter comes slightly later in the month than usual- I apologize. My life has been crazy these last few weeks, and I'm still in the middle of the craziness!
  At the end of August we moved to our new place in Albany, so I am now commuting in every other day. The commute isn't bad, I just put on a podcast or two and find that I actually enjoy the wind down before getting to the office. (The long drive back is a little more difficult but it's only three times a week so it's ok). We are still unpacking and setting up on our days off. On top of all that, my wedding is less than one month away! I'll admit, I feel SO behind in planning but now that I am closer to shopping and have more time off I am able to devote it to all the details I need to take care of, so I am getting there. 
  Sadly, September starts the majority of everyone's last appointments. I already had a few throughout August but now I have a "last time" multiple times every day. I've done a pretty good job keeping my emotions in check, but it is bittersweet. I've had a lot of people ask about keeping in touch with me on social media and I absolutely welcome that. You can find my personal Facebook here or my personal Instagram here. Feel free to connect with me on there!
  Let's talk about the closing process and what to expect if you have outstanding gift cards. Starting October 11th, I will be able to redeem outstanding gift cards via a check. But- you will need to contact me ahead of time to set up a time to do this. This is because if you were to randomly stop in there is a good chance I will be in an appointment and I do not have a receptionist. So please, before you come in, call me or text me at 315-717-6192 to set up a time for us to do this. 
  Also, if you have a gift card that was purchased in-office you must have the gift card with you in order to redeem it. I have never put people's name on the gift cards when putting them into my system (this is because my software will automatically contact someone if a gift card has been purchased for them and that ruins the surprise for holidays/birthdays/etc) so I likely cannot just look up your name. I have to have the number that is on the gift card. You know if you have a gift card purchased in-office if it came in an envelope and is printed on a cardstock material. 
  Be wary if you are looking through your email for outstanding online gift cards. You may be able to find an email/number of one that we may have already used it. Online gift cards I can look up much more easily, but I still need that number to make sure everything is correct. 
  I will be able to redeem gift cards until 5:30pm on Friday, October 21st. That is my last business day and after that I can no longer redeem them, any leftover funds will be turned over to the proper state department. 
  I cannot redeem gift cards in cash. I can only give a check from my business account.
  If you have an outstanding gift card, please do not wait to tell me and ask to set up a time to redeem it in a few weeks. 

  One last note- Facebook has undergone some major changes when it comes to business accounts and I have missed several messages on there because the notification process is not as straightforward as it used to be.  To contact me please refrain from using Facebook. Or, if you do attempt to contact me on there and I don't respond, please try another method. You can call/text me anytime at 315-717-6192 or you can email me at evolvemassageandwellness@gmail.com  

  Have a wonderful September and a great end to your summer/beginning of autumn!  

  Summer is rapidly going by, and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I am looking forward to my upcoming life changes, and just basically getting the show on the road. We picked up the keys to our new apartment yesterday and are moving at the end of the month, so for now that's just a waiting game and I'm ready for it to hurry up! 
  However, the faster time goes the more bittersweet the feeling. I've already had a few people who I have seen for possibly the last time, and I know those good-byes will only become more frequent over the next few weeks.
  I have to tell you all, I am so moved by the outpouring of love and support for my new journey. I means the world to me. And I am happy to announce that I have some referrals for you!

  My first referral is Shawna Recore at Live Love Relaxation in Marcy.  I really connected well with Shawna, and honestly I wish I'd found her sooner! The last few years I've been searching for my own perfect LMT match and if I'd found Shawna before now, she would have been it. I had a wonderful deep tissue massage with her, you can tell she loves massage and cares about her clients. She is well-versed in chronic pain management, as well as pre-natal care, and hot stone therapy. 
  She can schedule appointments in advance, so I advise everyone to not wait until I close to book with her. Visit her website or give her a call and schedule your fall appointment now. That way there won't be gaps in your treatment!

Shawna Recore
Live Love Relaxation
9546 River Road
Marcy, NY 13403
(315) 717-2910
liveloverelaxation.net
liveloverelaxation@gmail.com

  My next referral is Peter Schachtler at Mohawk Valley Massage Therapy. I've had a few appointments with Peter, and he can adjust his technique to suit anyone's needs. I've had deep tissue and Swedish sessions with him, and he is knowledgeable about managing chronic pain, and he also utilizes cupping- which is a wonderful treatment many of you can benefit from. If you sign up for his emails, he keeps everyone updated as to weekly openings and cancellations. 

Peter Schachtler
Mohawk Valley Massage Therapy
3985 Oneida St
Suite 106
New Hartford, NY 13413
(315) 982-7087
https://www.massagebook.com/New_Hartford~Massage~mohawk-valley-massage-therapy


  You will be in great hands with either of these LMTs, I would never refer to someone I didn't trust (I care about you guys way too much to do that!). 

  A few other things for this month- For one thing, my brand new podcast, Evolving Wellness premiered today! Episode One is all about Stress- understanding the stress response, why our stress is so high, and what we can do to properly manage it. Check me out on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and more!

  One last thing- I think it's time for a wedding planning update. With two months left, I am now right in the middle of crunch time. Check out my progress in the blog here.

  I hope you all continue to enjoy your summer, I'll check back in in September!