ABOUT LAID BACK MASSAGE: Laid Back Massage was established in 2002. Marlo Stubbs graduated from the Aveda Institute massage therapy/day spa program, a 600-hour accredited course, in June 2002 and is licensed in the state of Minnesota. Marlo specializes in stress-relieving deep tissue massage therapy. Prior to her massage therapy degree, she graduated from college at NDSCS with a degree in Occupational Therapy and has worked in the health care field since 1996. She keeps herself updated on massage therapy and bodywork by consistently attending continuing education courses.
Laid Back Massage is available for on-site travel massages only at this time.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY? Massage is the oldest of healing therapies. Massage has been around
since the ancient world of Greeks and Romans and also ancient China. It was reintroduced in the 1800's
to the Western civilization by a Swedish therapist. Massage serves us with emotional and mental relief.
What other form of therapy treats your physical, emotional and mental needs?
WHY GET A MASSAGE? Massage can improve circulation, improve flexibility/range of motion, speed up
injury recovery time, increase lymph flow, increase endorphins, decrease stress, decrease pain, decrease
muscle soreness, decrease heart rate, decrease blood pressure, relax muscles and much, much more.
*Pleae note* Although there are many benefits to massage, there are also several contra-indications.
You should contact your doctor prior to receiving a massage and you must make your therapist aware if
you suffer from any of the following... (including, but not limited to) Aids, Arthritis, Cancer, Circulatory
problems, Diabetes, Fractures, Heart conditons, Infections, and Skin disorders.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD ONE GET A MASSAGE? Establishing a routine massage schedule is a wonderful
way to maintain your health. How often you should have one is based mostly on the type of lifestyle you lead.
If you're recovering from an injury, 2-3 times a week is ideal; chronic conditions, 1 time a week is ideal; and
for healthy maintenance, 1-2 times every 4-6 weeks is recommended. In many cultures, massage is a
routine part of a preventative health program.
WHAT IS A KNOT? Knots are abnormal areas within the muscle which cause pain. They form because
the spasm keeps the muscle continuously "on". Muscles are not designed for this continuous work.
After time, the muscle overloads and forms knots. They are typically from an old inflamed injury or an
overused muscle.
Exercise is an important method to help with muscle knots, so is therapeutic massage, heat and cold
therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound. Breaking the cycle of spasm and pain is important and can
be performed through deep tissure cross-fiber techniques or trigger point therapy.
Regular exercise, healthy diet, stretching daily, drinking water and regular massage are important for one's
overall health.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR MY FIRST MASSAGE? Discuss with your therapist the problem areas
and recent injuries along with past medical history before getting on the massage table. Please remove all
jewelry that could interere with your massage. Massage is traditionally done in the nude with towels and
sheets covering all private areas. If you are more comfortable with more clothing, feel free to wear what
you like. Get underneath the sheets and blankets and relax. Always give feedback to your therapist. Let
the therapist know if the pressure is too little or too much, if something is uncomfortable or if something is
working well for you. Breathe deep and regular - DO NOT hold your breath.
Once the session has ended, slowly bring yourself back from the relaxed state you are in, dress and get oriented.
Give more feedback so the therapist can make alterations for your next treatment for a more pleasurable experience.
Make sure to drink a lot of water. Water will help rid the body of toxins released during the massage.
