At SMART Bodywork®, we've worked with clients suffering from a multitude of chronic pain ailments, muscle aches and joint pains. Some of our clients come in with an immediate need in mind and leave with a completely different experience.

Many of our regular patients are able to use their HSA/FSA card for bodywork sessions. We highly suggest checking with your bank prior to paying with an HSA/FSA card.

Whether you use massage to manage chronic pain or stress relief, here are a few conditions massage may be needed more often to help alleviate your everyday muscle aches and pain, increase circulation and reduce inflammation or increase mobility.

What is Achilles tendonitis? How can massage help clients dealing with Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Massage can help clients dealing with Achilles tendonitis by reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow to the affected area. It can also help to break up scar tissue and promote healing. However, it is important to note that massage should be done with caution and under the guidance of a qualified therapist, as excessive pressure or manipulation can worsen the condition.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition that involves inflammation and stiffness in the joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility in affected areas. There are different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

How does massage help clients with Arthritis?

Massage can help clients with Arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation, improving joint flexibility and range of motion, and promoting relaxation and stress relief.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. It is often caused by repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse, but can also be caused by other factors such as pregnancy, arthritis, or certain medical conditions.

How does massage help clients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Massage can help clients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by reducing pain and inflammation, improving blood circulation, and relieving muscle tension and tightness in the affected area. It can also help to break up scar tissue and adhesions, which can contribute to the compression of the median nerve in the wrist. Additionally, massage can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can further alleviate symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body. It is believed to be a result of abnormal processing of pain signals in the brain. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties, and mood disorders. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

How does massage help clients with Fibromyalgia?

Massage can help clients with Fibromyalgia by reducing pain and stiffness in the muscles, improving sleep quality, and promoting relaxation. It can also help to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and improve the overall well-being of individuals with fibromyalgia. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

What is Golfer’s elbow?

Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive motions, such as swinging a golf club, that strain the tendons in the forearm.

How can massage help clients dealing with Golfer's elbow?

Massage can help clients dealing with golfer's elbow by reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area. It can also help improve blood circulation, which can aid in the healing process. Additionally, massage can help relax the muscles and reduce tension, which can alleviate some of the strain on the elbow joint.

What is the IT Band? Why does my IT Band hurt? How can massage help me manage Iliotibial band tendonitis?

The IT Band, or iliotibial band, is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the knee. It helps stabilize the knee during movement. IT Band pain can occur due to overuse or tightness in the band, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Massage can help manage iliotibial tendonitis by reducing tension and tightness in the IT Band, improving blood flow to the area, and promoting healing.

Why do my low and mid-back and even shoulders hurt all the time? Well...

Based on the injury that occurs or the load your shoulders are tasked with day-to-day (computer, cell phone, travel, etc.) it is possible limited movement is creating this pain. Try walking around your house doing some shoulder circles and 3D movement.

How does massage help clients with low back and shoulder pain?

Massage can help clients with low back and shoulder pain by reducing muscle tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders and especially along the muscles of the vertebral column to improve blood and nervous system circulation and connection, respectfully, to the area, thereby promoting relaxation and giving the body an immediate energy reset because massage can also help to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, helping easing the tension and ache experienced in the body.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers, causing communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination and balance. The severity and progression of multiple sclerosis can vary greatly from person to person.

How does massage help clients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Massage can help clients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing muscle stiffness and spasticity, improving circulation, promoting relaxation, and relieving pain. However, it is important for clients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, including massage therapy, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific condition.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, becomes inflamed or irritated. This can result in stabbing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

How does massage help clients with Plantar Fasciitis?

Massage can help clients with Plantar Fasciitis by reducing pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, improving blood circulation to the affected area, and promoting relaxation and stress relief. It can also help improve flexibility and range of motion in the foot and ankle. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment for Plantar Fasciitis.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. It is usually caused by a herniated disc or bone spur that compresses the nerve. Symptoms of sciatica can include sharp or shooting pain, numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg.

How does massage help clients with Sciatica?

Massage can help clients with sciatica by reducing muscle tension and inflammation, improving blood circulation, and promoting relaxation. It can also help to release tight muscles and improve flexibility, which can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can provide relief from sciatic pain.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. It can cause the spine to curve sideways, resulting in a C or S shape. Scoliosis can be caused by various factors, including genetics, muscle imbalances, and certain medical conditions. It can lead to symptoms such as back pain, uneven shoulders or hips, and difficulty breathing. Treatment options for scoliosis include physical therapy, bracing, and in severe cases, surgery.

Can massage help clients who suffer from scoliosis pain?

Massage can help clients who suffer from scoliosis pain by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation in the affected areas. It can also help improve posture and increase flexibility, which can alleviate some of the discomfort associated with scoliosis. However, it is important to note that massage should be used as a complementary therapy and not as a substitute for medical treatment or professional advice. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for scoliosis pain.

What is the difference between lordosis and kyphosis when managing back pain?

Lordosis and kyphosis are both abnormal curvatures of the spine, but they occur in different regions and have different effects on the back.

Lordosis is an excessive inward curvature of the lower back, also known as swayback. It can cause lower back pain and discomfort.

Kyphosis, on the other hand, is an excessive outward curvature of the upper back, also known as hunchback. It can cause upper back pain and a rounded appearance of the shoulders. When managing back pain, the approach may differ depending on whether the pain is caused by lordosis or kyphosis.

Massage can help by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation, which can alleviate pain associated with both conditions. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

What is Tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, such as those used in tennis or other racquet sports.

How does massage help clients dealing with Tennis elbow?

Massage can help clients dealing with tennis elbow by reducing pain and inflammation in the affected area. It can also help improve blood circulation, which can aid in the healing process. Additionally, massage can help relax the muscles surrounding the elbow, reducing tension and promoting overall relaxation.

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that occurs when there is compression or irritation of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, which is the space between your collarbone and first rib. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand. Massage can help by relieving muscle tension and improving blood flow in the affected area, which can reduce symptoms and promote healing.

How can massage help clients suffering from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Massage can help clients suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome by relieving muscle tension and reducing compression in the affected area. It can also improve blood circulation and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Additionally, massage techniques such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy can target specific areas of tension and help release tight muscles.

What is whiplash? What is a concussion? What is the difference between whiplash and concussion? Why does my low and mid-back hurt from concussion?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and then backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. A concussion, on the other hand, is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, usually as a result of a blow to the head.

The main difference between whiplash and a concussion is that whiplash primarily affects the neck and surrounding structures, while a concussion primarily affects the brain. Whiplash can cause symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, while a concussion can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.

How does massage help clients with neck pain?

Massage can help clients with neck pain by reducing muscle tension and tightness in the neck and shoulders, improving blood circulation to the area, and promoting relaxation. It can also help to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and improve range of motion in the neck.

Stress Relief

Neck stiffness

Relaxing & Productive Work Escape

Mental clarity

Get that old high school injury worked on

Family...and the reunions! LOL

Ladies When You're Tired, Angry, Upset, Emotional, Bloated or Cramping?

There is a good chance a visceral session may help. Check with your healthcare professional to see if visceral manipulation might good for you.