Back Rub

You don't have to be pregnant to have an aching back.

(And who doesn't at one point or another?)

I love, love, love Andy's PT techniques that are coming into practice and

relieving serious back pain for me.

PT (Physical Therapy) massage isn't always ALL enjoyable, but it has amazing benefits so I've asked Andy for a few quick tips to pass along to our family and friends.

1. When working out a sore or aching back, preferably use a massage cream.

2. Start soft, work up to a deeper massage.

3. Massage up and down beside the spine first.

4. After following the length of the spine, work your hands away from the spine in sections. It stretches the muscles instead of just "pinching shoulders" as some tend to do. :)

5. Hydrate!! Drink a full glass of water following a deep back massage. You've just broken up lots of scar tissue and your blood stream needs to carry that tissue out of your system, but needs to be well hydrated.

I have two small bruises on my back where Andy broke up some serious knots, but oh my goodness the relief is glorious.

As a funny side antidote:

One of Andy's clinical patients is a woman in her 90's, who at one point asked Andy what he does for fun. A bit taken aback, he replied:

"Well, I'm a full time student and I work full time so my free moments are spent with my wife and kids. They're my fun. Actually we're expecting our third baby in a few months."

This elderly feisty woman smiled up at him and said:

"Oh, now I know what you do for fun."