Addressing Stress

Stress has a way of changing posture. As stress begins to tighten one's body, shoulders begin to roll forward, the chin lifts and the neck moves forward. This happens to all of us as the everyday pressures of life close in around us. In the world of psychology the term for this posture is armoring.

Think of a person sitting at a typing station. This person is not sitting erect, but leaning slightly forward. Her elbows are not hanging by her side but are just forward of her body. As her fingers dance across the keyboard she not only has to hold her forearms up, but has to hold her elbows forward. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the muscles of her upper back as well as her lower back.

There are two muscles that are punished the most by stress. We call these muscles the stress muscles. However, their medical name is Levator Scapula. These two muscles connect at the upper bones of the neck called the Cervical Vertebrae and connect to the shoulder blade, known as the Scapula. When we are stressed our shoulders lift putting pressure on our neck. This pressure creates headaches and neck and shoulder pain. The final result of this posturing is pressure on the Medial Nerve which eventually becomes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

This condition is easily addressed by massage and three or four visits usually alleviate this stress.How often should you get a massage? Probably once a week, if you have never had a massage before.

As the shoulders lift, the vertebrae of the spine are pulled close together, which puts pressure on the disk between the vertebrae. As the disk is crushed by this pressure it widens and puts pressure on the nerves that exit the Central Nervous System at these openings. As the nerves are impinged, everything in the body begins to shut down and we enjoy a lower level of energy. Life becomes harder.

From our point of view, stress is the fundamental cause of most illness. The Ancient Chinese said that disease was caused by congestion and wellness was the result of circulation. This was written six thousand years ago and it seems they were correct.

For those of you who have never experienced a professional massage, perhaps now is the time to give one a try. All you have to lose is stress and discomfort.

WHAT A TYPICAL MASSAGE TREATMENT IS LIKE....

A typical massage treatment is 40 to 90 minutes long. It begins with consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. You will be asked to disrobe (most people keep their underwear on) while the therapist is out of the room, and lie face down on a special massage table. There is a sheet or towel draped over you at all times, so only the part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered. Massage therapists use a light oil or cream on the skin.

Will it be uncomfortable?
It shouldn't be uncomfortable. Occasionally there is mild aching when the therapist applies pressure over "knots" and other areas of muscle tension. If the pressure is too strong for you, let the therapist know.

One type of massage, called deep tissue massage, uses more direct pressure and friction on muscles, especially those in the low back, between the shoulder blades, and around the neck. Clients usually feel sore after these treatments.

How will I feel after?
Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. Occasionally, people experience mild temporary aching for a day.

Should I talk to the massage therapist during the treatment?
Your massage therapist may ask you questions related to your condition during your treatment. If you have any additional information you forgot to mention during the consultation, don't hesitate to bring it up. Don't feel like you have to make conversation during your treatment.

"I fell asleep during my massage!"
Don't be embarassed - it happens to many people. In fact, being in such as state of relaxation during the massage enhances the therapeutic effects.

CONDITION TREATED

Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis

Stress relief and stress-related conditions

Headaches and migraines


Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains

Back pain

Circulatory and respiratory problems

Pregnancy and labour discomfort


Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation

Some Benefits Of Massage:
1. Relaxing.
2. Soothing.
3. Healing.
4. Reassuring.
5. Eases tension, stiffness, and pain.
6. Improves breathing.
7. Improves circulation.
8. Enhances well-being.