A good massage can work wonders on the body and mind, but with so many different types of massage, it can be difficult to know which lubricant to use. Massage oil is usually the first to come to mind due to general association, but there are also massage gels, creams,
Pain science has leaned on a familiar aphorism: Nociception is neither necessary nor sufficient for pain. The phrase typically appears in textbooks, lectures, and research papers, often used to explain why pain can exist without clear tissue damage. But according to pain researchers Asaf Weisman, Dr. Milton Cohen, and Dr.
For decades, fear-avoidance beliefs have played a central role in how clinicians and researchers understand chronic pain. When pain is interpreted as a sign of harm, people may avoid movement or activity, leading to physical deconditioning, emotional distress, and disability. This framework has shaped assessment tools, treatment approaches, and patient
Key takeaways Consider these factors when shopping for massage oils: Make sure the oil is all-natural and hypoallergenic to ensure that it won’t cause any skin irritation. Look for an oil with a light scent that won’t be overbearing in the room. Choose an oil that is water dispersible so
CBD treatments are everywhere, from the local nail salon to high end spas, but why use topical CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many components of the sativa strain of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a common psychoactive component, it doesn’t give you the feeling of being “high.” Some
Massage cream is a type of moisturizer that is designed to be used during several types of massage. It helps to lubricate the skin and provides a protective barrier between the hands and the body. Massage cream is often used to help with dry skin, reduce the appearance of scar
For 50 million Americans living with chronic pain—whether nagging back pain from desk work or the deep ache of fibromyalgia—this uninvited guest controls thoughts, tightens muscles, robs energy and relationships, and turns simple joys like a park walk into dreaded chores. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers a way to turn
Rounded shoulders is where your shoulders are rotated forward, pulling the shoulder girdle forward, which shortens your chest muscles and stretches your upper back and trapezius muscles. It is often a result of upper cross syndrome, which includes a forward head posture and kyphosis. Upper cross syndrome is thought to
Upper cross syndrome refers to the hunched posture of the upper body, particularly in the shoulder girdle, neck and head, and upper spine. Certain upper body muscles are considered “tight” and “weak,” which may cause less flexibility in the shoulders, discomfort, and pain. Former clients whom I used to see
If you had spent many hours on your phone or computer, you may have heard warnings about forward head posture. Some clinicians and fitness trainers claim on social media that forward head may damage your neck and spine and is the primary cause of migraines. Does scientific evidence support this
Posture is one of the most common explanations you may have heard about as a primary cause of back pain. You likely have seen products and services online that promise to “fix your posture,” such as posture correctors, corrective exercise, and chiropractic adjustments. Posture matters to a degree, but not
A 2025 systematic review published in the European Journal of Physiotherapy reported that pain neuroscience education may reduce chronic neck pain compared with other therapies. Based on seven randomized-controlled trials with a total of 11 interventions and 422 people, the researchers found pain education groups “showed effectiveness” for kinesiophobia, fear