Complete Wellness Massage

Myofascial Trigger Points

admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:32:31 +0000

Myofascial Trigger Points can entrap the nerves, blood, and lymph vessels, causing a variety of symptoms that confuse doctors and patients alike. Often nerve damage is erroneously suspected, and many expensive, unnecessary (and often painful) tests are ordered.

Trigger Points are formed of multiple microscopic areas called active loci (pronounced low-sigh). These loci cause the segments of the muscle fibers, called sarcomeres, to become distorted. Eventually, a contraction knot forms, as well as a taut band. When you have Trigger Points, your muscle strength becomes unreliable. You may also notice that when one part of your body is supported by another part while you are sleeping, the part being compressed goes numb.

Some other symptoms of Trigger Points include the following:

Stiffness
muscle tightness and weakness
localized sweating
eye tearing
copious salivation
poor balance
dizziness
nausea
tinnitus
goose bumps
runny nose
buckling knees
weak ankles
illegible handwriting
staggering gait
headaches
muscle cramps

Most specific pains called fibromyalgia are actually caused by Trigger Points. Trigger Points seem to form throughout life as a response to the many things that happen to our bodies. They can be caused by a variety of events ranging from a surgical incision, overuse, repetitive motion trauma, bruises, strains, joint problems, and so forth. Many of the aches and pains attributed to “old age” may actually be due to Trigger Points, and may be reversible.

Dizziness, ringing of the ears, loss of balance, and other symptoms can all be caused by Trigger Points in the side of the neck, in the muscle group called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) complex. This muscle group performs many functions, one of which is to hold up the head. Receptors in the SCM complex transmit nerve impulses to inform the brain of the position of the head and body in the surrounding space. When there are Trigger Points present, the receptors lie. What they tell the brain is not what the eyes tell the brain. When head movement changes the SCM message (when you turn around or look up or down) you get dizzy. This, coupled with poor balance, can make it seem as if the walls are tilting. When people with SCM Trigger Points drive, we get the impression that we “bank” our turns at a steep angle, as if we were driving a motorcycle. Also, Trigger Points associated with the SCM muscle group can cause patterns of light and dark, such as tree shadows on a road, to create an almost seizure-like phenomenon. Looking at certain printed fabrics, such as plaids, stripes, and polka dots, can make us dizzy.

Trigger Points often form as a result of other medical conditions. For example, a case of arthritis might be otherwise well managed, but the accompanying Trigger Points might be completely overlooked. That patient’s pain load could be substantially lessened if the secondary Trigger Points were treated successfully. Diagnosis really becomes challenging when body wide Trigger Points develop with overlapping referral zones. This “spread” of Trigger Points gives the impression that the condition is progressive, but it isn’t. It may be getting steadily worse, but with proper attention to perpetuating factors and appropriate treatment, the “progression” can be reversed.

Sometimes the Trigger Point is inside the pain pattern, and sometimes the pain pattern occurs elsewhere. Each specific Trigger Point on the body has a referred pain or other symptom pattern that has been carefully observed and documented in many patients. This pain pattern is similar from patient to patient. Active Trigger Points often produce other symptoms, also usually in their referred pain zones. Such a Trigger Point hurts whenever you use the muscle involved. When the point becomes very active, pain and other symptoms result, even when the muscle is at rest. A latent Trigger Point doesn’t hurt at all unless it is pressed. It restricts movement, and weakens and prevents full lengthening of the affected muscle. If you press on a latent Trigger Point, it will refer pain in its characteristic pattern. A latent Trigger Point may be activated by overstretching, overuse, or chilling the muscle.

If Trigger Points are treated immediately and vigorously, and perpetuating factors (conditions that aggravate and perpetuate the Trigger Points) are avoided or remedied, the Trigger Points can be eliminated. If the muscle is pushed to work in spite of the pain, especially if perpetuating factors exist, active Trigger Points may develop secondary and satellite Trigger Points.

Trigger Points

admin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:32:03 +0000

Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. They produce pain locally and in a referred pattern and often accompany chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma may lead to the development of stress on muscle fibers and the formation of trigger points. Patients may have regional, persistent pain resulting in a decreased range of motion in the affected muscles. These include muscles used to maintain body posture, such as those in the neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. Trigger points may also manifest as tension headache, tinnitus, temporomandibular joint pain, decreased range of motion in the legs, and low back pain. Palpation of a hypersensitive bundle or nodule of muscle fiber of harder than normal consistency is the physical finding typically associated with a trigger point. Palpation of the trigger point will elicit pain directly over the affected area and/or cause radiation of pain toward a zone of reference and a local twitch response.

The difficulty with trigger points is that they refer pain. This displacement of pain is what throws everybody off, including most doctors. It’s why pain is so often misdiagnosed and so often treated with painkillers–the shotgun approach. Pain is a message that something’s wrong and needs your attention. Is it good medicine to kill the messenger and ignore the message?

Trigger Point Therapy was pioneered and developed in this country by Dr. Janet Travell, President John F. Kennedy’s personal physician during his years of persistent back pain. Today it is commonly referred to as Neuromuscular Therapy.

Trigger points are accumulations of waste products around a nerve receptor. Often times they feel like nodules or taut bands of fibers within the soft tissues. Trigger points form in muscles which have been overused or injured due to an accident or surgery. Common characteristics are increased muscle tension and muscle shortening. Increased muscle tension is the primary side-effect of trigger points and pain is the most common secondary effect. Trigger points can present themselves as referred patterns of sensation such as sharp pain, dull ache, tingling, pins and needles, hot or cold, as well as can create symptoms such as nausea, ear ache, equilibrium disturbance, or blurred vision.

Trigger points can exist in two states, either active or latent. Active trigger points are those which cause discomfort. Latent trigger points wait silently in the muscle for a future stress to activate them. Aches and pains which began in the past become more frequent and severe in intensity as we age. It is common to attribute this discomfort to arthritis instead of our tight muscles which harbor trigger points.

Trigger points are not visible with traditional medical testing such as MRI or X-ray. 80 % of the trigger point locations are common with acupuncture treatment locations. When trigger points are not treated, they will create satellite trigger points in the affected area. For instance, a trigger point in the trapezius may cause a trigger point to appear in the temple. The trigger point in the temple then may cause a trigger point to appear in the jaw. And, voilà! - a case of TMJ.

To diffuse a trigger point, static compression (pressure) is applied for 10 seconds, released, then pressure applied for 10 more seconds in a pumping action while the client breathes deeply. This action flushes the toxins and calms the nerves. (see pictures on right showing treatment of a stiff neck and as part of a Sports Massage for a runner). Releasing trigger points releases endorphins so the result is elimination of discomfort as well as being energized.

Trigger point massage is not a relaxing, “fluff and buff” technique. It requires the participation of the client to communicate the presence and intensity of pain and discomfort. The therapist and client work together as a team to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is common to find great improvement after one treatment. Repeated treatment may be necessary for those with chronic trigger points. Stretching should be done as “home work” to encourage the muscles that have been treated to stay in a lengthened position.

Trigger point research lists nutritional deficiencies or inadequacies as “perpetuating factors.” A good multi-vitamin supplement that is high in anti-oxidants and is in an encapsulated form can help ensure that once treated, trigger points do not reform. Robb* recommends Twinlab’s MaxiLife or for those over 40, MaxiLife CoQ10 formula to be taken: one capsule up to four times per day, since the water-soluble nutrients which are critical to normal muscle function (e.g. Vitamin C and B-Complex) can only stay at a peak level in the blood stream from 4 to 6 hours.

Trigger Point Therapy is a subset of neuromuscular therapy which examines and treats muscles and muscle attachments in layers from superficial to deep, ligaments and connective tissues. More about neuromuscular therapy will be presented in a future article.

Trigger Point Therapy may be the answer. it is a type of massage therapy which examines and treats muscles and muscle attachments in layers. It addresses surface muscles and connective tissues and deeper ligaments and connective tissues. It is closely aligned with the eastern technique of acupressure massage. The treatment techniques are very similar, the guidelines for applying acupressure apply to most Trigger Point Release applications.

Trigger point is a pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points’, which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or `kink’ that worsens painfully when aggravated. The major goals are to reduce spasm inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle.

Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points, for a short time (between about 7 to 10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but is greatly relieving.

It is common to hit the same trigger points several times during a session, but you won’t be leaning into a sore spot for several minutes. Often ice or another cooling agent is used to reduce nervous system response, making the area easier and more comfortable to work. Then the muscles are gently stretched to complete the relaxation process.

Trigger points are clustered areas of pain in or around muscles that usually radiate pain in a predictable pattern. When a muscle, or group of muscles, incurs injury, it automatically contracts around the painful site to support and protect the area. If pain is resolved quickly, the muscles can relax. If pain persists, muscles can become habitually contracted. Sometimes contractions press on nerves causing tingling, numbness, and more pain. Like a sponge that is squeezed, a contracted muscle can’t hold much blood. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and carries away waste products. When a muscle is deprived of healthy circulation, it doesn’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients, and waste products accumulate. This can result in fatigue and soreness. It can also irritate nerves in the area, causing pain to spread beyond the congested area.

Trigger point therapy is a bodywork technique that involves the applying of pressure to tender muscle tissue in order to relieve pain and dysfunction in other parts of the body. Sometimes massage and trigger point therapy are performed together.

Trigger point therapy is also called myofascial trigger point therapy. It was developed by Dr. Janet Travell in the United States in the 1940s.

Trigger points have several causes. Some common causes are: birth trauma, an injury sustained in a fall or accident, poor posture, or overexertion.

The purpose of trigger point therapy is to eliminate pain and to re-educate the muscles into pain-free habits. After several treatments, the swelling and stiffness of neuromuscular pain is reduced, range of motion is increased, tension is relieved, and circulation, flexibility and coordination are improved.

What You Need to Know About Diets

admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:41:47 +0000

This time of year, most people think of cookies, pumpkin pie, lights, Christmas trees, and even snow. But most people probably try not to think about diets until January (the month with the most new gym memberships). But instead of focusing on loosing weight after the holidays, you can keep your weight at bay and even loose weight now instead of gaining an extra 10 pounds this year so you can take it off next year.

But what diets work and what don’t? Any diet under 1,200 calories is considered a starvation diet. These diets are never a good idea because all you loose is muscle and you will put the weight right back on. Adding muscle is much more efficient for your body to loose weight than loosing it. Muscle actually helps speed up your metabolism. Why do you think men have an easier time loosing weight than women?

What about a low carb diet? That can work for a short time. Many people loose weight by going on these types of diets. But, these diets are starter diets, meaning it’s good to use them to help you start loosing weight, but they are not good for your body in the long run. Your body needs nutrients that you are not getting on a low carb diet.

The best diets are lifestyle diets. This is a combination of eating fewer calories and exercising at least 3 or more times a week. On this diet, you may not loose as much weight in the beginning as the low carb diet, but you can end up loosing much more weight because this is a lifestyle change not just a quick fix. It’s a habit you need to develop for the rest of your life.

So how do you get started? Take your body weight and multiple it by 10. This is the number of calories your body needs to maintain your weight. So, how many calories should you be consuming if you want to loose weight? Multiple your goal weight by 10. That is the number of calories you should be consuming. But remember, never consume less than 1,200 calories. It doesn’t matter where these calories come from, try not to eat more than what you calculated. It is better to eat healthy because it will give your body more energy. Next comes exercise. I know, probably not what is on your mind, but all you have to do is burn 500 extra calories a week in exercise to loose weight. You can walk, do yoga, ride a bike, run, do weight-bearing exercises, and even housework or yard-work.

What if you wanted to eat all that turkey and the trimmings, or the Christmas cookies? You can do that, but in moderation. Just remember that each cookie usually can contain 100 calories or more. And an average slice of pumpkin pie has around 240 calories. So you can have one of everything, but the next day cut back where you can. It’s o.k. to splurge once in a while; just don’t do it all the time.

Massage Can Help With Cellulite

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:39:32 +0000

Cellulite, that unsightly cottage cheese looking fat on the back of your thighs. Did you know that anyone can get cellulite no matter how big or small you are? Cellulite is mostly hereditary and usually appears after puberty in girls because of the female hormones. Cellulite is not a build up of fat, rather it is the way the fat is distributed.

Some over-the-counter products can “iron-out” cellulite. You can also see a plastic surgeon that uses a similar technique. But massage can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. When the affected area is being massaged, it stimulates blood flow to the area and heats it up. As the therapist continues the massage, they smooth out the warmed up cellulite. It works just like the “ironing-out” techniques. As with any treatment, it takes time to completely reduce the appearance of cellulite. And nothing is ever a permanent fix. But it is a way to leave your muscles feeling relaxed and your cellulite smooth.

Study Says Therapy, Zoloft Helps Kids with Anxiety…But be Warned

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:27:10 +0000

A study paid for by the National Institute of Mental Health found that the perscription medicine, Zoloft, along with three months of therapy dramatically helped children with anxiety disorders. Anxiety is the most common psychiatric illness in children. The study also found that therapy alone helped a lot as well.

Since therapy alone works pretty well, I would not suggest even putting kids on Zoloft. Here’s why…the study indicated that only a “handful” of the more than 200 kids using Zoloft had suicide-related thoughts. Zoloft is mostly used to treat adult depression and anxiety, but sometimes what helps an adult can have the opposite affect on children. I was a child when I was put on Zoloft for anxiety disorder. For the three months I took it, I became very depressed. I didn’t even want to leave my house. I have never felt more depressed in my entire life than when I was on that medicine. My mother told my doctor how I was feeling and took me off the medication. A child doesn’t have to have suicide-related thoughts to be depressed. Unfortunately, this study does not mention how many children felt depressed after taking the medication.

I believe in the long run, children can manage their anxiety much more affectively with therapy. For adults 25 and older, Zoloft may work. The only time I would ever give a child Zoloft or other anxiety medication would be in extreme cases where the child cannot function daily because their anxiety is so extreme. Most children do not fall into this category.

What Your Poop Says About You

admin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:37:01 +0000

Ever wonder why your poop may not be brown all the time or why it may float instead of sink? I’m sure most people don’t give their poop much thought, but your bowels can say a lot about your health. For example, if you are eating a balanced diet, you should be having at least one bowel movement everyday. If not, you may be constipated. Constipation can be caused by numerous different illnesses and diseases, but the most common is not getting enough fiber in your diet.

What about floating poop? Why does it float? It floats because the stool contains a lot of fat and oils, specifically saturated fats. It’s o.k. to have floaters once in a while, but your poop should sink most of the time. Try eating foods with less fat and cut back in oil use if your stools float too much. This is especially important if you have elevated or high levels of cholesterol or have a heart condition. Saturated fat is never good for anyone. Saturated fat is mostly found in animal products.

Your poop’s color can be important, especially if it is black or while. Black stools can be caused by internal bleeding. You should see your doctor immediately if you have black stools. If you have white stools regularly, you should also see your doctor. White stools may indicate a problem with your liver or biliary tract. White is a sign that you are not producing bile, a digestive juice secreted by the liver. Green stools happen most frequently with most being caused by certain medicines, vitamins, or certain types of food. Bile mixes with your stools to help absorb fats. During its transition to the intestines, the stools will usually change from green to yellow to brown. Green stools occur when the food passes through the intestines faster than normal and does not get a chance to change color. If you have green stools frequently and have stomach discomfort or pain near the intestines, you may have a digestive condition your doctor will need to treat.

Lying to your Dr. could be Deadly

admin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:54:12 +0000

Kanye West’s mother died of plastic surgery complications because she had an existing condition that another plastic surgeon was afraid would lead to a heart attack. Mrs. West should never have gone through her surgery. Her death could have been prevented if she had been completely honest with her doctor.

Many people, nearly half of all women, lie to their doctors. The most common things they lie about are drinking, smoking, drugs, drinking water, exercising, and sex partners. We may assume that these things don’t matter when it comes to our health, but sometimes it can mean the difference between life and death, especially if you are going into surgery. The show, The Dr.s, lists five things that people lie to their doctors about that can have serious affects to our health.

5. Not flossing everyday.

This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the bacteria between your teeth can not only give you cavities but can also travel to your heart as plaque build-up and lead to a heart attack. Also, a dentist can always tell if you floss or not. Ever wonder how to get rid of bad breath…use a tongue scrapper to get rid of bacteria on your tongue. Brushing and mouth wash will not get rid of bacteria completely.

4. Not being honest about medications you are taking.

Many people may do this as a mistake because you forget all the medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor all the over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking along with any supplements or vitamins. Even specialists need to know what medications you are taking, such as genealogists and surgeons. OTC medications can have deadly affects when combined with certain prescription medications. Before you see the doctor, make a list of all medications you have taken in the last 30 days or any meds you taking regularly.

3. Wearing sunscreen.

Lying to your doctor about not wearing sunscreen may seem trivial, but if they prescribe specific medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light, it could cause a severe sunburn. Many times the prescription bottle will say that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or light, and at that point make sure you do use sunscreen anytime you go outside.

2. Smoking.

Doctors need to know if you have been smoking because surgical procedures and some medications can have a negative or deadly affect when you combine cigarette usage. Birth control, for example, can cause stroke or heart attack if you use it, smoke and are 35 years or older. In fact, you should not be taking birth control pills if you are 35 or older and smoke. Doctors can tell if you have been smoking because they can smell it on your clothes and body. They can also tell by listening to your lungs.

1. Drinking alcohol.

Most people lie about how much alcohol they drink and how often they drink to their doctors. In fact, when you write down how much alcohol you use, doctors will many times double or triple that amount. Doctors are not there to judge and need to know how much alcohol you consume because medication or even street drugs can kill you if you use the wrong combination. It is not a doctor’s job to judge or turn you over to the police if you are doing street drugs or anything else illegal. Their primary concern is your health. Even if you have done drugs in the past, doctors need to know. Your life is not worth risking just because you want to appear good and wholesome to your doctor. Doctors see all kinds of things daily, and I’m sure nothing will surprise them.

Spa Treatments: Solid Bubble Bath

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:37:20 +0000

Solid Bubble Bath

1/3 cup cream of tarter
1 cup baking soda
1 cup sodium laurel sulfoacetate (SLS)
1/3 cup glycerin liquid
Few drops water-based soap colorant or food color
Any fragrance or essential oil
A mold

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the colorant and fragrance a few drops at a time until the desired shade and scent are achieved. Mix in the glycerin liquid a little at a time until the mixture holds together in your hand. Transfer to your mold and press firmly into the mold. Unmold after about an hour and check for firmness. If the mixture crumbles, return it to the bowl and add more glycerin, then remold.
If it holds together when unmolded, cut into chunks or slices and continue to let dry on wax paper. This may take overnight or longer to harden. Wrap in cellophane, tissue paper, or store in a container. Use within a month or two. Makes 18oz.
To use: Drop into running bath water.

Bubble Bath

Castile soap should be grated or flaked.

Sweet Dreams Bubble Bath:

6 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of patchouli oil
1 quart of distilled water
1 bar of castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin

Mix the water, soap, and glycerin together and stir. Add essential oils to the mixture.

Cold Season Bubble Bath:

6 drops eucalyptus oil
3 drops spearmint oil
3 drops peppermint oil
1 quart distilled water
1 bar castile soap (4oz. bar)
4 ounces liquid glycerin