The lateral part of the leg contains a dominant muscle group that can be responsible for stiffness and fatigue in the upper leg but can also be a cause of “runner’s knee.”
Other people who may experience problems with trigger point #5 are bicyclists and horseback riders. A neuromuscular massage can relieve the pain associated with trigger point #5.
Sciatica, often thought to be caused by a pinched nerve, is more often caused by a trigger point in the piriformis muscle.
In fact, pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips or pain that shoots down the leg, often is a result of tightness in two major muscles in the buttocks.
Anyone who sits for extended periods is susceptible to pain from trigger point #4 — cab or truck drivers, gamers, and people who work at computers. A qualified massage therapist can greatly relieve the pain from sciatica by addressing trigger point #4.
Pain in the arch of the feet — plantar fasciitis — is the most common cause of foot pain. It can be relieved, often permanently, by finding the trigger points in the calf and in the arch of the foot.
Anyone who stands for long periods of time or works on their feet most of the day is susceptible to pain from trigger point #3 — dock workers, chefs, retail employees, cashiers, medical personnel and hair dressers.
The back of the skull has a network of muscles that when massaged, can relieve headaches.
One of the least recognized, but common causes of tension headaches are bifocal glasses that require the wearer to adjust the head to the glasses.
Fortunately, a qualified massage therapist can do much to relieve the pain caused by trigger point #2.
There is a triangular region on the side of the neck in the scalene muscles that, when tight, can cause a range of symptoms from pain along the scapula, in the neck, in the upper chest or even in the shoulders through the arm and down to the hands.
Even more confusing is the connection of these muscles to TMJ, hoarseness or a feeling of having a lump in the throat.
Nurses, hair dressers, chefs, and people who sit at computers are all susceptible to pain caused by trigger point # 1. Neuromuscular massage can relieve the cause of the pain.
Trigger points, often called muscle knots, are a common cause of stubborn pain that are highly receptive to massage therapy.
Often, pain located in one place is caused by a tight muscle in another place. A good massage therapist knows how to diagnose and treat trigger points that are causing pain.
Raking leaves is a perfect opportunity to get outside during the nice fall weather and get a little exercise.
Raking leaves is a moderate physical activity that can build upper-body and core strength.
Before you begin, a good warmup is in order. Raking uses nearly all the muscles in your body–arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and back.
Take a short walk about the yard, do a few arm circles, and stretch your legs and back.
Be sure to switch sides every now and again to prevent overuse injuries.
Don’t overfill the bags so that they become heavy to lift and move. Moving heavy bags can cause a strain on your back muscles.
If you’re stiff and sore after raking your leaves, a good neuromuscular massage may be just what you need before the next big wind leaves your yard full again.
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Even though the temperatures are falling, you do not have to sweat profusely to become dehydrated.
Studies show that adults over the age of 50 are the most likely to become dehydrated because the ability to recognize thirst decreases, many older adults take diuretics to control blood pressure, and some people who suffer bladder control problems drink less than they should.
You know you’re not drinking enough if you suffer muscle cramps with physical activity. Adding a sports drink with sodium will help.
Suspect you’re not drinking enough if you experience altered mood, impaired memory or headaches.
The old rule still holds true, eight 8-oz glasses of water a day is where you start. You may need more if you’re physically active.
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I often get the question, “Why go to a neuromuscular massage therapist?” The answer lies mainly in the type of massage you want, and the benefit it provides.
Let’s look at a couple of specific types of massages, and what they will do for you.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is perhaps the most common type of massage therapy and involves long, gliding strokes over the entire body. This type of massage increases the blood flow and provides a generally, relaxing experience.
Swedish massage reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts the immune system because it stimulates the number of white blood cells that fight infection.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is designed to ease tightness within a constricted muscle that may refer pain to another part of the body.
Cycles of isolated, increasing pressure followed by release results in an easing of pain in vulnerable areas such as the head and neck.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses greater pressure on the muscles to focus on the tissue, tendons and fascia which will help relieve chronic muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage is beneficial in lowering blood pressure and by boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Neuromuscular Massage
Neuromuscular massage is also a deep tissue technique that focuses on restoring strength and range of motion to an area of overuse or injury.
Neuromuscular massage is not always as comfortable or relaxing as a Swedish massage, but the after effects are.
Neuromuscular massage is a targeted therapy to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, persistent neck or back pain, and issues of overuse such as carpel tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow or shoulder and rotator cuff pain from golf or baseball.
My practice is neuromuscular massage although I can employ any of the above techniques. I use massage techniques to restore your muscles and the joints they control to a full range of motion without pain.
Falls are the number one reason for people over the age of 40 to go to an emergency room, and falls in people over 70 can have long-term, life-affecting consequences.
As we grow older, the number of nerve cells in our vestibular system (the system that maintains balance) naturally decreases. This and any other condition that impairs circulation (such as heart disease or diabetes) can have an adverse affect on the inner ear which can cause a dizzy or unsteady feeling.
Here are six things you can do to help maintain your balance.
Build your core strength. Any exercise that helps your body remain still while standing will help maintain balance such as sitting on a balance ball, using a balance platform (carefully), or standing on one leg for a few seconds at a time.
Tai Chi or Yoga are exercise regimens that improve posture, gait, core strength and flexibility. One caution for people who already have any type of vertigo, these exercises can worsen the vertigo at first. Please consult your ENT or vertigo specialist before you begin a new exercise regimen.
Watch for clutter. Every day we encounter busy spaces–stores, offices, crowded sidewalks–even our homes. In places with a lot of clutter, it is important to maintain visual focus while walking or moving to avoid falls.
Become aware of visual weaknesses that cause you to become unsteady such as escalators, tile floors with checkered patterns or the atria of buildings with non-square walls. In these environments, you may need to use handrails or ask for assistance to avoid a fall.
Where appropriate, take off your shoes. Your feet have important receptors that help with spacial orientation and walking bare foot helps to activate those receptors. On surfaces that could be slippery or uneven, however, it is best to wear slip-resistant socks or shoes with sturdy soles.
Change positions slowly. When you go from lying down to seated, or from seated to standing, take your time. It is not uncommon to become light-headed if you change positions too quickly. If this situation persists, however, even when changing positions slowly, you should consult your doctor to rule out other, more serious causes.
If you do fall, neuromuscular massage is one way to regain muscle flexibility and range of motion from any area that was injured in the fall.
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