Interesting Article on Back Pain

I would like to share an article that I came across today that will sound familiar to some of my low back pain clients.  I often check the piriformis muscle when treating certain low back and sciatic issues.  I really like the stretches and think the trigger point one done with the Mini Acuball would work wonders!  If after reading this article you have questions please ask! 

Thanks and enjoy!

Here is the link,
http://tao-fit.com/low-back-and-sciatic-pain-piriformis

Acuball

Some of you have seen or at least heard me talking about this great little gadget that I got from the Canadian Massage Conference last month.

Well after using it myself over the past month I am pleased to announce that Acuball is now available at Georgian Bay Massage Therapy for purchase!

I would like to share my experience up to this point and hopefully you will understand why I am loving Acuball.

First you are probably wondering what is this Acuball.  It is a heatable self massage tool.  It comes in two different sizes.  Both sizes look like a drier ball (round with little bumps all over)  The large ball has a track around the center to help proper placement along the spine without unnecessary pressure on the Spinous processes.

So here is my story:
I saw these little things at the conference last month and thought to myself if it can help with my chronic pain then I will tell everyone who will listen about this amazing little ball.
So I purchased a kit and headed home.  I heated up the large Acuball and placed in under my low back.  (For those who don't know I suffer from chronic low back pain.  I wake up in discomfort every time I turn over in my sleep, if I am caught off-guard when I sneeze I can throw my back out and end up on the floor!) So I went through the suggested spots to place the ball and held each one for almost 3 minutes.  Some positions were uncomfortable to start.  I would lay on the floor in front of the tv, and this was great until the dog found me!  Lately I have been heating it up and using it at night in bed.  I lay there with the heat penetrating and my body relaxing into the ball. (The softness of the mattress makes some of the positions more comfortable).  I love the feeling of laying there warming up and relaxing.  The best part is that I haven't woken up during the night in pain!
There was another symptom of my chronic pain. I would wake up in the morning unable to get out of bed without a large amount of pain.  I sometimes needed help to get out of bed.  Since using the acuball, the pain has diminished.  I won't lie and tell you that it is gone, but I am able to get up most mornings without help and start walking around right away.  I am hoping that this will continue on an upward swing and that the pain will be minimal at all times.  (they say it can take months to undo years worth of dysfunction and pain)
The Acuball mini, I use while sitting on the couch and I roll it around in my hands giving them I nice massage.  I also roll it under my foot to release restrictions that form from being on my feet most of the day.
I have had clients with Plantar Fasciitis use it and they are reporting relief from their symptoms.
What I like is having the control over the amount of pressure applied.
For my client I am recommending it as home care between sessions.  For the most part they are able to target specific spots and maintain the results achieved during treatment.

If you are interested in learning more or coming by the clinic to try it let me know.   I believe that you need to try it before you buy it.  I also think that once you have tried it you will love it!

I have information on pricing available on the website.

Deep Tissue Massage

So when you hear Deep Tissue Massage you might picture your therapist walking on your back, grinding their elbow into your poor muscles, you holding in cries of pain and tears!

This is not what Deep Tissue Massage is about.

There is a difference between a deep tissue massage and a deep pressure treatment.

Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the deeper layers of tissue.  It uses slow and deep pressure on the contracted areas.  It is not uncommon to have some discomfort during the treatment (if it is too much to tolerate let your therapist know), or for a day or so after receiving treatment.  This technique is best used for chronic tension and re-occurring injuries.

The therapist may use techniques involving elbows and fingers in order to access the deeper muscles of the body.  These techniques may be used going with or against the muscle fibers. It can also use techniques referred to as Myofasical release (more in another blog)

Deep pressure massage would consist of a steady use of an increased pressure using basic techniques throughout the treatment.  It does not focus on a particular compliant.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage taken from: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/massage.htm

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Postural problems
• Ostearthritis pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle tension or spasm

A common misunderstanding of the therm deep tissue massage is that the whole treatment will use deep consistent pressure.  It would be to taxing on the therapist and the client on both a physical and emotional level.

Swedish Massage

What a great week it has been here at Georgian Bay Massage Therapy!!  We took part in the Annual  Fall Trade show put on by our local Chamber of Commerce (well done ladies!)  This coming Saturday we are going to be a part of the Christmas Shopping Extravaganza at the North Simcoe Sport and Rec. Centre.  We will be selling gift certificates, answering questions and booking appointments.  I want to thank my dear friend Denise for her help :)  Also my amazing and supportive boyfriend for all his help.


Now let's get into something a little more massage related.


 Do you ever look at a list of services offered by an RMT and wonder which one is right for you?  I am hoping that the next few blogs will help clearly define some of the more popular types you will see.


The most common is "Swedish Massage".  This is the most common form of massage offered in North America.  If you are unsure with what type is best for you, start here.  During your first treatment you will be able to discuss your needs with your therapist.  They will advise you as to which type is going to work best for your specific goals.

Swedish Massage is a term that covers a broad range of techniques that are used to manipulate the tissue, relaxes the muscles and provide a general feeling well being.  It combines the use of several techniques including effleurage, kneading, squeezing, muscle stripping and tapotement.  This treatment uses gentle to firm pressure in rhythmic strokes to promote relaxation, decrease tension and increase circulation.

So whether you are a first timer or a seasoned massage goer, a Swedish Massage will benefit you.

Next time we will look at Deep Tissue Massage.

Your Good Health - Lymphedema

I had the opportunity to write an article this month for our local paper. The second Thursday of each month there is a section called "Your Good Health". I took this opportunity to try and increase awareness of Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that mostly affects people post cancer treatment. There are ways to manage the condition and I think I achieved my goal of getting the word out there through the article. Please have a look and let me know what you think!

Lymphedema:

Have you had radiation therapy for cancer or lymph node removal to see if a cancer has migrated? If you or anyone you know can answer yes to these questions, have you ever heard of lymphedema? No? Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of tissue fluid in a limb due to ineffective lymphatic system. Procedures such as radiation and lymph node removal cause trauma to the system and may result in a sluggish lymphatic system. It is not a condition that affects everyone, and there is no way to determine if or when someone at risk will get it. It occurs most commonly in women who have had breast cancer or cervical cancer, and as a part of the staging process had lymph nodes removed or radiation treatments to the axilla or groin areas. It occurs mostly in the arms, legs, and abdomen but can be anywhere in the body. It first starts with any or a combination of the following symptoms: feeling of heaviness in the affected limb, swelling in the limb as the day progresses, clothing or jewellery fitting tight, skin tightening, achiness, limb feels full and a decrease in mobility. It can progress to constant swelling, discomfort, skin changes, infection, pain and skin pitting. It is non-life threatening but some of the complications such as infections must be treated by medical professionals immediately. If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema, Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT), is the most recognized and successful treatment available at this time. CDT combines several modalities of treatment to achieve, maintain and manage the best results possible. These modalities are:

• Integrated / Manual Lymphatic Drainage: hands on massage techniques used to help redirect the fluid into other pathways of the lymphatic system to encourage drainage.
• Compression Therapy: use of special bandaging or compression garments to help maintain and manage results achieved from hands on treatment. 
• Exercise: review of current programs to identify possible triggers or modifications to help maximize quality of life.  
• Education and Self Care: provided by the therapist to the client and the client’s family about the condition, reducing risks of triggering an incidence, managing and taking steps to keep tissue healthy. 

The primary goal of CDT is to mobilize the congested tissue fluid, reduce the proliferation of connective tissue and fat and diminish symptoms. Only certified therapists should treat Lymphedema. You can find a certified therapist and more information through associations such as The Lymphedema Association of Ontario (www.lymphontario.ca). If you think you may be at risk or want to find out more you can contact the Lymphedema Association of Ontario, or check with your local cancer support centers to see if they offer an education series dealing with lymphedema or have other resource material dealing with lymphedema.

A Short Introduction

Hi,

Welcome to the Georgian Bay Massage Therapy.

For our first blog I thought I would share a really short introduction. 

We are a therapeutic massage clinic located in the beautiful  town of Penetanguishene, Ontario. 

We specialized in Lymphedema treatment / management, injury management and of course relaxation! 

We offer a range of specialized techniques that are effective in the treatment and management of many conditions.

Our next few blogs will discuss in more detail the services offered at our clinic and introduce myself.