Arthritis: Affecting More Than Your Joints

Today over 4.2 million Canadians suffer from arthritis and this staggering statistic includes that more than half of that number are under the age of 65; further that more than 600,000 are so severely affected by the disease that they are unable to hold steady employment. This produces a strain not only on the arthritis sufferer but also on the national economy, which, including loss of productivity coupled with health costs leaves a financial burden of arthritis in Canada at $6.4 billion!

     Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis consists of more than 100 different conditions, ranging from relatively mild forms like bursitis to crippling systemic types, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the type of arthritis, the symptoms are commonly pain, swelling and joint stiffness. It is wrong to assume that arthritis that is an untreatable condition. There are also preventative measures one can take, such as maintaining a healthy body weight and following a correct diet and exercise regime as well as avoiding risk activities that may contribute to joint injuries. However, there are no guarantees that one can protect oneself from the onset of arthritis as its encroachment can be slow and insidious.

     Receiving proper diagnosis is critical since treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis. These can range from medications to physical therapy. 

     Massage therapy has become an increasingly popular option in managing arthritis pain. Not only does massage help to soothe sore joints and muscles, it also aids in easing anxiety and promotes better sleep. Another benefit is that massage increases the body's ability to produce endorphins which reduce pain. Recent studies have shown that regular massage therapy sessions have resulted in improvements in pain, stiffness, range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints. In addition, massage therapy has shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

     At Academy Massage our trained therapists understand the difficulty of living with the pain and worry of arthritis and utilize the most effective modern massage methods to help reduce both the soreness and the stress.

     Massage therapy involves working soft body tissues with the hands or an instrument, thus easing the discomfort of the arthritis sufferer by loosening up the affected joints. In addition, when gentle joint stretching is done, it can stimulate the production of synovial fluid, which acts as a cushion and reduces inflammation and pain. Academy Massage employs various massage therapies depending on one's type of arthritis and symptoms. These include deep-tissue massage and reflexology. To this end, it is very important that the arthritis sufferer be specific about where and how the arthritis is affecting him so that safe and proper treatment can be applied.

     While massage therapy cannot cure or halt the progress of arthritis, it can ease the painful symptoms and help improve one's quality of life.

     Speak to one of our qualified professionals to discover if massage therapy might be a treatment option that is right for you.

Repetitive Strain Injury

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People today maintain an active lifestyle, be it at the workplace or by pursuing various hobbies or leisure activities. Unfortunately, these activities can sometimes lead to physical problems, and one of the most common and painful is repetitive strain injury or RSI. RSI can cause persistent or recurring stiffness and soreness most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, forearms, hands, wrists, elbows and knees. Lower back problems are another common complaint associated with RSI. These conditions are known by many names, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis or golfer's elbow, trigger finger and bursitis, among others. The causes can range from prolonged play at sports to occupational factors such as overuse at the computer. RSI most often develops and is aggravated by repetitive tasks, exertions and even awkward body posture. The number of RSI injuries is increasing and has resulted both in significant lost time from work and severe physical distress for the person so afflicted. The pain can be debilitating and in extreme cases can adversely affect one's quality of life. RSI can be difficult to diagnose and it is recommended that if symptoms persist that treatment is sought as soon as possible as RSI may worsen over time.

     While relief is often sought through such invasive treatments as surgery or cortisone injections, such procedures are not always effective and in some cases can produce unwelcome side effects.

     At Academy Massage we employ a conservative therapy specialized to your specific requirement. Our trained therapists understand that your individual treatment depends on your specific symptoms and will work out a program designed to fit that need. "Hands on" therapy such as massage has shown to be effective in relieving RSI pain. Regular massage helps to reduce the pain and discomfort and ease the inflammation connected with RSI and can even help to prevent future injuries. Massage therapy addresses "trigger points" which releases muscle tension, and in turn relieves compression and pain and allows for greater flexibility of the joints and muscles. In addition, massage boosts blood circulation, helps promote healthy regeneration of tissue and increases motion range by relaxing tight muscles.

     If RSI is limiting your active daily schedule Academy Massage invites you to speak to one of our caring and qualified professionals to discuss a treatment option that will help get your life back on track.

Demystifying Prenatal Massage

We should all take good care of ourselves all the time. Sadly we don’t. One time when we start paying attention to our own well-being in a much focused way is when we receive that wonderful news - we're pregnant!

Looking after yourself is the very first step to looking after baby (or babies), and after you've done the obvious things that your doctor or OB/GYN advises you to - be careful what you eat, cut out alcohol, then it’s appropriate to think about those things that not only help baby along the way, but make you feel better during your pregnancy.

It won't surprise you to hear that, at Academy Massage, we’re huge believers in pre-natal massage, not just for the health benefits, but also for the gains in quality of life you’ll experience.

So what is prenatal massage? Simply put - it’s a regular massage, but one that’s tailored to your changing body, and it’s changing needs. We'll relax your muscles, ease tensions, improve your circulation; all of those good things. There are even studies from the University of Miami (http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/AdultMassage.html) showing such there may be as diverse benefits as lower anxiety levels, decreased back and leg pain, improved sleep, and even reduction in migraine symptoms.

What should you expect? You should expect to have the same fantastic experience as all our clients. Please come early to fill out the paperwork, as it’s so important to have your health history, especially now you’re expecting. Then you’ll meet your therapist, and she'll take you into the treatment room, where the magic begins. You'll be as clothed as you wish to be, and we'll ensure you're comfortable. We'll encourage you to switch off your cell phone, and enjoy this time that is just for the two (or more!) of you. More information about your experience can be seen at http://www.academymassage.ca/whattoexpect.html.

So what’s next? Book your appointment by calling us at 204.489.5050, or feel free to ask us questions at info@academymassage.ca. We'd love to see you!

More Than Massage

At Academy Massage we're about more than just typical massage therapy treatment.  We also offer several take-home products to all our clients.  One of our favourites is the Relaxus TENS massager!  This compact machine will fit in your pocket and is easily rechargeable – great for when you’re on the go or travelling and don’t have time for a full massage session.   The machine delivers small electrical pulses to tense muscles through electrode patches placed on the skin.  These pulses alter and block the pain signals passing through the nerves and spinal cord on their way to the brain.  This reduces the overall number of pain signals received by the brain and helps the muscles to relax and release tension.

Give Your Heart Some Valentine's Day Love This February

It may be a few days shorter than any other month of the year, but February has a lot to offer. Not only is February officially known as Heart Month, but it also contains Valentine's Day. With so much focus and emphasis on the heart, it is time to take a look at what you can do to treat your heart right. With the hectic pace of the holiday season behind us, and the promise of warmer weather and more sunshine ahead, now is the perfect time to indulge in some heart-healthy tips and tricks.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it is useful to find a heart-healthy activity that you and your loved one can enjoy. Many couples enjoy massages, but did you know that a couple's massage can do more than just alleviate sore muscles and stiffness throughout the body? Research has shown that massages benefit the heart as well. The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine found that a good, thorough massage can help the heart by allowing blood to circulate more efficiently throughout the body. You will also benefit from a drop in blood pressure and a lower heart rate. If you want your partner to give you a massage more frequently, simply explain that regular massages play a role in reducing stress and associated problems such as cardiac arrhythmias.

If you want to treat your heart right, try eating well. Even small changes in your diet can have lasting impacts on your heart health. Fresh produce is great for maintaining a healthy heart because it clears out potentially harmful free radicals within the bloodstream while protecting blood vessels in the process. Other heart-healthy foods include whole grains, legumes, nuts, teas, and fatty fish. Treat your partner to a heart-healthy meal on Valentine's Day that both of you can enjoy.

Your heart is a muscle, and it needs to be exercised just like any other muscle in your body. If you already have a workout routine, invite your partner along for a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood after Valentine's Day dinner to get the blood flowing. Just a short walk can increase metabolism and will make you feel good all-around. Regular cardiovascular exercise has been shown to increase the strength of the heart. A stronger heart will work more efficiently, and it will pump more blood each time it beats, leading to an increased blood flow that carries more oxygen throughout the body.

The phrase "death by chocolate" is less frightening once you know that chocolate can be good for the heart. The Harvard Unive rsity School of Public Health concluded that chocolate has been linked to heart benefits such as increased blood flow, less frequent amounts of blood platelets sticking and clotting, and lower levels of bad cholesterol. Therefore, you should buy your sweetheart some chocolate this Valentine's Day - make sure you make an appointment for a couple's massage as well.

Taking small steps in the right direction can have very positive results. Reward your heart this month with some heart-healthy tips and tricks. Bring your partner along for Valentine's Day fun; you will have an enjoyable time with lasting health benefits.