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.

Make Time for Monthly Maintenance

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You've heard it all before; if you want to improve your overall health you have to drink more water, get more sleep, eat more vegetables, exercise every day and reduce your stress load.  It stands to reason that each of these things is great for your health; they also seem to be easier said than done. 

Study after study has proven stress reduction is an integral part of improving your health and should be a goal for every individual.  Regularly scheduled massage therapy sessions can easily help you achieve this!  They are a great way to relax, relieve stress and are excellent for monthly health maintenance.  If one of your resolutions this year was to place more value on your health massage is a great place to start!