Blog & Pod

NoVa Weekend Warriors Blog

NoVA Weekend Warriors massage studio with two pillows on a massage table

Creating a Weight-Inclusive Massage Studio: Embracing Body Neutrality for All

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | May 16, 2025

It’s been important to me to have a weight-inclusive massage...

Meg Donnelly, a NoVA Weekend Warriors massage therapist, giving a client lying face down on a table an upper back massage

Networking with Health and Wellness Professionals in Northern Virginia: Enhancing Collaborative Care

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | April 28, 2025

As health and wellness professionals, building a robust professional network...

Meg Donnelly, Licensed Massage Therapist, performs a bent knee assisted stretch with client lying face up on massage table

Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome: Relieve Pain and Improve Your Quality of Life

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | March 27, 2025

Sciatica and piriformis syndrome are two common causes of nerve-related...

Move Freely, Feel Awesome: Not Just a Tagline, A Core Mission

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | March 10, 2025

When I chose “Move freely. Feel awesome.” as the tagline...

Client sleeps during therapeutic massage session while licensed massage therapist Meg Donnelly provides myofascial techniques to pecs with calming movements

Therapeutic Massage for Sleep Improvement

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | March 3, 2025

Getting quality sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s the foundation...

Close up of Massage Therapist hands providing therapeutic massage to back with focused attention on Mid to Low Back to address back pain.

Disc Degeneration and Massage Therapy: What To Know

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | February 26, 2025

Why Disc Degeneration Is a Normal Part of Life –...

Client receives a therapeutic massage near the neck from licensed massage therapist Meg Donnelly

Breathe Freely, Feel Awesome: Implementing Breathwork Into Your Daily Life

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | February 19, 2025

Breathwork is more than just breathing—it’s a conscious practice that...

How to Stay Active Without Increasing Pain

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | February 13, 2025

Staying active is can help maintain overall health and well-being....

Client receives a therapeutic low back massage side lying focused from licensed massage therapist Meg Donnelly

Mid-Back Pain from Intense Workouts? Here’s What You Need to Know and How to Recover

By Meg Donnelly, LMT, C-MLD | February 5, 2025

Starting a new high-intensity workout program can be exciting—until mid-back pain...

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Massage Therapy, Dementia, and the Care Partner

Massage can still be appropriate and meaningful for someone living with dementia. The key is adapting the session to the person’s cognition, communication, mobility, nervous...

How Ritual and Spirituality Fit in Evidence-Informed Massage Therapy

In massage therapy, integrating ritual and spirituality can feel at odds with an evidence-informed approach. However, when used thoughtfully, ritual and spiritual practices can enhance...

Oncology Massage for People Diagnosed with Cancer: Supporting Self-Care During and After Treatment

What is Oncology Massage? Oncology massage for people diagnosed with cancer is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to provide supportive care before, during,...

timelines fof massage therapy during surgery recovery

Massage Therapy After Breast Surgery and Recovery Timelines

If you’re preparing for breast surgery or you’ve just completed your procedure, you might be wondering: When is massage therapy safe? What about manual lymphatic...

Trusted Sources for Evidence-Based Health Information

Since our current administration has compromised U.S. federal public health agencies and institutions, I’ve been looking elsewhere for evidence-based health information. This isn’t the first...

Massage and Stress Response: How Your Vagus Nerve and Fascia Work Together

Ever wondered why a good massage feels like a mini‑vacation for your nervous system? You’re not alone! More people are exploring massage and personal training...

An Evidence-Informed Approach to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

What is MLD (in plain, useful terms)? Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) uses priming techniques and skin-stretching strokes that “invite” the lymphatic capillaries to open and...

Client receives a pin and stretch technique therapeutic massage from licensed massage therapist Meg Donnelly

The Best Massage Schedule for Marathon Training: Optimize Your Recovery and Performance

Marathon training requires grit, commitment, and a thoughtful balance between pushing limits and prioritizing recovery. One powerful tool for recovery is therapeutic massage, which can...

Evidence-Informed Cupping Therapy: Benefits, Myths, and Considerations

Understanding Evidence-Informed Cupping Therapy Cupping therapy, an ancient practice rooted in traditional medicine, has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential benefits in...

Podcast/Community Television Show

NoVa Weekend Warriors is also a podcast and community television show. We bring you local stories of recreational and new-to-fitness athletes in the Northern Virginia area and hear from the health, wellness and fitness professionals that serve them.

Watch or Listen New Episodes of NoVA Weekend Warriors:

• HCTV available On-Demand

• Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and most podcast listening apps and sites.