Q. What’s the number-one area in the body where people feel pain? Can massage help?
A. There’s not a universal answer to that question; people can feel pain in different areas on different days. But, overall, my clients’ most common areas of complaint are the upper shoulders/neck and low back. Can massage help? Yes! But also, realistically, no; it depends on what’s causing the pain.
Bodywork is incredibly helpful at reducing pain due to muscular tension, postural dysfunction, and other soft-tissue problems, but some injuries also need treatment from specialists like orthopedic doctors or physical therapists. Give your massage therapist as much information as you can about where you’re feeling pain, what movements cause the pain, etc., so together you can determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
-Massage Therapist/Educator, Kristin Coverly, LMT
Q. What is the best plan for acne-prone teenagers?
A. Ideally, teens should use the following products in their home-care regimen for about two weeks:
• A rinseable facial wash designed for oilier skin. Usually in gel form, these cleansers traditionally include salicylic acid (1–2 percent) or benzoyl peroxide (2.5 percent).
• A toner that has an alpha and/or beta hydroxy acid to apply after cleansing.
• A gel acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to be lightly applied all over the face to help loosen impactions and prevent new microcomedones from forming in the follicles. Eye areas should be avoided. This should be used at night and can also be added in the morning if necessary, and if the skin can tolerate it. The gel should be applied in five or six small dots across the face and then spread in small circular motions until absorbed. The product should absorb very quickly; if not, the client is using too much product. Individual lesions can be treated after the initial application to the entire face.
• A noncomedogenic matte (non-oily) sunscreen to be worn daily.
• A noncomedogenic lightweight hydrator if the skin feels or appears dehydrated.
-Skin Care Educator/Product Developer/Therapist/Author, Mark Lees, PhD, MS, CIDESCO