An injury can throw you for a loop. You can miss work, fun, or just be in pain, which as everyone knows is no fun.
So what do you do if you hurt yourself and have a show counting on you?
This is what happened to me a few months ago, when I was injured by a professional dancer who lifted me and somehow, inadvertently, caused some kind of damage to my back.
I took a week off, using ice and rest. But I could barely walk - never mind dance. Since I had donated my time to perform in a charitable "Dance with the Community Stars" fundraiser in West Essex, I knew I could not just bow out from my commitment.
My doctor sent me for ex-rays and told me he suspected badly bruised ribs or broken ribs to blame. (Forget the bruised ego!)
Turned out that it was bruised ribs, and it really hurt - a lot. With only a few weeks to go before my performance - in front of about 600 people - I decided to go to Elements Massage.
Elements Massage became one of my clients about 8 months ago, and I have been ecstatic getting my monthly massages. I can actually afford them and they make a definite difference for the positive in my life.
Now, I wondered: could one of their massage therapists save me for the dance?
My massage lasted 55 minutes, like always. The trained masseuse told me to let her know when it hurt - and I did so. But somehow - and I don't exactly know how she did it - the pain from my injury was at least 75 percent better by the time I left.
Then, I went back a few days later for a second massage.
To my delight and surprise, I walked out pain free. The next day, I returned to my dance lessons, and got back into my Motown groove.
When I danced that cold night in front of a packed house, the pain in my ribs was the last thing on my mind. The only terror I felt was the fear that I would fall off the stage or forget my steps.
Our little group raised over $20,000 that night.
But I would have not been there if not for the magic fingers of a few professional, trained and dedicated massage therapists.
Though Elements Massage is my client - I can honestly say: this is NOT an ad. This is a true story, and I am forever a true believer in the power of massage.
Of course, my monthly massages are wonderful for my spirit, my soul and my sanity as well.
Elements is located in Nutley on Frankline Avenue. Here is their summer special:
SUMMER IS HERE and it's the perfect time to relax and unwind!! Take advantage of our BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE SPECIAL and let us show you how a massage can improve your health and well being!!
Do something special for yourself or someone you love this summer and book a 55, 80 or 110 minute session at the regular walk-in-rate and receive the second one for FREE!!!
From their website:
The Benefits of Regular Massage
Regular monthly massage provides relief to people of all ages and all walks of life from the competitive athlete to the home gardener or the over-stressed business person.
Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Massage has proven to be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.
Here's why: Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Massage therapy provides 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 medication and aides in quicker recovery in pregnant women.
Source: American Bodywork and Massage Professionals www.abmp.com