Shoveling Tips

With the blast of winter we got last night I thought I would post an article from January's "the Massage Message" I hope it is helpful!

  

Here are some tips to help minimize the risk of injury.

1. Pick a shovel that is light weight and comfortable.

 2. Keep you hands far apart  (creates better lever)

 3. Keep a wide stance with your feet.

 4. Turn with your feet instead of twisting to throw snow.

 5. Don’t let the snow pile up.  Fresh snow is lighter and easier to push.

 6. Take Breaks.

 7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

 8. Stretch before and after to warm up muscles.

 9. STOP!!! If you experience any pain, shortness of breathe, numbness or tingling in the arm.  Seek medical attention.

 10. Remember to bend at the knees.

 11. Push the snow as much as possible and lift only at the end.

 12. Dress for the weather.  You lose up to 50% of your body heat from your head, so put a hat on.

 13. Get a snow blower! ;)

Lymphedema Education.....

As some of you may have seen last week I announced the dates of this year's Lymphedema Lectures.  Not all of you may know what this is all about so I thought I would take the opportunity to get you in the loop.

Last March I finished my training to become certified in Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  CDT is a specialized training taken over the past two years that focuses on the treatment and management of Lymphedema.  (I posted an article on Lymphedema last November) With this training I became determined to educate the public about this condition.
Lymphedema is a non-curable condition but it can be managed and those who are diagnosed can continue to live their normal life.  It is common in cancer survivors.  As I was preparing to take my final Level of CDT training, an article appeared in the local paper that announced the opening of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.  (http://www.simcoe.com/community/health/article/906371--filling-a-serious-gap-for-cancer-patients)  What a great platform for me to educate those who may already or are at high risk of developing lymphedema!
I got in touch with Sandy Cornell the Director and Founder of the centre and pitched my idea.  She was just as excited as I was.  So the Lymphedema Lecture Series - Lymphedema and Me, was developed.  The idea started as a series of 3 lectures covering a boat load of information.  It was well received by the members.

The 3 topics were:
1. Getting to know Lymphedema
This covered the basics, What is lymphedema?  What is the lymphatic system?  Who is at risk?  Types of lymphedema, and signs and symptoms of the disease.
2.  What are my options?
In this lecture we covered in more detail what treatment options are available and what those at risk can do to help lower their chances of developing lymphedema.
3. Compression Bandages
In the final lecture we covered bandaging and garment options that are out there.  A demonstration done on myself of what is involved with self bandaging was performed.

This year we are going to change things up a little bit and combined the first two lectures into one and offer the third if there is interest.

The dates for the year are:

Thursday March 8, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday June 7, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm

Thursday September 13, 2012 from 1:00  to 2:00 pm 

Thursday December 6, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.

The presentations will be help at the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre which is located at 15 Jeffery Street, Penetanguishene, ON.

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at info@gbmt.ca

New Year's Resolutions

Well we are now a good way into January 2012.  Did you make New Year's Resolutions?  Are you still sticking to them?  It's not always easy to start fresh and change old habits.
Was one of your resolutions to take better care of yourself and make time for yourself?  A great way to keep this resolution is through regular massage.  There are many benefits of regular massage. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY? (Answer below is taken from the RMTAO website) There are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist.  Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being as well as your quality of life. Massage therapy benefits people of all ages.  While it benefits the injured, the ill and the stressed, the strength of massage therapy in preventing illness and conditions before they develop cannot be overlooked.  Massage therapy can be used in the treatment of both acute and chronic stages of conditions. The following is a list of conditions for which massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:   Anxiety and depression Asthma and Emphysema Back, leg, and neck pain Cancer Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain) Chronic Fatigue syndrome Dislocations Fibromyalgia Fractures and edema Gastrointestinal disorders Headaches Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis Insomnia Kyphosis and Scoliosis Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Muscle tension and spasm Palliative care Post-surgical rehabilitation Pregnancy and labour support

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.