Blog
IT Band Pain in Runners: Why the Outside of the Knee Can Hurt During Training
Denise Leslie
If the outside of your knee starts hurting at the same point in every run, especially after a few miles, on hills, or when your mileage increases, iliotibial (IT) band irritation may be the cause. IT band pain in runners usually causes a sharp or nagging ache on the outside of the knee during repeated motion, especially when training load increases faster than the body can adapt.
The iliotibial band runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to just below the knee. When the tissue near the outside of the knee becomes irritated, runners may also feel tightness along the side of the leg or a popping sensation near the joint.
At Medical & Sports Massage in Sandy Springs, I have treated IT band pain in runners for more than 12 years.
moreSports Massage for Peachtree Road Race and Marathon Training
If you are training for the Peachtree Road Race, a marathon, or another distance race, sports massage may help you manage the tight muscles, soreness, and movement restrictions that build during training. It is not a replacement for medical care, physical therapy, hydration, strength work, or smart programming. It can be part of a recovery plan when your calves, hamstrings, hips, glutes, low back, or IT band start feeling tight from repeated miles.
The runners who come to our facility in Sandy Springs are usually not injured. They are logging miles, feeling a familiar tightness creep into the same spots, and trying to keep training without that tightness turning into something that changes how they run. That is the work this article is about.
moreMassage After Cardiac Surgery
Denise Leslie
Recovering from cardiac surgery can take time, patience, and support. Along with medical follow-up and rehabilitation, some people explore massage as a way to manage discomfort, muscle tension, and anxiety during recovery.
Massage is not a treatment for heart disease or surgical healing, but research suggests it may play a supportive role when used thoughtfully and at the right time. This article explains what the research shows, what it does not claim, and how massage is typically approached safely after cardiac surgery.
moreSafety First: Massage When You Have a Heart Condition
Denise Leslie
Massage is often safe for people with heart conditions when sessions are adapted to the individual and guided by a medical professional. It is considered supportive care rather than treatment for heart disease. Safety depends on diagnosis, medications, recovery status, and the manner in which the session is delivered.
This article explains when massage is generally appropriate, when extra precautions are needed, and when medical clearance matters, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
moreHow Yoga and Massage Work Together to Relieve Pain
Denise Leslie
Most people who come to see me because of pain have been dealing with it for months or even years. Many of them are not talking about it openly. They are working, caring for family, and pushing through discomfort that has quietly become part of daily life. This is far more common than people realize, and many of the people I see are seeking medical massage for pain that t has slowly settled into their everyday routines.
By the time someone reaches my office, they have often tried several ways to feel better. They may experience relief, sometimes meaningful relief, but after a period of time, the pain slowly returns. That usually means recovery is still in progress.
Lasting pain relief usually requires more than one approach, which is why I often combine medical massage with yoga and guided movement to support recovery over time.
moreWhy Winter Affects Your Energy Mood and Body More Than Other Seasons
Denise Leslie
Winter has a way of taking more out of us than we expect.
On paper, life may look fine. Work is great. Family is around. The holidays are here. But inside, you feel off. More tired. More irritable. Less patient. Sleeping more but never feeling rested.
You are not alone. And you are not imagining it.
At Medical and Sports Massage, we see this every year. Winter impacts the nervous system, energy levels, and emotional balance in very real, physical ways. Understanding what is happening is the first step toward feeling better.
moreHelping Kids with Scoliosis Feel Better
Denise Leslie
This article explains how therapeutic medical massage helps kids with scoliosis feel better by easing muscle tightness, reducing uneven strain and improving daily comfort during school, sports and growth phases. It shows parents what relief looks like and how targeted care supports better movement over time.
moreDoes Massage Therapy Really Help with Lower Back Pain?
Denise Leslie
Targeted therapeutic massage delivers low back pain relief by releasing tight muscles, easing lumbar tension and restoring mobility where it matters most. People choose this approach because it reduces pain, improves movement and offers a noninvasive solution that delivers results quickly.This article explains why therapeutic massage is one of the strongest options available for those wanting to live life pain-free.
moreSpotlight on Doug Easterly’s Method for Smarter Swim Recovery
Denise Leslie
Discover how a massage therapist at Medical and Sports Massage in Sandy Springs uses neuromuscular therapy to help swimmers recover smarter. His method improves shoulder mobility reduces overuse strain and supports faster recovery between training sessions. Learn how targeted work leads to stronger performance in and out of the pool.
moreEasing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment with Oncology Massage
Denise Leslie
Oncology massage helps reduce common side effects of cancer treatment including swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and anxiety. This article outlines how trained therapists adjust pressure, positioning, and lymphatic techniques to support people during chemo and radiation. You will learn what to expect in a session, how this work complements medical care, and how to choose a therapist with proper oncology training.
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