At Cornerstone Clubs, we set a foundation for your overall health and fitness by providing services geared to enhance the mind, body, and spirit. The goal of this whole-person wellness approach is to assist you in creating a balanced lifestyle, combining fitness, nutrition, continuing education, and socialization. But what happens to those concepts when our mind, body, and spirit centers are off kilter?

I started thinking about the kinetic chain that exists in each one of us. There can be upward spirals…the sun is shining this morning, our Silver Sneakers class was really fun today and the group decided to meet up later for one of the Lunch & Learn opportunities provided by the Senior Offerings Department. We felt good!

However, there are also those downward spirals when one limiting factor causes other aspects of our life to suffer.  These can start with a simple thought – “my arthritis is really acting up today” – causing those fun classes to not be as fun, leading to not showing up the next time and possibly missing out when Sally told that super funny joke.

No matter what age or ailment, I think we can all relate to the above. When I thought about what makes me feel rejuvenated, what aligns my mind, body and spirit and is just wonderful for self-care, a time-out in a day spa came to mind. I immediately checked out Cornerstone’s Spa Services Menu. WOW! With so many wonderful treatments listed, I found a more peaceful self simply reading the descriptions. There were a couple that really stood out to me this time.

Over the last few months, I had been noticing a few trigger points (no doubt from having 4 young kids) causing pain and decreased shoulder range of motion. Being in the fitness industry for (dare I say?!?!) over 15 years, I thought the pain would just “go away.” But it didn’t, and the pain was affecting my activities of daily living so I decided to interview Melinda Drellich, Cornerstone Club’s Spa Director, to learn more.

What is a medical massage?

Medical massage is outcome-based massage, focusing on Medical Wellness, using a specific protocol to address a specific medical issue such as sciatica, lymphedema, arthritis, scar tissue, cancer, or many other medical conditions for which massage may improve or help with pain relief.

How is a medical massage different from a therapeutic/Swedish massage?

The primary objective of Swedish Massage is to relax the entire body. Long gliding strokes along the muscles release tight areas or places holding tension. Swedish Massage is about relaxation. With Medical Massage, pressure needs to be more carefully monitored and depending on the medical condition, certain areas may need to be avoided all together. Additionally, Medical Massage may focus on a single body part or area, not the whole body.

What is an acupuncture appointment like?

A very extensive medical history intake is done, followed by a brief, very basic, physical exam. The Acupuncturist then discusses any issues or concerns with the patient and whether she feels they can be treated with acupuncture. A treatment plan is then developed and discussed. The first service includes a full treatment.

Does it hurt?

Most people say no, as the needles are very thin and tiny. The most a person may feel is a little pinch.

What are the benefits of these different treatments?

Mostly stress reduction, pain relief, and relaxation. Massage is a very important tool in managing one’s health and wellness.

Are these treatments covered by insurance?

Many insurance companies will reimburse for therapeutic massage or acupuncture, but we do not bill insurance. The patient would be required to pay at the time of service and then submit the receipt to their insurance provider.

Are these services available at Cornerstone?

Yes, Spa Services at Cornerstone does Oncology massage, Mastectomy Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Scar Tissue Massage, Swedish Massage, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki and many other services, including skincare and nails.

We all deserve this self-care and love. After all, we can only give our best to others when we give the best to ourselves first. You are worth it!