Category: Massage Practice

Pregnancy Massage – Chiropractor near me

Questions About Pregnancy Massage

A new life coming into the world is the most exciting moment. Women have to experience 40 weeks of pregnancy before babies fully develop. Pregnant women will have great changes physiologically and psychologically during the period of gestation.
These changes may cause body discomfort such as pains and aches, and leg swelling. Depression and anxiety also commonly occur during pregnancy.
Future mothers need support to go through the changes. Pregnancy massage (also called prenatal massage) could effectively improve the discomfort of pregnancy, mood and the quality of sleep. However, the safety of prenatal massage is always a frequent ask question. Then, could both pregnant women and babies be beneficial from pregnancy massage?

Is Pregnancy Massage Safe?

Pregnancy massage is generally safe for both mothers and babies. Professional massage therapists are well-trained to provide relaxation massage. Leg pain, low back pain, fluid retention and anxiety are the common accompanied symptoms and signs during pregnancy.
Pregnancy massage is recommended after 1st trimester. There are three reasons for it. The first reason is the chance of miscarriage in the first 12 weeks of gestation is higher. Secondly, the size of the abdomen does not cause obvious physical changes. Aches and pains normally do not occur at this stage. Finally, pregnant clients cannot lie on the massage table for a prolonged period due to morning sickness.

The position is determined by the size of the abdomen and the pregnant clients’ comfort. A side-lying position on the massage table is normally adopted for prenatal massage. Also, pregnancy pillows can be used for the supine position. It reduces the pressure to compress on the abdomen in supine.
A pillow put between the knees can keep the legs parallel to each other. The sitting position can be used if any other positions do not feel comfortable. For the sitting position, the upper and mid back can be focused more. Prenatal massage that is gentle, relaxed and firm should not cause any discomfort.

A series of questions may ask pregnant women before the start of pregnancy massage. If any contraindications against massage therapy during pregnancy are present, qualified massage therapists will advise what to do instead of massage. Referrals to allied health professionals may be required for a second opinion and alternative modalities such as Chiropractic care.
Massaging some trigger points or acupuncture points on hands, lower legs and feet is a contraindication. Massage therapists will avoid dry needling or putting pressure on these specific spots. These acupuncture points only use to encourage uterus contraction when pregnancy is close to due or overdue.

Changes During Pregnancy

A majority of pregnant women has substantially changed at different stages of gestation. An increase in body weight due to the development of babies put more pressure on the lower back and spine. The growth of the baby increases the low back curve that results in low back pain. Also, the uterus compresses on the pelvic arteries and veins to slow down the blood circulation.
Lymphatic drainage from the low extremity partly blocked could cause leg pain and swell on the feet. The change in hormone levels will make pregnant women emotional and depressive. Anxiety might occur due to the worry of the baby’s health.
Relaxin is a hormone that plays a key role to make joints and ligaments loose for the preparation of baby delivery. This hormone will further worsen low back pain due to pelvic and hip joint laxity.

Benefits Of Pregnancy Massage For Both Expecting Mums and Babies

1.Reduces leg pain and low back pain
2.Improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to reduce fluid retention (swelling in legs)
3.Reduces anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum
4.Lowers labour complications
5.Reduces prematurity and low birthweight of newborn babies
6.Improves the quality of sleep

Pregnancy massage therapy can reduce stress and muscle tension that cause from the changes of pregnancy. Different types of massage can be applied into pregnancy massage.
For example, firm strokes from deep tissue massage work into deep tissues. Long strokes from Swedish massage encourage joint mobility. Applying pressure on lower limb muscle groups helps lymphatic drainage to reduce fluid retention.
Prenatal massage increases blood flow that provides oxygen and nutrients goes into muscles. At the same time, it removes waste materials and carbon dioxide from muscles. Tense back, hip and leg muscles will be relaxed. The occurrence of muscle cramps and spasm is less frequent.

The research reveals that regular pregnancy massage (20 mins, 2 times per week for 16 weeks) could increase the level of dopamine and serotonin. The secretion of cortisol and norepinephrine were suppressed. Dopamine and serotonin are chemicals related to the feeling of happiness and wellbeing.
In contrast, cortisol and norepinephrine are stress hormones. Full body massage could reduce anxiety and depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The increase in the secretion of serotonin helps deeper sleep and improves the quality of sleep.
The study found receiving pregnancy massage therapy regularly could lower postnatal complications and complications during labor. The rate of premature babies and low birthweight dropped.

Further information about “What type of massage is suitable for you?”

How To Choose Remedial Massage Near Me

What type of massage is suitable for you?

Causes of pain – Remedial Massage Near Me

Oxygen and nutrients are essential for Muscles to generate energy. Waste materials and carbon dioxide are made and accumulated in the muscles. The transmission of these materials relies on blood vessels to exchange. Bad blood circulation, muscle overuse, muscle injuries and stress can result in forming myofascial trigger points.
Myofascial trigger points are palpable nodules(or “knots”) found in hypertonic muscles. These myofascial trigger points can cause persistent local and referral pain.

How does massage work? – Remedial Massage Near Me

Massage treatment in general has physical effects on soft tissues such as muscles. tendons, ligaments and myofascial by qualified massage therapists. Applying pressure on these soft tissues enhance blood and lymphatic circulation. The improvement of circulation can remove waste materials, excessive fluid and bring in oxygen and nutrients to tight muscles.
Also, relaxing muscles helps release muscle spasm and inactivate myofascial trigger points. The mobilisation and relaxation of superficial connective tissues also indirectly relax deep tissues. Pain and stress are therefore released.

Types – Remedial Massage Near Me

There are so many types of massage, which apply on different aspects. Remedial massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, trigger point massage, deep tissue massage and reflexology massage are a few examples of massage. Base on different needs, a certain type of massage should be chosen.

Remedial massage therapy is a therapeutic approach to encourage injured tissues to heal. The depth and applied force of massage can vary. Professional remedial massage therapists determine the pressure of massage from shallow to deep and gentle to strong depending on the issue.

The aim of sports massage is more unique than other types of massage. Its fundamental goal is to enhance sports performance in terms of strength, speed or movement and to prevent sports injuries.

The hot stone massage is a relaxing massage. Heated stones made of basalt are put on specific areas of the body. Muscle tension, pain, anxiety and stress will be released.

Trigger point massage(or trigger point therapy) is a release technique. By pressing on myofascial trigger points(Trps), a twitch response is elicited in order to deactivate Trps and get a myofascial release.

Reflexology is a complementary therapy to stimulate reflex points on ears, hands or feet. Applying pressure on reflex points can improve life force or Qi flow. Stress, aches and pain in correspond areas of the body are alleviated.

Looking for Remedial Massage Near Me in Sydney CBD?

Booking an appointment for a remedial massage in Sydney online by one click here. However, if any flu-like symptoms (such as fever, dry cough, sore throat and shortness of breath) are present, please go for the coronavirus test and quarantine yourself.

Private health funds cover all kinds of massage services. We can do health fund rebates on the spot for you by using Hicaps machine.

How much do you know about neck pain?

Neck pain is the second most common musculoskeletal condition in the world affecting people’s wellbeing. The popularity of mobile devices makes even more individuals suffering from severe neck pain.

The anatomy of the cervical region is very complex. There are seven vertebrae to support the skull which protects the important organ – the brain, and weighs around 5 kilograms. Intervertebral discs are between vertebrae with ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joints. The spinal cord and vertebral arteries are protected inside and through vertebrae. The mobility of the neck contributes to the high occurrence of neck pain.

The common causes of neck pain are due to postural problems, disc injuries, and degenerative disc disease.

Causes

• Postural problems
• Disc herniation
• Degenerative disc disease
• Trigger point referral
• Muscle strain
• Cervical spondylosis
• Cervical spinal canal stenosis
• Neck injuries – whiplash

Apart from neck pain, there are other symptoms and signs that may associate with it – such as headaches, stiff neck, reduced range of motion, muscle spasms and nerve pain (pins and needles or numbness in the relative arm and hand areas).

A study reported that chiropractic care, specifically chiropractic manipulations or adjustments is recommended to improve the outcomes for treating both acute and chronic neck pain. The combination of other modalities such as stretching, exercise, and manual therapy could even maximise the efficacy of the chiropractic treatment. It is also found that Chiropractic care could improve the intensity, frequency and duration of cervicogenic headaches.

If neck pain is annoying you, Kings Park Chiropractic Clinic can help you diagnose the source of your neck and tailor the treatment for you.

6 Benefits of hot stone massage

Helps relieve muscle tension and pain

Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.

Reduces stress and anxiety

It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.

A 2015 study found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.

Promotes sleep

A 2006 literature review found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001 study showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely understood why.

May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

A 2013 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

May help decrease cancer symptoms

A large, three-year study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch played a role.

May boost immunity

Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010 study, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.