Conditions A to Z
Asthma and other related lung dysfunctions
We know that asthma and other lung related dysfunctions such as bronchiectasis are chronic conditions, which we live with and adjust to. Commonly a lack of mobility develops in the area of the body such as the rib cage, and progresses throughout life. In fact, these changes are part of the dynamic ageing process, to which daily activity can be an aggravating factor. Sadly, this situation often leads to a decrease in activity and slowly evolves into anxiety, depression, osteoporosis and arthritic changes.
To be aware of these changes may be the key factor to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Remedial therapy has a few targets in treating lung related dysfunctions.
1. Reduce the stress attached to living with a chronic condition
2. Encourage blood circulation
3. Reduce trigger points in affected areas
4. Flush out metabolic wastes
5. Increase joint mobility and range of movement
6. Decrease pain
7. Restore strength, flexibility and stamina
Sometimes it takes a change in lifestyle to allow for this very effective strategy to work; for example start an exercise program or make a change in the existing sporting activity or daily routine to ensure that it suits the goal.
In short, remedial therapy aims at slowing down the ageing process. The results may vary depending on the patient’s commitment to the treatment and the changes necessary to improve the outlook and quality of life.
Arthritis
The word arthritis means literally inflammation of one or more joints but the word is somewhat misleading because the joint is not necessarily inflamed. It is also rather vague because there are over one hundred and fifty types of arthritis and different joint tissue can be involved.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the involvement is with the synovial membrane; ankylosing spondylitis is the inflammation of the ligaments at the bone attachment and its following fusion (calcification) with the bone; osteoarthritis is the breakdown of the cartilage and fybromyalgia is a prolonged muscle contraction.
Massage has been around for thousands of years and is probably the earliest remedy for pain relief and restoration of the body’s health. A broad range of treatments are successfully used by remedial therapist to treat pain, stiffness, increase muscle strength and maintain joint mobility. They consist of myofascial release, trigger point therapy, soft tissue stretching, and passive exercise for joint mobilisation amongst others.
Working with the trigger points can be relaxing but also requires the patient’s participation to communicate the presence and the intensity of the pain and discomfort. An improvement is usually felt after one treatment but repeated treatment may be necessary for chronic trigger points and home stretching may be needed to keep the muscle’s flexibility. Manual lymphatic drainage massage can decrease swelling where it impairs the movement and allow for deeper remedial techniques to be performed. It removes the metabolic wastes after treatment.
Breast cancer
Massage therapy is beneficial for the treatment of stress and anxiety, it improves the mood and controls the pain in cancer patients. While there are instances when massage is not advised, sometimes all that is required is a technique adjustment.
Often during mastectomy or lumpectomy, lymph nodes are removed and some women may be at risk to develop lymphoedema in the arm at a later stage.
Lymphoedema means swelling of an area of the body usually is accompanied with a feeling of fullness, aching, weakness and decrease in range of movement. In this instance, one arm may mildly or significantly increase in size. There is no cure for this condition but Complex Lymphatic Therapy can control it.
The CLT protocol of treatment includes exercise to help restore strength and flexibly and improve drainage, lymphatic drainage massage and bandaging to remove fluid from the tissue and reduce the limb size. It is advised to wear a compression garment to keep the reduction and prevent the fluid from re-filling the tissue. Breast cancer patients who have a good skin care routine and exercise properly after mastectomy are less likely to develop lymphoedema. A lymphatic drainage massage can also help reduce swelling and promote healing post-operatively
Cancer
Cancer is a general term used to describe the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of body cells and it can affect just about any human organ. This growth is also known as a tumour and it can be malignant meaning that it can spread into the nearby tissue or to new sites. This is referred to as metastasizing.
The diagnosis of cancer has an incredible impact on people. The biggest emotion is fear followed by anxiety and stress, which can worsen the symptoms, especially pain. Relaxation massage is often recommended to patients as a coping strategy to promote psychological wellness. It cannot treat cancer as such, but it can reduce some of the symptoms such as pain and muscular tension. It can reduce the stress levels and support the immune system. There is evidence that patients having massage before undergoing chemotherapy fare better and report less anxiety. Lymphatic drainage massage can help when swelling or fluid retention are the side effect of treatment. Complex lymphatic therapy can help control lymphoedema following surgery.
Massage is well recognised by health care professionals as a complimentary therapy for cancer patients. As a general rule, should you be advised to exercise regularly, there is no restriction to having a massage, and of course, the massage treatment can be modified to address any individual complaint. Remember that usually when we are free from stress, calm and content, healing can take place.
Cellulite
Cellulite is a distressing orange peel appearance on the skin resulting from a fat build-up in the cells. It has a vicious circle of reduced blood circulation and subsequent stagnation of the metabolic wastes and congestion that result in loss of tissue elasticity. It commonly occurs on the thighs and hips regardless of the body shape and is very difficult to get rid off. The causes are varied and include hormones imbalance, excessive weight, lack of exercise and saturated fat content diet.
Usually to address one of the above factors is not sufficient and a change in lifestyle is more indicated with a balanced eating and drinking habit and some exercise to increase the body’s metabolism. For optimum results, it is best to eliminate or decrease the consumption of processed foods, alcohol and caffeine in the diet and drink 8 glasses of water per day.
Massage therapy can help you in your endeavour in many ways: a relaxation massage helps focus on your goal, a deep tissue massage breaks down the fatty deposits, a lymphatic drainage massage gets rid of the excess fluid and toxins from the tissue and a remedial massage has the benefit to combine all of the above with the addition of techniques to work on specific muscle pain and dysfunction.
A series of treatments along with lifestyle changes can visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is a major health problem for many people. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 32% (6 millions) of the population in Australia reported having a disease of the musculoskeletal system in 2001 and 21% of the population self-reported having back pain or disc disorders.
The results of a study conducted with patients suffering ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic degenerative condition affecting the spine and pelvis, concluded that a 20 minute massage produced both acute and long-term declines in the percentage of blood thickness, which is indicative of improved circulation (Tuchtan & Tuchtan, 2002).
Other benefits of massage for chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system include a decrease in pain perception. The most common conventional treatment for pain consists of prescription of analgesic medication, which is of concern, as long term usage may result in dependence or aggravation and/or precipitation of other illnesses.
Massage therapy also decreases the anxiety and depressed mood often associated with chronic situations, which can seriously undermine a person’s ability to manage it, especially if it causes pain, fatigue, or disrupts social life. It has been shown to decrease this state of mind and improve social functioning in multiple sclerosis sufferers (Field, 2000). Lymphatic drainage massage helps decrease swelling and consequently increases the range of movement.
Massage is the oldest therapy for pain relief, with some recording of its benefits and techniques dating as far back as 3000BC. In the context of today’s medicine, massage demands an understanding of existing health conditions to accommodate conventional treatments and other natural modalities.
Colds anf flu
Have you ever wondered why some people almost never get a cold and others seem to have a predisposition to illness. The answer is simple; studies have shown that stress is responsible for weakening the immune response.
After several studies, Tiffany Field PhD, Director of the Touch Research Institutes in University of Miami, et al., concluded that massage decreases stress hormones and in turn leads to enhanced immune function. In particular, the NK (Natural Killer cells), which provide protection against viruses and also tumors, increase. They also claim that: “Given that most diseases are exacerbated by stress and given that massage therapy alleviates stress, receiving massages should probably be high on the health priority list along with diet and exercise”.
A regular massage session offers benefits that go even beyond just relaxation. When having a massage a chain of events occurs in the body. The glands release hormones such as endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. The blood circulation is stimulated, which moves these hormones and pumps oxygen into the tissue and organs. It stimulates our lymphatic system, which is so closely related to the immune system, releasing and circulating antibodies to fight cold and viruses. A massage of the abdomen can also help with elimination of wastes and toxins.
Massage has been used for thousands of years to prevent sickness and assist with healing. A combination of lymphatic drainage massage and relaxation massage can give you the immunity needed to sail healthily through the winter. The body aches and pain can also be alleviated with the addition of remedial techniques such as stretches, trigger point therapy and others.
Cramps (see Muscle cramps)
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that results from an imbalance caused by the body’s inability to make or use insulin. You may wonder how massage could help people who suffer from this debilitating condition.
Poor nerve conduction and blood circulation are commonly the cause of foot sores and ulcers. It is recognised that diabetes is the most common cause for poor circulation to the feet because the high level of blood sugars can thicken the blood vessels walls. Massage can restore mobility and elasticity in the muscle tissue hence allowing better nerve conduction and blood circulation, thus bringing oxygen and nutrients to the extremities. It may also improve the uptake of insulin by the cells.
Under stress, the body responds by raising the sugar levels in the blood, which is the last thing people with diabetes want to happen. To understand the benefits of massage for this condition one should also appreciate the physical and psychological stresses of living with the burden of self-medicating and monitoring on a daily basis. Massage is a well accepted method for stress reduction and there is evidence that massage decreases the stress hormone cortisol and also decreases the blood glucose levels.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a very complex condition with many symptoms including a general muscular aching pain with no obvious origin. Usually patients report sleep disturbance, headaches and a debilitating fatigue that can lead to anxiety and depression. An interesting fact is that four women for every man are affected (The Arthritis Society, 1998b). The sad thing about FM is that it is not very well understood and patients can be treated as hypochondriac until the diagnostic is confirmed.
An exercise program is very indicated for FM sufferers but it needs monitoring as overexertion may aggravate the symptoms as well as a lack of exercise alltogether. Massage treatments help to reduce pain and stress levels. According to a Swedish study, the pain may be the outcome of the oxygen-carrying molecule (myoglobin) leaking from the muscle. After a massage, it has been noted that the levels of myoglobin had risen substantially in the blood, which demonstrates its efficacy. (Scand, 1983)
Initially, the treatment could consist of a gentle technique with effleurage and kneading and should last only half hour to avoid exhaustion. An experienced massage therapist would gauge the tissue resistance and the patient tolerance to the touch before introducing more aggressive techniques such as trigger points and stripping.
Flu (colds and immune system)
Frozen shoulder (see shoulder)
Headache
Tension headaches may have several origins but as the name implies they often are due to muscular tension with spasms and trigger points particularly in the muscles of the scalp, neck and the thorax. When they occur more than twice a week over a period of time, the condition is considered chronic. Stress, depression and anxiety, as well as a prolonged contraction resulting from repetitive activities such as typing, reading, use of computer or painting a ceiling may be the culprit. Although suffering from sleep disturbance or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position often has the same result.
A massage can decrease or remove your headaches without the use of analgesics by eliminating the trigger points and muscle spasms. Deep kneading and compression can restore the blood and lymph circulation within the tissues and improve the nerve supply to muscles and organs. You may find that a massage can also eliminate other symptoms associated with tension headaches such as loss of appetite, nausea, feeling of imbalance and ringing in the ears. Soft tissue stretching can be performed to increase muscular flexibility and pliability. Sometimes lifestyle changes may be needed to insure long lasting results in chronic headaches.
Health improvement
Did you know that your body is made up of 60 to70% of water and that your lymphatic system is responsible for its distribution throughout the body? It picks up the excess fluid in the tissues, filters it in the lymphatic nodes and returns it to the heart. It plays an important role in the immune system, as it carries the cells involved in immune responses. Exercise is the engine that moves the fluid around the body when the muscles contract. Without the lymphatic system our body would swell like a balloon.
A lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the opening of the initial lymphatics and increases the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times, and increases the pumping of the deep lymphatic vessels from 6 up to 30 times per minute. It assists in conditions involving fluid retention and weight loss, in lethargy, chronic fatigue syndrome, pregnancy, constipation, and recuperation after illness or surgery. There is no cure forlymphoedema sufferers; however a good management protocol including lymphatic drainage massage, exercise and wearing compression garment allows for normality and quality of life.
When combined with other techniques, a lymphatic drainage massage is powerful to increase the recovery rate after strenuous exercise, as it aids in the removal of metabolic wastes such as lactic acid and oedema, reduces muscle spasms, hence soreness and stiffness, calms and reconditions the body. Regardless of the form of exercise you engage in (gardening, gym routine, cycling, and day to day work activities) a massage significantly lowers the intensity of post activity muscle soreness.
Heart conditions
Last week was the National Stroke Week to create stroke awareness and prevention in the community and this Sunday is the World Heart Day. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart, stroke and blood vessel disease are the leading cause of death and disability in Australia according to the Heart Foundation.
A stroke is the interruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis of part of the body. The effects on the individual range from near imperceptible to severely disabling with deep muscle spasticity.
Stroke and heart diseases can be prevented. Some risk factors cannot be controlled such age and family history but you can help by reducing stress in your life, no smoking, eat healthy and exercise. Massage is now part of many people’s lifestyle to keep stress under control and doctors often refer their patients to remedial therapists because massage could improve their condition and reduce medication.
Massage may help stroke patients mainly to improve circulation and the overall tissue health, and decrease pain. It can be performed in the context of a relaxation massage to decrease the nervous system firing and provide emotional support. The techniques can be modified if the blood pressure is a concern and the trigger points are treated with the least invasive techniques. Passive range of movements can alternate with lymphatic drainage techniques if oedema is present. The treatment could also be shorter to prevent fatigue and avoid drag on the tissue.
High blood pressure
Stress is a topic about which the public and private sectors are becoming increasingly aware of. There is accumulating evidence that stress, anxiety and depression are major contributors to hypertension. A primary hypertension is a persistent elevation of the blood pressure that cannot be attributed to any identifiable cause and 90 to 95% of people suffering from this condition fit this definition.
We all have heard about the “fight or flight” response, this primitive body reaction to stress. In today’s fast paced lifestyle, it may only be a telephone call to start our heart pumping faster, shunt the blood away from our vital organs to the muscles and we may start perspiring. When this response occurs, decisions are based on short-term survival rather than beliefs and choices.
The body has vital hormones called Cortisol and Adrenalin, which are the body's main stress fighting hormones. When their secretion is high, the body shifts to a "war footing". Ordinarily, the hormones released during the day drop substantially in the evening, as one relaxes but it may take up to 24 hours and a restful night for the body to settle. It is not hard to see that the effects of stress are cumulative. It is a vicious cycle because these hormones have to drop sufficiently to allow for others like Serotonin and Endorphin to be released. Serotonin is the precursor for sleep, and Endorphin is the body’s natural “opium” that makes a person relatively insensitive to pain.
Because our lifestyle is becoming increasingly stressful both physically and emotionally, we have to learn to deal with stress effectively. It is of course impossible to avoid it, and the solution is to find ways to cope with the everyday pressure. The use of massage therapy is one way, and evidence shows that massage can decrease the Cortisol levels and increase Serotonin levels, thus decreasing the blood hydrostatic pressure and improving the sleep patterns.
Immune system
Have you ever wondered why some people almost never get a cold and others seem to have a predisposition to illness. The answer is simple; studies have shown that stress is responsible for weakening the immune response.After several studies, Tiffany Field PhD, Director of the Touch Research Institutes in University of Miami, et al., concluded that massage decreases stress hormones and in turn leads to enhanced immune function. In particular, the NK (Natural Killer cells), which provide protection against viruses and also tumors, increase. They also claim that: "Given that most diseases are exacerbated by stress and given that massage therapy alleviates stress, receiving massages should probably be high on the health priority list along with diet and exercise".
A regular massage session offers benefits that go even beyond just relaxation. When having a massage a chain of events occurs in the body. The glands release hormones such as endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. The blood circulation is stimulated, which moves these hormones and pumps oxygen into the tissue and organs. It stimulates our lymphatic system, which is so closely related to the immune system, releasing and circulating antibodies to fight cold and viruses. A massage of the abdomen can also help with elimination of wastes and toxins.
Massage has been used for thousands of years to prevent sickness and assist with healing. A combination of lymphatic drainage massage and relaxation massage can give you the immunity needed to sail healthily through the winter. The body aches and pain can also be alleviated with the addition of remedial techniques such as stretches, trigger point therapy and others.
Insomnia
Having constant difficulty to fall asleep or waking up during the night and not able to go back to sleep again can have disastrous effects on your physical and mental health and on your life. Insomnia can result from stress, illness, and hormonal issues to mention just a few. Some people suffer from sleep depravation by choice because of a busy lifestyle: long working hours, late night watching television or texting friends etc.
Lack of sleep can contribute to glucose intolerance, increased carbohydrate cravings, weakened immune system and hardening of the arteries. It has also been linked with breast cancer, depression and obesity.
Sleep is actually the most important part of your day because it is during that time that the body recovers. What happens is the heart rate and the respiration decrease, the muscles relax and the immune system can carry out its functions.
A diet rich in magnesium, practicing yoga, relaxing before going to bed can assist to achieve that deep, high quality restorative sleep. Regular massages are also very beneficial for chronic insomnia because massage can help decrease the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is cumulative when under constant pressure. Often, when tired and worried, a nice firm massage from head to toe can just send you to Lala land. When suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, fibromyalgia, which can all lead to insomnia, regular massages as part of a stress or pain management program does wonders.
An interesting massage study shows how critically ill patients reported having improved sleep patterns, both in quality and quantity in comparison to those who received only exercise for relaxation (Culpepper-Richards, 1998).
Massage is a natural remedy for insomnia that requires nothing more than an appropriate touch.
Lipodema
Lipodema is a fat metabolism imbalance where fat deposits occur mainly in the legs, thighs and buttocks. A person suffering from lipodema can have a slim upper body and be quite large from the waist down to the ankles. Generally, the feet are not affected. In some cases, lipodema can also spread to the torso and the arms. If untreated, the condition can deteriorate and swelling can occur because the lymphatic capillaries are impinged and can no longer function adequately to remove the excess fluid from the tissue. This situation is called lipo-lymphoedema.
Lipodema is quite widely spread but generally is very poorly diagnosed and often confused with being overweight. It appears to affect more women than men, which leads to believe that a hormonal imbalance may be at the root of the problem. It typically manifests at puberty and worsens after pregnancy or at the onset of the menopause. It is also believed to be genetic with a family history of weight problems, fluid retention and/or venous insufficiency.
Unlike the fat associated with excess weight, lipodema cannot be exercised away, does not respond to diet, and there is no cure for it. This is why most people feel confused, frustrated and alone in their quest for good health. However, the good news is that compression therapy and manual lymphatic drainage massage can help decrease the pressure sensitivity, reduce and control both lipodema and lymphoedema. The focus of the treatment is to alleviate the symptoms and control the condition. The results are gradual and require a lot of patience and dedication by the patient. The sooner the condition is recognised, the sooner the management plan can be implemented.
Low back pain
"New, high quality trials show that massage gives some relief from back pain that has continued for many weeks or months – and the benefit may continue at least a year after the course of massage is over. There is a trend showing that the greatest benefit came with massage from a trained massage therapist who had many years of experience."
"Massage is beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low-back pain in terms of improving symptoms and function. Massage therapy may save money in health care provider visits, pain medication and cost of back care services. The effects of massage are improved if combined with exercise and education".
The application of ice for an acute low back injury can slow the inflammation and swelling by constricting the blood vessels reducing the circulation. The ice also provides some pain relief as it numbs the area and slows the nerve impulse interrupting the pain-spasm reaction. To alternate cold and warm treatment is also beneficial because the heat on the contrary dilates the blood vessels bringing nutrients into the area to help in the healing process. The ice treatment is most effective if it is applied as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
It is a long term, chronic condition due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system also called primary lymphoedema or it can be secondary to another condition.
It is not curable but it can be reduced and controlled with daily therapy, which includes: manual lymphatic drainage massage, a home-care program of regular gentle exercise with diaphragmatic breathing wearing a compression garment or bandages, and a good skin care to avoid infection.
This is called the Complex Lymphatic Therapy. The manual lymphatic drainage massage helps to move the excess fluid away from the swollen area; the breathing increases the variation in the thoracic pressure and assists in the clearance of the chest area where the lymphatic fluid passes into the blood circulation returning to the heart. Specific exercises daily ensure the reduction of swelling by muscle contraction and joint mobilisation. A compressive garment offers a barrier against which the muscles can contract, and assists in stopping the fluid to refill the empty spaces after a lymphatic drainage.
Menopause
Menopause is the natural transition into the latter part of a woman’s life and not a disease. It occurs because the ovaries stop producing eggs and the body stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone over a period of time. Eventually, the woman’s menstrual cycle stops altogether.
The symptoms associated with these changes can vary from mild, moderate to severe and menopause does not require treatment unless the symptoms interfere with daily living. In the mid 19th century, menopause was ignored by the medical profession. It would appear that Oriental women are more in harmony with natural changes in the body than Western women are. In 1998, an interesting survey reports that 10% of Japanese women in comparison to 85% of American women claim to have experienced physical symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes. Other symptoms to hormonal changes are fatigue and emotions that can lead to depression and anger; these negative feelings that can affect the body in a negative way.
In truth, massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself during this period of change, as massage helps to stabilize the nervous system and the hormonal cycle while the body is adjusting. It can increase the energy levels, and tissue elasticity, free the body from stiffness and pain. A lymphatic drainage massage can effectively assist with fluid retention and improve the immune system.
Mobility impaired people
Massage therapy can be particularly valuable for aches, pains and discomfort associated with sitting in a wheelchair or confined to a bed. The technique does not differ that much from massaging regular patients. It can be modified to suit the situation and the person. The treatment can be conducted in a wheelchair, on a bed with or without clothing or on a massage table.
In general, the benefits of massage for mobility impaired patients are in maintaining health by improving circulation and in some cases enhancing digestion, and promoting restful sleep. These benefits can greatly assist in relieving depression often associated with the situation.
Massage can provide an incredibly long list of benefits. This includes a decrease in neck and shoulder tension, stimulation and toning of postural muscle, pain reduction, deeper breathing and mood improvement. It is possible to develop greater flexibility of the muscles and increase joint mobility with passive stretching. Further more, the benefits of enjoying the simple pleasure of human touch is well understated.
Muscle cramps
Most people have experienced muscle cramps at one time or another. They take your breathe away with their sharp, sudden and debilitating pain and they commonly affect the lower legs and feet.
According to a few sources muscle cramping develops for many reasons. Athletes are most at risk to develop them because of overexertion and dehydration and may have a poor electrolytes balance with low potassium, calcium or magnesium in their body. These minerals are very important to maintain muscle and nerve function. A cause often forgotten is emotional stress which can affect the digestive system and create muscle tension. People who suffer from anxiety and depression have been found to be deficient in magnesium. Trigger points in the calf muscles can also result in lower leg cramps and they can be activated because of improper foot biomechanics, wearing high heels or riding a bicycle with an incorrect technique and/or seat heights, and mind you, trigger points can also develop as a result of having cramps.
A complex massage therapy can first address the root of the problem by promoting relaxation of the mind and the body. Other techniques such as trigger point therapy, kneading, jostling, cross fiber friction can be very effective in removing the areas of tension. To help stop the cramp or prevent cramps from happening, stretching is very valuable. Many ways of stretching exist: for example by contracting a muscle, the opposite one has to lengthen and this is called reciprocal inhibition. Muscle energy technique uses the patient’s own strength to increase the range of movement. It is also possible to trick the calf muscle to relax by pushing both extremities towards each other sending a message to the brain to relax because the muscle is too tight.
The best way to deal with muscle cramp is prevention. Have a regular relaxation massage to decrease stress in your life and improve the digestive function or remedial therapy to address structural stresses where some muscles are working harder than they should due to poor posture, biomechanics or technique. You could also ensure proper rest and eat food rich in magnesium such as spinach, pumpkin, almonds, nuts, wholewheat flour and oat bran.
Obesity
People are said to be obese if their body weight is at least 20% more than the ideal body weight. It is the result of an abnormal accumulation of body fat and it is usually associated with an increased risk of illness and disability. The term “morbid obesity” is applied when the body weight is about 100% heavier than the ideal body weight.
There are many reasons why some people retain fat more than others. They may have a bigger appetite or their body may be less efficient to convert food to energy. Heredity may also be an important factor, and depression can also lead to obesity and become a vicious cycle. It can be caused by a medical condition such as hypothyroidism and be the side effect of a medical drug like steroids and antidepressants.
The point is that obesity creates stress on all of the body systems including the lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal system. The tissues become overloaded and this situation may lead to fluid retention and lymphoedema. Over a long period of time, high blood pressure, diabetes and joint pain may develop.
Massage can help in many ways: a relaxation massage assists in managing this condition on a daily basis decreasing emotional stress, improving sleeping pattern and body image. With the addition of remedial techniques, lymphatic drainage massage and stretches it is possible to reduce chronic pain, swelling and inflammation, increase blood and lymph circulation and joint range of movement. Generally massage assists in managing day by day activities.
Should lying on a table be a problem, a seated massage can be an effective option, as long as you are comfortable.
Plantar fasciitis means inflammation of the thick band on the sole of the foot, namely the plantar fascia. It is a tight and non elastic tissue running under the arch of the foot. It attaches to the heel bone and covers the sole of the foot to the forefoot. The arch of the foot and the heel become very painful when inflamed and heel spurs may develop. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are more severe first thing in the morning or after a long rest, as the fascia contracts and tighten and they subside as the day progresses.
When walking or standing, the body weight spreads over the feet, and the arch offers shock absorption. This situation changes with poor foot biomechanics; the arch may have collapsed, the foot may roll inwards (pronate) with weight bearing, in particular with flat feet. In this instance, plantar fasciitis is most likely due to an excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. Excessive weight on the foot usually attributed to obesity or pregnancy can also cause the foot to pronate. A high foot arch on the contrary may be very rigid and the plantar fascia tightens on walking impact. This also explains why an athlete overtraining or running on hard surfaces may be at risk to develop plantar fasciitis.
After addressing the factors involved in the foot biomechanics, massage techniques such as deep transverse friction and longitudinal stripping are very helpful to reduce tension in the fascia and muscles of the foot and promote tissue healing. The calf muscles and the Achilles tendon that attaches to the back of the heel are usually tight and shortened and may have trigger points. Stretching, kneading and/or any other remedial technique can restore their strength and flexibility. A postural balancing may also be necessary to take care of pain and discomfort in other areas of the body that may consequently have been affected.
Should you experience symptoms of plantar fasciitis, massage the sole of your foot and roll your foot over a tennis ball and best of all, have a deep and purposeful foot and leg massage.
Posture
Do you feel tired or experience low back pain, stiff neck and shoulders, headaches, constipation, bladder problems? Has your agility decreased over the years? – Your body may have lost its alignment and your muscles may not be working as they were designed to. Your poor posture may lead to inefficient movement, causing the muscles to do extra work. For example, your head, which weighs about 8 kilograms, should be resting correctly on top of your neck and spine. Should your head be tilted forward, the muscles at the back of the neck have to work harder to hold your head up. This often is the situation when working in front of your computer. The same applies when you are standing and leaning over to one side for instance while holding a child on your hip or carrying a heavy load in one arm.The bottom line is that poor posture can lead to poor health, muscular stress, swelling, pain and fatigue. Do you know that poor posture is one of the most frequent causes for requiring our services?
Massage can provide relief of pain and discomfort in the body by:
- Decreasing swelling
- Improving range of movement
- Breaking down abnormal muscle contractions and adhesions
- Reducing muscle spasm
To say it simply, massage can help you to relax, realign the muscle fibers and the body structure. This is probably a simple theory to discuss but not an easy task to achieve. It requires anatomical knowledge, understanding of body movements, and clinical skills. Our role as massage therapists goes further and we can also provide you with a framework for self-improvement.
A recent study published by the American Public Health Association claims that muscle-specific massage therapy has the potential to be a functional, non pharmaceutical intervention to reduce the incidence of chronic tension headache.
Pregnancy is not about sickness. Pregnancy is about health and wellbeing and all the changes that occur in a women's body as a new life is forming – and massage is about promoting a healthy pregnancy and providing support to the expectant mother because the demands on her are great, physically and mentally. The benefits of massage during pregnancy vary from relaxation of the body, mind and spirit to boosting the energy. Massage improves the blood and lymphatic fluid circulation and so helping in the management of fatigue, varicose veins and legs swelling and it helps in the relief of back pain and the often associated sciatica pain due to the shift in the mother's centre of gravity.
After birth, mother and baby can both benefit from a massage. Recent studies have proven that infants having a regular massage sleep better, have a better bowel movement, have better weight gain and improve growth. It is also indicated that they have a higher rating in emotional and social behaviour, and are more alert and responsive.
Pregnancy and childbirth are natural and massage is about assisting you during this exciting and sometimes challenging time.
Quality of life
Aging is a natural, lifelong process which begins at birth and is the sum of all the changes that occur with the passage of time. Diseases associated with ageing are not a part of normal aging; they are a secondary process. The main challenge associated with aging is to remain physically and mentally fit and healthy, and able to function independently.
Massage offers tremendous benefits in maintaining health, reducing stiffness and pain, alleviating stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation and restful sleep. These positive feedbacks in turn can increase the individual's confidence in carrying out the activities of daily living.
The fear of a fall and its cascade of consequences are of concern for elderly people because they threaten their independence. Studies have shown that many people reduce their daily activity for this reason, and this in turn can be responsible for the increase in complications should a fall occur. The focus of massage is in preventing this situation while maintaining the patient's optimum health and function and ultimately their independence.
Shoulder (frozen)
In the past a "frozen shoulder" was called a progressive degenerative process, as it was thought to occur in older people. This theory was abandoned because it rarely occurs in those under 40 or over 70 years of age.
Today, the cause of a "frozen shoulder" is still not clear and the term that describes this condition also varies. The current thinking is that there is a close association with frozen shoulder, referred neck pain, rotator cuff tears and impingement syndrome, and that a poor posture with rounded shoulders can also lead to this situation. It is also believed that trigger points in the rotator cuff muscles can cause a reduced range of motion leading to inflammation, poor circulation and muscle fiber adhesion.
Usually there is a gradual onset of pain, which may occur after a minor injury, inflammation is present and the person may not be able to lie on the affected side at night. The shoulder becomes progressively stiff over a couple of weeks and this situation can last for several months, sometimes up to two years.
A frozen shoulder can be improved by avoiding painful movements. When reaching bend the elbow in front of the body, and keep the palm of the hand facing the ceiling when trying to reach up or lower the arm. Check the posture when standing or sitting for a period of time. It is best to sit on the front part of the chair with the knees in a 90 degree angle and a pillow behind the back to keep it straight
The aim of a massage treatment is to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation if present, maintain local circulation, and increase the range of movement. A lymphatic drainage massage to the area can do just that and a few techniques can also be used to reduce excessive tone and trigger points in the affected muscles without aggravating the condition. Massage also means a holistic approach and the muscles involved in compensating for this debilitating condition are treated, and the postural component taken into account. Specific exercises can also be prescribed to improve the range of motion of the shoulder.
Sport injury prevention
A sport's massage should be part of an athlete's life – not only because an injury has been sustained during training – but because the benefits of massage are real for injury prevention.
Varying massage techniques can be used according to the treatment goals: for example, they can relax muscle tension, remove wastes such as lactic acid and decrease the recovery time directly following a training session or to remove abnormal muscle contraction and trigger points, and improve tissue elasticity two or three days following the event. A hard training session may not necessarily result in the improvement expected without proper stretching and recovery time, and a massage treatment offers exactly that.
Often sport's amateurs will decide on a massage when the injury has occurred or when symptoms, like pain, are surfacing. A good sport massage therapist can identify the potential trouble spots long before they develop into something more serious like a tear, strain or sprain, and offer advice on self care, correct stretching and recovery methods.
You may wonder how often you should have a sport's massage. Really, it depends on your lifestyle and time availability; once a week would be ideal for a competing athlete and maybe every three weeks for an amateur runner for example – keeping in mind that everyone's needs are be assessed individually.
Stress related conditions
Do you know that stress is cumulative? – Indeed, stress triggers the body’s flight or flight reflex, which in turn triggers a cascade of stress defending hormones into the bloodstream. Amongst others, adrenaline and cortisol increase the metabolism, respiration and heart rate, elevate the blood pressure, raise blood sugar levels and slow down digestion. It can take 30 minutes to 24 hours for some hormones to return to their optimum levels.
Today’s hectic lifestyle can cause stress to increase, leading to neck and shoulder pain, tension headache, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. Often posture is compromised when trying to meet deadlines because of sitting for long hours at the computer or continuing strenuous movements long after muscle fatigue or muscle ache has set in resulting in muscle overuse and swelling.
There is substantial evidence that massage can reduce stress and cortisol levels in the bloodstream, and subsequently can slow down the heart rate and respiration. Massage can also decrease or remove headache, muscle and joint pain without the use of analgesics by eliminating the trigger points and muscle spasms. It can also eliminate the symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, feeling of imbalance and ringing in the ears. Soft tissue stretching, kneading and other remedial techniques can be performed to increase muscular flexibility and pliability. Lifestyle changes could be needed to ensure long lasting results.
Massage is a mainstream holistic therapy that compliments and enhances medical treatment to maintain and improve health and wellbeing.
Stroke
Cardiovascular diseases such as heart, stroke and blood vessel disease are the leading cause of death and disability in Australia according to the Heart Foundation.
A stroke is the interruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis of part of the body. The effects on the individual range from near imperceptible to severely disabling with deep muscle spasticity.
Stroke and heart diseases can be prevented. Some risk factors cannot be controlled such age and family history but you can help by reducing stress in your life, no smoking, eat healthy and exercise. Massage is now part of many people’s lifestyle to keep stress under control and doctors often refer their patients to remedial therapists because massage could improve their condition and reduce medication.
Massage may help stroke patients mainly to improve circulation and the overall tissue health, and decrease pain. It can be performed in the context of a relaxation massage to decrease the nervous system firing and provide emotional support. The techniques can be modified if the blood pressure is a concern and the trigger points are treated with the least invasive techniques. Passive range of movements can alternate with lymphatic drainage techniques if oedema is present. The treatment could also be shorter to prevent fatigue and avoid drag on the tissue.
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Thyroid disorders
Massage can help when the thyroid gland does not function properly. The thyroid gland delivers hormones via the bloodstream to different parts of the body. It is mainly involved in regulating the metabolism and it influences the temperature, growth and development of the body. It also helps to maintain normal function of the circulatory and nervous system. It is itself regulated by the pituitary gland that releases a hormone called the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). In response to TSH, the thyroid produces the hormones: T3 and T4 which are released into the bloodstream to complete their task. Sometimes the body produces too many hormones and sometimes too little creating havoc in the body.
Sometimes nodules grow on either side of the thyroid gland, and most are benign but the result is an overproduction of hormones. This condition is called hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease. The signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism are, amongst many others, rapid and sometimes irregular heart beat, unexplained weight loss, swelling and tenderness towards the front of the throat, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability. Studies have found that massage generally aids in stress management, can assist in slowing down the heart rate, improve the sleep pattern, control feelings of anxiety, and decrease swelling.
Sometimes the thyroid does not produce sufficient hormones resulting in hypothyroidism, which causes the metabolism to slow down making it difficult to cope with daily activities. The common signs and symptoms are fatigue, exhaustion, weight gain, pain and stiffness in muscles joints. Chronic constipation is also common, as well as depression and mood swings. I could also add a poor circulation and fluid retention to this array of symptoms. In fact, lymphoedema often develops secondary to hypothyroidism. The correct treatment for a person diagnosed with a thyroid disorder may depend upon the cause of the problem. Most people may require thyroid hormone replacement therapy and it may be recommended to address the diet and lifestyle factors. Massage studies have found that regular massages can enhance moods. In fact they suggest that massage may elicit a "high" similar to that experienced after moderate intensity exercise. Massage can also increase the energy levels by stimulating the blood circulation, help with pain and decrease stiffness in the joints and increase the range of movement. A complex lymphatic therapy can assist with the management of lymphoedema and restore control and quality in someone’s life with a combination of lymph drainage massage, compression therapy and exercise.U
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is the term used to describe the poor venous blood drainage from a part of the body. When this situation occurs the load on the lymphatic system increases automatically and the major veins of the legs become dilated and tortuous and their valves do not function properly, as in varicose veins. Varicose veins can stay in the same condition for many years or they can gradually deteriorate to what is called chronic venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency can also be caused by other diseases such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blockage in the deep vein by a blood clot, and phlebitis which is the inflammation of a vein. Usually there is a strong hereditary factor attached to it, and often it is aggravated with pregnancy and/or prolonged standing or following surgery. During pregnancy the pressure in the veins is increased mainly because of the partial blocking of the venous return when the fetus presses against the pelvis but this situation should only be temporary until the baby is born.
A lymphatic drainage massage can help relieve the leg congestion, and help reduce scarring and fibrosis. Wearing a compressive garment can speed up the circulation allowing the muscles to contract against resistance, and so pumping blood and lymphatic fluid towards the heart. This also explains why exercise is so important. A lymphatic drainage combined with bandaging for a very swollen limb for 6 to 10 days may also be an option to achieve a faster, more substantial reduction before wearing the garment.
A few tips to improve the leg circulation are to walk, run, go for a bike ride or swim regularly. Should you sit a lot, use a footrest under the desk to take the weight off your legs, do not cross the legs and keep them elevated as often as possible. Have a cold feet and leg shower before going to bed to strengthen the veins and promote good sleep.
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