Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: What Is It and What Can You Do?

Although many people believe Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by strain in the muscles, it actually develops due to problems within the nerves. CTS is a form of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) that develops when the tissues around the median nerve swell and create pressure. Most people report pain in their wrists as a symptom of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. There are several therapeutic options available for the treatment of CTS, including massage. Gentle, passive range of motions movements of the wrist and long strokes up the flexors of the forearm can help reduce the pressure put on the nerves by these surrounding tissues. Stretching these flexors by extending the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows will also relieve pressure. If you find that self massage is not relieving the discomfort you feel, please contact us to discuss our targeted treatment options. All treatments at Academy Massage are customized to the client to suit their needs and we would be happy to help you find relief!

The Perfect Compliment to an Active Summer

After the brutal, interminably long winter we hearty Manitobans have endured this past season, the prospect of summer and enjoying fun in the sun have already got many of us preparing for those activities we enjoy. Be it cycling or running in the park or engaging in sand and surf frolicking and tournaments, what is a certainty is that many of those muscles that we basically have kept dormant during winter months are once more reactivated with a vigorous passion. In our eagerness to get motivated, we often neglect to prime ourselves physically before embarking on our various activities.

Getting adequate amounts of sunshine and exercise are paramount ingredients in maintaining optimum health. Physical activity has been proven to reduce stress and absorbing rays has now been recognized as a good source of achieving Vitamin D.

Yet despite these benefits, there is a flip-side. Over-exposure to both can lead to dire consequences if proper protocol is not heeded. People have become aware of how too much exposure to the sun's UV rays can potentially result in skin cancer. Just as problematic is the bending, stretching and extending of joints and muscles put to full use during summer activities. Now this is not necessarily limited to leisure events. Even routine chores around the house and yard such as gardening and lawn maintenance can produce physical difficulties and even lead to debilitating injuries.

People want to enjoy the summer months without being hindered by unnecessary pain. Therefore it is highly recommended that massage therapy be considered both as a preventative measure and also to offset the effects of soreness brought about by work or sports injuries.

At Academy Massage, we specialize in massage therapy that is goal-oriented and results-based. Our work is specifically geared to the problem area by implementing treatment methods that include permanent pain relief, injury healing and rehabilitation, correction of soft tissue dysfunction, and increased flexibility and range-of-motion.

The professional massage therapists will apply the proper techniques to muscles and joints that will release tightness,  cramping, spasms and knots. Depending on one's preference a massage therapist can apply either a ‘focused massage’ or an ‘all body massage’. A focused massage allows the massage therapist to concentrate on specific areas where cramps and knots are grouped together. This is typically the case when it comes to sensitive areas like the neck, shoulder and arms. An all body massage helps the body relieve tension and regulate itself. Among the additional benefits are better sleep patterns, and improved alertness.

A professional massage can also help free up the lactic acid that builds up in our muscles from strenuous activities that, if left untreated, can produce toxins in the body that may compromise and cause inflammation to the immune system.

Equally important is to keep hydrated during those hot summer days. Muscles and tissues require plenty of fluids to function properly and to prevent sprains or spasms.

With a long-awaited summer now upon us, now is the time to consider a therapeutic massage session and enjoy the season at your optimal best.

What Causes Whiplash?

Most people associate whiplash with being in a car accident, but did you know that’s not the only thing that can be the cause?  Headbanging (really), bungee jumping and even something as small as falling can be the source of the injury; anything that forces your neck and head to be thrown back and sideways suddenly.    

Whiplash is the non-medical term often used to describe hyperflexion and hyperextension, it is also one of the most common non-fatal car crash injuries.  Symptoms of whiplash, or “Cervical acceleration-deceleration”, range from headaches, pain in the neck and back to feeling pins and needles (sensory disturbance) in the arms and legs.  These symptoms may be present immediately after the injury, but can take days to be felt fully.   

If you or someone you know is still suffering from whiplash pain, call Academy Massage to arrange a restorative massage session!  We will work with you to assess your injury and determine the best form of compatible treatment to your existing program.    

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.