A new study in the Journal, Science Translational Medicine, is helping to deepen our understanding of why massage works.  We all know that massage feels good, but now we know why.  Massage appears to work on the cellular level in a way similar to the process of pain relievers like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the harmful side effects.

In the study, led by Mark Tamopolsky, a professor of pediatric medicine at McMaster University in Toronto, Ontario,  his team sought to learn the biological mechanism of massage.  Eleven young men exercised to the point of exhaustion on stationary bikes.  They had muscle biopsies performed on their leg muscle tissue before and a massage performed on a leg chosen at random.  Then again ten minutes after massage, and then two and a half hours after the massage therapy.

What they found is wonderful.  When compared to the non-massaged leg, there was a decrease in the level of cytokines, a protein associated with inflammation, and an increase in mitochondrial production, a sign of tissue recovery and healing, in the massaged leg.  Mitochondria are one of the energy producing units in cells.

While this study isn’t the only answer to why massage works, it holds out the promise of massage treatments being accepted more in the mainstream of medical thought.  Perhaps instead of prescribing more medications, doctors will start prescribing bodywork – take a massage and don’t call me in the morning!

You can get the benefit of massage today – book your session right now.

Roses are red,
Chocolate is brown,
A Couples Massage is
The Best Gift in Town!

Luxuriate with your loved one, relax with your romeo!  We have three couples massage options available to meet all budgets and desires.  And you can purchase and print the gift certificate instantly!

First, the Double Sixty, two back-to-back sixty minute sessions – a great way to feel relaxed and refreshed.

Next, the Double Ninety.  Imagine how delicious you and your loved one will feel after ninety minutes of deep relaxation!

Finally, the Double Twos.  That’s right, two back-to-back two hour flagship massages.  The deep bliss and contentment from our hands to you.   When you are both blissed out, you’ll feel so connected and together!

Isn’t it exciting when your first Contractor gets his first five-star review; Go Shannon!

Shannon D. Stone, CMP

Paul Brown Massage Therapy Pain Relief Center in Sacramento is pleased to announce that 16 year veteran Certified Massage Practitioner, Shannon Stone, has joined our practice. Mr. Stone specializes in “Results Oriented Therapy” which makes him an ideal fit for the pain relief center.

Shannon attended the Healing Hands School of Holistic Health in Escondido, CA, and was the top graduate in his class. Mr. Stone has worked with professional athletes, bodybuilders, Hollywood actors and musicians. He uses his knowledge of anatomy and deep intuitive abilities to help clients achieve their bodywork goals.

Shannon is available for appointments on Sundays and Mondays and is happy and excited to be working at the Center.

“It felt good to be working here,” Shannon said after his first day of working.

Welcome to the Center, Shannon!  Here’s hoping your practice is long and fruitful.

Need a quick gift idea for the holidays, birthday, anniversary or whatever occasion is approaching? Well, look no further! An Instant Massage Gift Certificate is right for all occasions!

I have partnered with The Gift Card Cafe to sell instant gift certificates that you can either print out or email to your special someone!

Imagine the delight your special someone will feel when they see the gift certificate arrive!  And imagine how much more delighted they will be after they have received their massage.

Just click the “Buy Gift Certificates” link at the top of this page!

As much as I love speaking to my clients when they telephone, sometimes it’s just not possible, like when I’m in session with another client.  Yet because I value that human connection, I want to make certain that clients never have to leave a voicemail, so meet Nicholas, my receptionist.  He answers my phone for me when I’m in session; he can answer some questions about my practice, and he is more than happy to help you find the right appointment time and service combination to help you feel better!  Plus, if you have a question Nicholas cannot answer, I will be sure to return your call as soon as I can!

After a long hiatus, I have revived my old video series, The Care and Feeding of Your Inner Bear.

I’m very excited to be bringing the videos back, and will be producing more self-care and massage related videos, but here’s a simple take on a healthy and nutritious Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Enjoy!

After four years of working with Instant Scheduling, I have moved to a new online scheduling system, Full Slate. The new system lets me embed the schedule into my website, so my new URL is http://paulbrown.net/book-now/ so if you have bookmarked my old system please update your bookmark, and while you’re at it, book a massage in my Sacramento Massage Studio!

We all know that massage feels good, right, but here’s another study that demonstrates that massage has benefits for people who have chronic back pain.  In a study published this month in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recipients of two types of massage enjoyed greater freedom from pain and increased function compared to the control group (who received traditional treatment).

People in the two massage groups received either relaxation or structural massage, while the control group received their usual care, which included self-care, pain medication, etc. At the end of the study, while all  people in the study reported reduced pain, the people in the massage groups reported a great amount of “clinically significant” reduced pain and improved function.  And it’s that clinical significance that’s important, because it means that the reduction in pain went beyond the margin of error for the statistics used to determine the results of the study.

1 in 3 of the patients in the massage groups reported reduction or elimination in their pain, while only 1 in 25 of the patients in the control group, which included self-care and/or medication.

If you are experiencing chronic back pain in the Sacramento area, you could book a session now to get some relief!

Summer Activities are a perfect reason to book a massage!

As Summer’s golden glow continues to warm us, the allure of the outdoors beckons, and we get more physically active.  Hiking, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, softball and other team sports – all of these things are great fun, and we all want to be the best shape we can be to participate, right?

Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork is the perfect complement to all this outdoor fun!  By helping to relax your body, improving the range of motion in your shoulders, hips, back, neck, you are more pain-free and able to enjoy life more!  And who doesn’t want to do that?

Book a Massage Session Now, and Get Outdoors and Enjoy Life!