Monocacy Massage

The Frederick Running Fest Half Marathon is just 19 days away. Are you new to Frederick or living in newer developments like Renn Quarter or Eastchurch? If so, you may not be familiar with the half marathon running route. To ensure all residents and motorists are informed about rolling road closures and traffic delays, please review the race details below.

Rolling road closures will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 5. Access through closures will not be possible until runners have passed, and officers deem it safe to do so. Please be prepared and plan your travel accordingly.

Hey Everyone!!!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I told you I would keep you updated in the world of massage! 😘

Apparently Frederick County is finally 🙄 taking action to crack down on the s*x parlors in Frederick county. It's not hard to spot these shady places. Here are some things to look for!!!

1. Do they have an active, registered Massage license hang up in a conspicuous place? This is a Maryland State law!!!! You can go to

https://health.maryland.gov/massage/Pages/home.aspx

to look up ANY massage therapist in the state of Maryland. You need either their name or license number.

2. Do they have you fill out an intake form??? If the answer is NO, LEAVE! Once again this is a state law!

3. Is the place clean?

4. What do their reviews look like? If they have any? If it's a real, legit business, they will have a web page, social media, reviews, online booking.

I want you all to stay safe! If you feel like you're in a scuzzy place, call the non-emergency police and place a report! It's the only way to catch these people!

https://frederick.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?clip_id=9793

frederick.granicus.com

Hello Spring 🌱🌷🐇🐝🐛

I have accomplished a lot of things in my life.

I had a poem published by Random House. At age 28, I went back to school and got a new career (massage). I quit smoking and got into running. I have placed as the first female. I have placed in my age group in many races. I have ran up to 50 miles in one run (JFK 50). I competed in the USAPL Raw federation (powerlifting) where I placed 10th at Nationals in 2015. I would always place first in my weight class at local meets. I even held some Maryland Records. My best competition lifts were 330 squat/190 bench/385 deadlift best squat in the gym was 350 at 72kg body weight. I was in a magazine. I survived a divorce. I lived and traveled by myself. I found true love at age 36.

One of my greatest accomplishments is opening my own business, especially during COVID.

Most people are afraid of change, the unknown, stepping out of their comfort zone. If you never take the leap of faith, you'll never know what you can accomplish. All of these accomplishments I listed above have been over the last 24 years. They were ALL scary but I wanted to push myself and see what I could do! I didn't know I could physically or mentally achieve so much. I have failed along the way but got back up and kept trying. Stop coming up with excuses and try! What's the worst you can do? Fail? Without failure, you'll never have success.

I want to thank ALL of you for believing and supporting me. Some of you are fairly new, while others I have known for over a decade. I will miss you all! I do think about you all, all the time.

I want to take a moment and give the BIGGEST THANKS to Tim Hanline. If it wasn't for Tim, Monocacy Massage would never have existed. Tim took care of all of our personal bills allowing me to focus on my business. He supported me the whole way. Gave advise, listening to me vent, he was just there for me.

Thank you everyone and Tim for all that you have done for me 🥹🩵

Thank you Chris Howk for the awesome pirate kite!!! 🖤🏴‍☠️ Best retirement present ever!

Looks like I'm getting out of massage at the right time!!!

Massage services are 9th on the list!

You can thank the Maryland Democrats for proposing the largest tax increase in the state's history, targeting almost every service imaginable. Already burdened with high inflation and escalating property taxes, the last thing Marylanders need is for politicians to demand more of our hard-earned money to fuel their reckless spending habits. 🫠

Don't forget to set your clocks tonight! 🕰️

Another bites the dust ...

3 women arrested for allegedly participating in a prostitution ring connected to multiple massage parlors Police arrested Jinchan Yang, Xiaohing Wan, and Yuxia Chang after receiving anonymous tips alleging prostitution activities occurring at several massage parlors.

People keep asking me if I'm going to be doing massage on the side? The answer is NO. I am retiring from massage. Please stop asking!

Hello March 🌷🌈🍀

Things that will annoy your massage therapist.

1. Holding tension & helping

As a massage therapist, my goal is to help alleviate muscular tension, promote relaxation, and restore balance to your body. By holding tension or interfering with the techniques used, the effectiveness of the massage may be compromised, resulting in less optimal outcomes for your overall well-being. Basically you're creating more work for me and you'll end up hurting me.

2. Unreasonable expectations

When clients have unreasonable expectations that surpass the limits of what a massage can realistically achieve, it can lead to disappointment and hinder the true potential for relaxation and healing.

Each individual's body and response to massage therapy are unique. While we strive to alleviate tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation, it's important to recognise that immediate transformations may not always be possible.

Massage therapy is a process that often requires multiple sessions to address specific concerns comprehensively.

3. Neglecting personal hygiene

This should be a no-brainer. Take a shower before you come in for your massage. Clean skin allows for better absorption of oils and lotions, enhancing the gliding and soothing sensation of the therapist's touch. When clients arrive without showering or with excessive sweat, it can create a barrier that inhibits the full benefits of the massage.

4. Wanting to be "beat up"

Then go to a boxing match. Massage therapy isn't about "beating up" people. We try to calm the nervous system and muscles down. This is like trying to put a fire out with gasoline, what do you think is going to happen? Someone is going to get hurt and that person is going to be the massage therapist. If you keep on a regular massage routine, you wouldn't need to be "beat up"

5. "I forgot to shave!"

No one cares about your leg hair. I'm more concerned if your clean, not smelling of body odor, smoke, f***l, etc.

6. Constantly rescheduling or cancelling appointments

We understand life happens, but when it's constantly happening. You're taking away time slots from other willing paying clients and you're taking away from my paycheck. Be considerate.

7. Asking for a referrals

Finding a massage therapist that fit your needs is a personal preference. Nobody knows that except for you. It's the same thing with what pizza do you think is the best? I could say Papa John's, you can say Pizza Hut. It's all personal preference. Stop asking me.

8. "Don't get lotion in my hair"

There are four occipital muscles that connect your skull to the top of your spine. So if you have a bunch of pressure at the base your skull, well then I can't get to it if you don't want lotion in your hair.

9. Stop telling me how to do my job

"I only want my back massaged because my low back hurts" That isn't going to fix your back pain, FYI. I went to school and studied anatomy, biology, kinesiology. I understand how the muscles work with one another and where pain is coming from. I don't go to your job telling you how to do whatever you do. Let me do my job, thanks.

10. Staying too long after the session or talking too much before the session starts.

We enjoy talking with our clients but you do understand you're not the only client for the day. When you're talking for 5 to 10 minutes into your session time, you're taking away from hands-on time. Which means your session is going to get cut short. If you want to talk, then continue your conversation when you're on the table. We have very limited time, if no time in-between sessions to clean our room and get ready for the next client. Also we're human as well. We like to eat , take a break, go to the bathroom and do our laundry in-between sessions. Please be mindful about when the session is over.

11. Drink water!!!

The more water you drink is better for your overall health for starters. It also makes the job of a massage therapist so much easier to release muscle knots. When you are dehydrated don't expect any muscle release to happen. It's like massaging a rock.
Things to keep in mind for your next massage!

12. Inappropriate behavior

Don't stare at the massage therapist especially when we're sitting behind your head working on your head or neck. It's creepy that you're staring at us shut your eyes, relax...Don't come into a massage expecting that you're going to get a hand job or any s*xual favors. That's called prostitution, which is illegal and that's not what we do... Don't ask a massage therapist out in the middle of a massage. These are no-brainer things once again but unfortunately we have to reemphasize and remind people these things.

Please keep these in mind the next time you go for a massage!

Thank you for making me number one on Massage Book with 151 5️⃣⭐ reviews!!!! 😘

Hey Guys and Gals!

As you all know I'm a very transparent, tell it how it is kind of person. I have been voicing my opinion about the Maryland Board of Massage since June 5, 2023.

This was the first thing that pi**ed me off with the Board. The fact that the Board is willing to give Therapists a second chance after having their license was taken away. Then why am I doing everything right by the book???

The second thing is The Merger. I posted about this December 4, 2023. I also made fun of the Board because they kept spelling our State wrong (Marland)

December 18, 2023 the Board released the official email about the Merge and it was going into affect December 25, 2023.

After a long debate and careful consideration. I decided I need to close my business because there's no money in massage and I'm actually losing money. I applied for a job on January 8, 2024. My interview for that job was January 11, 2023. That night when I came home I messaged a couple of clients who had appointments on the days I'm now closed to give them first chance to move their appointments before I broke the news to the rest of you.

I did my "Good-bye post" the next day, January 12, 2024 (yes, I cried while writing that) most of you are like family to me. This is a very hard decision to make but financially the money isn't here in massage and I don't like what MD is doing.

I don't owe it to anyone. I could have closed my doors weeks ago but that's not me. I have given everyone a 79 days OR a 2 months & 19 days notice about me closing. So if you have gift cards or you want to come in one last time to say goodbye, you have the chance. I know a massage therapist who closed his business last year with no warning at all and kept allowing people to book appointments and buy gift cards. Basically pocketing people's money. That's bad juju right there and karma will get him for that.

My hours are limited because I have started at my new job. This is why I'm reminding you to please book, don't waste time. My book is open to 30 days in advance to give anyone a chance to book and when it gets closer I can turn it off the online booking. The end of March I will be filing Articles of Cancellations to legally close my business and handing my keys into Phenix April 1st. So there is no "squeeze me in" or "I'll pay you under the table". I will be done March 30th!!!

If you have a gift card purchased from Massage Book. Massage Book Gift Cards can be redeemed towards a Service with any participating Business in the Massage Book Search Directory across the United States.

If you're the recipient of one, you should've received an email titled "Your Massage Book Gift Card" from Massage Book that includes the gift amount and code.

As for refers, that's the next big question people are asking me. Honestly I don't know anyone? The therapists I do know aren't taking new clients, quitting themselves or they specialize in a certain modality only. Besides a refer is an subjective thing. It's like that dumb Everything Frederick Page that sucks your soul. Everyone on their always asks the same 3 questions "Who has the best ____" you need to find a therapist that schedule works with yours, that you like and like their massage. My best advice is to start with the independent therapists, then go to the Spas like Belleza, New York New York, Thomas Scott, then go to the franchises last. Like Massage Envy or Hand and Stone.

You all know me, if you have a question. Ask!

It's hard to believe I graduated from massage school 12 years ago today.

I took my National exam two days before graduating from school. That was the hardest test I've ever taken. The way they pat you down, palm scan you, photo ID you, etc. Ooff 😮‍💨 you think you were joining the CIA. The National exam had a very low passing rate because of how hard the test was. They changed to the MBLEx. I passed my Nationals on the first try same with my State boards.

I like to thank Monocacy Massage for buying me a new washer this morning. Mine finally broke from all the washing of massage sheets. I can't wait to be fully done with massage.

Boyz II Men said it best, "It's so hard to say goodbye."

This is one of the most hardest decisions I've ever made. It is time to say goodbye to Monocacy Massage and to the massage industry all together.

I have been a massage therapist for 12 years now. It really is one of my favorite jobs, next to working at Starbucks. What I love the most about massage is helping people. Either physically, mentally or both. When someone leaves my practice happy, joyful, calm, less anxious. That is the greatest gift of all to me, serving the people.

I have to do what's best for me and my family. The money isn't here in massage. I'm starting to feel the physical effects on myself. I also don't agree and like what "Marland" (how they it spell on the emails, LOL. You know I got to throw a joke in.😆) What they're doing with the Board of Massage and licensing.

Some of you have been with me for YEARS, and you are the ones I will truly miss the deepest and the most. You are more than welcome to find me on social media or get my personal contact info if you'd like to stay in touch. Who knows, maybe down the road I might return to massage? But for now I'm ready to start a new chapter in my life.

I really do truly love you guys and thank you for believing in me, following me and being a part of my life. I set my online booking to 30 days in advance to give everyone a chance to come in one last time. My last day will be March 31, 2024.

I want to leave you with these pieces of advice. Drink some damn WATER, stretch and exercise! LOL 😆

Love,
Karen 🩵

I decided to close today due to the weather. 🌨️

The sleet started at my house at 8am and now is really picking up now. Please be safe out there. If you don't have to go out, don't!

Please make sure your contact information is up to date in case we get snow this weekend! ❄️🌨️☃️

Also please keep watch on Facebook and Instagram with any closure updates. I will also call and send a text if I close.

Thanks! ☺️

Here's a couple of things about dehydration.

💦Dehydration can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) in some cases.
When your body is dehydrated, your blood becomes thicker and more concentrated, which can cause your blood pressure to rise. This is because your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body, which increases blood pressure.

💦Dehydration is not a desirable condition because there is an imbalance in the homeostatic function of the internal environment. This can adversely affect cognitive performance, not only in groups more vulnerable to dehydration, such as children and the elderly, but also in young adults.

💦When you're dehydration, you may start to feel dizzy. This feeling can cause you to also experience lightheadedness, wooziness, fairness and unsteadiness. You may also experience a very specific form of dizziness called vertigo. If you're dealing with vertigo, you may feel like everything around you is spinning.

💦Dehydration can cause muscle pain. When you're dehydrated, your muscles may not get enough electrolytes, which can cause them to cramp or spasm. (It also makes my job even harder trying to get your muscles to release)

Make drink more water one of your New Year resolutions!

https://youtu.be/-slnr4TGA4Y?si=KTjwpttGekFM77J8

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! 🎉 (I was in bed before midnight, LOL.)

Tim and I went to the River over New Year's weekend to celebrate our last family Christmas gathering.

We're only two days into the new year and there's already been two big natural events.

1/1/24 was a 7.5 Earthquake in Japan
1/2/24 was a 2.3 earthquake in Rockville,MD
(The planet is definitely angry with us! )

April 8, 2024 will be another total solar eclipse. The moon's shadow, which is about 115 miles wide, will cross Mexico, sweep northeast from Texas to Maine and then darken the Canadian Maritimes. The 2017 total solar eclipse was the first to touch the "Lower 48" since 1979 and the first to span the U.S. from coast to coast since 1918.

The Heart 🫀

Such a fascinating muscle, that we take for granted.

How the Heart Changes with Exercise Get your greens today! Go to https://athleticgreens.com/humananatomy to get started on your first purchase and receive a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D and ...

As you all know I like being transparent and keeping you guys up to date with events and news...

Who wants to take bets with me on how many massage therapists are going to quit now because of the Merge that is happening? (***Spoiler Alert*** I am!) I will run my license out and will not be renewing it in October 31, 2024.

According to AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) May 23, 2020 approximately there were 2,500 LMTs and 1,700 RMPs actively practicing in Maryland. I know this number has dropped since.

The Board just sent out the official email and application for the merge this morning. (They still can't spell Maryland correct BTW🤦‍♀️)

My problems with what Maryland wants for the merge are....

#1 The massage school I and most people around this area went to, Central Maryland School of Massage closed September 13, 2019. So how can anyone get their transcripts from them?

#2 When I left Massage Envy, I asked for a copy of my employee file. They would not give it to me, so I don't see them verifying my 9 years of work history with them.

#3 I never massaged outside of the State of Maryland, so who would verify this and would be willing to write a letter of good standings?

Marland State Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
Registration Conversion Update

December 26, 2023

Good morning/afternoon Registered Massage Practitioner:

The RMP Conversion regulations, codified at COMAR 10.65.01.06.F, are now in effect. To convert your registration to a license you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

Have held an active registration continuously in good standing for a minimum of 10 years preceding the conversion request;
Or
Attest to have accumulated 1,000 hours of hands-on experience over the previous 2 years between work hours and continuing education hours;
Or
Provide documentation verifying a total of 750 contact hours which include program education hours and continuing education hours.
You will be able to combine continuous licensure history and hands-on work experience from another state and Maryland to potentially qualify under options 1 & 2 above for conversion.

The required Conversion Application is attached. The form is also available on the Board’s website. To apply, submit the completed form, the $100.00 non-refundable conversion fee, and supporting documents to the Board.

It is the burden of the applicant to produce adequate and acceptable proof of qualifications sufficient to meet the requirements for licensure as a massage therapist in the State of Maryland. Examples of acceptable documentation include but are not limited to:

Letter of Good standing from out-of-state Licensing Board demonstrating continuous licensure/registration history to support a minimum of 10 years preceding submission of the conversion application;

Employment verification from former and/or current employer;

Copies of Continuing Education certificates;

Copy of Massage Education School Transcript.

Please direct all questions to [email protected].

Have a wonderful holiday season and continue to monitor the Board’s website for important information from your Board.

Regards,

Sharon Oliver, MBA, Executive Director

This is why proof reading is important! I noticed they misspelled Maryland in the email when I received it on Dec 4th. I was checking the website today and noticed they misspelled Maryland again. How embarrassing😳🤦🏼‍♀️ 🤣

Do you know the difference between a Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue and Deep Pressure!?!

Swedish massage: It's often used to relax you, relieve stress and relieve pain. Swedish massage often involves rubbing, kneading, stroking and tapping your muscles.

Deep Tissue: Deep tissue uses slow strokes to access deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. DT is normally only used on specific areas.

Deep Pressure: Deep pressure means to simply apply more pressure.

If you want the maximum benefits from massage you, the client need to do your part too!

⭐ Drink A LOT of water before your session! The better hydrated you are the easier the muscles will release!!!

⭐Get massage on a regular basis! Getting a massage once every six months is not going to "fix" or help anything!

⭐ Stretch and workout!

⭐ Try to keep your stress in check! When you're under constant stress, the muscles hold on to that.

Doing these four simple things help me, help you in a great way!!!

I've had a couple of people ask me my thoughts about Ozempic for weight loss.

*Medical disclaimer, I am not a doctor*

I don't know anything about prescription drugs. My first question would be why would you take a drug that is designed to help to control Type 2 diabetes for a weight loss method? Personally I would love to follow people around all day just to observe them and what they eat, how much they eat, when they eat, how much water are you drinking? What kind of exercise are you getting in? And what are your stress levels like? Those are all weight loss factors right there.

This video popped up on my YouTube, so I watched the whole video. It's 30 minutes long (there is an Ad in the middle) I applaud this woman, Jamie who speaks of her own experience with being on this drug for weight loss. It also blows my mind the way that she talks about all the horrible side effects and how the drug was mentally corrupting her thought process and she wanted to stay on the drug even though it was literally killing her. So it makes me wonder how many people out there are in the same situation she was in?

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