Sciatic Pain & Massage

The Sciatic Nerve, largest nerve in our bodies, runs from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg to the foot, connecting the spinal cord with the leg & foot muscles. Pain is typically felt from lower back to behind the thigh radiating down below the knee.

Sciatica is nerve pain from irritation of the sciatic nerve; mainly compression of the nerve.

The goal is to promote circulation in this area to reduce/relieve the pain and relax the muscles, releasing tension and help the body heal itself.  Massaging the following muscles can help with sciatic pain & improve mobility; quadratus lumborum, piriformis, psoas, hamstrings, quadratus femoris and the gluteal muscles.  

Massage helps boost endorphins, dopamine & serotonin which are “good” hormones that aid in calming the nerves, promote healing by providing natural pain management and help you feel better.

Stretching is another way to release the compression of the nerve roots which will be highly effective combined with a good massage.

Don’t walk your way through pain or rely on pain medication, treat it with massage and stretching; a natural way which is far better for your body.

Remember prevention is always the best way to go!!

Read More

Hamstring Massaging - Prevention or Injury

The hamstrings are made up of 3 muscles, semitendinosus, semimembranosus & biceps femoris. These muscles are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip, as in kicking a ball!  Getting regular massages will keep this muscles flexible and healthy, minimizing chances of injuries or strains.  A tight knot or lump will be detected early and worked out before becoming a weak point for future injury!

Injuries are often caused from over use and trauma.  One factor of hamstring strains is an imbalance between hamstring and quads; and massage helps by balancing the muscles on the front and back of leg.

Swedish and lymphatic massage will stretch the muscle fibres of the hamstring injury, speeding up healing, reducing pain and swelling, as well as minimizing scar tissue.

Eventually deeper (stripping) massage work with cross-fibre or circular friction can be performed  which will aid is building healthy scar tissue.  Deep strokes and kneading makes the muscle more pliable.

Tight hamstring do need stretching; and massage allows for the muscles to be stretched sideways or transversely which cannot be done by simple stretching.  By increasing blood flow and relaxing the muscles will help them stretch more easily.

Don’t ignore this injury, get it taken care of as soon as you can.  However, remember prevention is better than cure, so stay flexible by regular massages.

Read More

TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE

The TRAPEZIUS Muscle is a large superficial diamond shape muscle that spans the neck, shoulders and mid back region.  It is often the most affected by stress.  Tension in these muscles can cause neck pain, stiffness and upper back pain. This muscle pain often feels like an aching or burning sensation between the shoulder blades extending up the neck. It can be caused from stress, bad posture and lower back pain that moves upwards due to the body compensating itself.  Massage can relax these tissues, increase blood flow and reduce the signs of inflammation.

Read More

BENEFITS OF A MASSAGE FOR AN ATHLETE/ACTIVE PERSONS

Whether you are an athlete or an active person who excises regularly getting a massage has many benefits here are some of them:

- stimulates blood & lymph flow to prevent muscle fatigue
- reduces muscle tension & stiffenss
- increases range of motion
- promotes relaxation
- improves performance
- faster recovery therefore enhances performance
- increases flexibility
- improves sleep & so many day to day benefits.

You only have one body, so taking care of your wellness is crucial for longevity.

What do you do to recover and re-new your body after a workout or competing.

Let me know!

Read More