Gena Ferguson LMT

What Do You Say to Your Body? 🤔

Out loud? 🗣️ In your head? 💭

You'd think as a massage therapist I'd just be working with muscles, but a big part of the job is working with people and their relationship with their bodies.

I often hear from clients...

💥"My neck is a DISASTER."

💥"Do I have the TIGHTEST back you've EVER felt?"

💥"My hamstrings are the WORST, aren't they?"

💥"I know my low back is DESTROYED from years of being overweight."

💥"My is too WEAK. I'd NEVER be able to do that."

What you say about yourself and your body, plays a huge role in what you are experiencing in your body. Your neck is a disaster? Yup, it absolutely will be if that's how you talk about it. You'll never be able to do that thing because you're too weak? Yup, you'll never do that thing as long as you consider yourself too weak.

Please 💙 remember to speak kindly about yourself AND your body. In most situations, there are ways to improve upon your pain, muscle tension, muscle weakness, mobility, etc. It's just about figuring out what your body is asking for & finding the best strategies for you.

And of course we can't ignore the huge connection between body & mind. ☯️
It's not just about what you do with your body, but what you do with your mind, including what you say & think about yourself.

Gena 🌞

What's your go-to for pain? 🧐

Did you know one may be more beneficial than the other depending on the situation?

In general, cold therapy 🧊 (ice pack, cryo-chamber, ice bath) is used to slow down inflammation and reduce high levels of pain. Injuries, surgeries, and infections are the most common reasons for inflammation & high levels of pain.

Heat therapy 🔥 is used to reduce muscle tension and increase circulation to areas of ischemia caused by things like intense workouts and repetitive stress from a job. Reduced mobility/flexibility and feeling chronic mild soreness could indicate muscle tension & ischemia.

It is important to add that ⏲️ 20-30 mins of ice or heat is about all you need. Longer time won't necessarily get better results. Wait an hour or so then re-apply if needed.

🙅🏼‍♀️ The above info is in no way medical advice. If you are not sure what is causing your pain, it is important to see a doctor. There is also waaaay more to the approach of healing injuries, especially different types of injuries. ✌️

Massage therapy is powerful.

We often forget that massage therapy and bodywork has been around for millennia, used by community healers, rooted in illness prevention.

Massage therapy can feed the soul. We are literally wired for touch. Touch nurtures us, comforts us, and connects us.

In a time where feeling connected is getting more difficult, consider adding more massage to your life.

Gena 🌞

Cozy 💆🏻‍♀️

Happy New Year 🥳

Thank you to everyone who made 2022 a year to remember 💙

This will always make me chuckle.

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🥧🧡

Happy Turkey Week! 🦃🥧

Tis the season of sales and I wanted to let you know I recently added and updated several ways to save here at Balanced Bodywork LLC in Ashburn, VA.

✴️ New Client Discount - receive $25 off your first 60-min or 90-min massage.

(To my current clients, please feel free to come back in and receive this new client discount on your next massage!)

✴️ Pre-Pay Packages - receive up to $20 off per session when pre-paying for sessions.

✴️ Monthly Membership - 10% off a monthly 60-min or 90-min massage AND 10% off all additional services.

✴️ Reward Stars - earn stars by getting massages, buying packages, referring friends, etc and redeem the stars for a free massage!

All of this info is on my website in more detail. Link in bio ⬆️

Gena 🌞

Did You Know "Peer Warm Lines" Exist?

They are Free & Confidential Non-Crisis Lines you can call or text for emotional support & mental health resources from trained peers.

has warm lines in every state.

In the picture above I have shared a card with the number for Virginia's warm line.
866-400-6428

CALL HOURS
Mon-Fri 9am-9pm
Sat-Sun 5pm-9pm
Holidays 5pm-9pm

Text & Spanish services are available during select times.

Call or visit MHAV.org for more info

If you are in crisis, call the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-8255 or text MHA to 741741

Your progress & results are important to me.

You don't have to worry about me stringing you along. Either I'm getting you results or I'm finding 🧐 the best practitioner for you who CAN get you results.

I'm pretty good at what I do, but I don't know everything and my style of bodywork is not for everyone. (Sometimes we're not a perfect match and that's okay!)

Luckily I know several other massage therapists, physical therapists, personal trainers, pilates instructors, yoga instructors, energy workers, and more.

Whether the results you are looking for is pain relief, stress relief, painless movement, better posture, etc...

If I'm not getting you the results you're looking for, I'll help you find the practitioner who can.

Gena 🌞

🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤

Happy International Dog Day! National Dog Day was first established in 2004 by pet & family lifestyle advocate Colleen Paige. The aim is to raise awareness about adopting animals who are currently in rescue centers. We promote dog ownership of all breeds, pure and mix! How are you celebrating?

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

I don't know who needs to hear this but...

You're doing great.

Even if you feel like you're failing.

Because failing is human.

This goes out to everyone navigating what it is to be human.

To everyone who is working hard for yourself, for your family, for your future.

To everyone working hard to make amends with their past.

To everyone grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship.

To everyone struggling with mental health, healing trauma, and determined to do the inner work.

To everyone doing their best, trying to do their best, or hoping to one day do better.

Sometimes I need to hear this, so I wanted to say it to you.

You're doing great.

Gena 🌞

🧐 What IS therapeutic massage?

You may also hear the term medical massage or clinical massage.

Therapeutic massage is mostly defined by its session goals of reducing pain, reducing muscle tension, improving range of motion, and achieving pain-free movement. 🤸🏼🏃🏻‍♂️🚶🏽‍♀️🧎

It's a great choice for people who are experiencing pain or tension because of their job. We often perform repetitive movements at our jobs and/or end up spending a lot of time in one posture (sitting, standing). These repetitive movements and sustained postures are the main reason for muscle tension and pain.

Therapeutic massage can also help to decrease the healing time of soft tissue injuries and reduce the amount of scar tissue (which prevents further problems).

There is no specific technique for therapeutic massage. Each and every massage therapist will have a slightly different approach, but the session goals remain the same.

🙋🏼‍♀️ My therapeutic approach is rooted in postural assessment and myofascial release, however I use techniques from all massage & bodywork modalities. I truly believe "It's all connected" and not only will I address your area of concern, I'll find the root cause (often NOT the painful area).

Gena 🌞

Foam Rolling Benefits

Foam Rolling Elicits Neuronal Relaxation Patterns Distinct from Manual Massage: A Randomized Controlled Trial The present double-blinded, randomized controlled study sought to compare the effects of a full-body manual massage (MM) and a foam rolling (FR) intervention on subjective and objective indexes of performance and well-being. A total of 65 healthy individuals ...

🌼 SUMMER SALE 🌼

To celebrate the opening of Balanced Bodywork, please enjoy these special offers:

🏵️ One (1) 60-minute Massage @ $85

🏵️ One (1) 90-minute Massage @ $110*

❇️ Choose between a 💪 Therapeutic or 💆‍♀️ Wellness massage.

❇️ Both can be purchased as a Package of 3️⃣ sessions.

*Excludes the Lymphatic Enhancement Massage

Offer ends July 31st, 2022.

Schedule ⬇️
https://www.vagaro.com/balancedbodyworkllc/services

Gena 🌞

My own massage studio 🥳

World, meet Balanced Bodywork! ⚖️

I'm so thankful for my 10-year journey to my own massage studio, Balanced Bodywork. I've worked at some amazing businesses and with some stellar people, but it's time I create the practice that has been in my mind's eye for a long time.

Over the years I've studied many different massage & bodywork modalities and techniques, slowly putting them together to develop what I consider to be a balanced approach to massage & bodywork.

You might have heard "It's all connected!" and it truly is! My deep understanding of anatomy & kinesiology helps me to pinpoint the issue(s) AND incorporate a more full-body treatment.

You can learn more and schedule with me at www.GenaMassages.com

Gena 🌞

Gena massages.

Sports Massage 💪

I love working with kids & teens!

Young people also experience muscle tension, injuries, and stress just like the rest of us, and massage therapy can help with all of these.

❓What does a customized massage therapy session look like for a young person?

Here's how I do it:

✅ Shorter session - usually 30 mins is enough time to address the main complaint

✅ Supervised - parents can choose to stay in the room or be nearby

✅ Communication - informed consent is a must! These sessions can be vital in teaching the young person bodily autonomy and whatever they say, goes

✅ Clothed - this helps with comfort level. Massage does not require un******ng or the use of lotion. A variety of techniques can be done while remaining dressed

✅ Appropriate techniques & pressure - young people respond really well to gentler techniques & lighter pressure

👍 Here are some of the things I've helped young people manage with massage therapy:

⏺️ Sprain/strains

⏺️ ACL repairs

⏺️ Muscle tension from motor tics

⏺️ Headaches & migraines

⏺️ Neck pain & radiculopathy

⏺️ Osgood-Schlatter's

⏺️ Elbow tendinitis

⏺️ Texting Thumb

🛑 Please note, some of these conditions are very serious and I worked in conjunction with their MD and/or Physical Therapist.

If you are wondering if a customized massage therapy session can help your kid or teen, please feel free to reach out to me to go over options.

Gena 🌞

Back from vacation & ready for ya!

Have you ever had your abdomen massaged?

If not, here are some benefits!

✅ Low back pain relief
✅ Reduced tension in ab muscles
✅ Reduced tension in hip flexors
✅ Reduced tension in diaphragm
✅ Being able to take deeper breaths
✅ Improved digestion & elimination
✅ Improved lymphatic fluid movement
✅ Menstrual cramps relief

Abdominal massage can be incorporated into most massage sessions and doesn't require that you expose your abdomen. Gentle techniques can be done through the massage linens and/or your clothing.

Clients who may benefit the most from abdominal massage are those who have low back pain, tight hip flexors, fluid retention in their legs, asthma, constipation, and those who are recently postpartum.

Good morning! This is just me being obnoxious with Canva. I liked the background 😆😆

But while I'm at it, let me introduce myself!

🙋🏼‍♀️ I'm a licensed massage therapist with 9 years of experience. Certified in medical massage, prenatal massage, and lymphatic massage.

💆 I practice therapeutic massage - meaning there is usually a reason for the massage besides relaxation - pain relief, muscle tension relief, sports recovery, lymphatic drainage, etc. However, relaxation still plays a huge part in my practice.

🙅🏼‍♀️ I do not believe in "no pain, no gain" when it comes to massage. If you can't stay relaxed and breathe through it, then it's too much pressure and your nervous system will jack up your stress hormones. The opposite of healing.

💙 I believe massage therapy is for everybody and every body. I've worked with people of all ages, sizes, levels of health, levels of mobility, etc.

💚 I believe massage therapy is for more than clinical purposes. Massage therapy is for relaxation, for grieving, for recovering, for feeling connected, for drifting away.

Thank you for following me.
Nice to meet you! 💜

Ugly Side Effects of Not Stretching After Exercise, Says Science - Eat This Not That From feeling sick to losing range of motion, here are the things that happen to your body if you don't stretch after exercise.

Benefits of Massage! 🌞

YOU need Recovery. Yes, YOU. 💥

We often hear the term "self-care" but let's call it what it really is. Recovery.

You need recovery from intense exercise and training.
You need recovery from work stress (physical and emotional).
You need recovery from illness, injury, and surgery.
You need recovery from emotional stress, anxiety, and depression.
You need recovery from running a home.
You need recovery from running a business.
You need recovery from raising a family.
You need recovery from living in a pandemic.
You need recovery from online school 😵

I'm lucky enough to work at TWO ✌️ great places that offer several options for recovery.

ASHBURN @ Elite Wellness Performance & Recovery
☑️ Massage therapy, compression therapy, cupping & scraping, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and more

MERRIFIELD Atlas Bodyworks
☑️ Massage therapy, lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, light therapy, infrared sauna (pictured above), and more

Please feel free to reach out to me or either of the businesses above for more info on the best Recovery option for you!

Gena 🖖💙🌎💚

💆‍♀️💆💆‍♂️💆‍♀️💆💆‍♂️

Can you just workout with a cat around? No. You must workout AND pet the cat simultaneously.

FOREVER & ALWAYS.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍

Here's What I've Been Up To:

💙 Helping someone let go of emotional trauma in her abdomen (their words, not mine)
💙 Helping someone recover from tummy tuck surgery
💙 Helping someone let go of pandemic stress (again their words, not mine)
💙 Helping someone recover from hip replacement surgery
💙 Helping pro-athletes recover from competition
💙 Helping someone manage their stress as they navigate through major life changes
💙 Helping someone improve their body image during their weight loss journey (their words!)

I've been able to do all of this because I was lucky enough 10 years ago to find my passion - massage therapy. It's a powerful tool not just for the body, but for the mind & spirit, too.

If you like to know more about me or my services, please feel free to msg me 🙋🏼‍♀️

www.GenaMassages.com

Featured Service!! 💆‍♀️💆💆‍♂️
The Lymphatic Enhancement!
I call this massage service...
"The Reset Button" 😍
▶️Promotes optimal function of your lymphatic system (part of your immune system)
▶️
▶️Great for reducing inflammation & fluid retention, fatigue, brain fog, etc

Msg me for details 📲

I know I post this often, but that's because it's exactly what I stand for and will always stand for.
💙
What do I mean when I say "Massage is for Every Body?"
💙
I want anyone and everyone to feel comfortable getting a massage no matter the size or shape of their body.
💙
I want everyone to feel comfortable getting a massage no matter their gender identity, gender expression, or sexuality (because it's none of my fu***ng business anywaaaay).
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I want everyone to feel comfortable getting a massage no matter their age, race, ethnicity, religion, or culture.
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I want everyone to feel comfortable getting a massage no matter their level of physical capability or their level of health (of course there are exceptions to this, I can't be massaging you when you have something contagious like the flu).
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I can guarantee this is my mindset to every massage. While on my table, my number one priority is your comfort and session goals. We will develop a massage session that works for you and your body.
💙

Self-care is important 💙

I need to get these massage skills 😀

Let me pamper your Momma 💜

(or if you are Mom, let's do this!)

I recommend a 90-min Swedish massage, which includes complimentary hot towels and aromatherapy.

Sat 5/8: Merrifield location, 10-3
Sun 5/9: Ashburn location, 10-3

To schedule online, www.GenaMassages.com

Bring on Spring!

Have a great new month! Happy May...🥰 💐 🌷

Haaaay! If you've ever received a massage from me, please consider leaving a review on Google 💙💙💙💙💙
Thank you!

https://g.page/GenaFergusonLMT/review?rc

Review us on Google Post a review to our profile on Google

My website is up and running. It has more info about where I'm working and how you can schedule with me.

www.GenaMassages.com

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