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We have all struggled with lower back, stiffness/discomfort or pain one time or another in our lifetime. You worked on the garden or may have lifted a heavy box from the garage or a quick twist the wrong way and uh oh….your whole back has stiffened up and you spend the rest of the day laying down on the couch. Instead of waiting till it goes away, or taking medication to resolve the pain, we should talk about how massage therapy can help your lower back pain or how it can be prevented in the first place. So what is massage therapy and why does it work? Massage Therapy is the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to rehabilitate or increase physical function and relieve pain. So generally speaking, massage is an effective way to reduce restrictions and tension in the muscle, ligament and fascial tissue that attach to the lower spine and pelvis joints that has built up over the weeks, months and even years. Why does that happen? Well the most common reason is we are not moving enough and our body adjusts and adapts to our posture. In other words we sit too much and have developed fascial restrictions/adhesions and muscle tension that reduces our lower back range of motion. That is why we suffer from muscle spasm and pain periodically. So the good news is if we just look at the situation on the preventive side, occasional or regular massage treatments before the back develops stiffness and pain will most likely prevent future back pain episodes. If you are experiencing regular or constant back pain. Massage therapy will assist you on your way to recovery as we can resolve the muscle tension and restriction to get you back to your normal activities of living without the stress and aggravation of pain. Don’t ignore it any longer. Massage Therapy is a great option to help resolve the pain you’re experiencing in your lower back. As therapists we will assess your limitations and what is aggravating the pain. Massage therapists’ goal is to reduce restriction and tension in the muscles, ligaments, and fascial tissue to calm the nervous system and reduce stress and inflammation as well as reduce muscle restriction and tension that is causing your lower back pain. It is also a great tool in preventing the pain in the first place Book your next massage appointment today. You are worth the time and self care!
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 What influenced your decision to become a Massage Therapist?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare and what pushed me to choose massage therapy was the opportunity to create and build on client relationships and having the chance to really make a positive difference to someone’s health and lifestyle. I love being able to communicate with my clients about their goals and their progress. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? The top 3 most common issues that I help clients address are postural awareness, common tension areas, and the importance of movement and exercise. What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating? I can’t name a particular condition or injury that I enjoy treating the most but I can say that of all the areas of the body I do enjoy treating the neck and shoulders the most. I feel that most – if not all – people carry tension and stress in the neck, and some don’t even know how severe the tension really is until they get a massage. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? Aside from general Swedish techniques I incorporate Fascial Stretch Therapy into my treatments if I find it necessary and I feel it can benefit my clients. I’m thankful to have been certified with Fascial Stretch because it really helps clients let go if I find that they are really tense and having a difficult time relaxing on the table. Fascial Stretch also provides a deeper stretch in certain areas that client’s may not be able to feel if they were to stretch on their own. I will also be taking an acupuncture course this fall which I am very excited about and I cannot wait to provide this treatment for my clients What is a common question patients ask you? Patients always ask me, “Don’t you get tired from massaging?” The truth is, after a long day it can get tiring. However, being mindful of my body mechanics and my posture when I treat really helps to prevent any heavy strain on my own body and I think that incorporating fitness and activity into my own lifestyle has helped with my endurance and longevity as a health practitioner. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this summer what would it be? My advice would be: make the most of all of your days, not just for the summer but all year round! The hot weather is always nice, but don’t just wait for summer in order to go out and experience things. I find that it’s tough sometimes to find that work-life balance. I myself am guilty for working too much sometimes but this year, I have made sure to make time for things and people that make me happy. What do you like to do for fun/or tell us something most people don't know about you I love anything to do with the outdoors like hiking, camping, kayaking to name a few! In my free time I enjoy going to the gym. It is the BEST outlet for me to distress, recharge, and I just feel absolutely amazing after a good workout. I don’t talk about it often but I l also love to dance. I did Filipino cultural dance for about 10 years and I did competitive hip-hop dance in University. Don’t be surprised if you see me and I’m dancing to no music but the one playing in my head! BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH CHARISSE > > >  By Charisse Manalil, RMT
What is KinesioTape? More widely known as K-Tape, it is a taping technique that is intended to provide support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s available range of motion. It also assists to extend the benefits of any manual therapy that was applied to soft tissue within the clinic setting. It has and continues to become popular with sports such as basketball, tennis, soccer and long/short distance running to name a few. However, the use of K-Tape is also appropriate for the average individual who perhaps works at a desk sitting in front of the computer, someone who is constantly bearing heavy loads, or someone who is working with tools majority of their work shift. Whether our bodies feel pain due to repetitive movements, bearing heavy weight, or adapting to improper posture, K-Tape can help reduce tension and provide support depending on how severe or acute the injury. Some Benefits of K-Tape
A proper assessment is very important with any treatment plan. With that said, in order to obtain any desired results from the use of K-Tape it is important to first determine if it is necessary. It is also important to remember that K-Tape does not target the cause of pain or work to eliminate it! It can be used in addition to other treatments such a chiropractic, physiotherapy, or massage therapy!  What influenced your decision to become a Massage Therapist?
I've always wanted to work in the healthcare industry. I find that helping individuals with their issues make me feel accomplished like no other job has. It wasn't until when my grandfather was sick that triggered my interested in massage specifically. I kneaded his hands and feet mimicking what he did back when he got sick. And to my surprise he got better. I had a realization that I was great working hands-on, so I pursued the career. It's been two and a half years now and I'm still loving every minute. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? Number one would have to be low back pain, either from disk herniation or muscle strain. Second, shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears and third, is knee pain from degeneration. What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating? There is always something to treat. Even when patients only come for relaxation- stress creates tension, and tension builds knots in your muscles. A lot of people don't realize how much tension builds up throughout the week and they come in surprised at how sore their back & shoulders are. That said, I very much enjoy treating stress related tension and teaching patients proper posture and work ergonomics. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? I start out with an assessment to see where the patient is physically, or in some cases mentally. After ruling out any red flags I then set reasonable and achievable short-term goals for them. I would then give the patient a few remedial exercises after a treatment as we work together to achieve their goal. I provide deep tissue, or Swedish massage, and am certified in cupping therapy. What is your treatment philosophy? Don't make things more complicated than they need to be. What is a common question patients ask you? Do your hands get tired?... lol If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? When walking on snow or ice , look to the experts. Walk like a penguin. Center your gravity on your whole foot instead of your heels. You'll look a bit silly but at least you'll avoid injury. What do you like to do for fun/or tell us something most people don't know about you? On my free time you'll often find me playing my guitar or rocking the drums. I enjoy jammin' out with friends and occasionally singing karaoke after a few drinks. To stay healthy I try and squeeze in a workout between patients or during my lunch break. So if you see me around the gym, come say hi. I'd be glad to answer any questions or even spot you on your next heavy set.  What influenced your decision to become a Massage Therapist/Osteopath?
I have always been interested in studying natural ways to heal the human body. I had lots of experience growing up getting treatment from a naturopath, chiropractor, massage, physio etc to keep me healthy for playing sports. My athletic therapist at the time was undergoing their osteopathic studies and wanted to practice techniques on me. My first treatment was something I never had experienced before it was deeply relaxing and therapeutic. I felt a deep connection to that approach to healing and wanted to learn more. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? 1) Back Pain 2) Neck Pain 3) Stress & Anxiety What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating? 1) Back pain 2) Headaches 3) Foot problems What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? I use a lot of trigger point therapy, fascial techniques, muscles stripping. What is your treatment philosophy? To help patients heal themselves and work with them in a relaxed setting. Educating them or guiding them so they are more aware of their own body. What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a hands on manual therapy aiming to remove any barriers to health by treating the causes of pain and imbalances. Who would likely benefit from an Osteopathic appointment? Most office workers would benefit but anyone can experience an improvement from an Osteopathic appointment. Similar to a massage it can also promote relaxation and stress relief as well as relieve muscle tension. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Bundle up and get some fresh air. What do you like to do for fun? Hiking, reading yoga! |
AuthorWritten by the team at Rebound Health and Wellness Archives
May 2023
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