TENSION OR PRESSURE HEADACHES
Headaches come in many forms and with varying degrees of discomfort. Many can be traced back to muscle tension from neck, shoulders through to the top of the head and even to eye strain. Massage can relieve this tension and get the circulation moving freely throughout the scalp and often brings instant relief. Migraines can be helped, but may require more serious medical attention.
DIABETIC SYMPTOMS
One of the most dangerous side effects of diabetes is the reduced circulation to the feet and extremities. In the worst case scenario, this can even lead to gangrene and amputation. Foot massage can alleviate these symptoms and aid in increased circulation throughout the feet and lower limbs and add stimulation to the nervous system.
FROZEN SHOULDERS
A ‘frozen shoulder’ usually means a loss of significant movement in each direction, both when the patient tries to move or when the therapist attempts to rotate the joint.
Frozen shoulder indicates inflammation and can reflect scarring, thickening, and shrinkage of the socket around the shoulder joint. Any injury to the shoulder can lead to a frozen shoulder. However, ‘frozen shoulders’ occur more frequently in patients with such risk factors as diabetes, chronic inflammatory arthritis of the shoulder, or after chest or breast surgery. The long-term lack of use of a shoulder joint can also lead to a ‘frozen shoulder’.
Massage aims to encourage relaxation and increase rotation of the muscles surrounding the shoulder through gentle stretching. It will take several treatment sessions to make a real improvement in the movement, but clients should be able to gain some improvement after each session.
Much of what applies with frozen shoulder can also be applied to tennis or golf elbows.
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
Massage can assist with the tensions and pains experienced during pregnancy. These are often caused by the extra weight and drag on the lower back. Massage reduces peripheral swelling, soothes the nervous system, helps to prevent insomnia, muscle cramps and back pain. Care must be taken during the first trimester, but Pregnancy Massage is beneficial throughout the whole pregnancy. Various techniques are used as the client progresses through the pregnancy and massage may be performed whilst she is lying on her side or seated. Clients are discouraged from lying on their back as this may cause pressure on deep blood vessels.
Regular massage throughout the pregnancy is also said to shorten labour time and the return to optimal fitness after birth, as well as a welcome gift to self along the way.