Stable Hands Therapeutic Massage

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

Scars don't only affect lymph drainage, but also motor control! No matter how old the scar, it can be causing dysfunction! This is a great way to treat scars on your own body. For further assessment, and to see if your scars are having an impact on your movement or pain level, schedule and appointment Now! https://www.stablehandsmassage.com/services

01/04/2026

- As the new year unfolds, I am excited to introduce several new initiatives and welcome your feedback. Many clients have expressed interest in being notified of last-minute appointment openings. To accommodate this, I am compiling a list of individuals who would like to receive a text or email at t...

01/04/2026

To all of my riders. This is how subtly our bodies can affect our horse while riding or driving. Crazy connections!!

2026, The Year of the Horse!

Original post by: Ann Montgomery-The Mindful Rider
March 5, 2022


“A number of years ago I had an interesting lesson with a student. The rider was struggling with getting a constant contact with her horse. After watch both of them move around the arena for a while and seeing the mare, chomp, and fiddle with her tongue and bit I asked the rider “where is your tongue sitting in your mouth? To this the rider stopped the horse and said ” how the hell did you know that” so it turns out that this rider has a gap in-between one of her upper molars and she has a habit of twisting her tongue to place the tongue in the gap.
When I asked her to place her tongue softly onto the top of her mouth the horse became quite in its contact and as the lesson went on the horse began to move freer in the shoulders, the rider’s tonal quality of her arms into her hand and fingers became a soft tone.

So why is this so, I asked myself, and did some research.

Why would the riders tongue affect the horses tongue so much?

Well from what I have researched the hyoid bone is part of the tongue movement apparatuses as the omohyoid muscle origin site at the superior border of the scapula and can vary in location and in size, and at times the muscle also originates from the superior transverse scapular ligament. The attachment of the central tendon can be only to the clavicle or to the clavicle and the first rib.

Wow I thought so when her tongue curls up a whole tension goes from her tongue down to her shoulder which must create a tension down her whole arm to her hand. This in turn puts a tension onto the rein and bit which travels onto the horse’s tongue, so guess what this also affects the horses hyoid bone and his omohyoid muscle into the shoulder causing the tight steps and fussy mouth. It’s a circle of tension.”

Continued in comments…….

01/02/2026

If you don’t have a New Year’s Resolution, or it’s simply to FEEL better, book your next massage with Stable Hands Therapeutic Massage. We don’t just promote relaxation with spa-like treatment, we tend to the PROBLEM that’s causing the pain, stiffness, overactive nerves, inflexibility, and more.
Start your year off with HEALING. We’re waiting to see you!

12/30/2025

Poor lymphatic flow will absolutely affect how the muscles and joints feel. Massage, better breathing and movement can help with the flow of lymph.

🔴 What Lymphatic Congestion Really Means

Lymphatic congestion occurs when lymph fluid becomes slow, thick, or obstructed, overwhelming the system’s ability to drain efficiently.

🔬 Common physiological drivers include:
• Chronic inflammation
• Nervous system overload (stress, trauma, burnout)
• Shallow breathing and poor diaphragm movement
• Gut and liver overload
• Hormonal imbalance
• Surgery, scarring, or past infections

🧬 When lymph stagnates:
• Immune waste accumulates
• Fluid leaks into tissues
• Inflammatory signals remain active longer
• Tissue pressure increases

🩺 This often shows up as:
• Swelling or puffiness
• Heaviness or tightness
• Breast tenderness
• Neck, collarbone, or underarm congestion
• Brain fog and fatigue
• Pain that “moves” or feels unexplained

Congestion is not a failure — it is a sign the system is overloaded.

🟢 What Healthy Lymphatic Flow Looks Like

In a well-functioning lymphatic system:
• Lymph vessels gently contract on their own
• Fluid moves in one direction toward drainage points
• Immune waste is cleared efficiently
• Inflammation resolves faster
• Tissue pressure stays balanced

✨ Healthy lymph flow supports:
• Reduced swelling
• Better immune resilience
• Hormonal transport and clearance
• Improved detoxification
• Faster recovery and healing

This flow depends on movement, breath, nervous system regulation, and open central pathways — not force.

🧠 Why the Nervous System Matters So Much

The lymphatic system is deeply influenced by the autonomic nervous system.

When the body is stuck in fight-or-flight:
• Lymphatic contractions slow
• Cervical and thoracic pathways tighten
• Drainage efficiency drops

📚 Research shows that parasympathetic activation (rest-and-digest) improves lymphatic vessel activity and immune regulation.

This is why lymphatic therapy must always be gentle, rhythmical, and calming.

🫁 The Role of Breathing & the Diaphragm

Your diaphragm is one of your most powerful lymph pumps.

Each deep breath:
• Creates pressure changes in the thoracic duct
• Pulls lymph upward from the abdomen
• Supports pelvic and leg drainage

Shallow breathing = shallow lymph flow.

🌿 Why Treating “Symptoms Only” Isn’t Enough

When we focus only on swollen areas:
• Relief is often temporary
• Fluid redistributes instead of draining
• Congestion returns

True lymphatic support always begins centrally:
• Neck and clavicle pathways
• Thoracic duct
• Abdomen and gut lymphatics
• Nervous system regulation

This is where sustainable healing starts.

💚 A Gentle Truth

Your body is not broken.
It is responding intelligently to overload.

When lymph flow is restored —
inflammation softens, pressure eases, and the body remembers how to heal.

✍️ Written by

Bianca Botha
Certified Lymphoedema Therapist (CLT)
Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (RLD)
Manual Lymph Drainage Therapist (MLDT)
Certified Detox Specialist (CDS)

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen.

12/30/2025

Back to basics, and good to know!

12/27/2025

- I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued loyalty over the past year. As we look ahead to 2026, I wish you peace, good health, and success. Instead of setting traditional resolutions, consider focusing on small, daily actions that can enhance your life. Embrace positivity, prioriti...

12/27/2025

The New Year is coming!!! I'm going to work on this list!! Who's in?!

What did I miss?  
 
If the world did these, imagine all the improved lives.  
        
        
        
        

12/26/2025

My apologies to anyone trying reach me via email since I changed my website!! There was some setting that messed up my email from sending or receiving emails! Thank goodness I have gotten it cleared up!😝

Send a message to learn more

12/24/2025

The holidays can be a stressful time, so find a moment to rest and reset. Of course it’s a little cold for some barefoot walks outdoors, so consider some of these other suggestions, instead!

Taking care of your mental well-being goes beyond just relaxation techniques—it’s about taking small, yet powerful actions to soothe your nervous system. From the calming effects of hugs to the stress-relief of yoga and laughter, there are countless natural ways to find peace in your day. These practices don’t just benefit the mind, but can rejuvenate your body and soul as well.

Engaging in grounding activities like walking barefoot on grass or pet therapy can reconnect us to the Earth and offer relief from stress. Whether it's cold exposure or simply practicing deep breathing, your nervous system can find its balance naturally.

These free regulators are powerful tools that anyone can incorporate into their life. Embrace these holistic practices for a calmer, healthier you.🌸🧘‍♀️

12/18/2025

Wishing you and your loved ones a season full of good health, peace and love! Remember to check out the Daily Deals on our website! I hope to see you soon.