Got an inside scoop on a healthy resaurant, exercise program, grocery store, organic produce/meat, social groups or anything related? Please e-mail me and I will check it out and possibly add it to this site. Are you a health conscious business or offer natural products? Get on here! You may e-mail me an article you wrote in word format, a logo, coupon, business hours, location, web link and contact information and I will gladly post it for you here! Be a guest writters to add content reguarding healthy Springfield!
I am dedicated to making this site an access point of great health information in Springfield and surrounding areas. As a recent relocatee it was quite a painstaking process to ask everyone I came in contact with where to get organic chicken, veggies, a healthy lunch, natual skin care, and massage. So as new people come to town, new business arise or people that just want to know where to find natural products locally, they can find it here. I would love to promote your business, build mine, and help Springfields obvious movement towards health and happiness!
Thank you healthy Springfield!
Welcome to Massage Therapy 411.com! Here you will find information about massage therapy, diet tips and health related information.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Trigger Point Therapy
Myofascial Trigger Points are extremely common and become a painful part of nearly everyone's life at one time or another, from your youth to your later years. The severity of symptoms range from the agonizing incapacitating pain caused by very active trigger points to the painless restriction of movement and distortion of posture that are so commonly overlooked with inactive trigger points. Trigger point therapy is a highly effective technique used to alleviate chronic pain and disfunction. It can be used alone such as during a clothed chair massage or incorporated into any other therapy.
A brief history
The research on myofascial pain has been ongoing throughout the last century. The terms to describe the condition and the muscular findings have evolved to what we now call "Myofascial Trigger Points."
Research on trigger points is more about finding out what they are not and studying what other conditions are related. Research as far back as 1843 by Froriep, a 20th century author, found tender, tight cords or bands in the muscles and named them "muscle calluses" and discovered that treating them would bring much relief to the patient. In 1900, an American named Alder used the English term, "muscle rheumatism" and talked about radiating pain from tender spots in the muscle. Four English researchers from 1904 to 1915 introduced a new term for the same condition and symptoms "fibrositis." In 1919, a researcher by the name of Schade reported that even when a patient is under deep anesthesia or after death prior to rigor mortis, the hardness and ropiness in the muscle remained. This research supports the theory that it is not the nervous system causing muscular contraction resulting in the hard knot, but a contraction of the sarcomeres causing the hard knot or "trigger point" as it is now termed.
The most recent and well-respected research is from Janet G. Travell M.D. and David G. Simons M.D. Dr. Janet Travell worked in cardiology, pulmonary and general medicine and her main complaint received from patients was of pain. The pain was more of a concern to the patient than the terminal illness or serious illness being treated. Over the years, Dr. Travell dedicated her studies to myofascial pain syndromes and bringing relief to her patients. With the success of Dr. Travell's care, she acquired the position of White House Pysician under the president John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Dr. Travell, with the assistance of Dr. Simmons, put together two volumes of the accurate and in-depth information about trigger points, their causes and treatments. Dr. Travell passed away in 1997 at the age of 95.
-Utah College of Massage Therapy-
Trigger points have many activating factors ranging from automobile accidents, birth trauma, acute illness, new shoes or terrain, emotionally charged events (illness, death, divorce, loss of job, etc.), to starting a new exercise program or job with different demands on the body. The continued stress and patterns of activity, which aggravate the muscle and reignite the trigger point repeatedly. This is where it is important to not only find the trigger point causing the disfunction, treating the trigger point to alleviate symptoms but to identify it's cause and make changes to avoid further activation of these nasty little buggers. Perpetuating factors include things like ergonomically-incorrect work stations, broken-down shoes, stressful environments, mental or emotional, poor diet, lack of sleep, dehydration, mineral deficiency, and postural distortions or imbalances.
A brief history
The research on myofascial pain has been ongoing throughout the last century. The terms to describe the condition and the muscular findings have evolved to what we now call "Myofascial Trigger Points."
Research on trigger points is more about finding out what they are not and studying what other conditions are related. Research as far back as 1843 by Froriep, a 20th century author, found tender, tight cords or bands in the muscles and named them "muscle calluses" and discovered that treating them would bring much relief to the patient. In 1900, an American named Alder used the English term, "muscle rheumatism" and talked about radiating pain from tender spots in the muscle. Four English researchers from 1904 to 1915 introduced a new term for the same condition and symptoms "fibrositis." In 1919, a researcher by the name of Schade reported that even when a patient is under deep anesthesia or after death prior to rigor mortis, the hardness and ropiness in the muscle remained. This research supports the theory that it is not the nervous system causing muscular contraction resulting in the hard knot, but a contraction of the sarcomeres causing the hard knot or "trigger point" as it is now termed.
The most recent and well-respected research is from Janet G. Travell M.D. and David G. Simons M.D. Dr. Janet Travell worked in cardiology, pulmonary and general medicine and her main complaint received from patients was of pain. The pain was more of a concern to the patient than the terminal illness or serious illness being treated. Over the years, Dr. Travell dedicated her studies to myofascial pain syndromes and bringing relief to her patients. With the success of Dr. Travell's care, she acquired the position of White House Pysician under the president John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Dr. Travell, with the assistance of Dr. Simmons, put together two volumes of the accurate and in-depth information about trigger points, their causes and treatments. Dr. Travell passed away in 1997 at the age of 95.
-Utah College of Massage Therapy-
Trigger points have many activating factors ranging from automobile accidents, birth trauma, acute illness, new shoes or terrain, emotionally charged events (illness, death, divorce, loss of job, etc.), to starting a new exercise program or job with different demands on the body. The continued stress and patterns of activity, which aggravate the muscle and reignite the trigger point repeatedly. This is where it is important to not only find the trigger point causing the disfunction, treating the trigger point to alleviate symptoms but to identify it's cause and make changes to avoid further activation of these nasty little buggers. Perpetuating factors include things like ergonomically-incorrect work stations, broken-down shoes, stressful environments, mental or emotional, poor diet, lack of sleep, dehydration, mineral deficiency, and postural distortions or imbalances.
The worst part of an active trigger point is not just the knawing, aching it produces at the site but the referral pain it sends out to surrounding areas mimicing many other disorders.
Example:
Active trigger points (dots on the illistration) send "referral pain"(gray areas) into other parts of the arm mimicing numerous possibilities of a problems in the arm area.
Active Trigger Points can cause headaches, tooth pain, carpal tunnel symptoms, chest pain, elbow pain, interanal viceral pain, sciatic sensations, knee and foot pain, etc. They can arise in any muscle of the body and should be addressed by the therapist for long term pain relief.
For further, in depth reading on Trigger Points please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_point
Russian Sports Massage
A brief overview
Russian massage therapy is very similar to traditional Swedish massage. During a session, the client lies on the table and the therapist stands above him to perform the strokes. The client is unclothed, and the massage is performed directly on the skin, with the aid of oil. The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals notes that Russian massage can get deeper than the traditional Swedish variation and is considered a type of sports massage. Russian massage can be received for those suffering from an injury, have an illness, sore/stiff muscles with little or reduced mobility, or just want to promote general well-being.You don't need to be an "athlete" to receive the healing benefits of this modality. The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine also notes that Russian massage can help to reduce muscle aches and pain associated with certain disorders used to soothe pain associated with arthritis, carpel tunnel issues, sprains, strains, rotator cuff, low back and other muscle injuries.
Un-like other massage therapies, Russian massage is based on the physiology of a dysfunction rather than on anatomy as the principal guideline for treatment.
There are three main phases to a Russian massage and these apply to all patients. Only the specifics of each massage will be different depending on the needs of the individual.
The first phase is the slow, gentle phase. The therapist applies gentle massage techniques (effleurage) to the body, preparing it for deeper work. This phase is important for the muscles to rest and the body be placed in a great state of relaxation. It decreases activity of the central nervous system, speeds blood flow and lymph, reduces edema, lowers heart rate, systolic blood pressure and lowers respiratory rate, etc.
The second phase involves faster, deeper, and harder movements to the body by the therapist. This is the part of the massage that has the most therapeutic effects. It is also the most active phase as it involves intense manipulation of the body muscles to relieve tension and pain. Deep, non-gliding petrissage incorporates pulling and pressing of muscle tissue which increases flexibility, range of motion and tone, speeds waste removal speeding tissue regeneration, just to name a few. It also raises body core temperature and metabolism.
The friction techniques used during the session will help to break up scar tissue and adhesions that limit mobility. FACT: Each increase of 2 degrees F increases local metabolism by 13% and cellular oxygen uptake by 20%!
Finally, there is the third stage during which the therapist switches back to the gentler, slower techniques. The slow movements are used to complete the session and to promote relaxation once again.
All three stages are very important for the effectiveness of the massage. If the body is not warmed-up and relaxed before the deep manipulation of the muscle tissue, it will not produce healing results as well. Just the same, if the body is not relaxed after the massage has been performed, then it won’t accept the therapy as well and may become tense or sore.
The actual massage techniques used throughout the three stages include stretching, gliding/non-gliding, kneading, pressing/pulling, vibration, friction and percussion. The amount of pressure applied during these techniques depends on the patient’s body state and comfort level. The application of techniques will differ from person to person and the depth of the pressure ranges from light, to medium, to deep.
Russian massage techniques are wonderful for rehabilitating the body back to a healthy stage. More movement, less pain with long term benefits. You'll love russian massage!
Russian massage therapy is very similar to traditional Swedish massage. During a session, the client lies on the table and the therapist stands above him to perform the strokes. The client is unclothed, and the massage is performed directly on the skin, with the aid of oil. The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals notes that Russian massage can get deeper than the traditional Swedish variation and is considered a type of sports massage. Russian massage can be received for those suffering from an injury, have an illness, sore/stiff muscles with little or reduced mobility, or just want to promote general well-being.You don't need to be an "athlete" to receive the healing benefits of this modality. The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine also notes that Russian massage can help to reduce muscle aches and pain associated with certain disorders used to soothe pain associated with arthritis, carpel tunnel issues, sprains, strains, rotator cuff, low back and other muscle injuries.
Un-like other massage therapies, Russian massage is based on the physiology of a dysfunction rather than on anatomy as the principal guideline for treatment.
There are three main phases to a Russian massage and these apply to all patients. Only the specifics of each massage will be different depending on the needs of the individual.
The first phase is the slow, gentle phase. The therapist applies gentle massage techniques (effleurage) to the body, preparing it for deeper work. This phase is important for the muscles to rest and the body be placed in a great state of relaxation. It decreases activity of the central nervous system, speeds blood flow and lymph, reduces edema, lowers heart rate, systolic blood pressure and lowers respiratory rate, etc.
The second phase involves faster, deeper, and harder movements to the body by the therapist. This is the part of the massage that has the most therapeutic effects. It is also the most active phase as it involves intense manipulation of the body muscles to relieve tension and pain. Deep, non-gliding petrissage incorporates pulling and pressing of muscle tissue which increases flexibility, range of motion and tone, speeds waste removal speeding tissue regeneration, just to name a few. It also raises body core temperature and metabolism.
The friction techniques used during the session will help to break up scar tissue and adhesions that limit mobility. FACT: Each increase of 2 degrees F increases local metabolism by 13% and cellular oxygen uptake by 20%!
Finally, there is the third stage during which the therapist switches back to the gentler, slower techniques. The slow movements are used to complete the session and to promote relaxation once again.
All three stages are very important for the effectiveness of the massage. If the body is not warmed-up and relaxed before the deep manipulation of the muscle tissue, it will not produce healing results as well. Just the same, if the body is not relaxed after the massage has been performed, then it won’t accept the therapy as well and may become tense or sore.
The actual massage techniques used throughout the three stages include stretching, gliding/non-gliding, kneading, pressing/pulling, vibration, friction and percussion. The amount of pressure applied during these techniques depends on the patient’s body state and comfort level. The application of techniques will differ from person to person and the depth of the pressure ranges from light, to medium, to deep.
Russian massage techniques are wonderful for rehabilitating the body back to a healthy stage. More movement, less pain with long term benefits. You'll love russian massage!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Deep Tissue Massage - "Is it right for me?"
Time and time again the debate amongst therapist and the general public arises on "deep tissue" massage. What is deep tissue massage anyway?
The size of the therapist?
Not necessarily. A properly trained therapist that utilzes good body mechanics can exert plenty of pressure needed to accopmlish the goal at hand. The "average" pressure used from therapist to therapist also varies. My interpretation of deep may be very different from another therapist interpretation of deep. So don't let size fool you.
The modality?
There really is no "deep tissue" modality. Any modality can be deep or light depending on the pressure used by the therapist, the tool ie. elbow, thumb, or man made, and the density of the tissue being worked.
"I want to feel like I got a massage and expect to be sore"
Your body is the only determining factor when it comes to telling the therapist what it can and can't handle today. Our hormones change constantly so this months massage may feel deep and the next months may feel light even though the therapist is doing the exact same massage. Just because you don't "feel" sore the next day doesn't mean you didn't get a deep or good massage.
It's all in the layers.Most muscles lay in layers, overlaping each other to perform their designed function. "Deep tissue" literally means accessing the muscles under the top superficial layers. So in order to access these deeper layers we must relax the top layers first. You can't exactly til the soil under the sidewalk until the cement is dealt with first. If these top muscles won't relax they can become damaged, bruised or very sore the next day if the therapist is forcing through trying to access the deeper tissues. So again, your body is the determining factor as to how deep the therapist can go, she/he may not be able to do deep tissue.
"I need deep tissue"
Do you? We all know our bodies better than anyone on the planet, or I would sure hope we do. A 110 lb. body with 1" thick muscles on the back takes much less pressure and exertion than a 250 lb. body with 3" of solid muscle. Does the therapist need to access these deeper muscles for specific work? Sometimes we ask for deep tissue when we really just want heavier pressure and the deeper muscles don't require specific work. We work muscles that are causing the problem, they may be on top or way down deep.
There are endless sets of circumstances and confusion surrounding deep tissue massage. You and the therapist you are working with can determine whether deep tissue is right for you. Some therapist don't do deep tissue so it's always best to ask in advance in case that is something you may need.
The size of the therapist?
Not necessarily. A properly trained therapist that utilzes good body mechanics can exert plenty of pressure needed to accopmlish the goal at hand. The "average" pressure used from therapist to therapist also varies. My interpretation of deep may be very different from another therapist interpretation of deep. So don't let size fool you.
The modality?
There really is no "deep tissue" modality. Any modality can be deep or light depending on the pressure used by the therapist, the tool ie. elbow, thumb, or man made, and the density of the tissue being worked.
"I want to feel like I got a massage and expect to be sore"
Your body is the only determining factor when it comes to telling the therapist what it can and can't handle today. Our hormones change constantly so this months massage may feel deep and the next months may feel light even though the therapist is doing the exact same massage. Just because you don't "feel" sore the next day doesn't mean you didn't get a deep or good massage.
It's all in the layers.Most muscles lay in layers, overlaping each other to perform their designed function. "Deep tissue" literally means accessing the muscles under the top superficial layers. So in order to access these deeper layers we must relax the top layers first. You can't exactly til the soil under the sidewalk until the cement is dealt with first. If these top muscles won't relax they can become damaged, bruised or very sore the next day if the therapist is forcing through trying to access the deeper tissues. So again, your body is the determining factor as to how deep the therapist can go, she/he may not be able to do deep tissue.
"I need deep tissue"
Do you? We all know our bodies better than anyone on the planet, or I would sure hope we do. A 110 lb. body with 1" thick muscles on the back takes much less pressure and exertion than a 250 lb. body with 3" of solid muscle. Does the therapist need to access these deeper muscles for specific work? Sometimes we ask for deep tissue when we really just want heavier pressure and the deeper muscles don't require specific work. We work muscles that are causing the problem, they may be on top or way down deep.
There are endless sets of circumstances and confusion surrounding deep tissue massage. You and the therapist you are working with can determine whether deep tissue is right for you. Some therapist don't do deep tissue so it's always best to ask in advance in case that is something you may need.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
How do I find the massage I'm looking for?
Massage therapists usually seek employment in environments that fit their training, passion or modality they prefer. All massage is therapy and it is up to you to find what type of therapy you want.
When seeking massage ask yourself what your purpose is for a massage?
What are your needs? Relaxation? Pain relief? Old injury?
Spas
Generally a "spa" massage is coupled with pedicures, manicures, facials, etc. and are generally light to medium, relaxing and usually quiet. Most spas in the US sell relaxing environments. Recently more spas are expanding thier modalities to include Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Shirodhara, Marma, Thai, etc.
Chiroprators/Pain Centers/Medical Facilities
These therapist are generally specially trained in modalities such as Infant Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Injury, and specific techniques to correct postural imbalances.
Private Practioners/Massage Therapy Businesses
The majority of these therapist have a good amount of training and a large clientele to support their costs. Their modalities vary widely so always ask and let them know what you are looking for. Most opt for the alternative route to western medicine offering Shiatsu, Thai, Shirodhara, etc. along with Deep Tissue and injury techniques.
At the end of it all you should always have good communication with your therapist, feel comfortable and get what your looking for.
When seeking massage ask yourself what your purpose is for a massage?
What are your needs? Relaxation? Pain relief? Old injury?
Spas
Generally a "spa" massage is coupled with pedicures, manicures, facials, etc. and are generally light to medium, relaxing and usually quiet. Most spas in the US sell relaxing environments. Recently more spas are expanding thier modalities to include Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Shirodhara, Marma, Thai, etc.
Chiroprators/Pain Centers/Medical Facilities
These therapist are generally specially trained in modalities such as Infant Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Injury, and specific techniques to correct postural imbalances.
Private Practioners/Massage Therapy Businesses
The majority of these therapist have a good amount of training and a large clientele to support their costs. Their modalities vary widely so always ask and let them know what you are looking for. Most opt for the alternative route to western medicine offering Shiatsu, Thai, Shirodhara, etc. along with Deep Tissue and injury techniques.
At the end of it all you should always have good communication with your therapist, feel comfortable and get what your looking for.
Nervous about getting a massage?
As licensed and certified Massage Therapists we are bound by governing rules, a code of ethics, and in the US individual states have slightly different laws governing how and where we do business including areas of the body we can and cannot massage. A good massage therapy school will train their therapist from day one that the body is no longer just a body but an amazingly complex orchestration of movement and function. Your therapist, just as any professional care provider, will see you from compassion and non judgement. Massage practices varies from place to place so never be afraid to ask questions.
Here are a few things you may not have known.
Massage therapy is usually practiced in a low lit or a dark room to induce a state of relaxation.
If you are not comfortable with this you can request the lights be on.
"I don't feel comfortable getting undressed or have restrictions due to religious practices."
You can get undressed as far as you wish, again until you establish a relationship with your therapist and feel more comfortable. If your religion prevents you from being undressed there are plenty modalities that do not require one to undress in order to receive the benefits of massage.
"I forgot to shave."
Really, we don't care. We do care if your feet are dirty from wearing flip-flops or a shower is in need.
"I'm embaressed about my body."
A compassionate therapist will greet you warmly and ensure you feel comfortable, we do not see with our eyes only with our hands. NEVER let this stop you from receiving the wonderful gift of massage. Our clients are everyone you see in line with you at the grocery store.
"I'm very modest."
As stated earlier, different states have different laws governing draping and if you are unsure, ask. Some therapist undrape and work the glutes and stomach area, be sure you clarify this before you begin to avoid disrupting your relaxing massage with nervousness or uneasyness.
Areas Massaged.
A full body massage is always best for ultimate relaxation and health but essentially a massage is broken down into times. You can request any area be worked more or not at all! Some people need or request the hour be spent on their back alone, and maybe a little foot massage thrown in just because.
Time Constraints.
You may want to schedule a 30 minute massage for a first timer to work in slowly. 60 minutes is usually enough time for a full body, and 90 minutes, huh... need I say more. Just heaven!
"Should I Talk or Not?"
Generally to relax the body it is wise not to talk, that way your mind is concentrating on breating and relaxing your muscles. When we talk we tend to tense up and not even realize we're doing it, it's probably what's got us sore in the first place. But certainly if you can relax and prefer to talk, it's ok. If you talk to your therapist she/he will talk back provided your muscles are relaxing, if not she/he may ask you to not talk and breath.
"What if I don't or do like a lot of pressure?" Your initial consultation will include the "reason" you are seeking massage, ie. relaxation, deep tissue, injury, "my friend bought me a gift certificate."Massage should never hurt. On a pain scale from 1-10 seven and a half is optimal, the "hurt so good" zone. This zone also will change through out the day, so what you can tolerate today may be different tomorrow. Massage is NOT a no pain no gain situation. You may relax with light pressure or deeper pressure. Our muscles are in many layers for which the deeper ones cannot be reached unless the top ones are relaxed first, your therapist will work these top muscles lighter until she/he is able to get to the deeper ones. We don't know how you are experiencing our touch so always speak up, our training also included receiving and responding to your feedback. This is all about YOU.
Here are a few things you may not have known.
Massage therapy is usually practiced in a low lit or a dark room to induce a state of relaxation.
If you are not comfortable with this you can request the lights be on.
"I don't feel comfortable getting undressed or have restrictions due to religious practices."
You can get undressed as far as you wish, again until you establish a relationship with your therapist and feel more comfortable. If your religion prevents you from being undressed there are plenty modalities that do not require one to undress in order to receive the benefits of massage.
"I forgot to shave."
Really, we don't care. We do care if your feet are dirty from wearing flip-flops or a shower is in need.
"I'm embaressed about my body."
A compassionate therapist will greet you warmly and ensure you feel comfortable, we do not see with our eyes only with our hands. NEVER let this stop you from receiving the wonderful gift of massage. Our clients are everyone you see in line with you at the grocery store.
"I'm very modest."
As stated earlier, different states have different laws governing draping and if you are unsure, ask. Some therapist undrape and work the glutes and stomach area, be sure you clarify this before you begin to avoid disrupting your relaxing massage with nervousness or uneasyness.
Areas Massaged.
A full body massage is always best for ultimate relaxation and health but essentially a massage is broken down into times. You can request any area be worked more or not at all! Some people need or request the hour be spent on their back alone, and maybe a little foot massage thrown in just because.
Time Constraints.
You may want to schedule a 30 minute massage for a first timer to work in slowly. 60 minutes is usually enough time for a full body, and 90 minutes, huh... need I say more. Just heaven!
"Should I Talk or Not?"
Generally to relax the body it is wise not to talk, that way your mind is concentrating on breating and relaxing your muscles. When we talk we tend to tense up and not even realize we're doing it, it's probably what's got us sore in the first place. But certainly if you can relax and prefer to talk, it's ok. If you talk to your therapist she/he will talk back provided your muscles are relaxing, if not she/he may ask you to not talk and breath.
"What if I don't or do like a lot of pressure?" Your initial consultation will include the "reason" you are seeking massage, ie. relaxation, deep tissue, injury, "my friend bought me a gift certificate."Massage should never hurt. On a pain scale from 1-10 seven and a half is optimal, the "hurt so good" zone. This zone also will change through out the day, so what you can tolerate today may be different tomorrow. Massage is NOT a no pain no gain situation. You may relax with light pressure or deeper pressure. Our muscles are in many layers for which the deeper ones cannot be reached unless the top ones are relaxed first, your therapist will work these top muscles lighter until she/he is able to get to the deeper ones. We don't know how you are experiencing our touch so always speak up, our training also included receiving and responding to your feedback. This is all about YOU.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The most common complaints
These are the most common complaints I as a massage therapists encounter daily. Most complaints are caused by muscular problems relating to postural imbalances, injuries, trigger points, etc.
DEBS TOP TEN LIST
- NECK PAIN
- LOW BACK PAIN
- ACHING BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BLADES
- HEADACHES
- PLANTAR FASCIITIS
- HANDS
- CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS
- FIBROMYALGIA
- TMJ
- DIGESTIVE ISSUES/SCIATICA
COMMON STRUCTURAL ISSUES AND MOVEMENTS INVOLVED
One of the largest complaints, low back pain has moved into the #2 slot with NECK and SHOULDER PAIN coming in at #1. Computers, smaller cell phones, video games, just to name a few have increased in the number of users over the years. Most problems are a result of years of wear and tear on our bodies that can be avoided early in life had we known...Not too many adolescents have osteoarthritis, low back pain, heart and cholesterol problems. "It sucks getting old." Old? If your knee is out of alignment because your IT band is too tight, how long can you walk on it before it starts to hurt? How many years of pain pills can you take before it needs replacing? Is it just getting old? Just as a cars front end would be off how long before your tires wear out? Now I'm not saying there could be a million other things going on and agian, these are strickly observations from a muscular point of view. Lets take a look at how to remedy some of these common areas.
NECK PAIN, HEADACHES, ACHING BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BLADES
The computer
Large corporations understand that improper working environments that are not ergonomically correct result in huge losses in revenue anually due to sick days employees take off from simple things like headaches, back and neck pain. This common postion is repsonsible for numerous issues, one more reason getting up and moving frequently is a huge help.
Sitting at a desktop computer. The keyboard and mouse should be as level as possible to the height of your elbows. The chair height needs to be adjusted high enough to allow the shoulders to hang naturally and relaxed letting the elbow bend comfortably to type and opperate the mouse. This means your desk will be a little higher than your belly button! Like that's ever happened. This avoids raising and "holding" your shoulder up, in which we have no idea we do. The monitor should be eye level. Looking down makes us lean forward, tensing the back of the neck to hold up the head . Looking up tenses the front of the neck and can possibly pinch the sweet little vertibraes. Unfortunatly the desk manufacuter doesn't know the chair manufacturer and nobody knows who made the mouse, my point being most of these things don't work together. You may have to remove the arm rests from your chair which are probably not in the right possiton for you in the first place. We are all going to eventually look like Larry King, I swear his ears are going to permantenly attach to his shoulders someday. "Love you Larry." Elevate your monitor using something thick and steardy enough to not shift. I use the extra phone books I seem to get every year. If you are writting and typing work more on looking down with your eyes instead of wrenching your neck forward. This helps to exercise the eye muscles and helps with strain.
Stairing in one possition too long. Watch your possition, if you are not relaxed the muscles are tensed. How long can you hold a 10lb. weight up before your arm gets tired? That's what your neck is doing, holding our 10lb. or so cranium out over our lap for hours at a time. These contracted muscles contribute to low or higher pressure in the head causing headaches. The fixed gaze also weakens eye muscles contibuting to vision problems.
One solution idea:
Pay attention to your possition. Is your neck relaxed and balanced over your shoulders? Try moving your head around slightly forward, backward, side to side and find that "balance" point when the muscles are relaxed. Stop every hour and stretch your neck sloooooowly, turn your head side to side and stand up, lay your head ear to shoulder, touch your toes and just hang there for a minute. Moving muscles that have been in a fixed position too long too quickly results in injury, so don't do it. If you stretch at sloth speed just a few times you'll be amazed how much looser you feel. No pre-game warm up routines. Change your depth of perception. Focus on something close up then far away, close up, far away you get the idea. This helps exercise those little eye muscles and limit eye strain.
Laptop computers
My take on laptop computers is that they are the best thing that happened to the business world next to cell phones but they are an ergonomical nightmare! Too high and your shoulders are sinched up, too low and your neck declares an all out war on the "lap box".
One solution idea:
Again, find a possition that relaxes your shoulders and arms, adjust the screen and look with your eyes not your neck. One more reason I am opposed to the "glossy" screens that creates nothing but glare and poor adjustments, constantly looking for the best spot with the least view of the crap behind me. Although, in some sort of James Bond way I guess that could be cool. Headaches be gone.
LOW BACK PAIN
Low back pain contributes to billions of dollars lost anually in ER visits, workers compensation claims, sick days, medical claims and so on. The pelvis region is the fulcrum point of the body and along with the legs it helps create balance and stability.
When this alignment is off problems arise. This diagram shows a particular case. NOTE: All cases are different person to person but show many similarities, notice the zig zag pattern in the body. It's function is to stand upright therefore it will always seek balance, The YELLOW signifies areas of reported pain, the RED tight muscles, a plumb line identifying center and arrows showing direction of structure. When the pelvis is forward and our back muscles get too tight they may pull or pinch the vertebrae together. Another cause of sciatica. Keeping the muscles stretched keeps us in balance and helps avoid possible injuries to our joints.
HANDS/CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS
We all know the downfall to repetative movements. Unless you've been diagnosed from a physician with carpal tunnel syndrome you may be experiencing pain associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. According to Wikipedia the two main causes are those in motor vehicle accidents, computer users or those who sit in "non-ergonomic postures for extended periods of time." Mainly affected are the scalenes, those wonderful muscles at each side of our neck that pop out when we make the lizzard face. The help stabilize the head when too far forward. Tightening of these muscles compresses the nurves and blood vessels going to the arm. Pain usually starts with tingling fingers, aching wrists moving up the arm.
One solution idea:
Stretch the scalenes. Slow neck rolls do wonders.
Massage the wrists, top and bottom using small circular motions. No oil is needed. This is a "needing" action not a gliding action. Compress with the thumbs. Open and close the hands very slowly. Joints require fluid to move smoothly and freely. Moving a joint too fast and repetitively can "dry up" this fluid. Moving slowly encourages more fluid to seep into the joint. Do slow wrist circles.
HANDS/CARPAL TUNNEL SYMPTOMS
We all know the downfall to repetative movements. Unless you've been diagnosed from a physician with carpal tunnel syndrome you may be experiencing pain associated with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. According to Wikipedia the two main causes are those in motor vehicle accidents, computer users or those who sit in "non-ergonomic postures for extended periods of time." Mainly affected are the scalenes, those wonderful muscles at each side of our neck that pop out when we make the lizzard face. The help stabilize the head when too far forward. Tightening of these muscles compresses the nurves and blood vessels going to the arm. Pain usually starts with tingling fingers, aching wrists moving up the arm.
One solution idea:
Stretch the scalenes. Slow neck rolls do wonders.
Massage the wrists, top and bottom using small circular motions. No oil is needed. This is a "needing" action not a gliding action. Compress with the thumbs. Open and close the hands very slowly. Joints require fluid to move smoothly and freely. Moving a joint too fast and repetitively can "dry up" this fluid. Moving slowly encourages more fluid to seep into the joint. Do slow wrist circles.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS/FIBROMYALGIA
Both conditions have similar issues in that they both affect the fascia tissue. In 99% of people their bodies feel as thought the plastic sheeting on a waterbed has become too tight. The water inside is still "water" and feels of water but the casing has become taught. I can always tell when my clients are having a flare up. Massage with little glide helps loosen this tissue as does stretching. The plantar fasciitis shows similar textures and although the muscles in the feet are much smaller, deeper, no oil movements loosen this tissue. Makes me wonder if the fascia has become adheard to the muscle fibers. Reflexology works well on plantar fasciitis, the usual method being no oil.
One solution idea:
Both conditions have similar issues in that they both affect the fascia tissue. In 99% of people their bodies feel as thought the plastic sheeting on a waterbed has become too tight. The water inside is still "water" and feels of water but the casing has become taught. I can always tell when my clients are having a flare up. Massage with little glide helps loosen this tissue as does stretching. The plantar fasciitis shows similar textures and although the muscles in the feet are much smaller, deeper, no oil movements loosen this tissue. Makes me wonder if the fascia has become adheard to the muscle fibers. Reflexology works well on plantar fasciitis, the usual method being no oil.
One solution idea:
TMJ (Temporomadibular Joint Disorder or TMD)
TMD is associated with pain in the jaw and chartarized by the "pop or click" when the mouth is opened. Most causes of this disorder involve the muscles that allow the jaw to move. Of course a dentist or medical professional is able to diagnose the exact cause of your TMD. These muscles can and should be massaged and although we are trained to do this most people are not comfortable with our fingers in your mouth. Teeth clinching and grinding tighten these muscles so the jaw can not move smoothly.
One solution idea:
Wash and dry your hands first. With your left hand, use your pointer finger and thumb to pinch the area just behind your mollar. Your pointer finger should be in your mouth with your thumb on the outside. You may need to open your mouth, insert finger, (no pun intended) and close your jaw. When you bite down you will feel this muscle tighten. That's it. Slow circles is all your after. At first this will be uncomfortable as the muscle is tender and probably tight. Massage both sides and the outside alone with the pads of your four fingers.
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