Massage Treatment for Workplace or Automobile Related Injuries

Unless one works in a potentially dangerous profession such as police officer, fireman or skyscraper window washer, injuries in the workplace are generally not considered a common concern. The truth, however, is that such hazards are more frequent than most people think - and are not restricted to high-risk occupations.

People employed in sedentary occupations are just as prone to physical ailments related to their jobs. In particular, technology-driven workplace environments such as long hours before computers have shown an increase in musculoskeletal injuries. Prolonged sitting, poor body posture are the most common causes. Problems may not occur immediately, but gradually become noticeable over time. What is imperative is that these symptoms not be ignored as they can result in debilitating or even permanent damage if not properly attended to. An untreated workplace injury affects your ability to do your job, and thus may also threaten your capability to earn a living. The most common injuries include trauma to the back and neck, carpal tunnel syndrome, and a variety of headaches. Oftentimes conventional medical treatment alone might not be the answer. While medications alleviate the pain, they do not address the underlying cause of the problem or help with the oftentimes emotional aspects.

This is where massage can play an effective and positive role. Massage not only helps with the relief of physical suffering and may prevent future injuries, but also aids in dealing with anxiety, depression and even sleep disturbances that may relate to one's injury.

An auto accident is another situation that can result in trauma that may surface as a delayed reaction. Injuries most common in a motor vehicle accident include whiplash, and other muscular strains and sprains that affect the shoulder, lower back, mid-back, elbow, hip and knee. Even a minor fender-bender can produce problems that might not be immediately evident. Accidents vary and so does the severity of the injury. It is recommended that treatment be sought immediately following an auto mishap, regardless of whether or not you have not sustained noticeable injuries. Besides preventing the potential for later musculoskeletal disturbances, one of the primary benefits associated with massage therapy is the relaxation that can help reduce or eliminate the effects of shock and trauma on your nervous system. The release of tension throughout the body can reverse damages caused by the jolt of a sudden impact and prevent those injuries from becoming more severe. Massage also promotes the circulation of blood and encourages the healthy function of the lymphatic system which can control the swelling - or edema - that usually comes from an auto injury. Massage helps to maintain and improve range of motion and may even help prevent the formation of scar tissue.

So whether your complaint comes from a workplace injury - or is the result of an automobile collision, your first choice should be to visit one of Academy Massage's trained and qualified massage therapists who will work with you to determine the best course of therapy to put you back on track.

With the Hockey Season Officially Under Way

Excitement builds in the air among the fans and especially the teams, both professional and amateur. As with football, hockey creates its own collisions and as it is a full-body sport, demanding speed, agility and balance, the entire body should be in prime physical condition to withstand the rigors of the sport. Muscles are put into action in multiple movement patterns and the proper training and maintenance of these muscles are essential if the player wants to perform at the top of his game.

The core should be strengthened first as this is where movement begins. The muscles in the lower body most in need of training include the lower back, thighs, inner thighs, hamstrings, the rectus abdominis (the major muscle in the center of the stomach) and hip flexors. These are the muscles responsible for acceleration in skating, stopping and twisting and the change of direction on the ice, and are important because often during the game you perform many of these actions simultaneously.

Since proper warm-up is the key, one of the most effective procedures to prepare the body for the ice is the foam roll. The benefit of the foam roll is that it massages the trigger points - or muscle knots. Working these trigger points helps to improve the blood flow to the muscle tissue and readies the muscles to perform quickly, which is vital with the hard contractions that occur in hockey. In addition, foam rolling addresses muscle imbalances, increases range of motion, increases long-term flexibility, and can help a muscle recover after exercise and aid in recovery.