Touching Well

30/05/2025

https://www.touchingwell.co.uk/support-files/massagemessage42.pdf

30/05/2025

I have just completed the most recent Massage Message. It took quite a bit of procrastination, but as you can see from this email, I even finished it within the month of May.

I had to buy a new computer earlier this year as my old laptop runs on Windows 10, which is only supported until October 2025. Everything worked fine, until a few weeks ago my outgoing Touching Well emails refused to send. So I am swapping between old and new laptop. This may have led to some errors or delays, and I apologise for this. Computers are absolutely marvellous, until something goes wrong. Then they are a big consumer of time!

As you know from the previous Massage Message, I am rehabilitating my right knee. So far, increasing my (leg) strength and cycling on my electric bike have helped a lot. I am avoiding activities with impact on my knee, such as jumping and running.

Not surprisingly, I have developed an interest in osteoarthritis of the knee. There are a couple of new studies in this current Massage Message, one on the benefits of Kinesio taping and one on Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) after a knee replacement.

For people with osteoarthritis of the knee I would recommend cycling and wall squats (as horrible as they are, needs must to strengthen the quads). Even if you need a knee replacement, it is better to start the rehabilitation with strong, supportive muscles.

I included a review of reviews of the treatment (conservative treatment, excluding medication) for lower back pain. Even though I see quite a few clients with pain, and had the occasional episode myself, I was surprised how common it is. Most people I see with back pain get some relief from the session(s).

I have just completed the most recent Massage Message. It took quite a bit of procrastination, but as you can see from this email, I even finished it within the month of May.

I had to buy a new computer earlier this year as my old laptop runs on Windows 10, which is only supported until October 2025. Everything worked fine, until a few weeks ago my outgoing Touching Well emails refused to send. So I am swapping between old and new laptop. This may have led to some errors or delays, and I apologise for this. Computers are absolutely marvellous, until something goes wrong. Then they are a big consumer of time!

As you know from the previous Massage Message, I am rehabilitating my right knee. So far, increasing my (leg) strength and cycling on my electric bike have helped a lot. I am avoiding activities with impact on my knee, such as jumping and running.

Not surprisingly, I have developed an interest in osteoarthritis of the knee. There are a couple of new studies in this current Massage Message, one on the benefits of Kinesio taping and one on Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) after a knee replacement.

For people with osteoarthritis of the knee I would recommend cycling and wall squats (as horrible as they are, needs must to strengthen the quads). Even if you need a knee replacement, it is better to start the rehabilitation with strong, supportive muscles.

I included a review of reviews of the treatment (conservative treatment, excluding medication) for lower back pain. Even though I see quite a few clients with pain, and had the occasional episode myself, I was surprised how common it is. Most people I see with back pain get some relief from the session(s).

Wishing you a spring in your step,
Regina

23/12/2024

Wishing you joy, peace and wonder for the festive season and health, courage and enthusiasm for 2025.

27/11/2024

https://www.touchingwell.co.uk/support-files/massagemessage41.pdf

27/11/2024

I just finished the November 2024 Massage Message.

The current Massage Message includes quite a few studies on aromatherapy and light touch. In general I like fairly firm touch, but lighter touch has also benefits, the main ones are calming our nervous system and making us feel safe.

I was inspired by the British Lymphology Conference in September, in particular by people who live and achieve great things while managing lymphoedema. I enjoyed an update on the latest research; unfortunately there is still no cure for the condition (except in very limited circumstances). I also collected a stash of recent catalogues for various compression garments.

The festive season is moving closer. Should you be stuck for a gift for yourself or a loved one, you could consider a gift voucher. The process is simple, you transfer the money (£51) to my account and tell me what message you would like to include, and I'll email you the voucher on receipt.

If you want to contact me you can use the "new" (for 2023) telephone number (0115 648 9636) or mobile (0794 227 6538). Of course you can reply to this message, or you can use the contact form from my website. We have a new contract with EE, which includes "virtual voice", i.e. a landline. They have changed the pricing and any phone call from that line is now ridiculously expensive. If you phone on the landline, I will return your call from the mobile. We did not dare to change provider as the last change went terribly wrong and we lost our phone number we had for almost 20 years.
Please let me know if you don't want to receive any more emails.

Should you be moved to put your experience in writing, I would be delighted. My preferred way is via Google or Facebook or any of the sites where only you can put on a review. The easiest way to find me on Google is to search for Touching Well on Google Maps. On Facebook you can search for Touching Well. And on my website you can go to Massage Stories.

03/05/2024

I have just finished the new Massage Message. I have been writing my newsletters for twenty years, I can hardly believe it: the first issue was on baby massage based on some work I did for the successful Sure Start programme (remember that?).

https://www.touchingwell.co.uk/support-files/massagemessage40.pdf

This Massage Message contains the usual mix of studies on how bodywork helps with various aches and pains; as well a couple of studies on acupressure, as used in on-site massage, and stress-relief. I found some interesting new work on who is most likely to develop lymphoedema after cancer treatment, and therefore would benefit from preventative treatment.

The best written feedback I received in the last few months contained the sentence: "If it weren't for Regina, I don't think I could go back to work". I have it from a reliable source that she is a very good bus driver. Other feedback, which is not possible to put in writing, are the smiles when clients get off the massage table.

29/04/2024

I recently listened to two interesting podcasts about the microbiome and pain. The first podcast features the current science on the connection between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and chronic pain. The second podcast is with the UK Pain Specialist and author Dr Deepak Ravindran, who will be talking about his Lifestyle Medicine approach to chronic pain. This includes optimising the gut microbiome and nutrition.

The Gut, Brain and Chronic Pain Part 1 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-gut-brain-and-chronic-pain/id1660453972?i=1000649094617
The Gut, Brain and Chronic Pain Part 2 with Dr Deepak Ravindran https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-gut-brain-and-chronic-pain-part-2-with/id1660453972?i=1000652690248

These links are via apple, but you should find the Microbiome Medics podcast in your podcast software.

‎Show Microbiome Medics, Ep The Gut, Brain and Chronic Pain - 13 Mar 2024

02/03/2024

Well put. Some of this applies to bodywork, too.

From talking about s*x to making you lie down: top practitioners on what’s true and what’s not

22/02/2024

I get quite a few enquiries for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for de-tox. I am a little sceptical about this. In my opinion, if there is anything to de-tox it could be done with less booze, sugar and processed food. Exercise works very well for activating the lymphatic system. So does massage.

However, for post-surgery or lymphoedema MLD is a fantastic therapy, particularly when used with Deep Oscillation.

Long used to help heal athletic injuries and post-surgical recovery, lymphatic drainage massage is now a favorite of the famous and fit

12/02/2024

Quite a few of my clients are hypermobile. They are definitely better at yoga than me.

Simone Biles and Michael Phelps are among those with excessively mobile joints. But will this leave them prone to pain and falls in older age? Not if they stay strong and active, research suggests