Elements Therapeutic Massage - Whitefish Bay

Watch our new video

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:03:00 -0500

Welcome to our stuidio. Meet owner Aimee Matchette and hear client testimonials. Learn about the ETM philosophy and what makes the ETM experience unique.

Spring Asparagus Salad

Sat, 11 May 2013 16:47:00 -0500

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 pounds fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

Whisk together the rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard. Drizzle in the peanut oil and sesame oil while whisking vigorously to emulsify. Set aside.
Bring a pot of lightly-salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus to the water and cook 3 to 5 minutes until just tender, but still mostly firm. Remove and rinse under cold water to stop from cooking any further.
Place the asparagus in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the asparagus. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds to serve.

allrecipes.com

Weekly Rebooking Contest Winner

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:07:00 -0500

Congratulations to Pattie V. last week's rebooking winner of a free upgrade on her next service! If you want to be entered to win a free upgrade, rebook your next appointment the day of your service.

Hamstring Massage & Mobilization

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:50:00 -0500

Spring weather means heading outside for a run or the beginning of sports season and unfortunately for far too many, sports injuries. If you have ever pulled your hamstring or had a knee injury you know how frustrating it can be. This great article about pulled hamstrings offers some good stretches to help heal and prevent them. To read article.

Rebooking Winner

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 22:23:00 -0500

Congratulations to Adam L. last week's rebooking winner of a free upgrade on his next service! If you want to be entered to win a free upgrade, rebook your next appointment the day of your service.

Put a Spring In Your Step By Relieving Lower Back Pain

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:09:00 -0500

Does the cold winter weather and grey skies leave your mind and body feeling fatigued and sluggish? Are your lower back muscles stiff and tight from shoveling snow over the winter and staying cooped up in your house during unfavorable weather conditions? If so, it is time to put a spring back into your step and relieve your lower back pain with the following four lower back healthy habits.

Focus on Good Posture: If you spend your day sitting at a computer or driving the family to/from activities/school/etc., it is important to focus on maintaining straight body alignment by elongating your posture. Instead of leaning forward with your shoulders and neck while in a seated position, pull your shoulder blades back, engage your mid-section and breathe from your core for healthier posture throughout your body.

Strengthen Your Core: The root of lower back pain can stem from weak core muscles. Strengthen your abdominal core and lower back muscles by adding simple core exercises to your regular fitness routine. Only 15 minutes of core exercises such as the Superman (extending both arms and legs while lying on your stomach) and Plank (holding your body off the floor by leaving your forearms and toes touching the floor) three to four times per week can help build a stronger core that can help to alleviate lower back pain.

Incorporate Daily Stretching: Loosening tight muscles and elongating your body with daily low intensity stretching exercises can help keep your body fluid and moving pain-free. You can relieve and revive tired back muscles with 10-15 minutes of light stretching per day by incorporating popular yoga movements such as Child’s Pose (kneeling on floor, lower head to ground, extending arms forward and hips backward) and Standing Ragdoll (bending forward, cross your forearms and loosely let your head and arms hang freely toward the floor).

Schedule Regular Therapeutic Massage Therapy Sessions: Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness by providing relief from lower back pain, reducing stress, increasing circulation and improving range of motion. A deep tissue massage can best be used to treat chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recover from injury, while a hot stone massage can help ease muscle tension without deep pressure. If you are new to massage therapy, a Swedish massage is a great way to experience muscle relaxation and stress relief for both you mind and body.

Whether you need relief from pain, release of tension, reduction of stress or simply to relax and feel your best, Elements Therapeutic Massage is committed to helping you put a spring in your step by reviving and rejuvenating your tired and sore lower back muscles. Call 414.332.3260 today to relieve your lower back pain, while increasing your mind and body’s health and wellness.

Spring Into a New You by Re-Enlisting Your New Year's Resolutions

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 10:30:00 -0600

Your New Year's resolutions may be taking a back seat now that it has been a few months since the ball dropped on New Year's Eve and the hustle and bustle of your daily life has taken over full speed. But before you give up on fulfilling your resolutions and reverting back to your same old habits, take a minute today to reconsider your New Year's goals and decide whether they are worth re-focusing on. It's never too late to spring into a new you by jump-starting your resolutions starting right now. The following are some guidelines to get you started again on the path to overall health and wellness for your mind and body.

Release Mind and Body Tension: Whether you are logging long hours sitting behind a desk or juggling a hectic schedule full of personal and professional obligations, mind and body tension can build up in no time. When you are burdened with heavy tension, it's easy to lose sight of your goals and aspirations. To stay on track to accomplishing your New Year's resolutions, make it a point to regularly release your pressure and tension in a healthy way. Start and end each day with slow, deep breathing exercises to keep you focused on your goals and find a tension outlet like an activity or sport to routinely release your mind and body's tension.

Stay Healthy and Active: When your mind and body become immobile, it can be very difficult to focus on the big picture, as well as take the steps necessary to accomplish your goals. The repeating routine of everyday life can take a toll on your body and before you know it you are playing catch up in every aspect of your life. To stay on top of your game mentally and physically, while consistently working toward your overall goals, it is important to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle that incorporates well-rounded nutrition with regularly scheduled fitness activities and mental/emotional release outlets.

Spring into Your New Year's Resolutions with Massage Therapy: To successfully re-start the New Year's resolutions that you have abandoned and re-focus on becoming the new person you desire, you should enlist the help of expert therapeutic massage therapists to balance your mind and body. Regularly scheduled massage helps keep you on top of your health, rather than playing catch-up when aches and pains begin to develop. Massage also remedies the tension caused by your hectic daily routine, as well as improves your general attitude and outlook on life.

If you are ready to embark on the journey of accomplishing overall health and wellness for your mind and body, it's time to revive your New Year's resolutions and make them a priority for the remainder of the year. The highly skilled massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage can help you accomplish your goals and aspirations by reviewing your challenges, goals and health history to match you with the exact type of massage experience you need to spring into a new you.

DELAYED OPENING TODAY DUE TO WINTER STORM

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:06:00 -0600

Due to the snow storm that hit the area we will be delaying our opening to Noon today, Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

We still have openings this afternoon/evening so now is the perfect time to relax after all that shoveling. Try out a hot stone massage to melt all your muscle tension away. Call 414-332-3260 to book your appointment.

Wine Tasting Winners from Wine & Chocolate Evening

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:25:00 -0600

Thanks to everyone who came to our Wine & Chocolate event. Congratulations to wine tasting winners Dina & Megan H. who each won a free massage.

Valentine's Day on a Dime: 12 Fun, Relaxing Gifts to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship Year Round

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 22:35:00 -0600

While red roses, chocolate hearts and sweet kisses typically symbolize the love expressed during this time of year, the true meaning of Valentine’s Day is taking time out of your busy schedules to focus on the relationship with your significant other. Showing your valentine that you care about his/her happiness and well-being doesn’t have to happen only once a year, though. An inexpensive way to revitalize your connection and reinvigorate your relationship is to show your valentine that you love him/her year round with monthly love notes.

Monthly love notes are easy make-at-home gifts that can be as simple as 12 sticky notes with couple activities listed on each one. On Feb. 14, you can spread the sticky notes around the house and have your significant other collect them before ending the love hunt at a candlelit dinner set for two. Or, monthly love notes can be as elaborate as a bound sentimental book with pictures of you and your valentine on each page, followed by your favorite love quotes and a date activity. The options are limited only to your creativity!

Having trouble coming up with 12 love note ideas to keep the flame of your relationship burning strong throughout the year? Try the following fun, relaxing and inexpensive ideas to spark your creativity.

1. Kick Your Feet Up: Treat your valentine to a relaxing evening by propping up his/her knees and feet on a comfortable pillow and rolling a tennis ball or golf ball forward and back on the arch of the foot, followed by side to side. Complete the foot massage by placing the ball on the heel and make circular motions. Make sure to remind your valentine to relax, enjoy and breathe.

2. Chocolate and Bubbly: Dip some strawberries in chocolate (or purchase them pre-dipped) and pair with your significant other’s favorite bubbly beverage. Enjoy this sweet dessert during a quiet winter evening in front of the fireplace or on the deck during a warm summer sunset.

3. Extra Z’s: With daily commitments piled high, sleep can sometimes seem like a long lost friend. Give your valentine the gift of snooze with a sleep in late love note. You wake up with the kids, feed them breakfast, keep them entertained and fulfill family obligations until your valentine is ready to get up. Just make sure to have a cup of coffee ready for them when they rise to make this gift the perfect start to your valentine’s day.

4. Quality Snuggle Time: Enjoy an uninterrupted evening of quality time with your valentine by turning off all electronics and locking them in the office. Rather than checking in with your social media friends or texting your pals, check in with you valentine with some one-on-one conversation, snuggling and relaxation time.

5. Light a Candle: Spice up your evening at home with a candlelit home-made dinner set for two. Pull out the linen napkins and the holiday china to serve your valentine’s favorite meal.

6. Sit Back and Enjoy a Hand Massage: Have your valentine pick a favorite chair and begin massaging at the base of the thumb by applying circular pressure using the eraser end of a pencil. Hit all the pressure points near the thumb, and then gently move to the web area between the thumb and first finger. Repeat the circular movements, moving to the padding between each finger at the palm. Massage both the palm and side of each hand, reminding your valentine to relax and breathe.

7. Sunset Picnic Time: Pack your favorite picnic foods, grab your bikes on a weekend evening and pedal off into the sunset. Stop halfway to enjoy your picnic goodies, the sun slipping below the horizon and the company of your valentine before heading home.

8. Breakfast in Bed: Who doesn’t enjoy their morning coffee and eggs in the comfort of their bedroom? Surprise your valentine with all of his/her favorite breakfast treats served in bed.

9. Sports Mania: Put on your valentine’s favorite sports team attire and set up a reservation at your local sports bar for the two of you to sit at the best seat in the house during the big game – the table with all TVs visible from every angle.

10. Get Your Groove On: Many communities host free concerts of local and popular bands throughout the summer months. Load up your lawn chairs, a blanket and snacks for some snuggling under the stars while listening to great local music.

11. Hit the Trails: Hiking/walking is a great activity to breathe in fresh air, exercise your legs and share some one-on-one time with your valentine with limited interruptions.

12. Knock Out the Knots: Most couples have achy necks, shoulders and bodies resulting from too many hours leaning over computer desks, doing household chores and horsing around with the kids. Reduce you and your valentine’s stress and muscle tension by scheduling a couple’s massage therapy session.

Take the time this year to reconnect with your significant other by celebrating Valentine’s Day year round. Whether it’s the relaxing touch of massage or preparing a special home-made meal surrounded by love and candlelight, personalized monthly love notes are the perfect gifts to show your valentine that he/she is special. Spark your creativity and spark your relationship during this year’s Valentine’s Day holiday.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to restore your body and revive your relationship while relaxing with your valentine. Elements’ highly trained massage therapists offer a variety of massage treatments, including couple’s massage sessions for you and your valentine.

True Romance: 5 Ways to have a healthy romantic dinner, whether you're cooking in or eating out.

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:14:00 -0600

It’s February, the month of LOVE, and yes romance is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a special day for lovebirds, but one day is far too short a time for all the romance of February. Why not show your significant other your love and concern for their health by preparing (or ordering) romantic and superbly nutritious dinners for two? Here is a list of the 5 Ways to have a healthy and romantic dinner:

Prepare (or order) heart-healthy Mediterranean-style food: Take a vacation from ho-hum meals. Imagine you are sitting at a table for two alongside the ocean on a Greek Island. Dinner is an all-night affair with the freshest food straight from the garden and the sea. Eat like you’re in Crete and you will be eating heaps of vegetables, legumes, fresh fish, whole grains—seasoned simply with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and garlic and washed down with a glass of red wine. The flavors are rich and the health benefits are hard to ignore. Now this is the true gift of love.
Atmosphere counts: Candles, fresh flowers, beautiful dinnerware and crystal glasses can make a huge difference in whether your romantic dinner is romantic or the same old, same old. Make an effort to spruce up your dinner atmosphere and you will definitely be adding to the charm and romance of the evening. Don’t forget to plan ahead and ditch the kids for the evening, dim the lights and add some music.

Toast to love: Add a glass of red wine to your Mediterranean meal and toast to your love for one another. Red wine is chock full of antioxidants (most notably resveratrol and flavonoids) known to help ward off heart disease (our nation’s leading cause of death in men and women). What could be more romantic than that? CHEERS…a toast to your health and to love!

Savor your meal: Americans tend to wolf down their food without really tasting and appreciating the beauty of what’s on their plate. Take a romantic tip from the Europeans and make an evening of your meal—savor each delicious bite of artfully prepared, healthy course and enjoy the company and the artful preparation as much as the food.

All you need is LOVE (and Dark Chocolate!): Ahhh chocolate—the food of love. Did you know that Casanova, the world’s most famous lover, savored chocolate before every romantic interlude? Chocolate is an aphrodisiac and if you choose the dark kind, a superfood. Dark chocolate is good for the heart. Dark chocolate (with a high percentage of cocoa solids) prevents plaque buildup in the arteries, improves blood flow and prevents blood clots (the root cause of a heart attack). It has also been shown to improve insulin sensitivity—good news for diabetics. Just remember to savor your dark chocolate by the piece (and not the pound) as with the heart healthy ingredients comes lots of sugar, fat and calories. And don’t forget the other “love foods” like oysters, strawberries, figs, bananas, honey and almonds!

Let it go and remember that the evening is about enjoying each other’s company--which is really all that counts. Take time for yourself and your loved one alone, eating healthy delicious food and you will truly be celebrating this month of love. Add in exercise for you and your loved one with the support of Fitness Together and you’ll surely be giving your significant other the gift of health this Heart Health Month. Let a Fitness Together trainer work with you to develop a heart-healthy exercise program to accompany your heart-healthy diet, a program designed to meet your specific goals. You’ll also receive nutritional counseling through the Nutrition Together program, which will complement your workouts. To find the Fitness Together studio nearest you, please visit fitnesstogether.com.

ETM Partnering with Huger Task Force 100,000 Jars of Peanut Butter Drive

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:20:00 -0600

Elements Therapeutic Massage has joined Patch.com and the Milwaukee Hunger Task Force in this “nutty” endeavor.

Elements Therapeutic Massage – Whitefish Bay is partnering with Patch and the Hunger Task Force to collect 100,000 jars of peanut butter for Hunger Task Force. Peanut Butter is a staple in Hunger Task Force's distribution of food because it is kid friendly, nutritious and easy to store. Starting Friday, January 18, Elements Whitefish Bay will be collection points for Hunger Task Force's Peanut Butter Drive.

When you are out doing your grocery shopping next, please buy an extra jar of peanut butter and drop it off at Elements Therapeutic Massage, located at 312 E. Silver Spring Drive. We are conveniently open seven days a week: Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm and Sunday 9am – 7pm.

Thank You For Your Support of Sojourner Family Peace Center

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 23:25:00 -0600

Thank you for your support

Support Sojourner Family Peace Center update

I am touched with the generosity of all our clients. By New Year's Eve, the large box in the studio lobby was filled to the top with gifts for the families at the Sojourner Family Peace Center in addition to the cash donations collected. It was with great pride that I dropped off your donations at the Sojourner Truth House. The staff was very appreciative of all your generosity. Thank you for joining us in sharing of our many blessings. What a great way to end the year!

Don't forget to redeem your 50% off massage coupon that you earned when making your donation. Coupons expire January 31, 2013.

Seasonal Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:40:00 -0600

Root vegetables are in season and abundant at this time of the year. This recipe makes a wonderful accompaniment to any holiday dinner or with any main dish on a cold winter night.

This recipe has all my favorite stew veggies (turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, potatoes, beets, and parsnips) but roasted to tender crispiness with olive oil and garlic. For those concerned about diabetes or arthritis, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index and are a highly anti-inflamatory food.

Ingredients

8 to 12 slender carrots, peeled and trimmed
8 to 12 baby turnips, peeled
6 to 8 potatoes, peeled and cut lengthwise in halves
1 or 2 large parsnips, peeled, trimmed, and cut diagonally into 1-inch-thick slices
1 or 2 medium onions, trimmed, peeled and halved, each 1/2 cut into quarters
1 or 2 large beets, peeled and cut into thick wedges
1 or 2 sweet potatoes bulbs, peeled and cut into thick wedges
1 celery root, trimmed and halved, halves cut crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices
1 whole head garlic, separated into cloves and peeled
2 or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, or thyme
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put all the vegetables and the herb sprigs in a large baking dish. Season well with salt and black pepper, drizzle generously with olive oil, and toss them with your hands to coat them evenly.

Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook, stirring the vegetables occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown, about 45 minutes. Serve the vegetables from their baking dish or transfer them to a platter to accompany a roasted main course. Bon appetite.

Massage Benefits Everyone

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 15:23:00 -0600

Almost everyone can benefit from a regularly-scheduled massage. Even if you’re not currently experiencing pain or mobility challenges that keep you from running, biking, or other physical activities, massage can provide just the amount of relief you need to stay calm in hectic surroundings. Think about how that can improve your general attitude and outlook on your life and the lives of those around you.

For most individuals, aches and pains don’t exactly develop overnight. Pain most often surfaces as a result of things you do over an extended period of time, like working a desk job; it’s likely to reoccur simply due to the routine of everyday life and the toll that it takes on your body. Massage helps you keep on top of your health rather than playing catch-up all the time.

The Stress Factor

It’s inevitable; stressful situations are a large part of our lives and we cannot control whether they happen or not. You can attempt to remedy the situation with stress management techniques like meditation, but it’s still quite challenging to completely prevent the natural chemical reactions that stress triggers in your body.

There are, however, ways to manage or combat the lasting affects on your health by finding ways to detox that stress on a normal basis. Regular massage helps your body sustain its stress resilience mechanisms and keeps stress hormones in balance, in turn reducing the risk of health conditions and illnesses such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and obesity.

Therapeutic massage can become a part of a regular stress management program. Making this is a priority can help you maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and even alleviate depression in certain situations.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage about half our clientele comes in for regularly scheduled massages. This is because it helps keep them healthy and enables them to lead an active lifestyle. Stop by the studio today to find out how regularly-scheduled massages can benefit everyone. Call today, 414.332.3260, and we’ll take the time to discuss your unique situation, lifestyle and health concerns, and help you decide whether an ongoing program could benefit you.

Elements Extends Efforts to End Domestic Violence this Holiday Season

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:56:00 -0600

Local Therapeutic Massage Studio Joins Sojourner Family Peace Center to Embrace the Gift of Giving

Elements Therapeutic Massage of Whitefish Bay is joining forces with the Sojourner Family Peace Center to end domestic violence and protect battered women and children just in time for the holidays.

Through December 31, 2012, the Elements team will be collecting donations of cash and newWish List items needed for infants through adult women who are cared for by the Sojourner Family Peace Center. For each donation, Elements will provide guests with a discount of 50 percent off their next massage service 55 minutes or longer in January 2013.

In addition, the Elements team will be sponsoring a family this holiday, a mother and two daughters, by purchasing items from their own crafted wish list. However, there are more families that need assistance and with guests’ donations, the Elements team hopes to help enrich the lives of many more individuals.

“It’s of vital importance to the Elements family that we help all those in need this holiday season,” said Aimee Matchette, owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage in Whitefish Bay. “We hope to create a ripple effect among other community members to reach out in any way they can so that everyone can enjoy a loving, memorable holiday.”

Sojourner Family Peace Center provides food and shelter for women and children in danger, counseling services for abusers and victims, academic enrichment for children, help navigating the legal system and financial assistance for women to attain housing.

Please visit www.touchofelements.com/whitefishbay/specials to download the Sojourner Wish List. Donations can be dropped off at Elements Therapeutic Massage, located at 312 E. Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information please visit http://elementsmassage.com/whitefishbay or call (414) 332-3260.

http://whitefishbay.patch.com/announcements/elements-extends-efforts-to-end-domestic-violence-this-holiday-season

Mama’s Secret Recipe to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:24:00 -0600

What do you get when you start with an over-scheduled holiday schedule, mix in winter break for the kids and end-of-year work deadlines for the parents, add in-laws visiting and staying at your house, beat in financial pressures to complete your holiday gift list, and top it off with sprinkles of cold, dark, long winter days? The result of this typical holiday recipe is burnt out parents, over tired children and an unsettling household that is bubbling with constant chaos.

If a holiday season full of stress, hectic schedules and total exhaustion sounds all too familiar for you and your family, it is time to re-write your family’s holiday recipe this year to include plenty of doses of health, wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation to fuel an enjoyable, family-centered holiday season. The secret recipe to a stress-free holiday includes the following key ingredients.

Begin with an Organized Schedule

Holiday schedules can quickly get out of hand when you try to be everywhere and do everything at one time. Before the holidays get into full swing, sit down with your family and make a list of the “must-attend” events like school performances and holiday work parties, a “maybe” events list such as local community festivals, and a “save for next year” list for events that may not be a good fit for your family this year. By prioritizing and organizing your family’s schedule ahead of the holidays, you can reduce the risk of over committing yourself and your family when you are in the middle of the busy holiday season.

Stir in Simple Holiday Tradition for the Whole Family to Enjoy

With so many great ideas from Pinterest, holiday magazines and television talk shows, holiday craft projects can quickly become overwhelming and intimidating. Before getting your elbows deep in pounds of gingerbread dough and legs tangled in rows of popcorn strands, take a deep breath, relax and pick only one meaningful holiday project this year to create lasting family traditions. Remember, the actual project isn’t as important as the time spent as a family making holiday memories together. And, don’t worry about making a big mess either – accept that messes happen with projects and make family clean up part of the overall project. This helps eliminate the stress of gooey project leftovers and spills falling on only one family member’s shoulders (usually mom or dad!).

Mix in Perspective and Continually Add True Reasons for the Season

With last minute holiday sales, coordinating family travel plans and juggling winter break activities, it is easy to lose sight of the true reasons for the holiday season. Whatever your family celebrates this holiday season, make sure to keep the purpose of the season at the forefront of your holiday activities. Maintaining a focused perspective can help eliminate the common holiday noise and pressures that can end up causing unnecessary stress on you and your family.

Substitute Consumer Chaos with a Slimmed Down Holiday Gift List

Finding the latest and greatest technology gadget on the market or the hottest toy on the top gift lists can quickly become exhausting and de-motivating. Instead of spinning your wheels racing your shopping cart down store aisles or frantically navigating your mouse during an online cyber sale, reduce the “stuff’ on your holiday gift list and increase the “meaning” of one or two heart-felt, genuine gifts. If you have a large family and are overwhelmed financially and mentally trying to buy for everyone on your list, suggest that your family set up a gift giving exchange system where each person in the family is responsible for giving a gift within a certain price range to only one other family member. This easy system can help eliminate going overboard in the gift category and reduce New Year clutter of gadgets and toys that only end up collecting dust after the holiday season ends.

Skip the Abundant Sweets and Treats of the Season

Holiday sweets and treats can be delicious this time of year, but too much of a good thing can stress your body’s internal systems and leave you feeling mentally tired and irritable. While skipping sweets altogether during the holidays is unrealistic, make it a priority to pace yourself throughout the season by being mindful of portion control and eating sweet treats that are only available during the holiday season.

Top Off Your Holiday Season with a Special Treat of Therapeutic Massage

When it is all said and done, those who survive the hectic holiday season with the least amount of physical and mental stress are the ones who understand the importance of taking time out for yourself during and after the activity-packed holiday season. Topping off your holiday season with a therapeutic massage session is a key ingredient to releasing the stress and tension that builds up in your mind and body during the holidays. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. A therapeutic massage will provide you with increased levels of relaxation and rejuvenation so you can close out the holiday season stress-free and ready for new adventures as you embark on the New Year.

Whether you need relief from pain, release of tension, reduction of stress or simply want to relax and feel your best during the holidays this year, Elements Therapeutic Massage is committed to promoting your overall health and well-being this holiday season. The expert massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage can help you establish a stress-free lifestyle during the holidays and into the New Year by offering a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being through a truly therapeutic massage experience. Call your local Elements studio to start living a healthy holiday lifestyle full of wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation.

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:41:00 -0600

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.   Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.

It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range.

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

Chronic pain
Limited mobility
Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Postural problems
Ostearthritis pain
Fibromyalgia
Muscle tension or spasm

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.

Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain. People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

What Can I Expect During My Visit?

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.

You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.

It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Precautions

Massage is not recommended for certain people:

infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
immediately after surgery
immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Additional tips

don't eat a heavy meal before the massage

if it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.(Cathy Wong, http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage.htm)

Elemente Therapeutic Massage has many therapists that perform deep tissue massage-Alexandra, Angela, Barb, Chris, Heidi, Kelly, Kim, Laura, Lidija, Mario, Marylisa, Megan, and Shannon. Call 414.332.3260 today to schedule a deep tissue massage and get relief from chronic muscle tension or schedule online.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:41:00 -0500

Epsom salt has been used for decades as a therapeutic soak for muscle sprains, swelling in joints as in ankles and knees, as well as reduce discomfort of sore muscles. Epsom slat is an affordable way to not only relax and soften skin, but help rid your body of harmful additives and provide it with some very essential nutrients.

Why Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt is a well-known medicinal salt that is comprised of several nutrients, one of which is magnesium. This mineral not only promotes healthy nerve and muscle function, it helps to regulate more than 300 types of enzymes found in the body, reduces painful inflammation, fights agains blood clots and promotes better usage of insulin and oxygen in the body. Magnesium is also known to help alleviate stress in the body and encourage better rest.

Another key ingredient found in Epsom salt is sulfate, a derivative of magnesium. Sulfate is very vital in helping to flush out harmful toxins from the body and helps in the absorption of other necessary nutrients such as calcium. The sulfate found in Epsom salt is essential in helping the body to properly form healthy brain tissue and proteins for joints. The mix of magnesium and sulfate is believed to help lower the body’s blood pressure and help to elevate serotonin levels in the brain, which is a natural mood enhancer.

Health Benefits Through Soaking

While taking sulfate and magnesium supplements can certainly help the body, contributing factors such as stomach acid or medications can often interfere with its absorption. Soaking with Epsom salt is believed to be one of the most effective ways for the body to get the proper amount of these nutrients—by actually entering through the skin itself. Soaking with Epsom salt can also help to draw harmful heavy metals from the cells.

How to Get Spa Results at Home

Adding two cups of Epsom salt to running bathwater can give you many of the same results as an expensive spa soak. Epsom salt acts as a natural exfoliant, helping shed away dead skin for a healthier glow and also leaves the skin feeling naturally soft. The addition of one-half cup of Epsom salt to a warm foot soak can help to eliminate odor and soften calluses and other rough spots on feet, and even rid nail fungus. For a smoother complexion, add one-half teaspoon of Epsom salt to your regular cleansing cream and wash before going to bed. (1)

1) http://www.ehow.com/about_5432196_epsom-salt-benefits.html#ixzz2A8qDs1dH

Seasonal Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Beet greens are a delicious and healthy fall treat.

You can find beets with the greens still attached at your local farmers' market or at your local grocery store. The beets can be roasted in the oven with olive oil and garlic for a wonderful side dish but for this recipe we will focus on the greens. About five years ago, our family joined our local Community Supported Agriculture. Each week we get a share of the local harvest. This is where we encountered our first beet greens. I found that I liked the greens even more than the beets. This recipe is simple and quick. If you have never tried beet greens, this is an easy recipe to introduce them to your family. For picky eaters in your family, have them come with you to pick out the beets at the market and have them help cook. I find that my children have embraced new foods if they are part of the process of introducing them to the family.

1 bunch of beet greens (can substitute Swiss Chard if Beet Greens are unavailable) loosely chopped (the red stems can be used if one likes or discarded and only the leaf used)

2 cloves of garlic

2-3T. of olive oil

1/4 c. chopped pecans

4 oz. of goat cheese (can used herbed goat cheese or for a tangier flavor feta)

Balsamic vinegar

In a large saute pan, put 2-3T. of olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add crushed garlic to the hot oil (use a garlic press). Add the beet greens and sauté for 2-4min until bright green and wilted. Don't over cook or the greens will turn gray brown and loose some of their flavor. Turn off heat and add 2-3T. of balsamic vinegar (or to taste), the chopped pecans, and crumble the goat cheese. Toss loosely and serve. The cheese will melt from the heat of the greens which makes it creamy. Bon appetit!

Lymphatic Massage: Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:10:00 -0500

The Role of the Lymph System

Just as the cardiovascular system plays an important role in our bodies, so does the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is vital to maintaining fluid balance in the body, fighting disease, and ridding the body of toxins. The lymphatic system, made up of organs, ducts and nodes, is responsible for moving lymph throughout the body. It maintains fluid balance and defends against disease. Lymph is the fluid and protein (blood plasma) squeezed from the blood. The lymphatic system drains that fluid, lymph, from tissue ultimately returning the cleansed fluid back to the blood. Lymph nodes located at various points around the body (under the chin, behind the ears, in the armpits for example) filter lymph fluid. Lymphocytes, produced in the bone marrow, help the body fight disease along with white cells and are transported with the lymph fluid. Since lymphocytes are instrumental in fighting disease it is important that the lymph system is functioning properly and flow is unobstructed. Flow can be blocked due to illness, inactivity, surgery, and injury. Since lymph cleanses almost every cell in the body, chronic lymph blockage can lead to:

frequent colds and flu
joint pain
headaches and migraines
increased menstrual cramps
arthritis
loss of appetite
fatigue
mood irregularities
depression
acne
edema

What is Lymphoma?

When fighting an infection, the lymph nodes may become enlarged which is normal. Sometimes enlarged lymph nodes, however, are tumors. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system. It can be caused by malignant lymphocytes that grow too fast or live too long accumulating in the lymph nodes and other areas of the lymphatic system forming tumors.

Symptoms of lymphoma:

painless lump or swollen gland in the neck, abdomen, underarm, or groin area (usually the first sign)
red patches on the skin
nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
coughing or breathlessness

Less common signs:

drenching night sweats
unexplained weight loss, usually more than 10% of total body weight
fever of more than 100 degrees that comes and goes, especially in evening
itching skin, usually without a rash
unusual tiredness

*If you have a painless enlarged lymph node or gland that doesn't go away in a couple of weeks see your doctor to have it check out. While some lymph nodes can be reactive (enlarged and painless for an extended period of time but benign), it is still important to have a doctor or medical professional make that determination. Early detection is important.

The Benefits of Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic massage, developed in the 1930s, incorporates gentle manipulation of the body's lymphatic system to increase lymph flow and unblock congested lymph pathways. The lymphatic system while circulating fluid is not a closed system and lacks a pumping mechanism like the cardiovascular system. Lymph therefore relies on muscle contraction from deep breathing, exercise, or massage to circulate fluid. Lymphatic massage is a beneficial way to help move lymphatic fluid, unblock the lymph system, aid the lymph system in draining and filtering out toxins and bacteria, and increase the immune system. By improving lymphatic flow, massage increase the bodies abilities to fight disease and heal from injury. During a lymphatic massage, light pressure and soft pumping movements towards the lymph nodes help unblock the lymph system and increases lymph flow up to 20 percent. Ultimately, immune system function can be significantly increased, while increasing metabolism, and aiding in the elimination of waste and toxins.

To increase the benefits of any massage but especially lymphatic massage, drink lots of water afterward to help flush released toxins. Lymphatic massage is sometimes combined with deep tissue massage to help reduce the minor edema that can occur after deep tissue massage.

After a lymphatic massage you may notice that your skin looks fresher. This is because the increased lymph flow balances body fluid level plumping the skin and flushes toxins.

When Is Lymphatic Massage Recommended

Lymphatic massage is beneficial for sports injuries, surgical patients (with doctor approval), fibromyaliga, chronic fatigue, edema, after a cold or flu, and for people who are inactive.

Due to the stress put on the lymph system after a sports injury, lymphatic massage can help speed recovery by reducing swelling and helping remove proteins and waste products from the affected area. Reducing pressure on the injured cells by relieving swelling allows them to reproduce faster speeding up healing.

Often after surgical removal of lymph nodes (for example done during breast cancer surgery) limbs swell. While severe edema requires medical treatment, many people find lymphatic massage relieves mild swelling. Many women find they suffer from lymphedema (localized repeated fluid retention) in their arm/s post breast cancer surgery and lymph node removal. Regular lymphatic massage (with doctor approval) can reduce the swelling and maintain proper lymph flow.

Because lymphatic massage is gentle and boosts the immune system it is ideal for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome paitents who have sore trigger points throughout the body.

Finally, lymphatic massage is helpful after a cold, flu, or other illness. The lymph system is stressed by illness and lymph nodes swell with white blood cells and waste while fighting an illness. Often lymph nodes take a while to return to normal size. A lymphatic massage can hasten that process by moving fluid through the lymph system and releasing congestion in the system.

Lymphatic massage is not recommended for acute inflammation, malignant tumors, thrombosis, and those with major heart problems.

Marylisa offers lymphatic massage. Call today to reap the benefits of a lymphatic massage 414.332.3260.

Seasonal Recipe: Tomato Cucumber Salad

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:42:00 -0500

Do you have lots of tomatoes and cucumbers from your garden?

This is of my favorite summer recipes that my mom used to make when we were kids. It is super easy, is a great way to use up extra tomatoes and cucumbers, and is always a hit when we bring it to BBQs.

2-4 Large tomatoes (if using Roma you may need more. Use yellow tomatoes for additional color).
1-2 cucumbers peeled and sliced
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Fresh Basil chopped
Pepper

In a 9 x 13" pan (you can make a smaller version in a 8 or 9" square pan just decrease the amount of veggies) place tomato slices in a solid layer. Peel and slice up cucumber and make a second layer. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil generously over the top. Gently stir the layers (if you prefer the layered look skip to next step). Sprinkle chopped sliced basil over top. Season with pepper to taste. You can add onion for additional flavor (about 1/2 onion).

Additions/ Variations:

Italian: Add slices of fresh mozzarella for a variation on caprese salad.
Greek: For a Greek flare replace the basil with dried or fresh oregano and add diced or crumbled feta instead of mozzarella. Add kalamata olives and diced onions.

Massage + A Healthy Diet: The Perfect Combination to Balance Summer Stress

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:26:00 -0500

Summer time is a great time to enjoy the bounty of our backyard gardens and farmers' markets. I also find that I am drawn to my favorite summer comfort foods: potato salad, BBQ, chips, and ice cream. All it takes is the smell of my neighbor grilling next door to make my mouth water and the cravings to start. With a little planning that favorite summer meal can be delicous and healthy. Although my middle son and I decided to go vegetarian this past January, we still are drawn to those favorite grill smells. We have found having some options that work for our new food choices ready in the fridge or freezer allow us to stay on track while fulfilling our summer cravings.

Eating healthy is never an easy task. While the summer months provide many opportunities to eat light and avoid over-indulging, challenges will always exist. Get an early start to forming your healthy eating and de-stressing habits this season by calming your digestive system and balancing your body with these quick tips.

Healthy Eating Habits:

Prepare yourself and your meals – Ensure your schedule has time for good health by planning ahead. Plan out your meals and make the trip to the grocery store or local farmer’s market early to stock your kitchen with a nutritious array of foods and on-the-go-snacks.

Manage your plate size – Try to fill only half of your plate with lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and complex whole grain carbs. The other half should consist of fruits and vegetables.

Drink water – The goal here is to drink at least six eight-ounce glasses a day. This amount increases based on your activity level. Drinking water throughout the day aids your body’s detoxification process and boosts energy and digestion.

Do not skip meals – Eating smaller meals more frequently can boost your metabolism and your ability to burn calories. Be sure to eat breakfast, even if it consists of a small portion of fruit or a homemade smoothie of your favorite nutritious ingredients. Carry healthy snacks throughout the day to remedy your cravings with a nourishing solution.

Sleep – A sufficient amount of sleep can act as a mental reset button as well as help you to maintain an ideal weight by omitting cravings for both sugar and carbs. Seven to eight hours is an adequate amount of sleep for the average adult. Despite what some may believe, the attempt to recapture lost sleep on the weekends does not benefit the body as much as maintaining a consistent and healthy sleep pattern will.

Massage and The Digestive System

Therapeutic massage sessions can promote a healthy digestive system by relaxing tense abdominal and intestinal walls, as well as stimulating activity of your major digestive organs (kidneys, colon, small and large intestines) to improve circulation and waste removal. When combined with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbs, massage therapy can help regulate your bowel movements, flush out the toxins in your system and leave you feeling more energetic and rejuvenated.

Find Balance for Your Body With Therapeutic Massage:

Studies have found massage helpful for stress relief and for balancing your body by aiding its ability to handle anxiety and depression, as well as boosting immunity. Massage has been shown to help regulate naturally-occurring chemicals in the body (hormones including norepinephrine, cortisol and serotonin) that are associated with stress and relaxation.

These benefits of regular massage can help you cope with stress when it’s occurring — and also develop a stronger everyday resilience to future stress.

Whether you need to release tension, reduce stress or simply relax and feel your best, regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions are essential for promoting your overall mind and body well-being. Regular monthly massages provide relief to people of all ages and all walks of life. It is the perfect recipe for helping you unwind and prepare yourself for a happy healthy summer.

FREE chair massages for Ladies Night Out

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:41:00 -0500

Hey Ladies,

Looking for something to do on Thursday night? Come join us at Elements Therapeutic Massage-WFB for a night of FREE chair massages, raffles, grab bag prizes, swag bags (first 30 attendees) and FREE wine and snacks. Stop by the studio for a night out filled with prizes and relaxation. Don't forget to bring your friends and share the fun!

Get Out. Get Active. Get Massage

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 20:39:00 -0500

The golf fairways are turning green, the summer race schedules are published, the bicycles are out of the garage, and your running shoes are ready to ditch the treadmill and start logging miles on outdoor trails and roadways.

The only thing that may be missing in this picture is a physically conditioned body that is prepared to endure all of the strenuous activities summer has in store. To get yourself to the start line without injury and prepare your body for optimal performance this year, it is important for both men and women to incorporate frequent massage into their summer training, performance and recovery plan.

Massage is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, but especially if you live an active lifestyle. And, to be clear, an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean being a competitive athlete or extreme sports enthusiast. An active lifestyle can mean coaching your child’s little league team, regular recreational gym use or playing flag football with family on a summer afternoon. Either way, massage can play an active role in improving athletic performance for anyone ranging from weekend warriors to competitors.

Top Ways Massage Can Increase Athletic Performance

Increased Psychological Readiness. Athletic performance is 50 percent physical and 50 percent mental. If you take care of the physical part by putting in the training, mileage, etc. needed to accomplish your goal, massage can help prepare you for the mental toll of competition. Studies have shown that massage increases your psychological readiness to prepare you for tackling a challenging physical activity. Whether it’s running your first marathon, hiking a fourteener or playing 18 holes of golf every weekend, massage can help you block out negative energy (self doubt, anxiety, nervousness) and tune your focus toward accomplishing the physical endeavor at hand. Massage also is also a great mood enhancer that can help with mental preparedness by stimulating our natural endorphins.

Enhanced Physical Performance. The physical benefits of massage have been realized for years by professional and novice athletes across sporting events. In order to realize peak physical performance, it is important to keep the body’s engine in tip-top shape. Deep tissue and sports massage techniques play an essential role in maintaining and advancing physical performance by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, flushing out toxins, lengthening muscles, increasing overall range of joint motion, and decreasing muscle stiffness. Massage also has been known to enhance overall performance by decreasing exercise-induced fatigue in athletes. In a British Journal of Sports Medicine study, subjects performed a warm up cycle exercise, followed by 30-second high intensity exercises that were interspersed with 30 seconds of active recovery. The subjects’ heart rates, peak power, mean power and fatigue index then were recorded after either receiving 20 minutes of massage or passive rest. The study found that a significantly lower fatigue index was found in individuals who received the 20-minute massage versus rest alone.¹

Reduced Injury Risk. By incorporating massage into your active routine, you are taking a proactive approach to not only avoiding injury, but also increasing your chances of enhancing and maintaining peak performance in the short and long term. The key to reducing injury, though, isn’t massage alone. The combination of massage, stretching and movement creates a more fluid, strong muscle and body structure that can endure higher levels of wear and tear. Massage also is an integral component to balancing muscle groups and soft tissues in your body, minimizing the tendency for stronger muscle groups to overcompensate for weaker ones, which eventually can lead to injury or strain to the stronger muscle group.

Increased Recovery Time. Each year as you get older and try to maintain the same level of physical performance as before, recovery times seem to become longer and longer. Recovery time is an essential component to overall peak performance because the longer it takes to recover from strenuous exercise, the longer you spend watching the game on the sidelines. Studies have shown that massage after exercise fatigue significantly improved quadriceps performance when compared to rest alone,² and muscle soreness intensity was significantly lower when massage was used within 48 hours post-exercise.³ Get back into your active lifestyle more quickly between workouts by incorporating massage into your daily routine. ³

As you embark on your summer activity adventures this year, make sure to always include a regularly scheduled therapeutic massage in your arsenal of must-have supplies for peak performance success. Massage not only supports greater training intensity by shortening recovery time between workouts and feeding essential nutrients to the soft tissue of the body, but it also can be attributed to improving range of motion and muscle flexibility that results in improved efficiency, power and performance.

Get out, get active and start expecting more performance results from regularly scheduled therapeutic massages this summer. The skilled therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage will evaluate your health history, goals, challenges and lifestyle to determine the best massage for enhancing your physical performance. Call your local Elements studio today to start preparing your body for optimal performance this summer.

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¹Robertson, A., Watt, J.M. & Galloway, S.D. (2004). Effects of leg massage on recovery from high intensity cycling exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 4, 173-176.

Shape Up Your Summer Body, While Rejuvenating Your Mommy Spirit

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:17:00 -0500

Moms spend most of their waking hours as caretakers – taking care of running a busy household, juggling work and family schedules, and caring about the health and happiness of friends, family members and even clients. Many times, though, caring for others is done at the expense of caring for themselves.

In celebration of Mother’s Day this month, it is time to start taking care of all the mothers out there who run their minds and bodies thin in an effort to care for everyone and everything that is important to them and their families. Caring for mothers starts with giving them the relaxation and rejuvenation they deserve with frequent massage therapy sessions tailored toward helping them reach their mind and body goals this summer.

To help moms get their bodies and minds ready for summertime activities, regular massage can be an excellent tool for repairing, reinvigorating and reshaping a women’s body. Whether you are striving to trim down winter’s last pounds or tone your body for fun summertime activities in the sun, massage can produce positive results for losing weight and firming up your body. It is time to bring in the massage troops to shape up your body and rejuvenate your mommy spirit.

Waist Reduction: Scientific studies have linked massage therapy with a reduction in cellulite, as the firm pressure of a typical massage may aide in breaking up fat capsules in the body’s tissues, enabling the body to absorb and shed cellulite. Massage also can have a positive effect on weight loss efforts by reducing the production of cortisol (high stress hormone) in your body. When you are stressed out, it can be difficult for your body to lose weight, even if you are eating healthy, as cortisol inhibits the body from releasing fat and toxins.

Positive Attitude: Incorporating massage into your health and wellness regimen can also transform a weight loss program from a dreaded experience to a more positive one. Instead of focusing on cutting out your favorite foods and depriving your body to meet your desired body shape, massage can turn the experience into a rewards-based environment that is focused on caring for your body and rebuilding the mental and physical pieces you may have lost over time.

Body Cleanse: Deep tissue massage techniques can help cleanse the body by helping eliminate toxins that can collect in your muscles after strenuous exercise. Massage also is an excellent agent for minimizing toxic attitudes that can weigh down your self consciousness and self esteem. The relaxing environment of a therapeutic massage not only motivates your mind and body to achieve wellness goals by energizing your attitude, but it also can establish a winning attitude that can set you up for accomplishing anything you focus your mind on.

Repair Muscles: Sports massage is a key element to soothing common muscle aches and pains caused from increased activity during the spring and summer months. As your activity levels increase, you may not always stretch, ice, heat or rest your tired muscles as often as you should. Regular monthly massages can provide the tune up that your body needs to stay up and running.

All mothers, and women in general, want to look good and feel good about their bodies. Massage is the solution the help you accomplish both – but the secret is receiving regular massage therapy sessions. Start taking care of your mom today by giving her the gift of massage this Mother’s Day. If you are a mother, you don’t have to wait until your kids or spouse are clued in on the benefits of massage. You can start adding yourself to the list of things and people you take care of by scheduling monthly therapeutic massages for yourself for the rest of the year.

So, come celebrate your motherhood this Mother’s Day with Elements Therapeutic Massage. The skilled therapists at Elements can tailor a monthly plan for helping you accomplish your body shape and health goals this summer. Call 414-332-3260 today to begin shaping up for summertime fun.

Melt Away Tax Time Stress with Three Simple Relaxation Strategies

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:51:00 -0500

April showers may bring May flowers, but “stress storms”, common this time of year (April 17 tax deadlines, changes in seasons, failed New Year’s resolution attempts), can leave you feeling wilted, run down and even depressed. Instead of getting caught in a storm of stress this spring, blow away the winter blues by melting tension and fatigue with regular therapeutic massage sessions that will not only nurture your mind and body, but support your overall well-being.

In today’s plugged in, always on-the-go society, stress can be found in all aspects of your life. While some types of stress can be healthy for your mind and body, a January 2012 study from the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed deepening concerns about the connection between chronic disease and stress. Research continues to show that stress can negatively impact your health by:

Weakening your immune system, leading to common colds, sicknesses and even more critical medical problems.
Disrupting sleep problems, leading to fatigue and even insomnia.
Decreasing positive moods and feelings about yourself and others, leading to depression and an overall sense of unhappiness.
Causing headaches, upset stomach or digestion, and muscular tension.
Increasing irritability, anger, anxiety and nervousness.¹

Realistically, you may never be able to completely eliminate stress, anxiety and pressure from your life, but there are steps you can start taking today to stop the vicious cycle of being showered with stress. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month this April, you can start by incorporating the following three relaxation strategies into your daily life to promote a more stress-free lifestyle.

Release Mental and Physical Tension

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. Massage can help relieve physical tension such as back/neck pain, reduce stress, increase circulation, and improve your body’s full range of motion. And, by making massage a regular occurrence on your calendar, you will give yourself a designated time each month to release mental and physical tension, lowering the risk of stress piling up to levels that can lead to negative results.

Revive and Reinvigorate Tired, Sore Muscles

Whether you are sitting in front of the computer all day, chasing a toddler around the house or training for a sporting event (or trying to be successful at all three at the same time!), it is more than likely that your hips, back and neck may feel sore and fatigued at the end of the day. By loosening these common stress carrying muscle groups on a regular basis, you can instantly de-stress your mind and body. Deep tissue massage specifically can break up scar tissue and help muscles recover more quickly so you can bounce back faster from a hard gym workout or working on a computer screen for 12 hours a day. Not only will your body feel more revived and stronger after a massage, but your mind also will be sharper, helping you maintain a more consistent focus on all of your day-to-day activities.

Take Time to Get in Touch with Yourself

Massage can help you establish a balance in your life that is not only good for your mental and muscle health, but also your body’s internal system well-being. Studies show that leading factors of medical problems and common illnesses can occur from overworking yourself, carrying too much stress and not dedicating enough time to relaxing your mind and body on a regular basis. It’s important to carve out 15 minutes a day (daily meditation), one day a week (designated “Me” time) and once a month (monthly therapeutic massage) to devote time and energy into establishing a positive mind/body connection.

By implementing these three stress reducing habits, you are well on your way to avoiding a stress storm this spring and giving yourself the opportunity to stop and take time to smell the flowers. The skilled massage therapists at Elements Therapeutic Massage are available to listen to your individual needs and will use the proper techniques to deliver a truly therapeutic experience. Call your local Elements studio today to begin experiencing all of the stress management benefits of massage therapy.

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¹Stress in America™, Our Health at Risk, American Psychological Association, January 2012.

Weakening your immune system, leading to common colds, sicknesses and even more critical medical problems.
Disrupting sleep problems, leading to fatigue and even insomnia.
Decreasing positive moods and feelings about yourself and others, leading to depression and an overall sense of unhappiness.
Causing headaches, upset stomach or digestion, and muscular tension.
Increasing irritability, anger, anxiety and nervousness.¹

Release Mental and Physical Tension

Revive and Reinvigorate Tired, Sore Muscles

Take Time to Get in Touch with Yourself

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¹Stress in America™, Our Health at Risk, American Psychological Association, January 2012.

Let Your Back Pain Loose

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:40:00 -0600

It doesn’t matter whether you are a desk jockey, athlete, construction worker, stay-at-home mom or retiree, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain and discomfort throughout your life. Researchers and doctors agree that low back pain is one of the leading major health problems in today’s society. With cooler temperatures and less than favorable conditions, back pain can be even more present this time of year as snow shoveling duties, icy sidewalks and extreme winter sports can be the norm.

According to industry reports, 70 to 85 percent of people in the U.S. experience low back pain some time in their lives. Each year, 5 to 10 percent of the workforce misses work due to low back pain and almost 10 percent of all patients are at risk for developing chronic pain and disability.¹

Back Pain Triggers

One of the most frustrating characteristics of back pain is its ability to sneak up on you when you least expect it. You bend over to pick up your toddler from the bathtub and an unexpected pain shoots through your back and shoulders. You end the day feeling great after going on a weekend bike ride with buddies or playing a friendly flag football game with family, but wake up the next morning with your back muscles as stiff as an iron rod. Or, you may have spent the day in a long board meeting with few scheduled breaks and by the time you get your exhausted body to bed, all you can do is toss and turn because of a dull constant pain buzzing throughout your neck, back and shoulders. Sound familiar?

Industry statistics indicate that 97 percent of non-specific back pain problems are triggered by outside influences such as muscle strains, awkward movements, staying in a static position for too long, or when the combination of minor stresses occur together. The most common reported causes of low-back pain include:

Heavy Physical Work
Bending
Twisting
Lifting
Pulling and Pushing
Repetitive Work Patterns
Static Postures

Back pain usually is discovered when causes like the ones listed above are combined with an individual’s poor body stability, tone, flexibility and balance.²

Back Pain Remedies

So, what types of remedies should you use to combat back pain? Experts suggest taking a holistic approach to reducing back pain incidents by keeping your body fit with proper exercise and diet, using relaxation techniques such as massage and yoga, and enlisting proper posture practices such as ergonomically correct computer stations, strengthening core muscles and sleeping on your back or side with pillows supporting your knees and back.³

Massage

As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain. Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to combating back pain based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. A 2011 study compared structural and relaxation (Swedish) massage techniques, and found that both types of massage worked well to remedy chronic low back pain with few side effects. The study also found that massage helps people with back pain function better even after six months, which can help support their ability to work, take care of themselves and be active.⁴

For those who use massage as a preventative measure to back pain or to manage daily back stress, one massage a month is common. Weekly massage sessions may be necessary for injury relief or to relieve chronic neck or back tightness that interferes with your daily life. If this is the case, weekly sessions are essential in order to build on each week's improvements in healing until the desired results have been achieved.

Yoga

The backbone of yoga practice and purpose is increasing an individual’s flexibility, while lengthening and strengthening a body’s muscles and mind’s focus. In relation to alleviating back pain specifically, recent studies have revealed that yoga classes have been linked to better back-related function and diminished symptoms from chronic low back pain. In one of the largest U.S. yoga studies to date, back-related functionality improved and symptoms were diminished with yoga at 12 weeks, while clinical benefits such as reduced use of pain medications lasted at least six months.⁵

Balance and Stability

Another common remedy to combat back pain is adding balance and stability moves to your daily activities. There are various poses and stability exercises that target your back muscles and core, but three simple balance movements that can get you started include: Bird Dog (extending your opposite hand and leg while on your hands and knees); Superman (extending both arms and legs while lying on your stomach); and Plank (holding your body off the floor by leaving your forearms and toes touching the floor). Start by holding each movement for 10 seconds and increase your time as you become stronger.

At some point in your life, you will more than likely experience some level of back pain. Whether it’s spending too much time hunched over your computer, shoveling heavy loads of wet, dense snow, or taking a wrong turn down a steep mountain ski run, back pain has a way of creeping up on you. The key to alleviating back pain is to take a holistic approach to treating and preventing your muscle aches and strains. By using a combination of the relaxation, flexibility and stability building techniques described above, low back pain can become a thing of the past, allowing you to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to begin living a restored, vibrant and pain-free lifestyle.

XXX

Sources:

¹Buselli P, Bosoni R, Buse G, Fasoli P, La Scala E, Mazzolari R, Zanetti F, Messina S. Trial Abstract for Effectiveness evaluation of a SMATH System, October 2011.

²Chaitow, Leon. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, June/July 2006.

³ Buford, Darren. Massage & Bodywork Magazine, August/September 2001.

⁴ Group Health Research Institute. Annals of Internal Medicine, July 2011.

⁵ Karen J. Sherman; Daniel C. Cherkin; Robert D. Wellman; Andrea J. Cook; Rene J. Hawkes; Kristin Delaney; Richard A. Deyo. A Randomized Trial Comparing Yoga, Stretching, and a Self-care Book for Chronic Low Back Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011.

Bust through the Resolution Rut by Focusing on Overall Health, Well-Being for the New Year

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:07:00 -0600

With the hustle and bustle of the hectic holidays in your rear view mirror, the never-ending possibilities for a healthy and happy new year are on the horizon. To grasp the unlimited potential the New Year can bring, people can be as frantic about New Year’s resolutions as they were on Black Friday racing to purchase the top toys on last year’s holiday guide.

Statistics show that almost half of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. Although many resolutions fall to the wayside shortly after the journey begins, research shows that making resolutions can be useful, as people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than those who do not.¹

Make Resolutions Likely to Stick

The key to making resolutions that you can live by is to keep it simple. Write down two or three goals at most and set benchmarks for achieving the goals so you can enjoy incremental successes along the way. According to a resolution list from the U.S. government, many of the most popular resolutions fall within the category of overall health and well-being.² Whether your resolution this year addresses reducing stress, increasing fitness, losing weight or improving sleep, the following tips will help you combat the resolution rut and keep you on the road to achieving overall health and wellness for the New Year.

Start Your Mornings with a Dose of Mental Health and Physical Relaxation

To establish a lifestyle routine focused on healthy living and well-being, it is important to start your day with some easy and simple mental health and physical relaxation exercises that focus on preparing you for whatever obstacles you may have to tackle during the day. By combining stretching/yoga poses with meditative breathing and positive thinking, you are well on your way to the road of living a restored and vibrant life.

Clear the Mind and Relax Your Body: Before rolling out of bed to greet the morning sunrise, take a few minutes of long, deep breathes to clear out the cobwebs from the night before and prepare your mind for a productive, stress-free day. By focusing on the positive aspects of what you plan on accomplishing for your day, you are setting yourself up for a happy and healthy mental wellness day. Research from the Mayo Clinic has indicated that health benefits from positive thinking may range from increased life span and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease to lower rates of depression and distress, better psychological and physical well-being, and improved coping skills during hardships and stressful times.³
Balance Your Body, Balance Your Life: To get your day started off on the right foot, begin your morning routine with some quiet meditative and muscle relaxation time. In as little as five minutes, you can loosen your back, neck and leg muscles with common yoga moves such as child’s pose, downward dog and standing tree.

Power Down Your Brain at Night to Reset and Revamp Your Mind

Ending your day on a relaxing note will promote overall health and well-being by creating an environment focused on recharging your mind and body. At least an hour before going to bed, make it a habit to turn off all technology – television, phone, e-mail, Internet, social media, music, etc. This will help you power down your brain at night to prepare your body for a restful and fulfilling night’s sleep. Another key component to resetting and revamping your mind is ensuring that you allow yourself an adequate amount of sleep each night. When you get home from work, set your alarm clock for whatever time you need to go to bed to ensure 7-9 straight hours of shut eye. When the alarm goes off at night, you should be in bed ready for sleep. An adequate amount of sleep will help you have a more energetic, productive and healthy attitude during the day.

Refuel with Weekly Appointments with Friends and Fitness

Work, family and personal everyday commitments can leave your mental tank empty and craving some “ME” time. Refuel your tank by picking one stress relieving activity that you enjoy and schedule it on your calendar on a weekly basis. This could be as simple as reading a book/magazine for an hour, arranging a coffee date with a friend, volunteering or playing racquetball. By taking time out for yourself on a weekly basis, you are fueling your tank of self worth and demonstrating not only to yourself, but to your friends and family, that your mental health is important enough for you to set time aside each week for emotional and mental fulfillment.

Similarly, it is important to fuel your body by incorporating fitness activities into your weekly routine. Physical activity not only helps your body’s fitness levels, but it also is an excellent source for preventing and managing stress. Whether it’s taking your dog for a 30-minute walk, going for a jog, biking the kids to/from school, taking fitness classes or swimming laps, consistent activity is good for not only relieving stress in your muscles/body, but also the stress in your mind.

Restore and Revitalize with Monthly Massage Therapy Sessions

To keep your mind and body aligned and working in sync, monthly massage therapy sessions are important to restoring and reinvigorating your overall health and well-being. Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Some of the most common massage therapy techniques include:

Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury.
Swedish Massage: Focuses on relaxation, stress relief and overall health and wellness.
Hot Stone Massage: Specializes in easing muscle tension without deep pressure.
Trigger Point: Focuses on highly localized muscle knots where the body holds tension and carries stress.

As you sit down to make your resolutions this year, it is important to focus on reasonable and attainable goals that are easy to incorporate into your everyday life. By using the daily, weekly and monthly tips in this article, you will be well on your way to not only making resolutions that will stick with you throughout the year, but also help you establish a well-rounded lifestyle focused on overall health and wellness. Resolutions are a journey, so enjoy the ride this year to a healthier and happier you. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to begin revitalizing your health and well-being for the New Year.

Sources:

¹ University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology, Volume 58, Issue 4, 2002.

² USA.gov, Popular New Year’s Resolutions, October 2011.

³ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, May 2011.

Keep Your Whole Body in Tip-Top Shape While Traveling this Winter Season

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:10:00 -0600

The winter traveling season is upon us, which can mean overbooked flights, sharing cramped spaces with a lot of different people, increased exposure to wintertime colds and viruses, sleeping in various beds and eating high caloric rich foods. With all of these variables stacked against you, it can be quite a challenge to keep you and your family healthy and pain free while traveling this winter season. To help keep your muscles and immune system in tip-top shape this winter season, it is important to incorporate stretching and massage techniques before, during and after your travels.

A recent study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the effects of Swedish massage therapy on the body's hormonal response and immune function. Researchers found that participants who received Swedish massage had a significant decrease in the hormone arginine-vasopressin (which plays a role in regulating blood pressure and water retention) and concluded that Swedish massage produces measurable biological effects and may have a positive effect on the immune system. Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(10):1–10.

Prepare Your Body Pre-Trip with a Regular Exercise Routine and Massage Therapy Sessions

Maintaining your normal activity level during vacation and especially during the holidays can create quite a challenge, so it’s important to maintain your exercise level before leaving on your trip to keep your muscles engaged and loose. Stick with your routine exercise and stretching regimen up until a day or two before you leave for your trip. Also, book a relaxation massage like Swedish massage to lengthen muscles, as well as prepare your body and mind for a relaxing and healthy trip. Massage is not only important to loosening your muscles, but it is equally important to boost your immune system, as massage stimulates the lymph system (the body’s natural defense) against toxic invaders.

Incorporate Massage and Stretching Techniques While Enjoying Your Holiday Travels

Hitting the Highway for Family Vacation Fun: If you are traveling by car this holiday season, you will inevitably make pit stops along the way, especially if you are traveling with children. Instead of sitting in your car during bathroom and gas stops, get out of the car to stretch your legs, back and neck. Simple stretches such as toe touches, neck rotations and lunges can do the trick or you can even run/walk laps around the rest stop to incorporate some cardio as you loosen your body.
Jet Setting Across the Country: If your holiday traveling plans find you boarding a plane, there are a few simple tips for keeping your body flexible and active at the airport and during your flight. Prior to boarding your flight, walk up and down the concourse to stay relaxed rather than sitting in front of the gate until the plane boards. While at the gate, grab your nearest wall to lean against for stretching your legs, calves and back. The National Academy of Sports Medicine suggests that you slowly move into a stretch with light force and hold for 30 seconds to lengthen muscles. They suggest these common stretches for increased flexibility: hip flexor stretch, wall chest, kneeling lat stretch and inner thigh stretches.

While in-flight, use a neck pillow to stabilize your neck muscles, especially if you plan on catching a nap while in the air. When the pilot turns off the seat belt sign, take a stroll to the back bathroom area and stretch your hamstrings, shoulder and back muscles. Just make sure to stay out of the way of the flight attendants and their beverage carts!

Maintaining Proper Nutrition and Hydration During Your Travels: Whether you drive or fly this holiday season, it is important to drink plenty of water and eat healthy during your trip. The recommended daily water consumption is typically 64 ounces per day so bring a water bottle with you to keep track of how much water you consume. It also is helpful to your body’s digestive and immune systems to pack healthy homemade snacks in the car, rather than eating high caloric and sodium rich foods that are typically found in gas stations and fast food establishments in airports and along the highways.

Enjoying Hotel Amenities: If your travels find you staying in a hotel, your body may be in luck if you choose to enjoy the hotel amenities. Water can be your friend when experiencing tight muscles, especially if your room has a massage shower head for loosening tight neck and back muscles. Don’t be afraid to hop into the pool and swim a few laps to work out muscle kinks throughout your body and hot tubs are key for providing relief to specific areas of pain. The hotel fitness center also can be a great place to visit to stay active during your trip. Most will at least have stretching posters you can follow for a total body workout.

Revive and Rejuvenate your Tired Body with Post-Trip Massage Therapy

Traveling can take quite a toll on your mind and body, especially when it’s coupled with holiday season family gatherings, an abundant amount of holiday dinners and treats, and the inevitable stress associated with extended family dynamics. All of these factors can leave you feeling physically exhausted and mentally spent upon returning from your holiday family vacation. Before leaving on your trip, you can combat the negative effects of traveling on your body by scheduling a therapeutic massage session for the week after your return so you can quickly restore your mind and body in preparation for resuming your normal everyday life.

Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to begin preparing your muscles and immune system for a healthy and successful winter traveling season.

Hot Stone Massage Promotes Healthy Body, Warm Heart during the Cold Winter Months

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:07:00 -0600

Seasons change, colors change and moods can change as old man winter blows out summer’s warm, sunny weather and replaces it with cooler temperatures, shorter days and less sunshine rays. Prepare your mind and body for the changing seasons this year by incorporating hot stone massage into your overall health and wellness regimen. This wintertime favorite massage technique can help combat the negative effects that less sun and cooler temperatures can take on your body by warming your muscles and your mind from the inside out.

Warm Muscles Make Way for a Healthy Body

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 18 million U.S. adults and 700,000 children had received massage therapy in the previous year. People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including relief from pain, rehabilitation from sports injuries, reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, as well as to increase relaxation and your body’s general wellness.

Hot stone massage in particular is best for easing muscle tension without deep pressure, thereby being an excellent treatment for deep muscle strains and tight muscle knots associated with stress and/or injury. This massage therapy technique has been around for hundreds of years and is routinely used for increasing your body’s circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. All of these traits can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from arthritic conditions or stiff muscles and joints, which typically is more bothersome as the weather temperatures become bitter and cold in the winter months.

Warm Attitudes Make Way for Happy Times

Hot stone massage also can help combat the mental doldrums that old man winter can blow your way by creating a deep sense of calmness and relaxation. By putting your mind at ease, hot stone massage can leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle any challenges you may face during the hustle and bustle of the winter months.

As the holiday season rolls in and hectic schedules become the norm, hot stone massage can help create a meditative relaxing effect that balances the health and well-being of your mind and body. This popular massage technique enhances a regular deep tissue or Swedish massage session by incorporating hot, smooth stones on specific trigger points throughout your body. The leading purpose of using these stones in your massage therapy session is to open up your body’s energy channels, thereby significantly reducing muscle tension and improving relaxation throughout your mind and body.

Revive and rejuvenate your mental and physical well-being during the cold winter months by trying a hot stone massage therapy session. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to take the chill out of the air and your body this winter season.

Swing Back into the School Groove with Routine Massage Therapy

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:34:00 -0500

As the dog days of summer slowly fade away and the busy days of back to school season push full speed ahead, your routine can quickly switch from lazy summer afternoons to carpools, after school activities and homework assignments. Before your family calendar fills itself to the brim with school functions this fall, homecoming events and holiday parties, make sure to pencil in some restoration and relaxation time for yourself by scheduling monthly massage appointments for the next 3-6 months. Taking time out of your busy schedule to focus on you is not only good for your health and well-being, but your improved mood and increased energy levels can rub off on those around you as well. It’s a win-win for both you and your family!

Back to School = Back to Routine

Routine is essential when you’re focusing on maintaining your health and wellness. As you plan out the remainder of 2011 and look forward to the new year, now is a great time to get into the habit of reducing stress and enhancing your lifestyle with massage.

Industry research suggests that many diseases are stress related and high stress can be a leading contributor to accelerating the aging process of our bodies, both internally and externally. Regularly scheduled massage sessions make it easy for you to dedicate yourself to a healthy and happy lifestyle by allowing you to take time out for yourself on a monthly basis to maintain reduced stress and increased energy levels. A consistent massage routine will leave you feeling restored, invigorated and vibrant.

Back to School = Back to Health

According to a September 2010 study published by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Swedish massage produces measurable biological effects and may have a positive effect on the immune system. Rapaport MH, Schettler P, Bresee C. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;16(10):1–10.

Increasing your immune system is important during the fall season, especially for teachers and families returning back to school as germs can run wild along school hallways and inside classrooms. Incorporating massage into your back to school routine can help you maintain a stronger immune system during cold and flu season, thereby reducing missed days at work and school.

Back to School = Back to Massage

It never hurts to be reminded of all the wonderful benefits of receiving massage and body work treatments on a consistent and regular basis. According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals (www.abmp.com), massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Massage has many benefits, such as:

Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.
Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
Increases joint flexibility.
Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.
Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.
Contributes to shorter labor, reduces the need for medications and supports a quicker recovery.

As you get back into the swing of things this fall, remember to get back into massage. Call Elements Therapeutic Massage today to schedule your monthly massage therapy sessions and start getting back into the groove of a happy, healthy lifestyle.(414)332-3260.

Whitefish Bay Voted 65 in Top 100 places to Live

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:39:00 -0500

"Seven miles north of Milwaukee, this is the kind of suburb that affluent professionals love. It’s right on Lake Michigan, and a waterside park gives access to the beach, water sports, and many events throughout the year. Streets are lined with old trees and stately homes built in the 1920s and ‘30s. It’s so pedestrian friendly that most children walk to school. A small business district contains several independently owned shops." --N.D. Read more

Best Places to Live Article

Zita Donates Free Gowns to Military Brides: ETM Offers Free Chair Massage During Event

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:33:00 -0500

Zita Bridal Salon worked with Brides Across America in a nation-wide event donating couture wedding gowns to military brides July 27, 2011.The event took place July 27. Zita donated approximately 40 gowns ranging in price from $1000-$4000. Elements Therapeutic Massage was on hand offering free chair massages. Overall the event was a great success and a wonderful way for all who participated to give back to our service men and women and their families. Read more.

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy Your Summer Vacation

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:30:00 -0500

Summer vacations are where family memories are made – visiting beach houses, fishing with grandpa, making homemade ice cream with grandma, water slides with cousins, outdoor cookouts and catching up with old friends and family around a camp fire. Somewhere along the way, though, stress can creep into your trip, especially if you are your family’s vacation coordinator. Trip preparation, traveling and everything in between can leave you feeling exhausted, cranky and maybe even a little irritable.

Combat the natural stressors that can arise on a vacation by scheduling a therapeutic massage before you take off this summer for your family adventure and shortly after the plane lands on your return trip home. You, your body and your family will thank you. You will return from vacation revived, restored and vibrant – the key ingredients to happy summer memories!

To help you sit back, relax and enjoy your summer vacation, we want to share the following suggestions for reducing your mental and physical stress while on the road, in the air or sailing around the world.

The Problem: Mental Stress Associated with Chaotic, Busy Vacations

Booking two weeks at a lake cottage with your parents, brothers, sisters and all their kids might sound like a good idea initially for a family get away. However, when 15+ family members all descend on the cottage, kids running wild, parents and children bickering and grandparents spoiling the kids, stress can rise up quickly, creating a tense environment that doesn’t support a relaxing, enjoyable experience.

The Solution: De-Stress Before Your Summer Vacation with a Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is a medically proven method for supporting your health and wellness. You'll enjoy benefits of reduced stress, heart rate and blood pressure, as well as an improvement in mood and increased relaxation. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to wait until you are stressed or injured to get a massage. Massage is like a health supplement or preventative care for your body and mind. Schedule a massage a week or two prior to your vacation to prepare yourself for a successful trip. Since eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether during a family vacation is unrealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help you manage your stress.

The Problem: Physical Stress Associated with Traveling

The body can undergo a high degree of physical stress while traveling. From sitting for long periods of time during your travels to sleeping in different beds and using various pillows during vacation, your body can be left in knots after you return from vacation. Additionally, irregular bowel movements can be a common side effect of traveling, eating different foods, drinking new water and being in a new environment. These physical factors can greatly increase the stress associated with a family vacation and leave you in physical pain upon your return.

The Solution: Schedule a Post-Vacation Massage Before You Leave for Vacation

You can take some easy preventative measures during your vacation to reduce your body’s physical stress such as bringing your own pillows, drinking bottled water and keeping your diet as balanced as possible, but there still will be many factors contributing to your physical stress that will be out of your control. To combat the physical stress associated with travel, schedule a post-vacation massage 3-5 days after you return from your trip. A deep tissue massage can release tension from tight neck and back muscles, as well as get your irregular system running smoothly by releasing toxins and loosening tight pressure points.

The Problem: Post-Vacation Exhaustion Related to Fatigue and Lack of Sleep

The fun part of any vacation is catching up with friends and family, visiting all of the area attractions and taking part in family activities. This means staying up later than you are used to, running around town non-stop and trying new activities that may take more energy than you are used to exerting. The result? A sleep deprived family upon return from vacationing.

The Solution: Therapeutic Massage to Balance Your Body’s System and Enhance Sleep Quality

According to American Bodywork and Massage Professionals, massage has been proven to be beneficial in decreasing anxiety, enhancing sleep quality and reducing fatigue. Therapeutic massage also is known to increase energy levels and body circulation. Following your family vacation, you can relax your mind and body with regularly scheduled therapeutic massage sessions. This will help you with catching up on lost sleep, as well as increase your energy level.

To schedule your pre- and post-vacation massage sessions, call Elements Therapeutic Massage today. Our highly skilled massage therapists will tailor your sessions to prepare and revive you for an unforgettable summer vacation experience.

Add Massage to Your Summer Training Regimen for Increased Health and Wellness

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 16:48:00 -0500

Do hill repeats, long runs/rides, brick workouts or lap swims fill your summer training calendar? Are your upcoming weekends full of family hikes, golf tournaments, beach volleyball games or family camping trips? If so, then regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions should be an essential element to your active lifestyle. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, weekend warrior, activity enthusiast or your ultimate goal is to finish your first 5k, incorporating massage into your summer routine will not only revive your health and well-being, but get you to the start (and finish!) line healthy and happy.

According to 2010 research published by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, massage to support a healthy lifestyle dates back to early civilization and it is a common technique today for the management and prevention of sport injuries. Massage also has been used to successfully increase flexibility and provide a greater range of motion. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1917-1924, 2010.

To prepare you for your active summer lifestyle, we offer the following tips for feeling restored, pain free and vibrant as you trade in your suit and high heels at the end of the workweek for athletic gear and fun-filled weekend adventures.

TREK DOWN THE TRAINING TRAIL

Just as every training program lays out a master plan for you to succeed in your big summer race, event or tournament series, don’t forget the most important element to any training schedule – regularly scheduled therapeutic massages to repair your tired, tense muscles and relax your training-focused, wired brain. A highly skilled massage therapist can be an extremely valuable member of your training team by helping you reduce the risk of injury, flush out toxins from your body, lengthen and stretch tight muscles and minimize the longevity of injuries.

Experts agree that if you treat common overuse injuries (sore ankles, tight back, sore shoulders and tight hamstrings, for example) with massage as soon as you feel the first muscle tweak or pain, you will be more likely to keep your training schedule on course, while setting up your body and mind for a successful summer event.

Suggested Massage Techniques during Training: Deep Tissue Massage or Sports Massage

LOOSEN UP PRE-EVENT JITTERS

Before you lace up your shoes and pack your gear for your big summer event, prepare your muscles for the strain and intensity of the planned activity by scheduling a therapeutic massage 2-3 days prior to the event date. The goal of this massage is to release tension in your muscles without leaving them sore, as well as reduce any pre-event stress or anxiety so that you can maintain a positive mental focus on race day. Your massage therapist will loosen any last minute muscle kinks and warm up muscles to prepare you for a successful event.

Suggested Massage Techniques Prior to Event: Swedish Massage

CELEBRATE YOUR EVENT SUCCESS

You’ve trained hard, raced hard, played hard and now it’s time to treat yourself to an after-event massage. Instead of waiting in a 25-person deep line for an on-site post-event massage that only lasts five minutes, schedule at least an hour long massage for the day or two following your event. The goal of this massage is to help your muscles recover from the strenuous activity, as well as improve your body’s range of motion and reduce any spasms or cramping that may have been caused by the event. You will be better hydrated 24-48 hours following the event and will have more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor as your mind and body relax and unwind through the healing touch of a highly skilled massage therapist.

Suggested Massage Techniques Following the Event: Deep Tissue Massage

Elements Therapeutic Massage looks forward to partnering with you this summer to help you achieve your goals of living an active, vibrant lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a monthly massage and begin experiencing the Elements difference.

Therapeutic Massage is for Men Tool

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:58:00 -0500

It’s a proven statistic. More women than men enjoy the benefits of regular therapeutic massage. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), statistics from their 2009 national studies reveal 40 percent of women and only 29 percent of men reported seeing a massage therapist in the past five years.

Therapeutic massage is clinically proven to provide a wide-number of important health benefits including stress reduction, pain relief, lower blood pressure and improvements to the immune system. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly promoting the benefits of massage to their patients.

In AMTA’s 2009 survey, thirty-nine million American adults discussed massage therapy with their healthcare providers. While physicians led the way in recommending massage, chiropractors and physical therapists also recommended massage therapy when their patients discussed it with them. Additionally, more than three-quarters of massage therapist (76%) indicate they receive referrals from health care professionals.

So to the 71 percent of men out there not experiencing massage, what’s the problem?

According to many experts, including licensed massage therapists, here are some of the questions about massage that men always want to ask, but are too embarrassed to ask….

Do I have to undress and if so, will the therapist be there when I undress? Nudity is indeed the number one concern for everyone getting a massage. But don’t worry; you should always undress to your level of comfort. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave on your undergarments and sometimes more, depending on the areas that need attention. If you do disrobe (totally or partially) all clients are discretely draped under a sheet with only one body part uncovered at a time. Additionally, the massage therapist always leaves the room so you’re alone to remove clothing and get under the top sheet/blanket. Don’t rush, they will knock and ask if you’re ready before coming in – just like at a doctor’s office.
What if I have a certain body part that I’m self-conscious about? People are indeed concerned about their bodies for a variety of reasons; overweight, scars, excessive body hair, etc. Don’t worry, massage therapists are used to seeing all shapes, sizes and condition of the body and they have an entirely clinical perspective, no different than any other health-care provider. However, if there’s a certain part of your body you really are subconscious about, just ask the therapist to avoid it.
I always chat when I get my hair cut, should I talk during the massage? If you want to talk, feel free, but don’t feel compelled to do so. This is your time to recuperate and relax. The therapist should check in with you during the massage to make sure the pressure level is correct and that they’re addressing your concerns. Of course, always speak up if anything is uncomfortable or you if forgot to mention something during the pre-massage consultation.
What if I’m uncomfortable with a male (or female) therapist giving me a massage? Don’t ever hesitate to specify that you would prefer a female or a male therapist. In fact, most massage studios will be upfront and ask you for your preference, before you have to ask.
If it’s a therapeutic massage, am I supposed to tip? I don’t at the doctor’s office. Whenever you’re pleased with the massage services, a 15 to 20% tip is standard. However, if you’re in a clinical/medical setting there really aren’t any ground rules. When unsure, don’t be afraid to ask if tipping is customary – either when you arrive or call ahead.

So your basic questions are answered and you’re ready for a massage. What type of massage do you want to experience?

Most massage studios offer a wide range of massage options, which can also be confusing. For many men, a good place to start is with a therapeutic sports massage. This is a type of massage technique that focuses on treating soft tissue aches and pains associated with recreational activities.

You don’t have to be an Olympian to benefit from sports massage. Whether you are a regularly sports enthusiast or an occasional athlete (even just a “walker”), a sports massage is the perfect way to relax tight, overworked muscles with a mix of techniques and stretches. The areas may include the hamstrings, quads, calf muscles and glutes. It also helps reduce adhesions (knots in the muscles) relieving the stress they can place on tendons, ligaments and joints. Sports massage is also good for those with injuries, chronic pain or a restricted range of motion.

For all the men who are hesitant about massage therapy, now’s the time to experience a massage! There are an increasing number of credible massage studios that always welcome women and men with convenient locations, plus evening and weekend hours. Whether you choose a therapeutic sports massage or any one of the many other massage techniques available, you’ll soon learn the value of regular massage therapy.

Men - Elements Therapeutic Massage is the perfect place for a “first-ever” massage or regular monthly massage. When you call to book your appointment we will schedule you with the therapist who best matches your specific massage needs. Our therapists will talk with you to learn where the pain is and help you decide what treatment is best for you. Ladies – help your “significant other” learn about the benefits of massage, treat him to an Elements gift certificate!

Feeling Tense? Try the Healing Power of Massage

Sun, 29 May 2011 14:19:00 -0500

For the past three years, Elements Therapeutic Massage has been challenging the idea that massage is merely a spa service. The massage franchise was voted the best massage studio in Milwaukee by WISN’S A-List since it opened in 2008. Read more.

Therapeutic Sports Massage-for the Elite and Occasional Athlete

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:31:00 -0500

Therapeutic sports massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance and aid in quick recovery. Many elite athletes consider sports massage an essential part of their training and recovery routine. They rely on it to help them train more effectively, improve performance, prevent injury and speed their recovery after strenuous exertion.

All that being said, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get a therapeutic sports massage! It’s ideal for anyone who’s physically active – as well as someone who’s just starting out with a new workout program at the gym, running their first 10K or marathon, or doing anything else that’s outside their normal activity routine. If you’re a novice athlete, a pre-event sports massage can make a better, less-painful event for you. Or, if you’re a “weekend warrior”, a regular therapeutic sports massage may be just what you need to concentrate on a specific problem (sports or otherwise), chronic pain or a restricted range of motion.

There are four types of sports massages:

Pre-event Sports Massage - A short, stimulating massage before an event. It is directed towards the parts of the body that will be the most heavily involved in exertion.
Post-event Sports Massage – Usually this takes place either an hour or two after an event. The objective is to normalize the body’s tissues and prevent stiffness or soreness.
Restorative Sports Massage – Takes place during training to allow the athlete to train longer, harder and with less possibility for injury.
Rehabilitative Sports Massage – Should take place on a regular basis and is designed to either alleviate pain, increase range of motion or to restore the body to health.

Because every sport and athletic event uses muscle groups in a different way, there are a variety of methods used to administer a therapeutic sports massage. Generally, this is a type of massage often combined with various forms of stretching. A sports massage will stimulate circulation of blood and lymph fluids and may include one or more of the following techniques:

Deep Swedish massage – Long, broad and flowing strokes which may be used before, during and after any of the techniques listed here. Designed to increase circulation and remove toxins. It also re-aligns the muscle fibers to get them back to their normal state.
Deep Tissue massage – Muscle-specific massage for chronically tight or painful areas.
Trigger Point massage – Designed to break down adhesions and increase range of motion. Left untreated these tender points often lead to restricted and painful movement of entire body regions.
Lymphatic massage – Stimulates lymphatic-drainage pathways, which improves the body’s removal of excess fluids in the tissues that cause swelling and pain.
Compression Massage - A rhythmic compression into muscles to create blood flow and to soften the tissues. This is usually a warm-up for deeper, more specific massage work.
Cross-Fiber massage - A friction technique used in a general manner to create a stretching and broadening effect in large muscle groups. This helps reduce adhesions (knots in the muscles) and creates strong and flexible repair during the healing process.

Whether you’re a serious or an occasional athlete, enjoying less muscle pain and stiffness as well as improving your sense of well-being is good reason to take advantage of a regular therapeutic sports massage.

To get the most benefit from a therapeutic sports massage, be sure and ask your therapist about their training and techniques to learn what is right for you. And, no matter what type of massage you choose, the therapist should always check in with you about your needs and expectations during the massage.

At Elements Therapeutic Massage, you can always find a skilled therapist to help with your sports-related aches and pains. Call (414)332-3260 or schedule online.

Elements Sponsors 2 Artists for Rain Barrel Project: Water and Community-A Street Art Exhibit for Whitefish Bay

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:31:00 -0500

Ena Carroll and Sue Ellen Christman are just two of the artists participating in this Green Day art project. The Whitefish Bay Rain Barrel Street Art program brought together 30 artists to decorate rain barrels that will be previewed at Cahill Park 7:30am to noon Saturday April 30, 2011. Afterward, the barrels will be displayed in front of sponsoring businesses where they will be available through silent auction.

Elements Therapeutic massage sponsored the barrels decorated by Caroll and Christman. The rain barrels used for this project are salvaged industrial food containers re-purposed for rain water harvesting. One of these unique and beautiful rain barrels can be yours. Stop by Elements after April 30 to place a bid on one of these eco-friendly rain barrels and receive a gift from us as a thank you for supporting this important event. To read more about this even and environmental benefits of rain water harvesting click here. Additional information on exhibition.

Speed Up Postpartum Healing With Postnatal Massage

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:50:00 -0500

Postnatal massage is one of the best ways for a new mom to care for herself. With all the chores related to the care of a new baby, mom may be even more stressed and uncomfortable than during her pregnancy.

Postnatal Massage is a natural therapy designed to help relax and heal a new mother. The postnatal massage is similar and yet, very different from a prenatal massage. While both massages will relax the mother, the postnatal massage will help get the new mom’s body back into a pre-pregnancy state by focusing on toning and reducing fluid retention. Read more

Regular postnatal massage can help with the following common ailments:

Lower back pain
Neck and should pain
Headaches
Hand and wrist pain
Postural dysfunctions
Depression
Weakness and fatigue

It can also help in re-establish pelvis structural integrity, healthy lactation, toning muscles, and overall stress reduction. It can even aid in weight loss!

A variety of therapeutic massage techniques may be utilized during a postnatal massage, including Swedish and lymphatic massage. Before any postnatal massage, it’s best for new moms to consult with the massage therapist to discuss any specific aliments that the therapist should focus on.

For a mother that has delivered her baby naturally, it is generally pretty safe to go for a postnatal massage as soon as they feel well enough. For those that deliver by caesarian, a good rule of thumb is to wait at least two weeks after delivery. However, in all cases it’s best to consult with the doctor first.

Regular therapeutic massage during the postnatal period is very beneficial to all new moms. It addresses physical discomforts as well as nurtures the body, mind and soul, helping each new mom be the best they can be.

If you are a new mom, Elements Therapeutic Massage can help you with your postpartum healing. Or, if you know a new mom, an Elements gift certificate is a thoughtful surprise. For more information on how postnatal massage can help your, or to order a gift card or to schedule a message call Elements Therapeutic Massage at (414)332-3260.

How To Eat Fabulously ON $40 a Week

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:40:00 -0500

How to Eat Fabulously on $40 a Week: In these tough economical times, who isn't trying to trim their budget. This short article can save you money and help you eat healthier. http://www.oprah.com/money/Save-Money-at-the-Supermarket-Healthy-Grocery-Lists

Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:36:00 -0500

80% of people who have lost weight gain it back. For some great tips on how to keep the weight off check out this article by Bob Greene, "Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off." http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Bob-Greenes-5-Ways-to-Keep-Weight-Off

Massage Multiplied: Benefits of Massage Improve With Frequency

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 12:57:00 -0600

What kind of massage client are you? Do you make an appointment after someone has given you a massage gift certificate? Do you try to get in every now and then for a stress-relieving tune-up? Or do you see your therapist religiously—once a week, every three weeks, once a month?

While getting a massage—regardless of how often—is incredibly beneficial to you mind and body, getting frequent massage treatments is even more powerful as a healthcare ally.

“Practicing massage therapists know that people who get massage regularly demonstrate greater improvement and notice a reduction in pain and muscular tension, as well as an improvement in posture,” says Anne Williams, author of Spa Bodywork: A Guide for Massage Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006) and education program director at Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.

“People regularly make a commitment to fitness. People regularly make a commitment to changing their diet. The difference they’d experience if they regularly made a commitment to massage is mind-blowing,” Williams says.

STRESS KILLER

One way in which frequent massage can improve our quality of life is by alleviating stress. Experts say more than 90 percent of disease is stress-related, and nothing ages us faster—inside or out—than the effects of stress. As stress-related diseases continue to claim more lives every year, the increasingly deadly role stress plays in modern-day life is painfully clear.

Massage is a great way to take charge and reverse the situation. Mary Beth Braun and Stephanie Simonson, authors of Introduction to Massage Therapy ((Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007), explain the benefits of massage therapy in the simplest of terms: “Healing input influences healing output.” They note that frequent massage can reduce the accumulation of stress and improve overall health. “The benefits of massage are cumulative,” they write.

This being the case, it only makes sense that those aches and pains you see your massage therapist for might disappear faster, stay away longer, or even go away altogether with more frequent visits. Stress might never reach those physiological detrimental levels where the immune system is suppressed or the nervous system is sent into alarm state if you are able to receive stress-relieving bodywork with some consistency. Not only would your body benefit by regularly unleashing its aches and pains instead of adapting to them, but your mind would have time to wash away the stresses of live lived in overdrive. Both are critical pieces for living well.

Experts say the body and mind can learn to live more calmly, more efficiently, and more healthfully, when frequent massage shows the way. That makes for a healthier whole, allowing us to continue to live life at its fullest, even as we deal with each new stress or challenge.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

In so many ways, massage is preventive healthcare. Yes, it can address injuries, scar tissue, and chronic pain, as well as provide relief for cancer patients and reduce hospitalization time for babies born prematurely, among so many other valuable benefits (got to MassageTherapy.com for more information on the myriad benefits of massage). But when the healthy, and trying-to-be healthy, among us seek out massage on a regular basis, it helps us live a proactively healthier life.

Since bodywork influences every system in the body, there are enormous possibilities created by increasing the frequency in which you address those systems. It’s best to discuss you session goals with your massage therapist and together devise a plan of frequency that meets you needs, while taking into account your therapist’s best advice.

BODY AWARENESS

According to Benny Vaugh, sports massage expert and owner of Athletic Therapy Center in Fort Worth, Texas, one of the benefits of consistent and regular massage therapy is better flexibility. “This happens because regular and structured touch stimulus enhances the nervous system’s sensory and spatial processing capacity,” he says. “That is, the person becomes more aware of their body’s movement in space and becomes more aware of tightness or pain long before it reaches a critical point of mechanical dysfunction.”

Quite simply, frequent massage puts you more in tune with your body. “The consistency of massage therapy over time creates a cumulative effect,” Vaughn says. “The person becomes acutely aware of stress within their body long before it can create stress driven damage.”

He says the consistency of receiving regular massage therapy has the potential to create the cumulative effect of feeling well and felling better. “Ultimately when one feels good, our whole being follows suit on all other levels—i.e., decision-making is better, processing live events is better, and being happy is easier when you are not in pain or feeling ‘heavy’ or ‘tight’.”

Williams says she’s certain people’s lives would be changed if they could schedule massage and bodywork more frequently. “I encourage clients to commit to getting massage once a week for a month and then evaluate the results they get,” she says. “I guarantee the will become massage enthusiasts for life.”

MASSAGE CAN

Alleviate low-back pain and increase range of motion.
Create body self-awareness.
Improve muscle tone and stimulate their nerve supply.
Improve elasticity of skin and promote skin rejuvenation.
Improve sleep and calm the mind.
Increase endorphin and serotonin production.
Reduce edema, as well as joint inflammation.
Release negative holding patters from previous injuries.
Stimulate lymph circulation and enhance immunity.

Karrie Osborn is contributing editor for Body Sense. Contact her at karri@abmp.com

An Evening of Wine and Chocolate Event Feb. 10, 6-8pm

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:16:00 -0600

An Evening of Wine and Chocolate

http://whitefishbay.patch.com/articles/silver-spring-businesses-host-wine-and-chocolate-event-tonight

Whitefish Bay Snow Emergency Extended

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:22:00 -0600

Snow Emergency EXTENDED for Whitefish Bay

Good Morning,

The snow emergency scheduled to expire at 10 pm Wednesday, February 2 has been extended to 7 am on Thursday, February 3.

Pursuant to Section 6.19 of the Whitefish Bay Municipal Code, a SNOW EMERGENCY has been declared for the Village of Whitefish Bay. The snow emergency has been EXTENDED from 10 pm on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 until 7 am on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

NO PARKING ON VILLAGE STREETS IS ALLOWED DURING THIS TIME PERIOD. Please remove your vehicle from the street to allow for snow removal operations.

Alternate OFF-STREET parking is available for permit parkers and night parkers at:

Cahill Lot
Library Lot
Fire Department Lot
Village Lot @ Fairmount/Lydell.

Vehicles parked at these locations must be removed by 10 am on Thursday, February 3, 2011 to allow for plowing and normal business activities.

Cleanup will continue throughout the day on Thursday, February 3 and residents are strongly encouraged to avoid parking on all Village streets during the cleanup process.

Please also note that garbage and recycling collection scheduled for Wednesday, February 2 has been cancelled and will be picked up on Friday, February 4.

Please contact the Village Hall with questions at (414) 962-6690 or visit www.wfbvillage.org for more information as it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Matt Schuenke, Interim Village Manager

Snow & High Winds Hit Wisconsin

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:47:00 -0600

Govenor Scott Walker calls a state of Emergency across the state of Wisconsin due to high winds and heavy snowfall creating blizzard-like condidtions. Elements Therapeutic Massage in Whitefish Bay is closed for buiness Wednesday, February 2nd as a result of the stormy weather. We will resume normal operating hours on Thursday, February 3rd.

Client Reviews Updated Every Day

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:36:00 -0600

You can now see all of our client reviews! To read the reviews from real Elements Therapeutic Massage Whitefish Bay clients, please click on the Customer reviews by Systino button below:

The reviews are updated every day so feel free to visit often!

Founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage Michele Merhib Named to Denver Business Journal's "Outstanding Women in Business" Honorees for 2010

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:59:00 -0500

Michele Merhib, founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage, has been named to the Denver Business Journal's "Outstanding Women in Business" list. The finalists were chosen based on their accomplishments in their industry as well as for being innovative, entrepreneurial leaders in their community. To read more.

Fitness Together conducting type 2 diabetes study

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:51:00 -0500

42 Fitness Together studios in Massachusetts and Rhode Island are conducting a study on the effects of diet and exercise on diabetes control, high blood pressure, one’s sense of well-being and the costs of medications. To read more.

What The Heck's A Vision Board—and How Can It Change Your Life?

Mon, 17 May 2010 23:25:00 -0500

A vision board may be what you need to jump start your life towards your hearts desire. Step One: Cut out pictures of things you love. Step Two: Paste them onto
paper. Step Three: Realize your life's ambition? Well...sort of. Martha
Beck on the right way to use a vision board. http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck

Live to Ride; Ride to Shop

Tue, 04 May 2010 15:35:00 -0500

On May 22 - 23, women riders and their friends from around the country will be in Milwaukee for the Harley-Davidson Celebrate Women Riders event. Part of the celebration includes a Live to Ride, Ride to Shop promotion where participants will be touring the town in search of great bargains, a little pampering, or that special one-of-a-kind purchase that will help them have fond memories of their trip to the home of Harley-Davidson. Select businesses in SE Wisconsin, including Elements Therapeutic Massage, are offering special deals and discounts only to participating riders registered for the Celebrate Women Riders event.

We invite participating riders to stop in May 22 - 23 from 9 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to receive 25 min massage for $30 or stop by Winkie's on May 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a free five-minute chair massage. For more information on all Celebrate Women Riders activities Live To Ride, Ride to Shop

Thought for the Day

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:04:00 -0500

"Talk to yourself from the perspective of truly being willing to do whatever it takes rather than relying on the same old excuses that keep you from making those changes. You'll be thrilled with yourself when you adopt an 'I'm willing' attitude." --Dr. Wayne Dyer

The Science & Art of Happiness

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:03:00 -0500

50% of happiness is genetic and 40% you can control. 5 tips to increase your happiness. 1)Be optimistic; 2) Do 5 random acts of kindness a week; 3)Forgive people & let them know; 4)Keep a gratitude journal; 5)Write thank you notes (by hand on paper not email). For some people just making their bed dialy makes them happier.

Green Day in the Bay photomontage

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:43:00 -0500

For those of you who didn't get to visit us at Green Day in the Bay check out this YouTube photomontage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSlWq8TiPWY

Flaxseed lowers high cholesterol in men

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 02:27:00 -0500

A new study from Iowa State University's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) may give men a way to combat high cholesterol without drugs -- if they don't mind sprinkling some flaxseed into their daily diet. http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/mar/flaxseed

Happy Earth Day

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:06:00 -0500

Some Earth Day tips: Encourage your children to walk or bike to school; bring a reusable bag to the grocery store; switch to toilet paper made from recycled paper (Earth Friendly is my favorite); switch to a non-petroleum based laundry soap (one school science fair project showed Ecos brand worked be...tter than Tide & Era); eat veggies in season and grown locally (check out your local farmers market-also encourage your local grocer to carry locally grown produce); recycle at home and at the office; buy products that use less packaging and use recycled paper, etc. in their pacakging; buy electronics from companies that recycle used electronics or their own product when you are done with it; hang your clothes on a clothes line or drying rack (even one load a week can make a big difference in energy consumption; AND go outside and soak in Earth's wonders. Take some time today to give thanks for the all that the earth gives us and for the beauties of spring. Happy Earth Day from all of us at elements :)

Tobacco 'candy' could poison kids

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:22:00 -0500

Thousands of young children are accidentally poisoned by tobacco products each year in the U.S., and new dissolvable tobacco products that resemble candy might pose an additional risk, according to researchers. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63I4YV20100419

Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:41:00 -0500

"You can infuse your life with the power of prevention incrementally and fairly painlessly, and yes, doing something, no matter how small, is infinitely better for you than doing nothing," says David Katz, MD, MPH, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center and of the Yale Preventive Medicine Center. Katz is also co-author of the book Stealth Health: How to Sneak Age-Defying, Disease-Fighting Habits into Your Life without Really Trying.

From your morning shower to the evening news, from your work commute to your household chores, Katz says, there are at least 2,400 ways to sneak healthy activities into daily living.

http://www.medicinenet.com/health_tips/article.htm

Plant the seeds of health by establishing a backyard vegetable garden

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:30:00 -0500

Thinking of planting a garden? Your harvest may be a bumper crop of better health for your whole family. Here are six reasons why — and how to get started. http://www.kansascity.com/2010/04/15/1877883/plant-the-seeds-of-health-by-establishing.html

Optimism May Enhance Immune Function

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:52:00 -0500

Researchers have found that people who are optimistic about their health tend to have better health. Having a positive attitude about your health may boost immune function. Check out the link to read more and remember to be optimistic about your body's ability to fight disease. It just might make a difference. http://www.worldhealth.net/news/optimism-may-enhance-immune-function-antiaging/

Almond Skins Promote Gut Health

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:52:00 -0500

Prebiotics are food ingredients that beneficially impact metabolism in
the intestinal tract, and some studies have suggested these compounds
help to manage metabolic diseases in overweight/obese individuals. http://www.worldhealth.net/news/almond-skins-promote-gut-health/

Exercise for stronger and healthier knees

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:43:00 -0500

Many people are told that they suffer knee pain because they are overweight. This is true. Being overweight can certainly put you at greater risk of having knee pain, especially if you are over 40, when your knee joints and cartilage start to deteriorate. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/36039/exercise-for-stronger-and-healthier-knees

Five ways to cut back on salt

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:42:00 -0500

Even if you aren't in the habit of regularly picking up the salt shaker, your diet may still be high in sodium. Most people consume more sodium than the recommended 2,400 mg per day. Increased sodium consumption can be detrimental to your health even if you don't have high blood pressure ...or heart disease. For tips to reduce sodium check out this link.

http://blog.nutritiondata.com/heart_health_blog/2008/09/five-ways-to-cu.html

Spa Finder Review Special

Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:57:00 -0500

Write a review on Spa Finder and bring in a copy of it by April 17 and receive a BOGO 1/2 gift certificate. While you are at Spa Finder, vote for your favorite spas locally and internationally and be entered to win a fabulous spa vacation at Aqualina Resort & Spa in Miami, FL. We hope you vote for us as your favorite local spa :) So help us be the favorite spa in Milwaukee and vote today. http://www.spafinder.com/

Public Health Week marked with tips on eating on budget

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:28:00 -0500

For years, Michelle Provencher put a “secret ingredient” into her children’s brownies and other dessert treats.

The kids never knew what that ingredient was until they got older and Provencher figured it was time to give them a cooking lesson.

One day they were making brownies when Provencher announced it was time to add the secret ingredient. The kids were wide-eyed with anticipation, until Provencher directed them to get the tubs of leftover carrots, peas and other vegetables from the refrigerator. Provencher put them into the blender, and voila! – there was the secret ingredient. To read more: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/698505-196/public-health-week-marked-with-tips-on.html

Top Five Tips to Get Kids & Teens Moving This Spring

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0500

You don’t need fancy equipment or a health club to
help your kids get their combined 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
All you need are some regular household items and a little imagination.
Combine a few of these tips and they’ll quickly add up to a fun and he...althy
routine. And the best part--all of these activities are FREE and you can do them w/ your kids. Don't forget to check out your favorite local park. As spring comes into full bloom there is plenty to see and enjoy in your neighborhood. So take that walk with your kids; it's also a good time to connect w/ your teen (have both of you leave your phones at home or agree on a no texting while walking policy). http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Children_s_Health_200/Top_Five_Tips_to_Get_Kids_Teens_Moving_This_Spring.shtml

Weight Loss Tips -- How to Eat Dessert and Still Stay Skinny

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:29:00 -0500

Cutting processed foods and refined sugars out of your diet is arguably
the most important dietary change you can make to improve health and
lose weight. But will one slice of birthday cake inevitably tighten your
pants and cut your life short? Not necessarily. To read more...http://www.huffingtonpost.com/darya-pino/weight-loss-tips----how-t_b_521669.html

Easter Egg tips

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:11:00 -0500

Easter egg tips on how to handle all those hard boiled eggs. Also nutrition information on eggs. To read more: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2011510846_eggsafetynutrition02.html

Come See Floral Arrangements

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:09:00 -0500

Stop by the studio to see the beautiful flower arrangements from Bayside Floral Design :) If you have the Spring planting bug stop by their sister store Bayside Garden Center to check out their plant selections. www.bayside-gardencenter.com and http://www.baysidefloraldesign.com/

3 tips for getting outside for a run and staying injury free:

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:58:00 -0500

It’s that time of year-the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the warmer weather has us getting outside and moving again. Whether you powered through the winter months running in the gym or just hibernated, the desire to get out for a run has take...n many of us out to the roads. Here are a few tips for getting outside for a spring run: http://ezinearticles.com/?Ringing-Ears,-Blood-Pressure-and-Health-Tips-That-Will-Knock-Your-Socks-Off&id=4022900

The Magic of Magnesium: A Mighty Mineral Essential to Health

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:14:00 -0500

Calcium has received an enormous amount of attention. It's likely that
every woman reading this article has been told by her doctor to get
enough calcium. If asked what role calcium plays in health, nearly every
woman would answer that calcium is necessary f...or strong bones. But what
about magnesium? Did you know that this mighty mineral may be even more
essential for health? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christiane-northrup/magnesium-calcium_b_509115.html?just_reloaded=1

Organic: What it means on different products.

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:55:00 -0500

You see the word more and more, but what does it say about what it’s
on? Here are tips for fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat, cosmetics,
processed foods and cotton and coffee. To read more...http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-organic-20100329,0,765711.story

Some tips ‘fore' your golfing health

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:06:00 -0500

Golfing injuries are actually quite common (especially if you're on the
course with a guy like me who doesn't always know where the ball is
going to go). With the spring thaw here, and with many of you “licking
your chops” to get back onto the golf courses here in Michigan, it's a...
good time to arm you with a little sports medicine knowledge. http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20100328/SPORTS20/3280342

Less salt, fewer health issues, studies say

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:57:00 -0500

In September, a study in the American Journal of Health Promotion calculated that Americans could eliminate 11 million cases of hypertension, save $18 billion in medical costs and add 312,000 years to our collective lives by reducing our daily sodium intake from about 3,300 milligrams per day to the recommended daily maximum of 2,300 milligrams. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-0323-hosp-blood-pressure-20100323,0,14953.story

High-flying health tips

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 12:45:00 -0500

With the onset of the summer vacation come plans for travel, including
flying long distances. But the prospect of a long flight often raises
health concerns. Especially in passengers who are older or have certain
conditions, air travel and the related stress can have an impact on
health. To read more...http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=560307&publicationSubCategoryId=80

Fresh vegetables? Think again

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:45:00 -0500

It's an oft-repeated truth that fresh
fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they are
picked. But it's shocking to learn just how fast those vitamins fade.
According to the USDA, up to half of the nutritional value may be lost
in just two days of room temperature storage. http://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/2010/03/fresh-vegetables-think-again.html?mbid=ndnl

First-ever free mobile health service Text4baby

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:44:00 -0500

Women who sign up for the service by texting BABY to 511411 (or BEBE for
Spanish) receive three free SMS text messages each week timed to their
due date or baby’s date of birth. These messages focus on a variety of
topics critical to maternal and child health, including ...birth defects
prevention, immunization, nutrition, seasonal flu, mental health, oral
health and safe sleep. http://7thspace.com/headlines/338874/first_ever_free_mobile_health_service_text4baby_provides_health_tips_to_pregnant_women_new_moms.html

Non-Toxic Tips and Tools for National Craft Month

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:23:00 -0500

Pull out the glue, glitter, clay and construction paper - it's National Craft Month! Get some great eco-friendly and non-toxic craft tips for some fun projects with your kids :) http://blogs.webmd.com/health-ehome/2010/03/non-toxic-tips-and-tools-for-national.html

Dietary Factors Influence Ovarian Cancer Survival Rates:

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:39:00 -0500

The authors found that higher total fruit and vegetable
consumption, and higher vegetable consumption alone led to a survival
advantage. Likewise, a statistically significant improvement in
survival was observed for the healthier grains. Higher intakes of
less-healthy meats were associated with a survival time disadvantage. http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442451093

Tips on what to eat before and after yoga.

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:27:00 -0500

Breath, Body and Balance. To find ou the best tips of what and when to eat before heading off to your favorite yoga class check out this link: http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/breath-body-balance/2010/03/what-to-eat-before-and-after-yoga.html

How nutritious is that family recipe?

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:28:00 -0600

Ever wonder how nutritious the food is that you eat? Or is Grandma's pecan pie really that bad for me? Check out NutritionData.com. On Nutrition Data, you'll find detailed nutrition information, plus unique analysis tools that tell you more about how
foods affect your health and make it easier to choose healthy foods. Enter in all the ingredients in that pie recipe and see for yourself what its nutritional value is. Info is presented in various formats: the Nutrition Facts type label that you would see on a packaged item, a fullness/ nutrition graph, micronutrient spectrum and much more. One of the most powerful food analysis tools available and it is free. Also follow nutrition/ health discussion topics on their blog. For more: http://www.nutritiondata.com/

10 great tips to keep your child healthy

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:00:00 -0600

Children benefit from having healthy set routines when it comes to food, sleep and exercise. And the earlier they get into them the better.

American research backs up my view and shows that sticking to simple family habits, such as having regular meals together, lowers the likelihood of obesity in young children. To read more: http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/dear-miriam/2010/03/10-great-tips-to-keep-your-chi.html

Are Flame Retardants Putting us at Risk?

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:48:00 -0600

Americans have the highest levels of PBDEs of anyone in the world. In this story, Williams has her home tested to find out how common toxic flame-retardants are. To hear more: http://www.environmentreport.org/show.php?showID=375

5 Tips If You Love Someone With Mental Illness

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:38:00 -0600

The National Institutes of Mental Health reports that one in every four
adults – approximately 57.7 million Americans – experience a mental
health disorder in a given year. One in four, and that’s just the U.S.!
And for every person in the world diagnosed with a mental disor...der
there is at least one, probably more, trying to help, cope and support
that person any way they know how. http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/03/08/5-tips-if-you-love-someone-with-mental-illness/

Let's Get Metaphysical

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:29:00 -0600

Check out this blog post on an interesting idea for when you travel--checking out metaphysical shopts for great souvenirs and gifts for yourself and others. Be it books about meditation, healing, aromatherapy or finding some unique scented candles or jewelry. To read more...http://nicoleabdou-destinationunknown.blogspot.com/2010/03/lets-get-metaphysical.html

March is Multiple Sclerosis Education & Awareness Month

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:49:00 -0600

MS has a vast myriad of symptoms that affect each patient differently. To read first hand experiences with some of the most common symptoms like fatigue, spasticity, and loss of balance http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/check-symptom.html?ic=4018 For further information http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/understanding-ms-000017_3-145.html

Green your vacation~where to stay

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:57:00 -0600

Hotels are major consumers of water and cleaning chemicals so why not stay with a local family instead (www.homestayweb.com)? Communal meals and bathrooms use fewer resources and allow for more interesting cultural exchanges. This will also send your travel
dollars directly into the region's economy. CouchSurf...ing (www.couchsurfing.org/index.html) also offers an adventurous experience at no cost. For a bit more autonomy, search for a green hotel (greenhotels.com/members.php) or hostel (www.hostelbookers.com/article/hostel-types/eco-hostels/).

Massage Therapy and Repetitive Strain Injuries

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:08:00 -0600

There is no question that conservative therapy is the best option for those suffering with a Repetitive Strain Injury. Massage is used to help relax and lengthen tight, restrictive muscles,
break down scar tissue in injured muscles, reduce adhesions on affected
tendons at their point of attachment to the muscle or to the bone,
remove toxins from muscles and increase overall circulation and
nutrient delivery to the associated tissues. All of these wonderful
benefits help overworked muscles to relax and injured muscles to
recover. Read more: http://personalinjury.busyfund.com/massage-therapy-and-repetitive-strain-injuries/

Awareness: Report Calls for Spotlight on Hypertension

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:11:00 -0600

High blood pressure is the underlying cause of one in six deaths in the United States, but many Americans do not know they have it and doctors are lax about treating it, according to a new Institute of Medicine report that calls hypertension a “neglected disease.” Massage is medically proven to lower blood pressure. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/health/research/02aware.html

Increased Vitamin D Levels

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:52:00 -0600

Today's health tip: Increased Vitamin D Levels May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes.Previous studies have suggested a potential association between abnormal vitamin D levels and cardiometabolic disorders including heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. To read more: http://www.worldhealth.net/news/i...ncreased-vitamin-d-levels-may-reduce-cardiovascul/

Fitness Together among top 500 franchises

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:53:00 -0600

Congratulations to Fitness Together for being named once again to Entrepreneur Magazine's top 500 franchises. Click here for full story.

Save money on your healthcare this year

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:38:00 -0600

Did you know that massage is medically proven to alleviate stress, lower blood pressure & strengthen the immune system? Seventy-five to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Instead of paying the doctor to treat your stress-related afflictions, enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating massage at elements therapeutic massage. Monthly massage is very affordable with our Wellness Program or you can purchase a package of massages at a savings and bring in the whole family.

Therapeutic massage may be covered under your flex spending account or health savings plan saving you money. Consult with your plan administrator or accountant for eligibility. Additionally, your insurance plan may provide coverage for additional extra services such as massage. Be sure to review your plan document or consult with the plan administrator to identify hidden extra services that will be covered. Click here for more ideas on how to save on healthcare.

Spreenkler Meet-Up!

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:23:00 -0600

Join Elements TONIGHT, at the Spreenkler Meet-Up!

Topic? Using Technology For Better Health and Building a Fit Community.
Click the link below for more details:

http://spreenkler.com/events-layout/details/5-January%20/'09%20Spreenkler%20Meetup

Pizza and Beverages Provided!

elements therapeutic massage Named All Star Franchise for 2010

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:35:00 -0600

Congratulations to Fitness Together and elements therapeutic massage for being named an All Star Franchise for 2010 by AllBusiness.com.

http://www.prlog.org/10460765-fitness-together-personal-training-franchise-named-allstar-franchise-for-2010.pdf

Wisconsin elements franchises still available. Contact Aimee Matchette at 414-303-4502 to learn more.

Elements Whitefish Bay Owner Appointed to Franchise Leadership Council

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:36:00 -0600

Aimee Matchette, owner elements therapeutic massage - Whitefish Bay and Area Director State of Wisconsin, has been selected to represent franchisees on the elements Franchise Leadership Council.

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/massage-therapy-franchise-names-leadership-council-members

Voted Milwaukee's Best Massage - Again!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:31:00 -0600

Franchisee of the Month

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:28:00 -0500

Elements Theraputic Massage-Whitefish Bay has been selected as the October 2009 Franchisee of the month. Owner Aimee Matchette attributes the sucess of the studio to the amazing staff she has assembled. "Our highest priority is providing superior customer service" Aimee noted. This attention to detail is evident. Elements was recently designated as Milwaukee's Best Masssage two years running!

Many people don't realize the health benifits of massage Whether it is stress relief, lowering your blood pressure, flushing out toxins, or improving pre-natal care, massage is just what the doctor ordered.

If you enjoy the ultimate in customer care and care about your health, stop in and see what all the buzz is about!

Elements Voted Best Massage in Milwaukee!

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:07:00 -0500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Aimee Matchette / 414-303-4502

Katie Shanahan / 877-663-0880 x19

Elements Therapeutic Massage Voted “Best Massage in Milwaukee”

Milwaukee, WI – October 23, 2008 – Elements Therapeutic Massage was voted “Best Massage in Milwaukee 2008” by the A List on WISN.com. The voting began in August and ran for approximately two months. The massage studios are owned by local entrepreneurs and located in Whitefish Bay, Elm Grove, and Franklin, where every single customer will receive a professional massage from a certified therapist.

“Each location offers professional, affordable and convenient massage in an upscale setting which is comfortable for both men and women. Elements specializes in deep tissue, trigger point, sports massage, swedish, relaxation, prenatal and hot stone massage,” said Aimee Matchette, owner of the Whitefish Bay studio. “We are all very proud to bring elements therapeutic massage to the area. We encourage the community to come in and experience the elements.”

elements therapeutic massage’s certified massage therapists provide customized massage services to meet each individuals need. Franchising since 2006, elements therapeutic massage is growing rapidly with 42 open studios in 17 states, opening several new locations each month.

“With each new location, we are in a better position to help people live a better quality of life through the healing benefits that therapeutic massage offers,” said Michele Merhib, Founder of the elements therapeutic massage business model in 2000. “It is important in today’s fast-paced society that people take a regular mini-vacation, with a massage that can rejuvenate the mind and body.”

Milwaukee Studio Locations:

Whitefish Bay: 312 E. Silver Spring Drive; (414) 332-3260

Elm Grove: 12920 W. Bluemound Road; (262) 754-3850

Franklin: 2826 W. Rawson Avenue; (414) 304-1510

About elements therapeutic massage, inc.:

Elements therapeutic massage is headquarted in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, and is part of Fitness Together Franchise Corporation. In 1996, Fitness Together Franchise Corporation began franchising to bring professional and affordable personal training services to every major city. Today there are over 400 Fitness Together personal training franchise locations throughout the world and 98 scheduled to open. Elements therapeutic massage is following the same model, and was created in 2000 by founder Michele Merhib. The company started franchising in 2006 under the Fitness Together Franchise Corporation. For more information visit www.touchofelements.com or www.fitnesstogether.com.

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Elements Therapeutic Massage - Whitefish Bay

Watch our new video

Spring Asparagus Salad

Directions

Weekly Rebooking Contest Winner

Hamstring Massage & Mobilization

Rebooking Winner

Put a Spring In Your Step By Relieving Lower Back Pain

Spring Into a New You by Re-Enlisting Your New Year's Resolutions

DELAYED OPENING TODAY DUE TO WINTER STORM

Due to the snow storm that hit the area we will be delaying our opening to Noon today, Wednesday, February 27, 2013.

Wine Tasting Winners from Wine & Chocolate Evening

Valentine's Day on a Dime: 12 Fun, Relaxing Gifts to Keep the Spark in Your Relationship Year Round

True Romance: 5 Ways to have a healthy romantic dinner, whether you're cooking in or eating out.

ETM Partnering with Huger Task Force 100,000 Jars of Peanut Butter Drive

Thank You For Your Support of Sojourner Family Peace Center

Seasonal Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients

Massage Benefits Everyone

Elements Extends Efforts to End Domestic Violence this Holiday Season

Mama’s Secret Recipe to a Stress-Free Holiday Season

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Seasonal Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens

Lymphatic Massage: Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness

Seasonal Recipe: Tomato Cucumber Salad

Massage + A Healthy Diet: The Perfect Combination to Balance Summer Stress

Healthy Eating Habits:

Find Balance for Your Body With Therapeutic Massage:

FREE chair massages for Ladies Night Out

Get Out. Get Active. Get Massage

Shape Up Your Summer Body, While Rejuvenating Your Mommy Spirit

Melt Away Tax Time Stress with Three Simple Relaxation Strategies

Let Your Back Pain Loose

Bust through the Resolution Rut by Focusing on Overall Health, Well-Being for the New Year

Keep Your Whole Body in Tip-Top Shape While Traveling this Winter Season

Hot Stone Massage Promotes Healthy Body, Warm Heart during the Cold Winter Months

Swing Back into the School Groove with Routine Massage Therapy

Whitefish Bay Voted 65 in Top 100 places to Live

Zita Donates Free Gowns to Military Brides: ETM Offers Free Chair Massage During Event

Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy Your Summer Vacation

Add Massage to Your Summer Training Regimen for Increased Health and Wellness

Therapeutic Massage is for Men Tool

Feeling Tense? Try the Healing Power of Massage

Therapeutic Sports Massage-for the Elite and Occasional Athlete

Elements Sponsors 2 Artists for Rain Barrel Project: Water and Community-A Street Art Exhibit for Whitefish Bay

Speed Up Postpartum Healing With Postnatal Massage

How To Eat Fabulously ON $40 a Week

How to Eat Fabulously on $40 a Week: In these tough economical times, who isn't trying to trim their budget. This short article can save you money and help you eat healthier. http://www.oprah.com/money/Save-Money-at-the-Supermarket-Healthy-Grocery-Lists

Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off

80% of people who have lost weight gain it back. For some great tips on how to keep the weight off check out this article by Bob Greene, "Bob Greene's 5 Ways to Keep Weight Off." http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Bob-Greenes-5-Ways-to-Keep-Weight-Off

Massage Multiplied: Benefits of Massage Improve With Frequency

An Evening of Wine and Chocolate Event Feb. 10, 6-8pm

Whitefish Bay Snow Emergency Extended

Snow & High Winds Hit Wisconsin

Client Reviews Updated Every Day

Founder of Elements Therapeutic Massage Michele Merhib Named to Denver Business Journal's "Outstanding Women in Business" Honorees for 2010

Fitness Together conducting type 2 diabetes study

What The Heck's A Vision Board—and How Can It Change Your Life?

Live to Ride; Ride to Shop

We invite participating riders to stop in May 22 - 23 from 9 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. to receive 25 min massage for $30 or stop by Winkie's on May 22 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. for a free five-minute chair massage. For more information on all Celebrate Women Riders activities Live To Ride, Ride to Shop

Thought for the Day

"Talk to yourself from the perspective of truly being willing to do whatever it takes rather than relying on the same old excuses that keep you from making those changes. You'll be thrilled with yourself when you adopt an 'I'm willing' attitude." --Dr. Wayne Dyer

The Science & Art of Happiness

Green Day in the Bay photomontage

For those of you who didn't get to visit us at Green Day in the Bay check out this YouTube photomontage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSlWq8TiPWY

Flaxseed lowers high cholesterol in men

A new study from Iowa State University's Nutrition and Wellness Research Center (NWRC) may give men a way to combat high cholesterol without drugs -- if they don't mind sprinkling some flaxseed into their daily diet. http://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2010/mar/flaxseed

Happy Earth Day

Tobacco 'candy' could poison kids

Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying

Plant the seeds of health by establishing a backyard vegetable garden

Optimism May Enhance Immune Function

Almond Skins Promote Gut Health

Prebiotics are food ingredients that beneficially impact metabolism in the intestinal tract, and some studies have suggested these compounds help to manage metabolic diseases in overweight/obese individuals. http://www.worldhealth.net/news/almond-skins-promote-gut-health/

Exercise for stronger and healthier knees

Five ways to cut back on salt

Spa Finder Review Special

Public Health Week marked with tips on eating on budget

Top Five Tips to Get Kids & Teens Moving This Spring

Prebiotics are food ingredients that beneficially impact metabolism in
the intestinal tract, and some studies have suggested these compounds
help to manage metabolic diseases in overweight/obese individuals. http://www.worldhealth.net/news/almond-skins-promote-gut-health/

You see the word more and more, but what does it say about what it’s
on? Here are tips for fruits and vegetables, dairy and meat, cosmetics,
processed foods and cotton and coffee. To read more...http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-organic-20100329,0,765711.story