Reducing Stress and Pain with Massage Therapy

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Therapeutic massage is a powerful tool for relieving stress and alleviating pain. Studies show that it also helps reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of anxiety attacks and mood swings.

Massage

In addition, therapeutic massage increases blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to flow throughout the body more efficiently and eliminating waste products that build up in muscles. Contact Massage Therapy Tulsa for professional help.

Stress is a part of life but it can become a problem when it becomes chronic. High levels of stress can lead to a host of symptoms including muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, irritability and anxiety. The good news is that there are many ways to relieve stress and one of the best is through massage therapy.

During a massage, friction is created between the skin and fingers which increases blood flow. This increase in circulation results in a rise in muscle temperature and the release of toxins. When these toxins are released, the muscles relax and the tension is relieved. Moreover, massage stimulates the lymphatic system to remove metabolic wastes more efficiently. This also helps to reduce stress as a buildup of metabolic wastes can cause pain, swelling and restricted movement which then leads to frustration and an increased sense of stress.

When you receive a massage, your body releases endorphins and serotonin which are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. These hormones help to decrease cortisol and boost tissue elasticity. Cortisol is produced when the body is stressed. It increases glucose in the bloodstream, enhances the brain’s use of glucose and curbs functions that are nonessential during a fight-or-flight situation. These actions make it difficult for the body to digest food, fight disease or reproduce.

A one-hour massage lowers cortisol in the body while increasing serotonin. This hormone neurotransmitter is sometimes referred to as the “happy chemical” because it reduces feelings of depression and carries signals between nerves and your body. As a result, a massage could be considered an hourlong hug, as it can alleviate the negative effects of stress on both the body and mind.

Reduces Anxiety

Massage has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and enhance emotional resilience for people of all ages. It can also help a person better cope with chronic stressors such as test-taking, work, or anticipation of invasive medical procedures. Research has demonstrated that massage decreases the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases the production of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These effects can last after a session has ended.

Many people seek massage to alleviate symptoms of chronic stress and tension, including irritability, depression, insomnia, and digestive disorders. Regular massage can also lower heart rate and blood pressure, which may improve circulation and immune function, allowing your body to more effectively fight off illness.

While there is a lack of research on the specific mechanisms of how massage relieves anxiety, anecdotal evidence and positive results from open trials indicate that regular massage therapy has a strong impact on reducing moderate to severe anxiety for people of all ages. The frequency of sessions can be tailored based on the individual’s needs and can be combined with other self-care techniques such as yoga, meditation, healthy eating habits, and adequate sleep to maximize benefits.

During a massage session, the most effective technique for staying mindful is simply to breathe deeply and enjoy the sensations of each inhale and exhale. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to your breath and allow yourself to relax more and more with each inhale. You can even set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to take deep breaths during your massage.

When a massage is over, you may notice a brief feeling of disorientation or being “massage drunk” (we love to call this post-massage glow). This is due to the rapid decrease in cortisol and the increase in positive hormones. Just stay hydrated and you should be back to normal in about 15 minutes. We recommend you drink water after each massage to rehydrate and to continue enjoying the mood-boosting effects of your feel good hormones.

Reduces Pain

Massage therapy manipulates the soft tissue of the body, loosening tight muscles and reducing pain. The technique of kneading, tapping and stroking stimulates nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. Depending on the individual patient, massage can also stimulate the release of hormone-like substances called endorphins, which function as natural painkillers.

When you receive a therapeutic massage, the therapists will likely ask you a series of questions regarding your medical history and current symptoms. This helps them tailor the massage to your specific needs and ensure a safe and effective session. It’s important to be open and honest with your answers, so your massage therapist can provide you with the best possible experience.

The physical manipulation of the tissues during massage also increases blood flow to any congested areas in the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues to help them heal. This also allows the body to carry away waste products, such as lactic acid and other toxins.

Massage may be especially helpful in reducing fibromyalgia pain and arthritis pain, as well as easing the stress and anxiety associated with these conditions. Moreover, it can reduce the inflammatory chemicals that contribute to these conditions by decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body.

Studies indicate that massage lowers the heart rate and blood pressure, as well as relieves tension and stiffness in the joints and back. Furthermore, a massage may improve flexibility and range of motion, thus preventing future muscle soreness and stiffness.

One study found that people with chronic back pain experienced reduced pain after receiving a series of regular massages. Interestingly, this improvement was more pronounced in those who received massages more than once a week versus less frequent or no massages at all.

The most effective way to enjoy the healing effects of a massage is to relax and completely immerse yourself in the experience. Breathe deeply and consciously, focusing on the rhythm of your breath to calm your mind and body. Try these mindfulness meditations from Tamara Levitt to get the most out of your massage experience.

Promotes Healing

Massage improves blood flow and stimulates the body’s lymphatic fluid system. The squeezing, twisting and pulling action of massage techniques improves the flow of these waste clearing fluids and helps the body to release toxins. The increased circulation enables the body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

The relaxation effects of massage also help reduce inflammation and improve circulation and flexibility. In addition, the manipulation of soft tissue can help to decrease pain signals sent from the brain. This is especially true with the less intense types of massage such as Swedish or light touch, although some patients may need a combination of styles in order to find the right one for them.

Many people suffer from chronic pain due to muscle or joint injuries, postural problems or illness. Remedial massage is a highly effective form of treatment for injury management and rehabilitation. This is achieved by balancing the muscles, tendons and ligaments to support the return to normal joint/capsular/bone position. This helps to reduce pain from injury, speed healing, reduce stiffness and restore function.

Research has shown that the stress hormone cortisol and excitatory hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine are reduced with massage therapy. This can help alleviate depression and anxiety. The calming effect of massage also stimulates the production of hormones such as serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones can also aid the body’s response to injury by reducing pain, increasing movement and improving immune functions.

In addition, massage increases cell regeneration and encourages the production of cytokines, which are the cells responsible for the immune system’s defense against disease. Studies have also shown that massage increases the number of mitochondria in cells, which is associated with the growth and repair of damaged tissue.

The good news is that there are very few side effects to massage, except for the rare case of a bruise or swelling in a sensitive area. It is always a good idea to communicate with your therapist about any areas that are sore or painful before the massage begins. It is also important to let the therapist know if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant so they can avoid using pressure on any sensitive areas.

How a Realtor Can Help You Buy or Sell a Home

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Realtor Savannah GA typically work on a commission model, meaning they earn a percentage of the home’s sale price. That percentage can be flexible and negotiable.

Realtor

It’s important to hire a Realtor who is familiar with your local market and is bound by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) code of ethics. This will ensure that you get the best possible deal.

If you’re buying a home, your Realtor will help you find the best financing and negotiate with the seller. They’ll also be familiar with local schools, property values and neighborhoods to find you a house that meets your needs and budget.

On the flip side, if you’re selling your current home, a Realtor can help you find the right buyer and make sure all the details are managed smoothly from contract to closing. They’ll help you stage your home to appeal to buyers and manage open houses or private showings. They’ll also be familiar with common negotiation tactics, so you’re more likely to get a higher sale price and better terms.

A Realtor can also recommend reliable contractors to perform pre-buying investigations. These may include termite, radon, asbestos and faulty structure inspections, along with well and septic tests. They can even assist you with getting a title report, which indicates ownership and can be complicated by liens, easements and other restrictions.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever undertake. For this reason, it’s crucial to choose a Realtor with a strong track record of honesty, integrity and market expertise. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and check online reviews. A Realtor with a solid reputation will put you at ease and ensure a smooth, successful transaction.

When you see the word “Realtor” in a real estate professional’s name, it means they are a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In addition to receiving training and resources, they have a fiduciary duty to protect their clients’ interests and will always put those interests ahead of their own.

Many people believe they can save money by selling their homes on their own, known as a for-sale-by-owner or FSBO. In reality, this approach can be stressful and costly. Besides marketing, staging and repairing the home to sell, there’s the paperwork, deadlines and legal ins and outs to keep track of. And according to a study by Collateral Analytics, FSBO sellers often sell their homes for less than they would have received with an agent.

They Help You Find a Home to Rent

Real estate agents not only help home buyers and sellers; they can also assist renters who are looking for a home or apartment to rent. A local agent will be able to tell you about neighborhoods that are best suited for your lifestyle and apartment size requirements, as well as the current market for renting properties in your area. They can set up viewings and send you information about new listings that fit your specifications.

In large cities, where demand for rentals is high, it’s common for Realtors to specialize in rental property marketing and leasing. Some agents focus entirely on rentals, while others may only provide these services when they are not working with a client who is buying or selling a home.

A Realtor can help you find an apartment or house to rent that is within your budget and offers the amenities you need. For instance, they can point you to apartments that accept pets or that are located in quiet neighborhoods. They can also advise you on what to expect when signing a lease, including responsibilities and penalties.

Some landlords will work with realtors to find tenants for their vacant properties. A Realtor will be able to verify a tenant’s credit and income, and can assist the landlord in preparing a written rental application and completing the lease process.

While there are some online resources available to help you find a home to rent, a good way to connect with a Realtor is to ask for referrals from family or friends. If they’ve worked with a Realtor to buy or sell a property, they can recommend them for your rental search.

Real estate agents who work with both renters and owners of properties can earn a commission for each transaction they complete. The exact rate they charge for their services can vary by location. Some agents will charge a flat fee, which is typically the equivalent of one month’s rent. Other realtors will earn a percentage of the first month’s rent when they find a tenant for a property.

They Help You Find a Mortgage

Although it is possible to buy or sell a home without a Realtor, most buyers and sellers choose to use one because of the extra services they provide. Realtors can help with the complex paperwork involved in real estate transactions, negotiate between buyers and sellers, and advise clients on home financing options. They also have access to local real estate market data and transaction management services.

A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and as such, they adhere to the NAR Code of Ethics. This is a set of guidelines that helps protect consumers and ensures that Realtors act fairly and ethically in their business dealings. This code is an important part of what gives the title “Realtor” such a high level of prestige and trust.

Realtors are able to connect their clients with mortgage lenders that are both easy to work with and offer competitive rates. They can also recommend home inspectors and title companies to their clients. This can save the client a lot of time and hassle, as well as money.

Buying or selling a home is often a stressful process, and having an experienced Realtor to guide the client through it can make all the difference. They can help the client avoid expensive mistakes that can be made in a hurry and provide peace of mind during a chaotic time.

A buyer’s Realtor can also help the client avoid wasting time on homes that are out of their price range. They have access to the Multiple Listing Service and know how much similar homes in the area are selling for, so they can tell if a seller is asking too much.

While some people try to go it alone and buy or sell a home without a real estate agent, this is a mistake. Purchasing a home is often the largest financial decision most people will ever make, and it’s not a process that should be rushed or done without professional guidance. Besides, going it alone can lead to costly mistakes that could cost the client thousands of dollars.

They Help You Sell Your Home

If you’re selling your home, a Realtor can help you set the price based on local market conditions and recent comparable sales. They can also advise you on how to prepare your house for sale and suggest repairs or upgrades that will increase your home’s value. Real estate agents can also tell you about amenities in the area, such as public transportation and good schools. And if you’re buying, they can point out homes with features you want, such as a pool or a large garage.

Some homeowners try to sell their own homes without an agent, known as a For-Sale-by-Owner (FSBO) transaction. But this is usually a bad idea. In one survey, FSBOs sold their homes for an average of $64,000 less than homes sold through a Realtor. Plus, it’s a lot of work – think showing your home to strangers, dealing with inquiries from other agents and buyers, disclosures, inspections, contracts, escrow, potential re-negotiations, and more. Realtors can handle all of this for you, and they only get paid if your home sells.

Realtors are licensed real estate agents who are members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This designation is a mark of professionalism that ensures that you’re working with a qualified, knowledgeable, and committed professional. Realtors also must adhere to NAR’s Code of Ethics, which requires them to put their clients’ best interests first.

A professional Realtor has extensive knowledge of the local real estate market, including home values, trends, and other local information that can affect your decision to buy or sell. They can also assist you in finding lenders and evaluating mortgage options. They will take into account your specific needs and goals when advising you on your home purchase or sale, and they will negotiate on your behalf to obtain the best terms and price for you. They will also be able to provide you with information on taxes, utility costs, and municipal services and facilities.

What You Need to Know About Roofing Installation

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Roofing installation is complex and dangerous work. Unless you’re comfortable climbing ladders and throwing bundles of shingles, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor.

Roofing

Roofing contractors like Roofing Lafayette LA uses a variety of tools, including ladders, shingles cutters, and hard hats. They can also provide liability insurance and long-lasting warranties. They have years of experience and are trained in roof inspection.

The most visible component of a roof, shingles serve several key functions: they create the weather barrier that protects against moisture, fire and other elements, and they provide the visual appeal that completes the overall look of your home. Shingles are available in a wide range of styles, colors and materials to fit your design aesthetic and meet the unique weather conditions where you live.

Wood shingles lend a rustic charm that complements many architectural styles and is especially suitable for cottages and coastal homes. The natural coloration and atypical design of each individual shingle creates a charming appearance that adds value to your home. A wood shingle roof can also require more maintenance than other roofing materials, however, and it isn’t as well-suited to persistently rainy or damp regions. Traditional hand-rived or milled slate shingles are another beautiful and durable roofing option. Unlike other shingles, slate is extremely heavy and requires a highly skilled tradesperson to install. Slate is also more expensive than other shingles, but a properly cared for slate roof can last more than a century.

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle. They come in a variety of different shades to match the color palette of your home and can be manufactured to imitate more elegant roof designs like cedar or slate. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and durable, but they don’t offer as much resistance to moisture or high winds as other types of shingles.

In addition to their basic function, shingles can also enhance the curb appeal of your home. They can be purchased with pre-bent curved edges that help you achieve a cottage style roof, or they can be installed in a straight line to create a traditional, Tudor Revival or Colonial Revival home.

If your home is in an area prone to frequent or severe hailstorms, you may want to consider impact rated shingles. These shingles are engineered to resist the damage that can be caused by large hailstones, and they also have a greater degree of flexibility to withstand strong winds.

When you’re purchasing shingles for your roof, the best way to determine how many you need is to measure the square footage of your home. Most contractors will charge based on the size of your roof, and this measurement will give you an idea of how many bundles of shingles you’ll need to cover your entire roof. Starter strip shingles, such as IKO’s Leading Edge Plus, are efficiently designed and packaged so that they can be used at the eave or rake edges of your roof.

Underlayment

When it comes to roofs, the world of materials and components can be confusing. This is especially true for homeowners who don’t fully understand the importance of their roofing system and what goes into its construction. One of the most important pieces of a roofing system is underlayment. It provides a number of important benefits, and homeowners should take the time to learn more about it.

Essentially, underlayment acts as an additional layer between the shingles and the sheathing that protects against moisture and other weather elements. It also helps prevent leaks, which can be very damaging to the home and its contents.

A high-quality underlayment is essential for protecting the roof deck from rot, mold growth, and other damage caused by trapped moisture. It can even help protect against ice dams, and it helps prevent water from infiltrating the home in the event of an unavoidable roof leak.

When choosing an underlayment, it’s essential to consider the climate in your area and the type of roofing material you have. There are several different types of underlayment available, from felt paper to non-bitumen synthetics. Choosing the right underlayment can help you save money in the long run and ensure your new roof has lasting durability.

Before laying down the underlayment, your roofer will prepare the roof deck. This includes removing debris and making sure that the surface is clean, dry, and free of damage or protrusions. Once the deck is ready, the underlayment will be unrolled and secured to the surface. They’ll begin at the eaves or lowest edge and work their way up, overlapping rows as needed.

There are a few different types of underlayment, including felt paper, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetics. Each has its own advantages and is suitable for specific roofing materials, environmental conditions, and budgets. It’s also important to choose a fire-rated underlayment, which can provide an extra layer of protection against the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire. This is particularly important if you live in an older or historic home.

Flashing

Flashing is a crucial roofing component that’s worth its weight in metal. It’s made of thin sheet metal that’s bent into shape to fit a joint, and it protects the roof from water leaks at vulnerable points. Flashing is most often made from aluminum or galvanized steel, but it can also be made from copper, lead or a variety of modern composite materials. Regardless of the material, it must be properly installed to be effective. If a roofing contractor skips the flashing in order to save time or money, the roof is at greater risk of severe moisture-related damage early on.

Leaking roofs can cause significant structural problems for a home, and they can also lead to mold and mildew, rot and pest infestations. Flashing helps prevent these issues by keeping water out of the home and directing it back out into the environment. It also protects the roofing structure from deterioration and helps keep insects from penetrating the home.

A reputable roofing contractor will install flashing in areas of the roof where leaks are most likely to occur, such as where the roof meets walls or valleys and where protrusions like chimneys, skylights and vents are located. It’s also important that flashing be placed around dormer windows, as these can become leaky without proper protection.

There are several different types of flashing, and each type is designed to perform a specific function. One type is called continuous flashing, which is a long piece of metal that acts as an apron, carrying rainwater down to the shingles below. This type of flashing has built-in expansion joints to help it flex as the house expands and contracts with the seasons.

Other types of flashing include step flashing, which resembles a standard flight of stairs and is used to protect the areas where the roof meets chimneys and skylights. There’s also kickout flashing, which is a strip of metal that’s installed along the wall to help guide run-off water into the gutter.

Metal Panels

The selection of metal panels for a project goes far beyond picking a shade that matches the aesthetic of the building and its surroundings. Many factors play a role in the choice of panel colors, including their impact on the energy efficiency of the structure. The type of panel chosen will also affect the construction timeline, and how long the installation lasts.

For decades, preformed or roll-formed metal wall panels have been a popular choice for commercial projects due to their economy, service life and design flexibility. Recent advances in coating technology have prolonged panel longevity while new design options allow them to be used in more creative applications.

Insulated Metal Panels (IMP) are lightweight composite exterior walls and roof panels with metal skins and an insulating foam core. These panels provide superior insulating properties, as well as extensive spanning capabilities without the need for support structures. The outer metal skins can be finished with a variety of finishes, providing design flexibility.

When installing a metal wall system, it’s important to consider the panel profile and whether or not an air and water barrier or rain screen is required. In addition, it’s important to identify any potential dissimilar metals that will be installed in close proximity. Dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion. This is caused when the less noble metal corrodes, which can affect structural strength and integrity.

Panels are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and profiles to meet virtually any architectural design. They’re also made from a number of different materials, ranging from steel to aluminum and zinc. Steel is one of the most common choices for commercial metal panels. It’s typically coated with a durable paint or finish that resists the elements and protects the structural integrity of the panel.

Architects can choose between different panel styles, such as T-groove or Western Reveal. T-groove is a flat, flush panel with no ribs, while the Western Reveal offers customizable gaps or “reveals” between the panels ranging from 0 to 3”. Regardless of the profile chosen, architects must ensure that the installer uses the correct fastener for each application. This will help to prevent “shadowing”, which is where welds or stiffeners are visible on the face of the panel. It’s important to avoid shadowing when possible to ensure the long-term performance of the panel.