But in my experience as a therapist  I have seen some people get migraines so badly that the only thing they can do is go to sleep. For some people their life goes on hold from some of the . . . → Read More: A Migraine Solution]]> Migraines are a very unpleasant condition to suffer from. If you are one of the unfortunate people who has experienced a migraine then I fully understand because I get them myself from time to time.

But in my experience as a therapist  I have seen some people get migraines so badly that the only thing they can do is go to sleep. For some people their life goes on hold from some of the activities that they love because they are too worried if they go out their head may start pumping.

It’s a really horrible condition and I have had people come in that have been suffering with migraine headaches for years. They have been searching for a solution but just don’t know what to do.

At the ESM centre we have treated many people who suffer from migraine headaches. Although there are some cases where the migraines are hormonal or related to a deeper concern, in most cases we have found that migraines can be treated very effectively with specially applied massage techniques.

Here is a recent examples:

Alana, 17 years had been suffering from debilitating headaches & migraines for 2 years after having a head impact injury. The doctors couldn’t provide a solution, nurofen had become her best friend, and a visit to the specialist was scheduled for 6 weeks time. Luckily her mother had been in to see us before and decided to bring her in for some treatment on her muscles. I couldn’t believe the state her muscles were in, so tight – it was no wonder she was having migraine headaches. Not one person had touched her muscles previous to this to see if that could be the cause – that’s right, not even the doctor!

After just one remedial massage treatment – she did not suffer a migraine headache for 5 whole days straight. And within just a few treatments her migraines had gone. Can you believe it! GONE! After suffering from these debilitating migraines for 2 years, Alana could finally get back to enjoying a life that most 17 year old teenagers should be able to enjoy!

This is a common story that we see in practice all the time. And in most cases specially applied massage therapy techniques will eliminate the problem within a short series of treatments.

Many people who have migraine symptoms have previously suffered an injury such as whiplash or an impact of some kind. The symptoms slowly build up over a year or two until the point where the person suffers pain. Many times people don’t relate their migraines back to these events because it takes them so long to arise.

The point I’m trying to make is that massage can significantly reduce the symptoms of migraine, if not eliminate them altogether. You don’t have to suffer. The headaches are a sign trying to tell you that something is wrong. So do something about it.

Visit your massage therapist and get some specific treatment on your muscles to relieve the pressure that could be causing your headaches. You may just be surprised how quickly you can feel better.

If you know anyone else that suffers from migraines, make sure you tell them that they can get help through massage.

Have a great day.

Jedha

How it works…This muscle extends from the front of your stomach and goes around to your spine to create a cylindrical shape. This muscle is important for the movement of individual vertebrae in the lumbar spine. It acts like a hardened barrel around your body and creates stiff multiple level columns so . . . → Read More: A Simple Core Strength Exercise]]> Did you know that one of your deep abdominal muscles, the transverse abdominal muscle, plays a big part in stabilising your spine?

How it works…This muscle extends from the front of your stomach and goes around to your spine to create a cylindrical shape. This muscle is important for the movement of individual vertebrae in the lumbar spine. It acts like a hardened barrel around your body and creates stiff multiple level columns so when you engage in movement the muscle group guides the lumber vertebrae as you move.

Weakness can lead to… lower back injury, pain and problems. So strengthening your transverse abdominal muscle is very important and will also help to avoid future injuries or problems.

Core Bracing: A very simple exercise

Sitting, standing or lying down with a good posture. Simply pull your belly button towards your back and hold it there for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat it 3-5 times a day.

Of course there are many other core exercises but this is a core exercise you can easily do wherever you are, at work, at home, in the shopping isle, wherever. So there are no excuses. Get to work on those core muscles today.

Jedha immediately diagnosed my pain as being linked to muscle tension and I had very quick relief. After about 3 treatments I felt like I had a new back. My back and neck are no longer tense, I have more freedom of movement and . . . → Read More: Testimonial]]> I came to Jedha after my husband’s work friend had recommended her. I had suffered neck pain and problems with the right side of my face for over 3 years.

Jedha immediately diagnosed my pain as being linked to muscle tension and I had very quick relief. After about 3 treatments I felt like I had a new back. My back and neck are no longer tense, I have more freedom of movement and no more face pain.

Thank you to Jedha for assisting me in a way no doctors, specialists or other natural therapists have been able to do.

Leigh Ann Coramond – 38yrs old

Injury Tip One – Increase Slowly:

Many people get so excited when starting a new running program and sometimes they become impatient at their slow progress that they go from 3 months on the lounge to attempting a marathon in only 4 weeks. And one of the biggest predictors of injury in runners is rapidly increasing training volume. So make sure you increase your running and training times by small increments only, increase . . . → Read More: 6 Great Injury Prevention Tips for Runners]]>

Injury Tip One – Increase Slowly:

Many people get so excited when starting a new running program and sometimes they become impatient at their slow progress that they go from 3 months on the lounge to attempting a marathon in only 4 weeks. And one of the biggest predictors of injury in runners is rapidly increasing training volume. So make sure you increase your running and training times by small increments only, increase by a 5 -10% increase in either distance or time each week is plenty and will ensure you stay pain free.

Injury Tip Two – Check your Shoes:

Many people get excited about starting a training program however they make the mistake of grabbing their favourite pair of Dunlop Volleys and then wonder why they get foot, knee and leg pain 2 weeks into their program. Make sure you get a good pair of running shoes BEFORE you start your training program and remember you do get what you pay for when it comes to running shoes.

Injury Tip Three – Watch out for Hills:

Many new runners get injuries due to following a route that has too many hills in it. Hill running is a great training tool but this kind of training can cause incredible demands on the joints of the lower body and can accelerate injury risk in certain people, especially if you are starting a new program. Try and stay on the flat for the first few months and then add some hills in as your fitness improves, it is better to be running on the flat than not running at all.

Injury Tip Four – Stretch after training

Even though people know they should include stretching in their training program, it is surprising how many people never stretch at all. We recommend you spend at least 5-10 minutes after your exercise to stretch down. Cool down and lengthen your muscles. Stretching on a regular basis will reduce your chances of injury.

Injury Tip Five – Get a Check-Up

Past injury history or muscular imbalance and contraction can also be a contributing factor to injuries in runners. It amazes us here at Elite Sports Massage the number of people that had an injury at the end of their last training or sport season and they have not had any treatment or assessment on that area prior to starting the next seasons training. You may not presently feel any pain but the injury may have left some muscle contraction, scar tissue, resulted in reduced range of motion or muscle weakness. This will greatly increase the injury risk when training resumes, so make sure you have a massage treatment to get your muscles in great condition.

Injury Tip Six – Regular Massage Therapy Treatment

When you are an active person it is normal that your muscles may develop slight contractions or imbalances at times. Therefore we do recommend that you have a sports massage treatment on a regular basis to make sure your muscles are in the very best condition. Having a regular sports massage will help to reduce your chances of injury, it will help to improve your performance and get the most out of your body. Once every 4-6 weeks is a good time frame for most people.

But how does poor . . . → Read More: Is Your Posture Giving You Neck Pain?]]> At Elite Sports Massage many people see us for treatment of neck pain. What a lot of people don’t realize is there is often a common link with all these injuries, and that is poor posture. In fact it is estimated up to 90% of the population have a forward head on neck posture. This does not make it normal but really highlights what a problem poor posture really is.

But how does poor posture cause pain?

Well, imagine your head is a bowling ball resting on a broomstick pivotal point. You balance the ball directly above the broomstick with your hands. As you tilt the broomstick forward the ball becomes heavier. So what happens when you have a forward head on neck posture is you increase the load placed on your neck muscles and joints. This stress on the muscles and joints can cause muscle tightness, joint stiffness and can result in localized pain or referred pain through the head, arms, or upper body. Also muscles that are held in a prolonged shortened or lengthened position weaken over time, so as the neck or upper body muscles weaken you may experience more pain and discomfort.

If you are experiencing neck pain, get your massage therapist to check your postural alignment and prescribe some exercises to strengthen your body.

Remedial massage holistically treats the body and addresses muscular and skeletal dysfunctions. The massage therapist endeavours to identify the original biomechanical dysfunction, thus healing the cause of the disorder, as well as the symptoms’.

‘Remedial massage uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage to muscles, . . . → Read More: What is Remedial Massage?]]> What is Remedial Massage?
‘When muscles become knotted and tense or damaged, remedial massage provides a healing treatment that can be gentle or strong, deep or shallow.

Remedial massage holistically treats the body and addresses muscular and skeletal dysfunctions. The massage therapist endeavours to identify the original biomechanical dysfunction, thus healing the cause of the disorder, as well as the symptoms’.

‘Remedial massage uses several specialised techniques to locate and repair damage to
muscles, tendons and joints. Massage therapy supports and speeds up the body’s own repair
mechanisms. A lubricating medium (usually oil) is applied directly on the skin. This ensures
that the muscles associated with the disorder are deeply penetrated. Passive joint stretching
moves are also used’.

Key benefits of Remedial Massage

‘Key benefits of remedial massage include the stimulation to the blood supply allowing toxins in
the muscles to be removed; the calming of the peripheral nervous system to ease pain and
discomfort; and the toning and relaxing of muscles to improve joint mobility. An improvement
to the health of the cells, the repairing of tissues, and the easing of stiffness and tension can
also be experienced through therapeutic relaxation’.

Source: University of Western Sydney 2007. www.uws.edu.au/__…/What_is_Remedial_and_Relaxation_Massage.pdf

All the therapists at Elite Sports Massage and experts in applying Remedial Massage techniques and are here to help you overcome any musculoskeletal problems.

Not convinced, read to read a few other things about remedial massage? Read these:

• Choosing the Right Massage Therapist for Your Next Sydney … – May you have regular remedial massage therapy or you are thinking having regular massages. You may feel that it is time for you to consider a new therapist.

• Overview Of Remedial Massage | study alternative medicine – Any form of massage or massage therapy such as remedial massage basically involves the rubbing of hands on the areas of the body and stroking the muscles.

• Massage treatment Publications | Get Crafty – Among the many what is massage therapy courses you could expect include Diploma for Integrated Body Therapies, Remedial Massage and Spa Therapy, Remedial Massage. The Certificate IV in Aromatherapy, Certificate IV …

So lets hope that 2011 will be a bit nicer to us. In fact let’s make sure we make 2011 an energized . . . → Read More: Welcome To The New Year]]> Well here we are, finally in 2011. I know from talking to many of you that 2010 was a chaotic and challenging year. Lots of change, upheaval, and testing time hit a lot of us, forcing us to confront a few things and maybe make a few major life changes as well.

So lets hope that 2011 will be a bit nicer to us. In fact let’s make sure we make 2011 an energized year full  of the things we enjoy, love and want in our lives.

So There are just a couple of things that I want to point out for you to ponder at this time.

1. No more procrastinating over the things you want to do, ‘the gonna do itis’, step up and take some action

How many goals did you set yourself last year that you may have fallen short on? A few…no doubt for all of us. But thinking about things, otherwise known as procrastinating is not going to make things happen. If you want to lose weight, if you want to start a new strength program, get rid of your back pain, find a solution for your stress, learn to relax more, whatever it is you get the point…DO IT TODAY.

I can’t stress that enough. Time goes so fast and you can’t get it back. Don’t spend your time thinking about things, rather start doing things and making it happen. Small consistent steps in the right direction lead you to where you want to go. So I challenge you to think about something you have been trying to do, or thinking about doing for a while. Let go of ‘the gonna do itis’, and step and take some action. You will be better off for it believe me.

2. Be gentle and kind to yourself and take the best care of yourself that you can

Okay so what often happens when we don’t meet all our goals and keep going round in circles is that we can beat ourselves up. We may tell oursleves we are too lazy, our will power is not strong enough or we simply won’t be able to do it. But just hang on and give yourself some credit. Be gentle and kind to yourself. You would not scold a small child for making a simple mistake. Well stop scolding yourself if you got stuck or distracted along the way. Just be kind and gentle and pat yourself on the back for choosing to move forward.

And always take the best care of yourself. Health is the one true commodity that you have. But it is up to you to take care of it, to take care of you. Life is busy today, that is true. But we all must make the time to take care of ourselves the best we can if we want to keep up the pace.

So Welcome to 2011, set your goals, take action, be kind and gentle with yourself, and take the best care of you that you possibly can.

Talk Soon

Jedha

P.S. I’d love to know what your goals are for 2011 so leave your comments below.

It is very important that we remember to take time for ourselves in these busy lives that we lead today. So make yourself a priority in 2011 and be proactive in looking after yourself.

Please stay healthy and safe over Xmas and we look forward . . . → Read More: Merry Xmas & Happy New Year]]> Just like to wish you all the best over Xmas and New Year. Rest up and take some therapeutic time if you can, refuel the engines, reenergize the spirit.

It is very important that we remember to take time for ourselves in these busy lives that we lead today. So make yourself a priority in 2011 and be proactive in looking after yourself.

Please stay healthy and safe over Xmas and we look forward to new and exciting things in the New Year.