Anyone for tennis? How massage therapy can benefit tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition that is not usually anything to do with tennis, most sufferers of tennis elbow have probably not been near a tennis racket since school! Tennis elbow is in fact the term for a condition known clinically as lateral epicondylitis. Pain is felt around the outside of the elbow, around the outside of the upper forearm and is most keenly felt when lifting or bending the arm. People with tennis elbow may also have difficulty in gripping and twisting the forearm - such as holding pens or opening a jar or turning handles, they may also have having difficulty extending the forearm
Nervous About Massage
Having been a professional massage therapist for many years I sometimes see people who become self conscious before, and at the beginning of the massage session - this is very often when clients are new to massage or myself as a therapist. In this weeks blog I look at some of the embarrassing questions that you may have and hopefully I will be able to provide some reassuring answers. The massage therapy sessions I provide are completely professional and tailored to your needs accordingly
Sciatica – and how massage therapy can help
Sciatica is the name given to pain caused by compression and irritation of the sciatic nerves. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the pelvis down both the left and right side of the buttocks, down the legs and to the feet. The pain caused by this compression and irritation manifests itself in the lower back, buttock and various parts of the leg or foot. As well as the pain, which can sometimes be quite severe, some people may suffer from muscle weakness, tingling (pins and needles) and difficulty controlling or moving the leg. Shooting pains from the leg may make it difficult to stand up. Typically, sciatica is felt down one side of the body, lasting from a few days or for months. Sciatic pain lasting more than 6 weeks is considered to be persistent, or chronic, sciatica.
Runner’s knee
Before I treat a person it is essential that I have a clear and full understanding of what the problem is. Each client is treated individually but as a general guideline, most knee-pain disorders are helped with techniques that reduce tension in the quadriceps muscle group (thigh muscles). PFPS is greatly helped by deep tissue massage which can be applied to the soft tissue around the patella (knee bone). The benefits of a regular sports massage includes aiding mobility, increases energy levels and can also speed up the healing process after injury. Sports massage is used to enhance strength, performance and speed in athletes and to remove toxins and lactic acid after exercise. Many different movements and techniques are used in sports massage. Examples of these techniques include Classical Massage Strokes; effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), compression, friction, tapotement (rhythmic striking), vibration, gliding, stretching, percussion and trigger points.
A pain in the neck
Last week we had a look at non-specific lower back problems and how massage therapy can help relieve the pain. Of course, when treating a client with a painful lower back I would always consider the whole body and this is the same as someone who complains of a stiff neck. Often, both head and neck strain is caused by tension in the supporting muscles of the neck and this can be because of either physical or emotional stress. This makes the muscles feel tight and uncomfortable and the pain is most often felt in the upper back and back part of the neck. You may experience tension or stress headaches which can cause discomfort; this often spreads from the upper back and neck over the head. It can feel like something is pressing on the top of your head or being wound tightly around it. Tiredness, too much screen time and the pressure of deadlines all put our muscles under pressure - not just the muscles in the neck and back, but our eyes, too. Read here how the symptoms of stress can be relieved with massage.
Back problems? Have a massage!
Unfortunately back pain is common and affects most people at some point during their lives. It is often triggered by lifting something incorrectly, sitting badly, sleeping awkwardly, bending, having a fall, stress or from sustaining a sporting injury. This is known as acute (sudden onset) lower back pain. In most cases it is not due to a serious disease or a chronic back problem. Chronic back pain is measured by duration - pain that persists for more than 3 months and is often progressive. As with acute back problems, the cause of the pain can be unclear and this is known as non-specific lower back pain. The pain can range from mild to severe. This is the most common form of back discomfort in adults and the type of back problem I often see and treat regularly.
professional Associations and bodies
Being a massage therapist I belong to a number of associations and bodies, governing bodies that is, which can help give assurance to clients. As a therapist who is registered, you can be confident that I have been assessed and meet the national standards of competence and practice and thereby enhance your safety. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council was set up with government support to regulate not only massage therapy, but all complimentary therapies.
Staying healthy this winter – have a regular massage!
Massage actually helps the body maintain an overall level of health; it stimulates the nervous system, blood vessels and lymphatic system, and is associated with general relaxation, wellbeing and a significant reduction in stress – as we have touched upon in my previous posts. The release of adrenalin which occurs when the body is anxious or stressed stimulates the production of cortisol; a chemical associated with increased levels of body fat and diminished immunity. Regular massage promotes relaxation and deeper breathing which can in turn can reduce anxiety, blood pressure and the heart rate in the body. Massage is known to stimulate the release of endorphins in the body, which in turn stimulates the immune system. A healthy immune system is crucial in staving off infections which are spread by being in contact with people.
Why does it feel so good?
We have long known that rubbing, kneading and stroking muscles has been an effective way of relieving soreness and tension.