Remedial Massage and a great way to Solve Back, and Shoulder Pain

How-oncology-massage-differs-from-other-massage

Back, neck and shoulder discomfort are the most common complaints I have when clients come to see me at my clinic. This can be caused by poor posture, spending long hours in front of the computer, having a sedentary life without exercising, stretching or due to an injury. Pain in these areas can really affect your daily life. Remedial massage has demonstrated to be an effective technique which helps to alleviate pain and discomfort over the whole body.

Remedial massage is a type of massage which focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal issues.  It includes the use of various techniques, such as deep tissue, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. All these together to treat pain, discomfort and tensions caused in muscles and joints.

It also helps alleviate pain in the back, neck and shoulders. Deep tissue and other techniques help to release tension and reduce pain the muscles and joints.

Tight muscles often limit your range of motion, making difficult to move your neck and shoulders. Having regular sessions of remedial massage can help you improve flexibility and restore your range of motion by loosening your tight muscles.

Poor posture can contribute to back to back, neck and shoulder pain. Regular remedial massage sessions can help to improve your posture by releasing tension in the muscles and restoring proper alignment of the spine.

Having regular sessions of remedial massage help to promote overall healing by increasing blood flow to the affected areas and promoting lymphatic drainage. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of injured tissues.

Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension and contribute to back, neck and shoulder pain. Again, session of remedial massage and help promote relaxation by reducing stress and tension in the body.

Why choosing remedial massage over other massages?

It’s a personalised treatment: After performing an assessment of the client, identify the areas that need to be addressed, the therapist can allocate his attention to those areas more than others.

Long-Term Benefits: It can provide you with long term benefits by promoting healing and preventing the recurrence of pain and discomfort in the back, neck and shoulders.

Relaxation: The right therapist and the right session can help to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help you to feel more relaxed and rejuvenated, which can improve your overall wellbeing

Your quality of life can be affected by problems in your back, neck and shoulder pain and affect your mental health as well. Booking regular remedial massage sessions targeting the areas of discomfort can certainly help you to solve those issues and alleviate pain. It is a safe, non-invasive and personalised according to your needs can make a massive difference in your life.

I always recommend to my clients to stretch daily to avoid and treat pain on the back, neck and shoulder. Choosing the right therapist, its also quite important, you need to choose the right person that is qualified, understand your needs and you can be comfortable with.

5 Health Benefits of Regular Massage

The ancient practice of massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being, especially in Eastern cultures. In recent years, the benefits of regular massage have been supported by numerous scientific studies in the West, making it a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine.

Having a regular massage can be beneficial to so many of the body’s systems and can have a profound positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.

  1. Reduce Stress

Stress and anxiety commonly effect many people these days, and regular massage has been shown to be an effective way to reduce these symptoms. Studies find that participants who received regular massage reported lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to a control group. Through the promotion of relaxation, regular massage can help to release tension in the body, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels.

Stress can be a common trigger for depression and anxiety, often associated with imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Regular massage has been shown to increase levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Various studies demonstrate that participants who received regular massage reported increased levels of serotonin and dopamine compared to a control group.

  1. Reduce Pain

On a physical level, massage therapy has been shown to be effective in relieving muscle tension and pain, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that participants who received regular massage experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to a control group. Massage therapy works by promoting blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, helping to reduce tension and relieve pain.

  1. Improve Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and regular massage has been shown to be an effective way to improve the quality of sleep. Studies find that participants who received regular massage reported improved sleep quality compared to a control group. By reducing stress and anxiety in the body, massage therapy can promote relaxation which leads to improved sleep quality.

  1. Support a Health Immune System

Having a regular massage can have a lasting, positive impact on the immune system, helping to improve overall health and well-being. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that participants who received regular massage experienced increased white blood cell counts, indicating improved immune function. Massage therapy promotes circulation and helps to reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can negatively impact the immune system.

  1. Sports Performance and Recovery

Regular massage can also be used to improve athletic performance especially in endurance sports. A study published in Medicine found that participants who received regular massage reported improved athletic performance and reduced muscle soreness compared to a control group. By promoting blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles, regular massage can help to reduce muscle tension and fatigue and enhance athletic performance with shorter recovery times.

In conclusion, a regular massage can offer numerous health benefits, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep quality and boosting immune function. If you are looking for a natural way to improve your health and well-being, consider incorporating regular massage therapy into your routine.

Resources:

National University of Health Science

AMTA

Mayo Clinic

Healthline

National Library of Medicine

Science Direct

National Library of Medicine

Medicine

Can Massage Therapy Treat Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a very common and often debilitating condition. It can affect anybody of any age, gender or walk of life. It is difficult to treat and usually the patient has been suffering over several months, or years, and has tried many other treatments prior to seeking out massage, therefore many cases are in a chronic state.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons at the lateral epicondyle (outside) area of the elbow. Inflammation and sometimes micro-tearing of the tendons that attach to the lateral area of your elbow can become tender and swollen. It can be painful to grip, carry anything or in some cases use your hand at all.

So How Did I Get It?

Although Tennis Elbow can be caused by playing tennis it can also be caused by other sports like weight lifting, rowing, cricket and rock climbing. Occupations requiring many hours of computer use or require vigorous, repetitive extension of the forearms and gripping of the fingers such as butchers, builders, plumbers, painters, bricklayers, physiotherapists, osteopaths and massage therapists. Even parents of small children can develop Tennis Elbow from lifting them several times a day.

How Do I Know If I Have It?

The main symptom of Tennis Elbow is pain on the lateral side of your elbow especially when palpating the area. It often starts as a mild occasional aching pain particularly when using your hands repetitively. The extensor forearm muscles often feel painful and tight and they become easily fatigued after a limited time of use. Aching and stiffness is common in the morning and pain can often start when flexing or extending your hand back and forth or when straightening your elbow. Over time the pain can slowly develop into a stronger more extreme pain that will be present most of the time. Gripping onto anything like a coffee cup, carrying shopping bags or even gripping the sheets when turning over in bed is often enough to diagnose the condition as advanced.

How can I get this treated?

There are many treatment choices for tennis elbow such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, dry needling, steroid injections, natural and pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medications and finally, surgery. But in this case, we will discuss massage therapy.

So How Will Massage Therapy Help Me?

The most effective type of massage is a deep massage focusing on the forearm muscles and transverse friction (cross friction) massage around the tendons of the elbow area. This is effective because deep tissue massage stimulates blood flow bringing oxygen and nutrients to the restricted muscles. This increases flexibility and breaks up scar tissue which lengthens the muscles and releases tension on the tendons at the elbow. The purpose of transverse friction massage is to break down tendon adhesions and to stimulate collagen production.

Generally, the best treatment regime is weekly or bi-weekly massage. The main focus of the massage is on the musculature of the forearm both lateral and medial and also, as discussed above, transverse friction on the tendons around the elbow. But focusing solely on the forearm and elbow, although important, usually results in limited success. Massaging other areas of the body and releasing tight, restricted muscles of the upper back, neck, shoulders, chest and arms releases dysfunctional postural movement patterns that may be contributing to the onset of the condition and delaying recovery.

How Long Will It Take to Recover?

Recovery from chronic Tennis Elbow is a slow and frustrating one. It often takes many massage sessions in conjunction with rehabilitation work like heat and ice therapy and stretching and strengthening, which can usually be done at home. Recovery time can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years so patience is essential to avoid reinjury. It is tempting to return to your normal activities as soon as your feel better but the damaged tissue is still vulnerable and can easily tear again before the healing process is fully complete. Even when you think it’s finally resolved and there has been no pain for several months it can easily reappear particularly if strain is put on the hands again. Therefore, if you feel it may be returning it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible as a second flareup can be even more challenging to recover from than the first.

What does it mean to see an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage?

Massage has the largest group of practitioners in the natural medicine industry; it’s estimated that there are over 15,000 massage therapists in Australia[1] and it’s no surprise that it’s a popular choice to help us ease our aches and pains.

But, did you know there are many types of massage, including remedial, aromatherapy, reflexology, deep tissue, myotherapy and more? With so much choice, how do you know who to see, and why is it important to see an accredited practitioner?

We’ve put together our tips to finding an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage.

What is Remedial Massage?

Remedial Massage is not a relaxation massage. It is the assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management.

Remedial Massage is designed to balance muscle and soft tissue length and tension which can promote the return of normal joint function. It can also improve posture and flexibility, relieving sore muscles, and preventing or managing injuries. Remedial Massage can also be highly beneficial for people with conditions such as chronic pain and sports injuries.

Remedial Massage therapists can also develop a treatment plan that will maximise and improve your wellbeing over the course of the treatment – the results are better when treatment is consistent.

Seeing an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage

Have you had a massage and not been given a Health Fund Rebate, and wondered why?

In order to offer a Health Fund Rebate, the Remedial Massage therapist must be accredited by a professional association, adhere to a code of ethics, hold professional indemnity insurance, meet minimum standards of education, and continue their professional education annually.

An accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage with the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) must complete a minimum number of hours of education and clinical practice. The current health training package recognises a Diploma of Remedial Massage as the standard to receive health fund rebates.

ATMS accredited practitioners are given an ‘I’m an accredited practitioner’ logo each year to display their accreditation on their website or in their shop.

If you’re unsure if your Remedial Massage therapist is accredited, you are allowed to ask:

  • What are your qualifications?
  • Who are you accredited with?
  • Will I get a health rebate?

There are many benefits to seeing an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage with studies showing this therapy type can be used to assist in the treatment of a variety of conditions including:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Jaw and head pain
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Tendinopathy
  • Insomnia
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Upper limb and back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Lower limb and foot pain (Plantar fasciitis)

Let an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage help optimise your health and wellbeing.

Find an accredited practitioner of Remedial Massage at www.atms.com.au/find-practitioner

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/618582/number-of-massage-therapists-in-australia/

Benefits of Oncology Massage for breast cancer patients

Oncology Massage is still a well-kept secret that is not just beneficial during the cancer treatment phase; it can also be utilised for rehabilitation post treatment and during survivorship and palliation.

October has rolled around again and if you weren’t in the know, all the pink will probably give you a hint – it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

One in seven women and one in 600 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime[1]. With such a high number of patients it is crucial that quality of life during and post treatment should be considered as part of the long term care plan. Side effects of cancer and its treatments are pretty common and breast cancer patients get some pretty distinct side effects.

With surgery comes scarring and the potential for a scar to form restrictions, tension, be painful or numb. Breast scars can also adhere to the chest wall causing discomfort. Gentle scar massage can be beneficial in scar healing and can be performed years down the track with great benefits. Radiation fibrosis can also create similar issues and appropriate massage can improve range of motion and soften the tissue, reducing discomfort in the region.

Cording (axillary web syndrome) is a band or elastic type feeling associated with lymph node dissection that can restrict range of movement. It can be felt in the axilla (armpit), chest wall, breast or arm. It is a common complaint of many patients treated for breast cancer; oncology massage can be utilised to reduce cording and improve range of motion.

Surgical removal of lymph nodes and radiation to the region can trigger lymphedema in the arm or chest region. Vigorous and deep massage is not recommended and trained oncology massage therapists will take into consideration a client’s risk of lymphedema and tailor a massage to suit their needs. If you do have lymphedema there is no reason you can’t have an appropriate massage. Manual lymphatic drainage will help with fluid movement; however, oncology massage can help with pain and discomfort associated with lymphedema.

Chemotherapy can also cause unwanted side effects – bowel upset tends to be common during treatment and can benefit greatly from abdominal massage. Peripheral neuropathy and osteopenia can be long lasting and an informed massage therapist will adapt their massage treatment so you can continue to have massage without any concerns.

Then there are the achy joints associated with ongoing hormonal treatments. Pain reduction is one of the many benefits of oncology massage and although the pain will probably return due to the fact the medication is ongoing, the relief gained for a short period of time can be really beneficial.

As you can see, there are many different benefits to oncology massage and treatment can be adapted to whatever symptoms you are personally experiencing. Feeling a general sense of wellbeing and a calmness from massage is so appreciated by all my breast cancer patients. Why not give it a go?

[1] National Breast Cancer Foundation

The Differences Between Bowen Therapy & Massage

As a Bowen Therapy Practitioner, few people know about or understand what Bowen Therapy is. Although, it is starting to become more known, there needs to be  a lot more education and awareness (both to other health practitioners and the public) before it becomes well known like remedial massage, acupuncture, and other health care modalities.

When I’m asked what I do for work, if I answer with ”I am a remedial massage therapist” the conversation keeps flowing. However, if I say “I’m a Bowen Therapist,” I will 90% of the time get a response, “what is that?”

Whilst Bowen Therapy and Massage have similarities such as promoting relaxation, reducing stress, muscular tension/ stiffness / pain, reducing headaches, improving mobility and circulation they also have some key differences.

 

Bowen Therapy

  • Bowen Therapy (Bowtech Bowen) sessions comprise of a series of gentle movements over soft tissue – muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. Between each set of move, the practitioner pauses for a couple of minutes for the client’s body to respond (this is when a client may feel sensations e.g. warmth, coolness, tingling however, it is very individual). Once the body has responded, the next moves are done.
  • Bowen Therapy addresses the entire body, rather than focusing on a single complaint.
  • It is very gentle, subtle and calming, making it a great treatment for all ages including babies and elderly. It requires minimal pressure and minimal intervention with no vigorous manipulation.
  • Bowen Therapy assists with emotional issues such as anxiety, hormonal issues such as menopause and digestive issues such as constipation, plus more.
  • No oil is used in a Bowen Therapy session, and light clothing may be worn.
  • Treatment lasts between 45-60 mins
  • There are very few contraindications with Bowen Therapy

 

Massage

  • Massage is a very hands on treatment.
  • There are different styles of massage
  • Depending on a clients presentation, the massage will focus on a single complaint or address the entire body with a full body massage.
  • The pressure is suited to the client
  • Oils are used in treatment.
  • A client can choose the length of treatment.

 

Both Bowen Therapy and Massage are fantastic treatments and can play a vital role in your physical and mental wellbeing.

The Different Types of Oncology Massage

The word massage brings up differing ideas for many people. With an abundance of techniques on offer how do you know what is right for you, especially if you have had extensive medical intervention such as treatment for cancer? Oncology massage isn’t necessarily a technique, but more an adaptation of techniques so they are appropriate for the changes that have occurred once treatment for cancer has taken place.

During treatment:

In the cancer treatment phase, the focus of oncology massage is on relaxation and allowing a place of calm where the body can heal. The body is already undergoing extensive medical intervention, so the last thing it needs is a vigorous massage where it requires a few days to heal post the massage itself.  Gone are the days where feeling sore after your massage is something to gloat about. If you are currently in the treatment phase for cancer, then restorative, relaxing, therapeutic massage is more beneficial. At this point in time think about the benefits that oncology massage can bring such as reducing pain, anxiety, depression, nausea and fatigue (Cassileth & Vickers 2004). Easing bowel issues associated with chemotherapy, pain medication or immobility is probably not what you think of when dreaming about a massage, yet is one of the greatest benefits patients talk about.

For rehabilitation:

Post cancer treatment, when you enter the rehabilitation phase, massage should be more about improving range of motion, allowing scar tissue to integrate nicely into the fascial network, improve sleep patterns and energy levels and helping you achieve a better quality of life by reducing the lingering side effects of your treatment.  This may also include things such as oncology sports massage where patients who are running marathons, dragon boat racing or getting back into shape can have appropriate pre game, post game and conditioning massage whilst still taking into consideration any long term changes that occurred to the body due to their cancer treatment, such as bone density loss, lymph node removal and scar tissue formation.

In palliation:

Palliative massage is taking it back a step to relax the body and improve quality of life. A more tranquil massage helps calm the nervous system, easing pain, allowing for more restful sleep and peaceful being. This takes into account the many medications a patient might be on helping to improve comfort at this time. Fragile skin, easy bruising, pain and restlessness are easily dealt with by the skilled hands of a therapist trained in oncology massage.

Lets be honest…..all massage is essentially about quality of life!  So no matter where you are on the roller coast ride post a cancer diagnosis, oncology massage is a suitable treatment that is easily adapted to best suit your needs and requirements. And as those needs and requirements change, your therapist will just keep adapting.