MASSAGE THERAPY AND MODERN MEDICINE
-28/03/2013
Working together to provide touch and care
As more and more people continue to discover, massage therapy is proving to be a great treatment modality for an increasingly wide range of conditions, from acute musculoskeletal pain to chronic diseases such as circulatory disorders, osteoporosis and even cancer and depression.
On a physical level massage helps move lymphatic fluid around the body and re-oxygenates organs and tissues but, there is no doubt a deeper contribution to health and wellbeing that can be made through human touch taking place.
 Western medicine is increasingly recognising massage therapy as a treatment modality, along with its role as a ‘complementary’ rather than ‘alternative’ therapy. Massage therapists continue to be invited and integrated within more and more clinical settings such as hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Progressively, more and more health insurance companies are also recognising and providing rebate for massage therapy.
In the relatively recent past, massage therapy was and in some places still is considered by the medical community to be an unsophisticated form of treatment - after all you don't need a medical degree to give someone an effective massage. Extensive equipment is not involved in massage therapy, it doesn't require a lot of technology and it doesn't require years of training. Thus, it was looked upon as something that was ‘alternative’ to Western medicine, both by doctors, patients and society in general.
However, as we are discovering through evidential research, case study clinic experience and through anecdotal reports - something doesn't have to be complicated to be effective as a healing treatment. Massage therapy gets to the fundamentals - that is, the power of human touch and the potential use of our hands with positive and professional intent. There are no greater examples of this than the deeply relaxed and nurtured feeling experienced by a terminally ill person through the simplicity of a, flat handed, level 1 massage given with intent not to cure but to support and honour. Or the respect and care offered by a gentle foot massage provided by sitting at the feet of an older person. Touch is a timeless principle of healing that doesn’t require technology to be effective.
True practitioners are willing to get involved with their clients in terms of understanding them, seeing the world from their perspective and even touching them in a way with positive intent and regard for how they are and where they are at. A component of this, known in the medical profession as bedside manner is critical for all health professionals even our most advanced physicians and technicians.
When it comes to managing chronic diseases and maintaining a high degree of health on an ongoing basis, massage therapy offers a form of touch that contributes greatly to a person’s well-being and healing.
To read this article online and more follow this link to The Australian College of Massage: Australian college of massage
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ON THE WRONG FOOT
- 26 March 2013
It wasn’t so long ago, maybe three decades, that a cutting-edge running shoe was one that was dyed black. For many years, athletes struggled through in sandshoes until the advent of the jogger with brand name attached changed it all. It is amazing really that people managed any athletic feats at all considering the paucity of their footwear. Then again, according to a new study, maybe they weren’t so badly off after all.
For the study, researchers had teenage athletes from athletic clubs run on a treadmill in either typical “joggers” with cushioned heels, track shoes or barefoot. They did each of these at four different speed settings. As they did this, they measured the biomechanics of the participants, meaning they looked at stride length, heel height during backward swing phase, and the contact of the foot on the ground. The researchers deliberately chose adolescents because at that stage of life you have not yet permanently established your gait.
The biomechanic analysis showed that subjects wearing joggers landed on their heel 69.8 per cent of the time, at all the different speeds. In the track shoes, the heel were the first point of contact with the ground less than 35 per cent of the time, and when barefoot the heel hit the ground first less than 30 per cent of the time. So joggers caused a heel-strike running pattern whereas track shoes and going barefoot resulted in a fore-foot or mid-foot strike pattern.
So, does this matter?
For a start, if you are a runner it means that you don’t want to train in joggers and run in track shoes because your foot strike pattern will be altered. More importantly for everybody though, a heel-strike running pattern distributes more energy to the hips and knees. This could possibly lead to wear and tear problems in those areas later in life.
It’s healing to feel the earth beneath your feet anyway, so why not find a grassy field for your running and tip-toe through the tulips?
Research in this WellBeing Natural Health & Living News item was sourced from: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.wellbeing.com.au/newsdetail/On-the-wrong-foot_000890
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW THERAPIST KIM
-We would like to welcome Kim Stokes to the My Masseur team! Kim has a Diploma of Remedial Massage from the Australian College of Massage and will help our clinic continue its proud philosophy's.
Kim joins us with a fresh zest and exuberance for her new chosen profession.
Kim does Remedial Massage, Sports Massage, Pregnancy Massage and Relaxation Massage.
Kim has full health fund status, so clients can claim her services via HICAPS, and because Kim is at My Masseur, she will become a MBP Members Choice recognised provider at this clinic! Meaning you can save money when seeing her! To book Kimmy call 4775 3300. |
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Welcome To Our NEW Therapist Emi
-We would like to welcome Emi Sekino to the My Masseur team! Emi has a Diploma of Health Science (Massage Therapy) from the N.S.W. TAFE which is the equivalent of a Advanced Diploma! Emi will help our clinic continue its proud philosophy's and joins us with 10 years of massage experience.
Emi's treatments consist of Remedial Massage but can incorporate her Japanese traditions of Shiatsu.
Emi has full health fund status, so clients can claim her services via HICAPS, and because she works at My Masseur, she will become a MBP Members Choice recognised provider at this clinic! Meaning you can save money when seeing Emi! To book with Emi call 4775 3300.
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RECEPTIONIST REQUIRED
- My Masseur requires the services of a motivated, happy, friendly, dynamic team player who can work unaided! We provide an excellent, professional and fun team atmosphere, easy to use practise management systems and you get paid to come and have fun! (providing you love washing and folding towels)
We want you to concentrate on the client! You will be the face of My Masseur.
We would love you to start at the beginning of February 2013. We are looking for someone on a casual basis. Evenings and Saturdays may be required and extra hours are always available.
My Masseur is a very busy clinic based along side North Queensland's biggest Physiotherapy business, SportsMed.
We are the only Medibank Private Members Choice Provider in Townsville, as such we get referrals from over 35,000 members in our area!
Our team would love someone to help keep this outstanding business growing, while learning from some of the best in the industry.
Please forward your resume to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or drop in to our clinic!
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DUO MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2012 WELLBEING
-NATHAN WATERS I OWNER AND REMEDIAL THERAPIST I MY MASSEUR
POSITIVE HEALING
Break the pain cycle and stimulate your body to heal itself through myofascial dry needling.
Got a sore spot that won't go away?
A build-up of stress in a niggly area? Myofascial dry needling can be a fab way
to treat either short or long-lasting pain.
What is myofascial dry needling (MDN)? It's a procedure where fine needles are applied to the musculoskeletal system to deactivate trigger points. Myofascial trigger points are small focused areas of fibres within the muscle that are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle where pain often occurs as a result of neuromuscular dysfunction.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture? Mdn is a modern western medical modality that is not related to traditional chinese acupuncture in any way. Dry needling has its own theoretical concepts terminology, needling technique and clinical application. While mdn employs the tools of acupuncture practice (that being needles and an electronic stimulator), the theories that underpin mdn are completely different.
How does MDN work? The exact mechanisms within mdn are not known,but there are mechanical and biomechanical effects on the body while undergoing this treatment that are. Inserting a needle directly into the muscular trigger point causes the muscle to spasm and twitch. This twitching sensation is the muscle 'grabbing' the needle and contracting once it has returned to its relaxed state. Inserting a needle to the area also causes a small injury to the site. This stimulates the body to respond to trauma by infusing the area with blood platelets. This not only helps to block pain, but also stimulates the body to heal itself.
Is MDN painful? The needles are very fine – much finer than those used in taking blood samples. You may not feel it penetrate the skin at all, or just a mild, momentary prick. Placed in muscles that are super-sensitive or in spasm, there will be an amount of discomfort. The sensations can range from localised pain or a burning sensation to shooting pains and cramp-like sensations. These types of discomfort is what the therapist looks for to invoke the body's response. This pain is a positive pain, which fades as the muscle relaxes.
What kind of problems does MDN treat? Musculoskeletal problems including, but not limited to back, neck and shoulder pain; carpal tunnel; tension-related migraines; tightness in the buttock and hamstrings, as well as iliotibial band syndrome, or runner's knee. Chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, and other such disorders also benefit.
How long will it take to get results? It varies depending on your health, the duration and extent of your condition, how much scar tissue there is, and how quickly your body is capable of healing. Most clients see improvement two to three days after the first treatment. However, for conditions that have symptoms of ongoing pain, a number of treatments may be needed to completely break the pain cycle.
Once I'm feeling better, how often do I need MDN? It is assessed on an individual case-by-case. Many clients use mdn as a maintenance program so it can be as little as when chronic or acute pain occurs or as regular as when your body needs it to keep pain away |
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DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2012 WELLBEING
-NATHAN WATERS I OWNER AND REMEDIAL THERAPIST I MY MASSEUR
SHIN SPLINTS ARE NO FUN FOR ANYONE!
Painful lower leg problems can be managed if you go out on a limb and get treatment.
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Shin splints is a term used to describe a variety of painful lower leg problems – and superficial or deep pain along the tibia (the main lower-leg, weight-bearing bone) is the usual symptom displayed.
There are, however, multiple unique causes with defined symptoms that can lead to a more specific diagnosis. Muscle tears, periostitis (pain at the tendon attachment to the tibia) and hairline fractures are among the most common causes. In some cases, symptoms may be the result of more than one underlying cause. Here are some differing lower leg injuries and their treatments:
MUSCLE STRAINS The symptoms can be a localised mild or intense pain, stiffness or pain on movement, or pain while doing a stretch – most commonly occurring in the gastrocnemius (calf) or soleus (large muscle under the calf).
TREATMENT Like most injuries, the best course of action for 48 hours is R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression, and elevation), providing it is not serious enough for you to attend the emergency department. After this time, manual soft tissue therapies such as massage, stretching and exercise
rehabilitation are advised. Sometimes the use of aids to de-load the muscle may be used, from sports strapping tape to orthotics.
PERIOSTITIS This is a condition in which the periosteum (the membrane which lines all bones) becomes inflamed.The seamless connection of the membranes begins to tear and the muscle fibres pull away from the bone. Bumpy or pitted scar tissue may be felt along the bone, where the body has knitted tissue membrane back together in an attempt to repair itself.
TREATMENT Again, the best course of action for 48 hours is R.I.C.E. After this, manual soft tissue therapies, as mentioned above, are advised. Overuse of muscles or incorrect training methods may be the cause. If left, this condition can elevate to become quite serious, so treatment in its early stages is advised.
STRESS FRACTURES These are extremely painful, tiny fractures along the tibia. The pain is constant and generally increases with exercise or impact. Frequently, these are the result of people “running through” pain.
TREATMENT This condition would need to be diagnosed by a physio or medical doctor using X-rays, MRIs or bone scans. After time off for healing, a specific exercise program is needed with the aid of soft tissue therapy such as massage and Myofascial dry needling.
Generally, the most likely cause of shin splints is the overload of muscles in the lower extremities, often a resultof increasing the duration or intensity of physical activity too quickly. The muscles become fatigued especially where the motion is repetitive, such as with running. People may also be predisposed to suffering shin splints due to their biomechanics, poor core strength, motor imbalance, or if they have flat feet. Stretching is a key component of any training program and most therapists will tell you to stretch the lower leg muscles to prevent these conditions.
Correct biomechanics and the right fit of your sports equipment is also important. Receiving massage for maintenance and prevention or Myofascial dry needling, for the more serious sports person, will ensure you have the best chance of limiting these avoidable injuries.
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2012 duomagazine.com.au
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Kate is now qualified in Myofascial Dry Needling
-Kate has continued her professional development and is qualified in the art of Myofascial Dry Needling. Kate's new skills now brings the total number of Myofascial Dry Needlers at My Masseur to 3!
So now we can help many more clients with their chronic pain, general musculoskeletal injury's and sports related issues. Together with Kate, Elissa and Nathans awesome Remedial Massage, we can now treat and diagnose muscular dysfunction with MDN and many other effective therapies. |
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WELCOME TO A NEW TEAM MEMBER JESS
-My Masseur would like to say a warm Welcome! To our newest team member Jess! Jess brings a wealth of experience in customer service and is an excellent addition to our team.
Jess has previously worked in other health related clinics, so has ready made skills in dealing with all clients needs. Jess has a warm friendly disposition and will help in any way she can with your requests. She is also just newly married, so wish her congratulations! Call up on 4775 3300 and say Hi! |
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BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
-Therapeutic Massage uses specific techniques to stretch and lengthen connective tissues and muscles, bringing wellness, a sense of relaxation and mobility to the client. One of the primary goals of Therapeutic Massage is to speed venous blood return from the extremities (arms and legs).
Therapeutic Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation and stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple and functional.
Therapeutic Massage stimulates the skin and nervous system. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as a regular treatment for stress management. It also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy program.
Therapeutic Massage is greatly beneficial and can reduce symptoms by relaxing the tension in the muscles, stimulating the flow of blood through the muscles, breaking down and eliminating toxins, enhancing oxygenation of the brain and relaxing the nervous system and mind.
Origins of Therapeutic Massage
The origin of the word massage is much disputed. It may have originated from the Greek word, massein – to knead, the Portuguese word ammasar – to knead, or the French word masser – to rub.
We can trace massage back further than 5,000 years of recorded history; prehistoric cave painting portraying the “laying on of hands” for the sick and injured.
At present, Therapeutic Massage is gaining more respectability and now enjoys unprecedented popularity. Statistics from America show that 25 million Americans make 60 million visits to 85,000 practitioners each year.
There is also a trend in Australia for more people to visit what we regard as alternate health professionals. In 1993, FCHC (Freedom of Choice in Health Care) estimated that 4.4 million Australians use natural therapy remedies either exclusively, or as adjuncts for their health management.
Throughout Australia there are colleges/schools which offer a wide range of massage courses. Registering bodies such as the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), ensure the maintenance of the high educational standards required.
Understanding the Circulatory System
The Circulatory System performs a vital pick up and delivery service for the body. It is the body’s only transportation system. Blood picks up foods and oxygen from the digestive and respiratory systems and delivers them to the cells. From the cells, it picks up wastes and delivers them to the excretory organs. Blood picks up hormones from endocrine glands and delivers them to their target cells. Directly or indirectly, the circulatory system contributes to every function of every cell and every function of the body as a whole.
Circulation: Blood flows through a network of blood vessels that extend between the heart and peripheral tissues. These vessels can be divided into a pulmonary circuit, which carries blood to and from the gas exchange surfaces of the lungs, and a systemic circuit, which transports blood to and from the rest of the body.
Therapeutic Massage aims to stimulate venous blood and lymphatic circulation.
Health benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Regular treatments may assist:
- Circulation of body fluids
- Increase blood flow which may relieve some arthritic and chronic pain
- Cleansing and detoxification
- Reduce oedema of extremities (arms & legs)
- Stimulate lymphatic flow to filter out congested toxins and waste products
- Breaking down or preventing adhesions and reduces fibrosis
- Relaxation which induces a feeling of physical, mental and emotional well being
- Promote good spirit / sense of well being
Maggie Sands
ATMS Vice President
Principal School of Integrated Body Therapy
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DUO MAGAZINE MAY 2012 WELLBEING
-NATHAN WATERS I OWNER AND REMEDIAL THERAPIST I MY MASSEUR
RELIEF FOR LOWER BACK PAIN?
In conjunction with other health professionals, Remedial Massage and Myofascial Dry Needling can help manage and even relieve the cause of lower back pain.
Lower back pain is a common aliment that most people (up to 85%) will suffer at some stage during their life. It can be a distressing experience for someone to continue living with pain for any length of time, for not only can pain be physically debilitating but also emotionally stressful; leading to health problems long after the initial complaint has been resolved. This can sometimes be referred to as a pain spasm cycle whereby a chain of events and symptoms may trigger and reinforce other complaints resulting in a self-perpetuating cycle.
Chronic pain refers to a pain that persists or recurs for indefinite periods usually longer than three months. The symptom of pain can be attributed to many varied causes and sometimes an actual precise anatomical diagnosis is quite difficult to make.
However, the following is a guide to some of the more common causes of back pain and how, in conjunction with other health professionals, Remedial Massage and Myofascial Dry Needling can help manage and even relieve the cause of the pain.
The most common causes of lower back pain are caused by injury or trauma, and can account for around 90% of cases:
■ The inter-vertebral disc (the shock absorber between the vertebral bones of the back)
■ Apophyseal joint (the point where the vertebra meet to form a joint commonly called a facet joint)
■ Sacroiliac joint (the joint where the lower part of the spine and the pelvis meet)
■ The Para-vertebral and Gluteal muscle trigger points (the muscles that support and attach to the vertebra and pelvis)
Less common causes can be more serious in nature, but can be helped with proper diagnosis by Doctors, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Osteopaths. Generally, with the aid of an imaging device such as x-ray, ultrasound, MRI or even a CT scan.
Manual therapies such as Remedial Massage and Myofascial Dry Needling can also help in these cases and have proven to be very successful in alleviating the pain and aiding the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Conditions such as Nerve root compression, stress fractures and even Fibromyalgia to name a few.
Chronic lower back pain generally has multiple active trigger points in the surrounding muscles of the spine. According to Brukner and Khans Clinical Sports Medicine, (the leading sports medicine companion) “Dry needling to inactivate these trigger points reduces pain and muscle tightness, thus facilitating mobilisation and manipulation of the underlying joints and ultimately, exercise rehabilitation.”
According to the foremost experts on Trigger Points, Doctor’s Travell and Simons, up to 75% of pain clinic patients have Trigger Points as the sole cause of their pain. Studies from the University of Miami School of Medicine Touch Research Institute have shown that massage:
■ Reduces pain and increases range of motion in individuals with lower back pain.
A major component of lower back pain is impaired core stability. So any good rehabilitation program will include abdominal muscle or core strengthening training whilst undergoing treatment. In conjunction with manual therapies such as Remedial Massage and Myofascial Dry Needling, it is important that your therapist has a good knowledge of exercise prescription, or better, is part of a multi-disciplinary team with the patient’s best interest at heart!
DUO MAGAZINE MAY 2012 duomagazine.com.au |
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Welcome To Our Newest Team Members!
-My Masseur would like to say a warm Welcome to our newest team members Melissa & Carolyn!
Both are currently studying at university and will provide a new fresh, friendly, dynamic service. Melissa & Carolyn also posses a warm friendly disposition and will help in any way they can with your requests. We are very happy to have these vibrant and proactive team members on board! Call 4775 3300 and say Hi! |
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My Masseur - Sponsor of the 2012 Paluma Push
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Welcome To Our Newest Team Member Eliza!
-My Masseur would like to say a warm Welcome to our newest team member Eliza! Eliza brings a wealth of experience in customer service and is an excellent addition to our team.
Eliza currently also works along side of My Masseur within SportsMed, so has ready made skills in dealing with all clients needs. Eliza has a warm friendly disposition and will help in any way she can with your requests. Call up on 4775 3300 and say Hi!
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Welcome To Our NEW Therapist!
-We would like to welcome Tony Caruana to the My Masseur team! Tony has a Diploma of Remedial Massage from the Australian College of Massage and will help our clinic continue its proud philosophys.Tony joins us with an amazing wealth of life experience,
his personal journey will inspire us all and help people to reach thier own goals. Tony does Remedial Massge but also can do cupping and ENAR Therapy
Tony has full health fund status, so clients can claim her services via HICAPS, and because Tony is at My Masseur, he will become a MBP Members Choice recognised provider at this clinic! Meaning you can save money when seeing him! To book Tony call 4775 3300.
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