If you've been diagnosed with Spinal Stenosis you've probably been looking for effective ways to treat it and lessen your symptoms. Massage Therapy and Bodywork provided by a skilled Licensed Massage Therapist is effective in treating a wide range of issues. In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage and Bodywork practice I often treat clients experiencing pain from a number of painful conditions including Spinal Stenosis.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is the name of a painful condition, in which the spinal cord and/or nerve roots are placed under abnormal pressure by narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal Stenosis can occur anywhere in the spine but the most common presentation occurs in the lumbar spine (low back) and next most commonly in the cervical spine (neck). Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis include neck or back pain, numbness in the extremities, pain in the extremities, muscular weakness, and cramping.
What is the cause of Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis may be caused by osteoarthritis or Paget's Disease or by a traumatic injury to the spinal column that causes pressure on the nerve roots or the spinal cord itself. When due to osteoarthritis or Paget's Disease, Spinal Stenosis most often affects middle-aged or elderly people.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Spinal Stenosis
Massage and Bodywork does not treat Spinal Stenosis directly; however, two things may be accomplished through massage therapy and bodywork to improve the client's symptoms. First, it may be possible through massage therapy and bodywork to improve posture and reduce abnormal curves in the spine. The improvements in posture, often through the use of Ortho-Bionomy or Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy, could provide a slight decrease in pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Second, some symptoms attributed to Spinal Stenosis may not be due to the condition at all. Once the diagnosis of Spinal Stenosis is made, all symptoms of cramping, pain, numbness, and weakness are usually assumed to stem from the condition. However, the symptoms may be from soft tissue nerve entrapments or trigger point referrals that can be treated with massage therapy. The massage therapist has a number of techniques available to relieve the nerve entrapments or trigger points. For example, Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy may be used to eliminate myofascial trigger points in affected muscles. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release tissues trapping nerves.
Other Treatments for Spinal Stenosis
While massage therapy and bodywork may be excellent treatment for symptoms possibly related to Spinal Stenosis, there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
Acupuncture
Chiropractic manipulation
Traction
Pain medications
Steroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory medications
Decompression Surgery
The information in this article has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Spinal Stenosis. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. Spinal Stenosis can be a very serious condition and medical attention is necessary.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of symptoms attributed to Spinal Stenosis with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, at 210-269-3314.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Massage For Pains Of The New Year
It's a New Year. 2010 is here and it's pretty common for people to have some stress, aches, and pains. Massage Therapy and Bodywork are very helpful for the New Year's stress, aches, and pains.
Maybe your new aches and pains are from an unexpected source, your Nintendo Wii. Yes, it's pretty common to over do it with Wii Bowling, Wii Tennis, Wii Boxing, or even Donkey Kong and end up with sore shoulders and forearms. Maybe you made a resolution to lose weight, get in better shape, be healthier, so you've started walking, running, or taking a great yoga class and now you're paying for it with sore feet, legs, and back. All that exercise is great but you're more likely to stick with it if you feel better...Massage Therapy will help.
Stress? Who doesn't have stress in the New Year? With the state of the economy and unemployment changing day-by-day, the boss acting like a jerk, your internet connection being flaky, and the kids... Take a break from it all and let Massage Therapy help you.
In San Antonio adding Massage Therapy to your new fitness plan couldn't be easier. All you need to do is call me at 210-269-3314 to set up your evaluation and appointment. Together we can make Massage Therapy the most anticipated part of your plan for better health. Find more info at Massage By Ben
Maybe your new aches and pains are from an unexpected source, your Nintendo Wii. Yes, it's pretty common to over do it with Wii Bowling, Wii Tennis, Wii Boxing, or even Donkey Kong and end up with sore shoulders and forearms. Maybe you made a resolution to lose weight, get in better shape, be healthier, so you've started walking, running, or taking a great yoga class and now you're paying for it with sore feet, legs, and back. All that exercise is great but you're more likely to stick with it if you feel better...Massage Therapy will help.
Stress? Who doesn't have stress in the New Year? With the state of the economy and unemployment changing day-by-day, the boss acting like a jerk, your internet connection being flaky, and the kids... Take a break from it all and let Massage Therapy help you.
In San Antonio adding Massage Therapy to your new fitness plan couldn't be easier. All you need to do is call me at 210-269-3314 to set up your evaluation and appointment. Together we can make Massage Therapy the most anticipated part of your plan for better health. Find more info at Massage By Ben
Saturday, November 21, 2009
9 Best Types of Massage - Ready to Relax?
By: Ye ZaoYang
Author Resource: Hand Held Back Massagers bring the comfort of a spa right to your home and handheldbackmassagers.com is dedicated to bring you the best at the lowest possible costs. Electric Back Massager and Homedics Foot Massagers are their best selling massager items.
Some of the most common massage techniques include the Swedish Massage - undoubtedly the most common form of massage. Swedish massage is known for its ability to bring the body into a state of relaxation and is often the first massage technique that therapists learn. Swedish Massage does not involve deep tissue or layers but is reserved to the upper most layers of the skin and muscle.
Sports Massage- this massage is used to treat the injuries that are often associated with various athletes due to the sports they participate in. This type of massage is also effective in preventing sports related injuries as well as treating them. One of the best benefits of Sports Massage is found in the fact that muscles and ligaments may be stretched and lengthened during these sessions. This results in enhanced athletic performance.
Deep Tissue Massage- this type of massage is performed more deeply upon the muscle and tissue compared to other types. Due to the nature of this massage, it is very beneficial in treating various types of chronic pain. It is important to realize that due to the amount of friction used in this type of massage, patients may experience a slight degree of discomfort following the treatment.
Reflexology- many people refer to Reflexology as a foot massage, however it is more involved than simply massaging the feet. Reflexology is based upon the Acupressure points that reside in the foot. The belief is that stimulation and massage on these points will connect with various points throughout the body.
Spa Therapies- this type of massage is found in spas and resorts. It may be a combination of other types of massage and combine other elements that are being used in the spa. These may include aromatherapy, deep tissue, reflexology, hydrotherapy, and much more.
Thai Massage- sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage, this form of massage combines many of the stretching poses of yoga with deep, vigorous massage techniques.
Shiatsu - otherwise known as Japanese Massage, Shiatsu uses the same pressure points in Chinese Acupressure and Acupuncture to perform deep tissue bodywork.
Hot Stone Massage - this type of massage uses hot or heated stones that are placed on certain points in the body. The heat from the stones relaxes tight and tense muscles and is believed to bring balance to the body.
Pregnancy or Prenatal Massage- this massage is used to help promote circulation, relaxation, and reduce stress in expectant mothers. It is important that pregnant women use a professional to perform these massages as too much stimulation may have a negative effect on the baby. Pregnant women should also be in specific positions while they are being massaged as well.
Author Resource: Hand Held Back Massagers bring the comfort of a spa right to your home and handheldbackmassagers.com is dedicated to bring you the best at the lowest possible costs. Electric Back Massager and Homedics Foot Massagers are their best selling massager items.
Many of these types of massage therapy are available at Massage By Ben in San Antonio, Texas.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ortho-Bionomy Registered Practitioner Training
Recently I went to a week-long residential training as part of my quest to attain "Registered Practitioner" status in Ortho-Bionomy. During that week I continued to make entries on my FaceBook account and Twitter, and that moved a few people to ask me about Ortho-Bionomy and the training program. What is Ortho-Bionomy? How do you become a Registered Practitioner? Read on.
Ortho-Bionomy is a non-invasive, gentle, and very powerful type of therapeutic bodywork. Ortho-Bionomy works with the body's own self-corrective reflexes to effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, chronic tension patterns, postural distortions, and stress. I tend to use it on almost every client and have never had a complaint about it. In fact clients love it as much as I do. They end up relaxed, with less pain, and feeling great. It's really the kind of bodywork that leaves you asking, "Where has this been all my life"? Yes, it's that good. So, after the first class I took from a well-known Ortho-Bionomy instructor I knew I wanted to pursue the registration/certification process.
The Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner Training program, for Basic Practitioner, requires a minimum of 503 hours of training after taking the first Phase 4 (entry level) class. It breaks out as follows:
Interestingly, although students are able to use Ortho-Bionomy to help their clients immediately after the first class, a lot of aspiring practitioners go well beyond the required hours while perfecting their practice of this incredible bodywork system. To find out more about Ortho-Bionomy, find a practitioner, or find an instructor please visit the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI).
"Ortho-Bionomy" is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI) and is used with permission.
Ortho-Bionomy is a non-invasive, gentle, and very powerful type of therapeutic bodywork. Ortho-Bionomy works with the body's own self-corrective reflexes to effectively relieve acute and chronic pain, chronic tension patterns, postural distortions, and stress. I tend to use it on almost every client and have never had a complaint about it. In fact clients love it as much as I do. They end up relaxed, with less pain, and feeling great. It's really the kind of bodywork that leaves you asking, "Where has this been all my life"? Yes, it's that good. So, after the first class I took from a well-known Ortho-Bionomy instructor I knew I wanted to pursue the registration/certification process.
The Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner Training program, for Basic Practitioner, requires a minimum of 503 hours of training after taking the first Phase 4 (entry level) class. It breaks out as follows:
64 Units Phase Four
16 Phase Five
16 Phase Six
16 Postural Re-Education and Post Techniques
16 Isometrics
16 Exploration of Movement Patterns
16 Chapman's Neurolymphatic Reflexes
16 Ethics and Emotional Issues
16 Demonstration Skills
16 Elements of a Successful Practice
32 Anatomy and Physiology
16 Elective
40 Residential (five day minimum)
16 Practitioner Training Seminar
18 Study Groups (six three-hour study groups minimum)
8 Sessions Received From Instructors
3 Feedback Sessions Performed On Instructors
9 Consultations
3 Evaluation Sessions Performed On Instructors
1 Supervised Demonstration
1 Essay
150 Documented Ortho-Bionomy Sessions (Supervised Practice)
Interestingly, although students are able to use Ortho-Bionomy to help their clients immediately after the first class, a lot of aspiring practitioners go well beyond the required hours while perfecting their practice of this incredible bodywork system. To find out more about Ortho-Bionomy, find a practitioner, or find an instructor please visit the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI).
"Ortho-Bionomy" is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International (SOBI) and is used with permission.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Pain Between The Shoulder Blades And Massage Therapy
Pain between the shoulder blades, called Interscapular Pain, is never pleasant and can lead to frustration while trying to relieve it. Massage Therapy and Bodywork are very effective in treating Interscapular Pain arising from musculoskeletal issues. In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat Interscapular Pain. Like many painful conditions Interscapular Pain responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.
What is Interscapular Pain?
Interscapular Pain is pain felt between the shoulder blades (scapula). The pain may be felt all across the area between the two shoulder blades but is very often felt only on one side between the shoulder blade and spine.
What is the cause of Interscapular Pain?
There are a number of possible causes for Interscapular Pain including:
- Direct trauma to the area from impacts.
- Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration (whiplash) injury affecting the lower neck and upper back area from motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries.
- Overwork or injury to the upper back’s paraspinal muscles or shoulder muscles such as the rhomboids or serratus anterior. The overwork/injury of muscles in the area can come from excessive or improper exercise, occupationally based repetitive stress, or even postural disorders like Upper Crossed Syndrome.
- Slight displacement of the joints between the ribs and vertebra. This is actually quite common and often the displaced ribs are mistakenly believed to be muscular knots.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Interscapular Pain
There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Interscapular Pain. The massage therapist may employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the area including paraspinal muscles, lower neck muscles, and shoulder muscles. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the muscles and surrounding tissues. Positional Release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy and Strain-Counterstrain may also be used to encourage the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement of the shoulder, ribs and vertebrae in the area. Additionally the massage therapist might use Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy* to gently encourage movement of painful joints. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and gentle exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Interscapular Pain.
Other Treatments for Interscapular Pain
While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Interscapular Pain there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
Chiropractic or Osteopathic Adjustment
Anti-inflammatory & pain medications (NSAIDS)
Ultrasound
Therapeutic Exercise
The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Interscapular Pain. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Interscapular Pain please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of serious conditions that seem similar to Interscapular Pain caused by muscular issues that could require immediate medical attention.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Interscapular Pain with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben at 210-269-3314 or contact a Massage Therapist near you.
*Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy is a non-forceful, soft-tissue based system of body therapy. It is not a Chiropractic or Osteopathic adjustment system.
What is Interscapular Pain?
Interscapular Pain is pain felt between the shoulder blades (scapula). The pain may be felt all across the area between the two shoulder blades but is very often felt only on one side between the shoulder blade and spine.
What is the cause of Interscapular Pain?
There are a number of possible causes for Interscapular Pain including:
- Direct trauma to the area from impacts.
- Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration (whiplash) injury affecting the lower neck and upper back area from motor vehicle accidents or sports injuries.
- Overwork or injury to the upper back’s paraspinal muscles or shoulder muscles such as the rhomboids or serratus anterior. The overwork/injury of muscles in the area can come from excessive or improper exercise, occupationally based repetitive stress, or even postural disorders like Upper Crossed Syndrome.
- Slight displacement of the joints between the ribs and vertebra. This is actually quite common and often the displaced ribs are mistakenly believed to be muscular knots.
Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Interscapular Pain
There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Interscapular Pain. The massage therapist may employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the area including paraspinal muscles, lower neck muscles, and shoulder muscles. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the muscles and surrounding tissues. Positional Release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy and Strain-Counterstrain may also be used to encourage the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement of the shoulder, ribs and vertebrae in the area. Additionally the massage therapist might use Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy* to gently encourage movement of painful joints. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and gentle exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Interscapular Pain.
Other Treatments for Interscapular Pain
While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Interscapular Pain there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:
Chiropractic or Osteopathic Adjustment
Anti-inflammatory & pain medications (NSAIDS)
Ultrasound
Therapeutic Exercise
The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Interscapular Pain. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Interscapular Pain please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of serious conditions that seem similar to Interscapular Pain caused by muscular issues that could require immediate medical attention.
If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Interscapular Pain with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben at 210-269-3314 or contact a Massage Therapist near you.
*Myoskeletal Alignment Therapy is a non-forceful, soft-tissue based system of body therapy. It is not a Chiropractic or Osteopathic adjustment system.
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