Massage Therapy for Post Polio Sequelae

The following article was submitted to me by a client who is active in raising awareness of those in emotional and physical recovery of polio. The information is very much appreciated!

 August 15, 2007 by:

yodave

          Since the early 1990's a mystery disease has been affecting baby boomers. Once thought to be a variation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with Fibromyalgia, Post Polio Sequelae or the

Post Polio Flu as it is most commonly termed, has been affecting the joints, muscles and tissues of Polio survivors.

My mother is a Polio survivor who missed the iron lung treatment. In the early 1990's she began to get very weak, to the point where being able to exercise or even walk a short distance was impossible. Doctor's diagnosed depression, citing midlife crisis, and when that didn't work tried diagnosing Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome along with Lupus and a whole host of other disorders. What we knew, was that she was genuinely ill.

It wasn't until the pain in her feet got so bad that she was given morphine shots that we began to get any assistance. Taking herself to physiotherapy as a last resort, the Physiotherapist gently tried to relieve leg muscles that were quickly atrophying from lack of use, this Physiotherapist believed we would be better using the services of a Massage therapist who could work the muscles and tissues and help the immune system recover.

Going to a massage therapist instead of a physiotherapist made all the difference. Massage, unlike physiotherapy concentrates on healing the whole body. When an area of the body is massaged or manipulated, the lymph nodes are better able to carry blood and oxygen to all the organs of the body. As oxygen is increased, the auto-immune system sends a message to the brain that the body is in fact recovering from a trauma, or in this case a real disease.

Post Polio Sequelae causes the muscles to seize up, and become useless. The body then goes into 'panic mode' which means that although pressure little blood and oxygen is getting to the affected muscles, now even less will get there as we begin to panic. As our breathing shallows, our stress levels go up and our muscles tighten even more.

After a detailed inventory, the massage therapist will typically seek to relax a patient by using standard Swedish therapy characterized by five deep hand strokes that fan out from the top of the rib cage down to the waist. Once this is done, blood flow throughout the central nervous system is restored and the patient is relaxed enough to have the more serious areas massaged.

Often it is the legs and feet that are most affected by Post Polio Sequelae. The feet often become curled, and it is difficult to walk on them. Here the feet are kneaded using a form of massage therapy called deep tissue massage. Often quite painful, this deep kneading, releases tension deep within the muscles and tissues, forcing them to relax, and blood to flow through. If a knot is encountered by the therapist, trigger point therapy is applied to help alleviate the knot and the pain. The process is then re-applied to the ankles, calves and thighs.

Often quite painful, using a combination of three different types of massage therapy can and does bring relief to those with Post Polio Sequelae. The massage allows the tissues to heal themselves, and promotes blood flow so they do not cramp up and become sore again.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/340706/massage_therapy_for_post_polio_sequelae.html?singlepage=true&cat=70

The Wellness Model

Wellness is a concept in which a person takes responsibility for his/her state of health. It's a preventative plan, where one makes an effort to recognize conditions, situations, and practices that may be threatening to his and her health and tries to change them in order to live a healthier life. Wellness involves adopting practices that enhance health such as a low-fat, high-fiber diet, exercise, a balance between work and play, and a positive mental and spiritual attitude. One should also try to reduce health risks and stress from their lifestyle. It's more than physical health. It's often represented on an equilateral triangle. It's a balance of mind, body, and spirit. A wellness oriented person strives to attain a healthy balance between these three.

Keeping your Back Healthy

Here are a few tips from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:

• stretch and warm tissue before exercise or other strenuous activities.
• practice good posture. Avoid slouching when sitting or standing.
• when standing, keep weight balanced on both feet.
• follow good ergonomics in the workplace. When sitting for long periods of time, rest feet on a foot support. Make sure your chair and work surfaces are at the proper height. Get up and move around in between long sitting stints.
• avoid high-heeled shoes.
• watch your weight. Excess weight especially around the waist, can put undue stress on the lower back muscles.
• take vitamins and minerals
• don't lift items that are heavier than you can handle. Remember to lift with your knees, not your back. Pull in stomach muscles, keep your head down and in line with your straight back, and do not twist when lifting.
• get massaged. Using therapeutic bodywork can melt pain-inducing stress away from your back and the rest of your body.

Medicupping

Summer is just beginning, come visit us at Hartwell Massage Clinic and let us help you get you ready for the beach with MediCupping.

 

 MediCupping bodywork is a pleasant and gentle, non-invasive technique that achieves powerful results in:

• Cellulite Reduction Releasing Tight, Contracted Muscle Tissue
• Pain Reduction Contouring the Face and Body
• Joint Mobility Assisting with Weight Loss Programs
• Lymph Drainage Atheletic Performance Enhancement
• Scar Reduction Detoxification- movement of stagnation
• Skin Toning and Firming
• Pre- and Post Operative Therapy to Shorten Recovery Time and Enhance Surgical Results

 

Conditions that respond to medicupping bodywork:

• Fibromyalgia Neuralgia
• Poor circulation Poorly nourished skin and muscle tissue  
• Sciatica Lung inflammation and Congestion
• Insomnia and Anxiety Migraines, tension headaches, Sinusitis
• Cellulite High/Low Blood Pressure
• Toxicity Sluggish colon/ IBS  
• Asthma and Pneumonia Stagnant lymph and edema
• TMJ dysfunction Pre- and Post- Operative conditions
• Diabetes Atheletic stress and injury  
• Parkinson's Disease Bursitis, Tendonitis, and Plantar Fasciitis  
• Chronic Pain Scars and Adhesions
• Menopause Spider veins and Varicosities
• Arthritis Muscular Aches

 

        By creating suction and negative pressure Massage Cupping therapy is used to soften tight muscles and tone attachments, loosen adhesions, and lift connective tissues and drain excess fluids and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways. Massage Cupping bodywork is versatile and can be easily modified to accomplish a range of techniques from lymphatic drainage to deep tissue release. It wakes the body up and makes it feel invigorated, at the same time producing profound levels of healing through nervous system sedation. It stimulates the skin by increasing circulation while seperating fused tissue layers and draining lymph to promote a smooth appearance and healthy glow. It works deeper by loosening adhesions and facilitating the muscles to operate more independently and stimulating healthy eliminatoins of accumulated debris in the tissues, organs, and systems.

 

 $35/30 min

 

$60/60 min

 

 

 

8 sessions are necessary to achieve maximum results. We will be offering a 20% discount throughout the month of July for those he prepay on their MediCupping plan.

 

Do My Hands Ever Get Tired?

OK, I get this question all the time! When I was in Massage School doing clinicals, I would only do two or three sessions a day. My hands usually did not get tired, but this did help to strengthen them. Of course, I did do hand exercises, too, as I still do when I'm being a good little massage therapist. After I got out of school, and into the real world of massage therapy, the people who scheduled the massages did not care how many sessions you had done that day. So, yes, If I did more than seven or eight massages in one day my hands would be tired and hurt. Luckily, I do my own scheduling these days, and I have learned it's foolish to book more appointments than my body can handle. Every now and then I'll over do it, go home, put BioFreeze on my hands and wrist, and complain to my husband.

Exercise for Healing Greif

1. Create some uninterrupted time for yourself. Sit comfortably or lie down.
2. Identify that you may be feeling a loss- sometimes the exact loss is unclear.
3. Ask yourself, and recognize, what am I feeling now?
4. Bring awareness to the center of your chest. Place your hand there and focus on your breathe. Notice the sensations, are they warm,cold, heavy, constricted, frozen? Is there a color? Does imagery arise?
5. If you start to be distracted by outside thoughts, return your awareness to the sensations under your hand on your chest.
6. Stay with the sensations long enough to notice that they are changing in motion. Your only task is to bring your full attention to these sensations.
7. Rest and integrate. Remind yourself that letting go is painful for everyone and the feelings will pass. Remember that greiving is a natural process.
8. Refocus. Bring your full attention back to your physical environment and continue your day with a sense of accomplishment.

Cars & Guitars Under the Stars

              On May 29, Hartwell Massage Clinic was proud to be a vendor at the local car show. The vendors were located in the MLK parking lot beside the post office. Among the other vendors were Zaxby's, O'Reily's auto parts, Pizza Hut and many more. The event was hosted by the Hart County Chamber of Commerce,and all those involved did a wonderful job! I was assisted by Michele Dipert. If you've ever been in the Chamber, you know how nice it is to be greeted by Michele's friendly smile and helpful attitude.

 The event was held to raise money for the pre 4th fireworks display, coming up next month. There was sooooooooo many really nice cars at the show. It was a variety of makes and models from Model T's to Corvettes.It was a sight to behold especially for automotive lovers like my husband.  Cody owns a 1977 El Camino. He named it Amber 2, and, he says, he doesn't know which Amber is more trouble. Hartwell Massage Clinic met lots of new people, gave away lots of coupons, sold lots of chair massages, and had a really great time.

 Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Around 3:00 pm it really started to pour, and we decided to call it a day. If you haven't before, I recommend you should check out the Cars & Guitars under the stars next Memorial Day weekend. Shake and Bake.

The History of Massage

            Massage has been a major part of medicine for at least 5000 years. It has been written about in medical books since 500 b.c. .

           Records reveal that as early as 3000 b.c. massage was practiced by the Chinese. The Cong Fou of Tao-Tse was one of the ancient Chinese books that describe the use of medicinal plants, exercises, and a system of massage for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.

          In Japan, the points of stimulation remained much the same as the Chinese points, but were called tsubo. The points were pressed to effect the circulation of fluids & Ki (life force energy) and stimulate nerves in a finger pressure technique the Japanese called Shiatsu.

         Knowledge of massage came to India from the Chinese and was an important part of the Hindu tradition.  The Ayur-Veda (Art of Life), a sacred book of the Hindus written around 1800 b.c., included massage treatments among its hygienic principles.

        The practice of massage spread to Europe and flourished well before 300 b.c.. The Greeks made gymnastics and regular massage part of their fitness rituals. Homer, the Greek poet, spoke of the use of nutritious foods, exercise, and massage for war heroes to promote healing and relaxation.

        Hippocrates (460-380 b.c.), "The Father of Medicine," is quoted

"Hard rubbing binds, much rubbing causes parts to waste, and moderate rubbing can make them grow"

This has been interpreted to mean that rubbing can help to bind a joint that is too loose or loosen a joint that is too tight. Hippocrates believed that all physicians should be trained in massage as a form of healing.

                The Romans acquired the practice of massage from the Greeks. The art of massage was also respected as a treatment for weak and diseased conditions and as an aid in removing stiffness and soreness from muscles. Massage was used to improve sluggish circulation and internal disorders and to reduce edema. Greek and Roman philosophers, statesmen, and historians such as Cicero, Pliny, Plutarch, and Plato wrote of the importance of massage and passive and active exercise to the maintenance of a healthy body and mind.

               With the decline of the Roman Empire around a.d. 180, the popularity of bathing and massage also declined. According to Richard Van Why, "The Roman emperor Constantine who converted to Christianity, abolished and destroyed the baths and gymnasiums because of widespread abuse. There's little recorded history of health practices during the Middle Ages (Dark Ages). Massage was practice sporadically by laypeople, folk healers, and midwives and was occasionally the object of persecution as a magic cure and the work of Satan.

             In the Seventh Century, Islam spread throughout North Africa, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Persia, which preserved much of the Roman and Greek culture. The Persians carried on many of the important Greco-Roman culture during the Middle Ages. Razi (A.D. 860-932), was a philosopher/ physician who followed Hippocrates and Galen. He wrote the Encyclopedia of Arabic, Roman, and Greek medical practices that encouraged exercise, diet, and massage in the treatment of disease and preservation of health. Eventually this and other similar writings paved the way for the Renaissance.

           The Renaissance (1450-1600) revived interest in the arts and sciences. Once again, people became interested in physical health and appearance. By the Sixteenth Century, medical practitioners began to reinvent and employ massage as part of their healing treatments. Ambrose Pare, a french surgeon, described in one of his publications the positive effects of massage in the healing process. Throughout history massage has been practiced by physicians and laypeople alike. Originally, a body of knowledge was never established, so techniques were lost and rediscovered through the ages.

When to See a Doctor

According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain sufferers should see a doctor if they have:

• numbness or tingling
• pain, accompanied by weakness, fever, numbness in the legs, weight loss not caused by dieting, or trouble urinating.
• pain after a fall or injury
• severe pain that does not improve with rest.

Self Massage for Tight Budgets

            If I've said it once, I've said it a million times; there are sooooooo many benefits of massage therapy! Unfortunately, it can become expensive when practiced on a regular basis. I have come up with some ideas on how to save some bucks, and lose the tension. It's just instinctual, if something hurts, to rub it. Well here's some options to help you massage yourself a bit more efficiently.

"Happy” was designed by a massage therapist. He reduces hand fatigue while helping you deliver more targeted pressure without fatigue and soreness. Can be used with lubricants. Easy to clean with warm water and soap. This tool would work well for arms, legs, and possibly gluts.  However, if its back pain you have, you'll need help from a spouse or friend for this one.                  price $6.99

The Foot and Body Roller with Massaging Fingers delivers an intense acupressure experience. Ideally suited for the feet, but can be used on the body. Rubber massaging fingers roll independently to target tense muscle groups without putting too much pressure on surrounding bones and joints. The Foot and Body Roller with Massaging Fingers gives intense stimulation.
To use: Simply place the Foot and Body Roller with Massaging Fingers on the floor and rub your feet back and forth across the rolling wooden cylinders covered in massaging fingers. Non-skid pads on the bottom of the massager protect floors and allow you to get more pressure and traction. Use the side handle cut out for bodywork.                                                                       price $9.99

Okay, this tool looks pretty crazy, but it's effective, and can be used on several muscles. With the TheraCane you can apply deep pressure massage to the back, neck, shoulders, legs, hips, arms, buttocks, anywhere and everywhere. Includes an instructional booklet.                     price $29.99



Acu-Masseur Massager

The ultimate tool for self massage of the neck and shoulders. Specifically targets trigger and pressure points. Easily adjusts to fit different body types. This handy massager bends so you can get at those hard-to-reach places on your back, shoulders and neck. It has two round massaging knobs that can be adjusted according to the area you are trying to treat. Use the strap to help move the massager where you want it. Also good for calves, waist and other places you build tension.                  price $44.99

Also, many doctors recommend listening to soothing music daily. There's many relaxing Cd's at Walmart, online at Amazon, and Massage Warehouse. The most effective way to massage yourself is knowing what the muscles are and where they're located. That information can be found in your teenagers anatomy book, a muscle chart, or on the internet. I highly recommend using Bio freeze.
 I use it on my own hands on days that I have a lot of massages. All of these products are available on-line at www.massagewarehouse.com . Hopefully some of these products will be helpful for you.

Happy Mother's Day!

     It's that time of year again. Construction paper cards, flower arrangements, and massage gift certificates. Hartwell Massage Clinic will be offering an awesome Mother's Day special. Northeast Georgia, are you ready for Two hours of complete relaxation? We're going to start by exfoliating the dead skin cells off the back with a pineapple sea salt scrub. Then, we'll move on to the hot stones used to loosen up those tight muscles. You'll receive 90 minutes; which we'll use to customize your massage to your specific needs. Lastly, you'll be tucked away in a comfortable cocoon, with Three options of product to choose from. For 30 minutes of nothing but sweet scents and relaxing music. You do not have to be a mother or even a female to enjoy this wonderful package. I Hope everyone has a great Mother's Day, and don't forget to honor the special women in your life.

Super Senior Citizens

Massage therapy can be a wonderful asset to the elderly community.  There are several advantages that apply specifically to senior citizens. 

Pain Relief- muscles may become stiff or sore from under-use, arthritis, and other age related ailments which can limit activities with some people.  Massage may relieve the discomforts of these ailments.

Joint Mobility- massage may be beneficial in increasing mobility and range of motion in joints.

Stress Reduction- Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals, it increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins.

Improved Circulation- Elderly people commonly suffer from lack of mobility, henceforth, a lack of activity.  Regular massage therapy will increase circulation of the blood and lymph system.

 Need for Touch- Seniors often live alone and may rarely receive human touch.  My massages are provided using a gentle and caring touch in a comfortable and safe environment, which has been proven to improve one's physical and emotional health.

I took all of this into consideration as I geared up to provide free chair massage at the Super Senior Citizens Expo today.  The expo was held at the Swails Center in Franklin Springs, GA. It was sponsored by Royston Diagnostic Center. There were several volunteers, but I was assisted by Nancy Lord. A special thanks to her and all the volunteers for a job well done!  I met so many interesting and kind people.  One of the chair massages I did early on was for an elderly lady, who said the walk from the car to the expo was causing her to have pain in her hip. As she got up to walk away I overheard her telling her friend, "That felt good and it made my hip stop hurting, too." I thought to myself, "If nothing else comes from today, I helped one person."  There was a moment or two  when things got a little hairy as people gathered around with expectant glares. I don't like to disappoint, if you couldn't tell already. Nevertheless it was a successful day of health care, lol.  Take care, and God bless!

Chiropractic Tips for a "PAIN FREE" Spring

ELIMINATE YOUR PAIN

Kneel to Plant and Weed: Use knee pads or a kneeling mat to protect your knees. Stand up and move around every 10-15 minutes.

Change Your Hand and Foot Position Often: By switching foot position, when doing such tasks as raking and hoeing, you will avoid straining the muscles on one side of your body. By switching every few minutes you will actually be more efficient!




Choose Good Tools: Be sure to select tools that are the right length and weight for you. Always use the right tool for the job.

When you're doing chores such as gardening, bend your upper spine and your middle spine slightly, keeping your chin up. Don't bend too far forward: it puts too much strain on your lower spine.

These gardening tips are compliments of Dr. Michelle Mann of Mann Family Chiropractic

http://www.mannfamilychiropractic.com/

My dare for continued care

Before starting almost all my massages, I ask, "When was your last massage?" I can't tell you how many times I get, "I don't even remember." I understand times are hard, and if you can't pay your power bill, I don't blame you for not getting massaged. However, one must be proactive, and think " if I do not relieve the pain from my back, my muscles could pull my joints out of alignment causing me to eventually have to have orthopedic surgery; which without insurance is upwards of $20,000, and I emphasis upwards." There are so many advantages to getting regular massages:

Benefits of Massage

-Relieves stress and promotes an overall feeling of relaxation, helping you breathe and move more easily
-Alleviates pain and tension, and helps you manage pain better
-Decreases inflammation
-Promotes speedy recovery from injuries (work, trauma, accident or sports-related)
-Increases mobility and provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
-Improves circulation
-Improves and strengthens immune system
-Relieves musculoskeletal problems and improves posture
-Relieves pregnancy discomforts
-Reduces anxiety and promotes an overall feeling of well-being
-Increases body awareness

Read more at Suite101: Massage Therapy Benefits: Massage therapy has been scientifically studied for many years. Massage has shown to have many positive effects on a variety of health conditions. http://massagetherapy.suite101.com/article.cfm/massage_therapy_benefits#ixzz0kz3tP35O

The effects are physical, emotional, and mental. There is supporting studies that show how discontinuing your care could be detrimental to your welfare. http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowFulltext&ArtikelNr=74436&Ausgabe=229746&ProduktNr=223864ontent.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowFulltext&ArtikelNr=74436&Ausgabe=229746&ProduktNr=223864

Most people enjoy a good massage, but the problem is too many people think once a year is enough. Our parents and grandparents were taught one of two things

A) what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger; to live with the pain

B) To go to the doctor "he'll prescribe you something for it."

Well there are other answers now massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.. And to help eliminate any excuses, I will be offering a series of three 60 minute swedish or deep tissue massages for $35.00 each. This offer is good to the first 25 people to call (706-988-6022) and schedule their appointment.

So I dare you to get continued muscular care.

Welcome

The Hartwell Massage Clinic would like to welcome any and all visitors; on-line or at our office located in beautiful Hartwell, Ga across from Ingles in the offices of Mann Family Chiropractic. If you have any questions like: Can massage help with my sleeping problems? or Can massage decrease the effects of withdrawal symptoms? or massage is so expensive, do you ever run any specials? The answers are Yes, Yes, and Yes! The purpose of this blog is to answer the questions of the general public on the topic of massage. If you have any suggestions on what kind of massage info. you would be interested in reading about just send me a message on the "contact me" page of the website http://www.hartwellmassage.com/ . I will also keep you updated on the events of Hartwell Massage Clinic. Such as charity events and freebie give-aways. If you already know you would like a massage I'm always in the office on Mondays and Thursdays, by appointment on other days, and Sundays (well God said to rest on the seventh day.). Namaste