Category: <span>Myotherapy</span>

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Myotherapy Sports Massage By tensionr 0 Comments

Hydration – Drink Up – Before, During and After Exercise

Summertime is nearing, so you've got no more excuses for not going outside to get some physical activity. Outdoor activity is a great way to put the fun into fitness -- but it requires paying special attention to hydration.

Our bodies are made up of more than half water and we use it for pretty much every bodily function — from regulating body temperature to removing waste to lubricating joints to carrying oxygen to the cells. That’s why you feel so fatigued, dizzy and moody when you’re dehydrated.

When it's warm, your body perspires more to help you cool down. And depending on the temperature, humidity, and the nature of your activity, you might not even realize how much you are perspiring.

Don't rely on thirst alone to tell you how much you need to drink. To keep those muscles working and avoid fatigue; it's extremely important to drink plenty of liquids before, during, and after activity.

A good guideline to use when preparing for an outdoor workout, whether it's walking, running, biking, or tennis, is to drink about two cups of fluid two hours before the activity. That helps make sure you are well-hydrated before you even go outdoors.

Then, during the activity, try to sip some water every 15-20 minutes to keep your muscles well-hydrated. If you are planning an hour-long walk or gym workout, fill a water bottle and take it with you.

Last, drink up after you're finished with your exercise to rehydrate the body.

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Myotherapy Remedial Massage By tensionr 0 Comments

Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief Through Myotherapy

Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sensations of sciatic nerve pain are different for everybody; there are those who claim that the pain is the kind that builds up over time, and then there are those who describe their pain as the hot radiating kind that shocks their lower body repeatedly. Suffice it to say, sciatic nerve pain attacks can render anybody helpless, and for those who experience such pain frequently, the condition fully compromises quality of life.

Most people who suffer from this type of pain are prescribed non-steroidal pain killers which alleviate the pain for several hours or so. The problem with the frequent intake of pain killers is that it can thin the stomach lining, make a person hyper-acidic and lead to liver damage. Meanwhile, there are some who are advised to get surgery as treatment, but this is really expensive and is only for those with intense pains who have tried out more conservative treatments yet witnessed no positive results from such treatments.

Sciatica treatment

Treating sciatica is on a case-to-case basis, but what medical professionals agree on and advise is for sciatica sufferers to get some physical stimulation (like exercise and massage) because without proper physical activity, low back muscles can become weaker and deconditioned. And with weak, deconditioned low back muscles, pains can actually become more intense in the future because the spine cannot support the whole frame of the body anymore. Likewise, without proper physical activity and stimulation, important nutrients that the spine requires to be strong and healthy will not get distributed and absorbed properly. Yet again, this varies among cases because physical exertion may lead to a flare up of pain if not executed properly, and this now leaves therapeutic massage as the safest bet for sciatic nerve pain relief.

What’s particularly beneficial about massage that is performed by a trained professional is that the body receives the stimulation it needs for better circulation without the pain sufferer exerting too much effort. All the patient has to do is lie face-down on the massage bed and the massage therapist can treat the impinging nerves typically found at the base of the spine (the sacral bone) which is the origin point of the nerve pain. On top of that, massage can also help maintain the body’s natural flexibility, which sciatic nerve pain sufferers tend to lose due to their limited movements. And lastly, it is also known to reduce inflammation which is a common manifestation of sciatica – this inflammation creates a tender feeling around the source of the pain but therapeutic massage can easily address that to promote better circulation for quick healing.

Therapeutic massage for sciatic nerve pain typically requires several sessions, but relief from pain is longer-lasting, it’s more affordable, and most importantly, it has no side effects.

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Myotherapy Trigger Point Therapy By tensionr 0 Comments

The Design Of Pain – A Network Of Triggers And Remedies To Common Aches

Melbourne Wellness Professionals Reveal a Network of Triggers and Remedies to Common Aches.

There was a Readers’ Digest special feature back in the seventies or eighties which told the true tale of an office employee who suffered from constant ringing in his ears that was at times accompanied by headaches and nausea. He consulted different doctors who provided prescriptions which were all ineffective in ridding him of the discomforts he was feeling. Weeks turned into months, and months turned into a year, and the ringing grew worse; the pains he’d been feeling have also already extended to his lower back. He continued to seek medical help and one doctor told him that he was dying.

Not one to easily give up, he continued to find a solution to his health problem and finally found a doctor who looked beyond the symptoms he had and inspected him more closely. The doctor took note of the collar size of the button-up shirt the man was wearing and then provided the most credible explanation to the ringing in the ears and pains that the man had been suffering from — the size of the collar (which was always buttoned and stylishly reinforced by a necktie) of the shirt was too small; it restricted blood and air from properly flowing to the head, and put uncomfortable pressure on his spine. True enough, a change in the size of clothing eventually got rid of the ringing in the ears, headaches, neck and back pains, and nausea the man often felt.

Loose, comfortable clothing allow blood and oxygen to be transported properly to the brain and this remains to be one of the most overlooked solutions to relieving pain, Melbourne wellness professionals claim. Tight jeans, shirts, shoes and underwear are common culprits not only for pains but even disfigurement of body parts — have you seen Oprah’s feet?

Another often overlooked but effective remedy for pain is drinking water. Most people just think that it’s for health maintenance but some of the aches the body feels can be eased instantly by drinking more water. Water rids the body of harmful toxins that cause infection and inflammation; drinking water allows the body to flush out toxins and at the same time rehydrate cells for quick recovery. The rule of thumb when it comes to healthy consumption of water is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces; so if you weigh 127 to 130 pounds, you must drink 65 to 78 ounces of water. For back pains that hinder movement, drinking this much water or slightly more will provide moisture to the disk between every two vertebrae of the spine. The disk, which is filled with gelatinous substance called the nucleus pulposis, is the shock absorber between the bones and it is primarily water, so keeping it hydrated prevents friction between bones that cause “creaky” back pains.

It’s imperative to direct attention to ergonomics as well in relieving body aches. Chairs that are built for complete comfort are the best when you’re working long hours on a project for school or work. Those that recline and come with an adjustable desk (and massaging features) will prevent you from hunching over, which is perhaps one of the worst positions for your body. A hunched posture is deemed responsible for a variety of aches that stretch from the neck and radiate all the way to the calves and ankles. The base of the spine is most vulnerable with this position as it’s the centre of the body’s frame; therefore, providing it adequate support to keep it in a comfortable angle while working can ease those tension knots and maintain flexibility of the body.

Myotherapy running By tensionr 0 Comments

Sports Massage – Melbourne Endurance Athletes’ Weapon Against Injuries

Since the year 2000, marathon running has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Unlike before where finishing one became an enviable badge of achievement by a select few, today more and more people are joining and finishing running events.

On one hand, this can be seen as a proactive move for people against the trends of a sedentary lifestyle and the prevalence of fast foods. On the other hand, running has become more popular because it is one of the easiest fitness activities one can engage in. Apart from a good pair of running shoes, you do not really need anything else to get started. Simply open the door, step out of your house, and start running.

The same can be said for cycling. Cycling is pretty much a straightforward endeavour, just like running – hop onto your bike and start pedalling. Some fitness enthusiasts have even upped the ante by combining both activities through duathlons, or in combination with swimming as triathlons.

While novice runners and cyclists become prone to injuries (in one part due to over enthusiasm, and in one part due to improper form), it is not uncommon for seasoned athletes to succumb to injuries, thus requiring rehabilitation and other treatments like sports massage. Melbourne runners and cyclists need to know what these injuries are in order to help them minimise the chances of getting them.

Among the most common injuries among endurance athletes are the runner’s knee or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPD), the Achilles tendinitis which affects the calf muscles, hamstring injuries, plantar fasciitis or small tears in the tendons and ligaments found in the feet, shin splints, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), and stress fracture.

If you are just getting started in endurance sports, here are a few tips to help you avoid getting sidelined by an injury, regardless of whether your goal is to finish your first 5k or beat your own cycling record:

First, gradually increase your training volume to let your body adapt to the increased stress. Make sure to get the best equipment. If you are a runner, that means getting the right type of running shoes. Many dealers of running shoes offer free feet and gait analyses to help their customers find the right pair. If you are a cyclist, make sure that your bike is adjusted to the right height. Know the value of proper warm ups, cool downs and stretching. As much as possible, incorporate some sort of strength training into your training regime. Finally, make sure that you get adequate rest and recovery.

Sports massage therapy can be particularly beneficial to endurance athletes who push their bodies to the limit. This type of massage can help relieve an athlete from the stress and tension associated with the continuous use of a particular muscle group. It is also beneficial in preventing injuries and is used to treat sprains, strains and cramps. Among the other benefits of this massage are increased flexibility, improved blood circulation and lymph flow and better muscle tissue healing.

Even seasoned athletes succumb to injuries. What is important is how they bounce back stronger. Whether you are just starting out or recovering from an injury, add sports massage into your arsenal of recovery techniques.

Myotherapy Trigger Point Therapy By tensionr 0 Comments

Facts About Trigger Point Therapy Melbourne Residents Should Know

Trigger point therapy can be used to remedy a variety of conditions including sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis and even neck and jaw pain and headaches. But apart from pain relief, trigger point therapy, Melbourne residents ought to know, offers plenty of other benefits including improved flexibility and circulation as well as reduction of stiffness and muscle tension. But what exactly are trigger points?

Put simply, trigger points are parts of muscles which are in a constant state of contraction. They are usually situated at the middle of muscle fibres and are characterised by the grouping of sarcomeres. Trigger points can cause people a great deal of pain. However, they cannot be easily detected. In addition to this, trigger points cause pain in another location of the body. Trigger points can also restrict a person’s range of motion and even his posture. Typically, they cause numbness, a tingling or burning sensation. In some instances, trigger points may cause dizziness.

Trigger points can be created by a variety of causes. This can range from direct trauma, repetitive movements and heavy exertion like lifting heavy objects improperly. Other causes include inadequate nutrition, stress, infections and even hormonal imbalance.

A trained and experienced trigger point therapist can confirm the presence of trigger points by applying pressure on a suspected area. If the pain that you regularly experience is replicated once this is done, then you actually have trigger points. Alternatively, the therapist can test your range of motion. The therapist will ask you to do specific postures, taking note of which positions you have limited range of motion in. He can also look into your medical history and see how past events could have contributed to the creation of trigger points.

In treating trigger points, your therapist will apply direct pressure on it. Afterwards, that muscle will be “re-trained” so that the pain will not come back. This is done through stretching and other techniques.

Note that trigger point massage is different from acupressure which operates upon the principle of activating specific areas in the body to boost the flow of energy and eliminate those that block its path. When a therapist works on a trigger point, he is looking for a particular area which causes pain in the patient.

Because trigger points can be deceptive, you should consider undergoing trigger point massage to remedy pain that has been nagging you for an extended period of time and has not been remedied by other forms of treatment.

Myotherapy Remedial Massage By tensionr 0 Comments

Sciatic Nerve Pain Treatment Options

Those who suffer from sciatic nerve pain claim that when the pain is manageable, it typically doesn’t stay that way for long, and when it’s intense, it’s just pure torture. Because of the great discomfort and the way this unique pain compromises quality of life, many of them are willing to spend a lot of money just to make the pain go away permanently.

There are different sciatic nerve pain treatment options out there, but choosing one to try and invest money in would always depend on the cause (which could be a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, lumbar disc, Piriformis Syndrome, or a pinched nerve) and the gravity of the condition.For example, if one could no longer walk because of the excruciating pain that originates from the buttocks down to the sciatic nerve of the legs and radiates all the way down to the toes, an aggressive treatment will surely be required. As for dull aches that are manageable but last for hours, therapeutic treatments normally would suffice.

For those who are still looking for the best way to treat their sciatica, provided below are the available treatment options and how effective they are.

  1. Heat and Cold Therapy -This works for acute sciatic nerve pain. Just alternate using a hot compress with a cold one for 20 minutes within two hours and the pain will eventually subside.
  2. Over the counter pain-relievers -Ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and acetaminophen, which are all anti-inflammatory drugs, can alleviate sciatic pain. These drugs take effect about30 minutes to an hour after intake, but the relief is only temporary  most of the time, just several hours. Oral steroids work similarly. Pain sufferers should take great caution in taking these pain-relievers, though; many have become addicted to them because the relief they provide is only temporary.
  3. Steroid injections -These are prescribed for really intense sciatic pains. Their pain relieving effect is instantaneous, but some people may be allergic to steroids, so this treatment is definitely not for them. And just like other pain relievers, the effects are also temporary.
  4. Chiropractic manipulation -This can improve spine alignment, which chiropractors and physical therapists claim should help address a number of underlying conditions that can cause sciatic nerve pain. Relief from pain after a set of sessions can last from weeks to months.
  5. Massage therapy -This aids the healing process by means of physical stimulation. Massage sessions can undo tension knots that create pressure on the spine, as well as improve circulation for better distribution of nutrients to the spine to help it recover. Several massage sessions can bring sciatic pain relief for up to three months. But another great advantage of this treatment is that, among all the other provisions, this massage can actually complement other treatment options for sciatic pain. It can reinforce the positive effects of all other treatments and even yield other health benefits. Lastly, it’s more affordable.
  6. Low-impact exercises -Like massage, they promote healing and maintain the strength and flexibility required for recovery. Regular exercise can completely eradicate acute sciatic pains because the body’s natural healing ability is strengthened by it.
  7. Sciatica surgery -This is the best option if the pain cannot be alleviated by other treatment methods and it continues to get worse, such as when there’s progressive weakness in the legs and the person also starts to suffer from incontinence. There are two types of sciatic surgery: a microdiscectomy, which is a small open surgery, and a lumbar laminectomy, which is an open decompression. The success rate in permanent relief from sciatic pain for these two methods is high. For microdiscectomy, 95% of patients claim relief four weeks after getting the procedure, and for lumbar laminectomy, 70% to 80% of patients experience significant relief from pains and claim that they are able to go back to doing their normal activities.
Myofascial Release Therapy Myotherapy By tensionr 0 Comments

How To Make Back Pain Go Away

A sudden injury, a strenuous activity, or improper posture a lot of things can lead to back problems. When the pain sets in, you could be out of commission for days on end or simply have difficulty bending down. Whatever happens when you get back pains, it’s important not to instantly panic and think that the problem could mean something is terribly wrong with your health. Sometimes, the aches will go away in a few weeks. But you’ll immediately need to take action and prevent the pains from being chronic. Here are a few recommendations to treating back pains.

Take it easy and then sit or lie down in the most comfortable position. When you first experience back pain, don’t strain yourself further by moving things or lifting items. You can lie on your back, place a couple pillows under your legs and let the pain subside. When it does, going for a walk, without carrying anything in your hands, your feet pointing straight and your head up, is considered to be beneficial. When it doesn’t subside and you feel electrical pain shooting down your legs and you’ve got lower extremity numbness, get medical help from a specialist.

Practice good posture. Some back pains may have been building up for years because you might not have beensitting in the right position or brushing your teeth over the sink correctly. Poor posture, over many years, can put needless strain on your back. Having the right amount of curvature in the back will take the pressure off the nerves and consequently, relieve you of back pains.

Exercise will improve your flexibility and strengthen your core. Performing simple (and not strenuous) exercises and routines (like yoga) can sometimes reduce backaches. Increasing flexibility can place equal load throughout your body while strengthening abdominal muscles can reduce the strain on your lower back.

Get soothing therapies. Massage therapies create a number of benefits, one of which is treating back pains. Various soothing therapies have been recognised as legitimate support to alleviating lower back pain. A good massage will not only work out your muscle spasms but also improve your range of motion.

You can try deep tissue massage, which may be used for postural problems and chronically tight muscles. You can try acupressure, which uses common techniques like kneading and vibration to treat chronic back and neck pains. You can also ask your therapist specifically for back massage. Neuromuscular therapy, also known as trigger point therapy, has also been recognised as an effective treatment for lower back muscle strain.

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Myotherapy Sports Massage By tensionr 0 Comments

Sports Injuries And Four Therapeutic Treatments To Promote Complete Healing

A lot of injuries these days are caused by engaging in sports. While such physical activities serve as great forms of a workout to stay fit, the impact and intensity of certain movements can knock the body out of balance and result in a painful injury. Most sports injuries take a really long time to heal, and even after the usual invasive treatments like surgeries have been properly performed, there are still other treatments required to restore the injured body part back to full health.

Sports injuries vary in gravity, but regardless of whether it is just a regular sprain or an ACL injury, therapy is greatly recommended for full recovery. When a body part is injured, naturally it can only perform a very limited range of movements so as not to aggravate the pain and worsen the swelling. Because of this, the flexibility of the muscles and joints are compromised and if you want to get back in the “game, you’re going to have to restore that lost flexibility.

There are different types of therapeutic treatments to address pain and flexibility issues. You have acupuncture, which basically helps in promoting wellness by getting rid of the blockages in the energy channels or meridians that inhibit complete healing. This ancient Chinese medical practice is quite effective as well for tension release and other bodily pains caused by a particular illness or even stress.

Quite similar to acupuncture is acupressure, but instead of using needles to treat the blocked meridians, the hands and fingers are used. It’s not too different from a massage as well but it really focuses on the Chinese principles of balance restoration to promote better health, healing and complete recovery; it’s even known to get rid of toxins in the body. All the kneading may be a little painful at first, but most of the time, the relief from internal pains caused by the injury is automatically felt after the session.

And then there’s sports massage; this is used both for injury prevention and treatment for sprains and strains. As a therapeutic treatment for a sports injury, it can relieve swelling and pain, encourage better muscle tissue healing, and gradually increase flexibility so a wide range of movements can be performed more naturally again.

Lastly, there’s myotherapy which complements the benefits of sports massage. This is usually composed of myofascial release, trigger point therapy, cupping and dry needling. It’s like a combination of three aforementioned treatments and more, and that’s why it is highly recommended for athletes recovering from severe injuries or really just for chi restoration to promote the health of joints, nerves, and muscles to maintain a high level of physical performance.

All of these are effective, but do consult a licensed therapist first before deciding which one of these suits your physical needs best.