What is Menopause?

Menopause is a transitional period in a woman’s body, following the absence of any menstrual period for at least 12 months. This time of change may last a few months to several years. This is a natural process where the female body tries to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain and weight gain may affect each woman to varying degrees.

What are the stages of Menopause?

Perimenopause is the time when hormone levels start to decrease and menstrual periods may become irregular and eventually stop. Some of the common symptoms during this stage include:

• Mood swings
• Hot flashes & Night sweats
• Insomnia
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods
• Loss of libido

These symptoms commonly persist through to the second phase known as Menopause. After one year without a menstrual period, a woman has officially entered into Menopause.

The third phase is referred to as post-menopause. In this phase, women acclimate to the hormonal changes and the symptoms typically subside although some women still continue to experience the symptoms but usually to a lesser degree.

Did you know massage can empower women during this transitional time?

Every woman experiences this change in life differently. It is important for woman to practice self-care. Many women aptly turn to massage to ease some common complaints. Massage offers many benefits that address common symptoms of menopause such as:

• Increases their ability to relax
• Reduces the perception of stress
• Improves sleep patterns
• Decreases headaches and joint pain
• Increases blood and lymph flow
• Connects them with their body
• Improves their overall body image

What types of massage are most beneficial?

Depending on the symptoms a woman is experiencing and the phase of menopause she may be in, there are different types of massage and bodywork that may prove more beneficial.

• Full body relaxation massage can help to alleviate stress and increase overall relaxation.
• Deep tissue massage addresses aches and pains such as joint pain or headaches.
• Aromatherapy plus massage has been proven to reduce stress during the stages of menopause. In fact, aromatherapy and abdominal massage demonstrated a reduction in belly fat and an improved sense of body image for post-menopausal women.
• Reflexology techniques have been shown to help increase blood circulation and reduce perceived stress and fatigue.
• Chinese medicinal massage and meridian massage have been shown to ease menopausal symptoms.

Massage therapists offer a calming, natural, and drug-free way to ease common symptoms of menopause.

No matter what phase a woman is in, massage therapy can be physiologically and even psychologically beneficial during menopause.

What can you do?

Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself especially during transitional times in your life such as menopause. Seek out a professional massage therapist who understands the difficulties associated with menopause. Find the type of massage that addresses the issues you are experiencing. And, schedule regular massages to help you to nourish, heal, and regain a sense of balance and body-mind connection.

What is prenatal massage?

Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary physical and emotional change. It’s also a time when it’s more important than ever to support and care for your wellbeing. The therapeutic effects of massage can help you meet the unique challenges of pregnancy, ensuring optimal health for you and your baby in a safe and natural way, without the use of harmful medications.

Prenatal massage helps to ease tense muscles and tight spots and improve circulation and mobility. A prenatal massage performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist addresses the specific needs of the pregnant woman in a safe and effective way.

Did you know…it’s good for both Mom and Baby?

During a massage, the relaxation hormones cross the placenta and have a calming effect on both mom and baby. It’s true, a regular massage can enhance your health, potentially preventing complications and positively influencing the development of the baby.

Many mothers-to-be find themselves facing anxiety, fatigue, back pain, heartburn, nausea and other symptoms as a result of the many new demands being placed on their bodies. Massage has been found to effectively relieve many of these symptoms.

During pregnancy, massage therapy can help to relieve discomfort due to a variety of common complaints including:

• Back pain and sciatica
• Constipation
• Edema
• Excessive lactation
• Fatigue
• Heartburn
• Insufficient lactation
• Labor and delivery pain
• Mastitis
• Morning sickness
• Physical problems
• Postoperative healing
• Psychological problems

Recent studies from the Touch Research Institute indicate that pregnancy massage helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, sleep problems and back pain. Evidence suggests massage helps to reduce complications during delivery and may also result in shorter labor times for mothers. Regular massage during and after pregnancy may also help to prevent symptoms associated with postpartum depression.

What can massage therapists do?

Each trimester of pregnancy brings exciting and new challenges for the mother-to-be. A certified prenatal massage therapist can safely tailor a massage to address the physiological changes during and after pregnancy.

First Trimester (Weeks 1 – 13)

During the first trimester, a generally healthy woman with a low risk pregnancy can safely receive massage. A massage therapist certified in pregnancy massage can deliver a soothing massage to safely and effectively provide much needed relaxation.

The first trimester is an important time to take precautions to minimize any complications. It is essential to obtain the mother’s health history to avoid any possible complications due to a high-risk pregnancy.

Second Trimester (Weeks 14 – 26)

As the mother-to-be heads into the second trimester, a relaxation massage or deep tissue massage can help to alleviate discomfort associated with the continuing changes in her body. A certified massage therapist will be able to explain correct use of abdominal muscles to maintain core strength and stability in the lower back. Due to hormonal changes beginning early in the pregnancy the ligaments become soft and more pliable, this is called joint laxity.  It is important to avoid overstretching during this time because the hormones make it difficult for a pregnant woman to accurately feel the “end feel” of a muscle when it is stretched. Toward the end of the second trimester, it is also important to use the side-lying position or a semi-reclined position to avoid pressure on the inferior vena cava.

Third Trimester (Weeks 27 – 40)

A soothing touch can trigger the release of relaxation hormones for both mom and baby. During the third trimester, the additional weight of the baby and the hormonal changes that take place when a woman’s body is preparing for childbirth can bring on an array of physical and emotional challenges. A massage therapist can provide a supportive, nurturing and calming way to reduce the discomfort. At this stage, the massage therapist should use pillows and make necessary positioning adjustments to address the individual needs of the mother-to-be.

What can you do?

Be kind to yourself. Compliment your prenatal care with a regular prenatal massage. Practice self-care techniques and find a certified prenatal massage therapist who can provide an individualized massage to fit your needs in a supportive and nurturing manner.

Massage and Hypertension

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than one in three Americans, but most people may not even know they have it. Since hypertension can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening health problems, it’s very important to learn all you can and take action to lower your risk.

Blood pressure is the actual force of blood flowing against your artery walls. Getting your blood pressure tested is a quick, simple process. It’s measured in two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure is at or above 140
mm Hg, and/or your diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mm Hg.

Often called “the silent killer,” hypertension doesn’t usually cause symptoms until it gets severe enough to lead to major health problems such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and metabolic disorders. It has also been linked to dementia and cognitive impairment.

What causes hypertension?

More than 90% of cases of high blood pressure are known as “essential hypertension” and have no identifiable cause. “Secondary hypertension,” on the other hand, is caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease or certain medications.

The risk factors for essential hypertension include:

• Age – the risk is higher after age 35
• Race – certain ethnicities are at higher risk
• Genetics – a family history of the condition increases the risk of developing hypertension.

Did you know massage therapy could help?

Knowing the clients’ medical history can help the massage therapist to tailor the massage to the clients’ specific needs. However, if high blood pressure is not controlled, it is important to understand that the effects of massage could increase the blood circulation and put additional pressure on the blood vessel walls.

Strong evidence from several research studies demonstrates the positive effects of massage on individuals with hypertension. In a study in 2006 by the National University of Health Sciences, the preferred modality to use was Swedish massage as opposed to more aggressive techniques that may involve pain such as trigger point therapy.

If a client is taking medication to lower their blood pressure, it is important to watch that the blood pressure does not get too low. As the body relaxes the blood vessels expand, and as a result the pressure against the blood vessel walls goes down. When the blood pressure is too low, the blood does not pump efficiently to the brain and causes a reaction that results in faintness due to lack of blood to the brain.

During a massage, the client and therapist should communicate and watch for signs that might indicate too much or too little pressure. Some signs that the cardiovascular system is experiencing too much pressure include:

• Clamminess,
• Bogginess,
• Possible Edema (days following treatment)

What types of massage are beneficial?

When working with a client who has hypertension, it is important to focus on using relaxing strokes as opposed to more aggressive techniques. The following types of massage are recommended:

• Swedish Massage
• Craniosacral therapy
• Reflexology

Note: Never perform deep abdominal massage on a client with hypertension.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, consider these self-care techniques for lowering blood pressure:

• Get daily aerobic exercise
• Meditate or spend time alone to reduce stress
• Practice slow, deep breathing
• Get plenty of rest
• Reduce the amount of fat and salt in your diet and increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods.

References

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2007/01/hypertension_ma.html

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology 4^th Ed. Ruth Werner Lippincot Williams & Wilkins 2009

Massage & Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia affects about 3-6% of the world’s population, an estimated 200-400 million people worldwide, with higher numbers among women than men. People diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a wide range of symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, stiffness, aches and muscle tenderness, along with sleep disorders and intestinal/bowel troubles.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia can be confirmed when eleven out of eighteen specific points on the body are tender to pressure.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a combination of sleep disturbances, hormonal and neuroendocrine imbalances, and emotional status. Some of the common complaints associated with fibromyalgia include:

• Sleep disorders
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Tender points

The identifying signs and symptoms include:

• Widespread pain that shifts locations.
• Feeling muscle stiffness especially in the morning.
• Poor stamina.
• Hypersensitivity and low pain tolerance.

Are you seeking symptom relief?

Massage may be just what you need to help to reduce pain levels, anxiety, and possible feelings of depression. Some types of massage may be more beneficial than others. However, a gentle approach should be used within the client’s tolerance due to sensitivity levels to pain.

What types of massage are beneficial?

Massage can empower clients to feel like they are participating in their own healing process. Some types of massage that may be beneficial in treating fibromyalgia include:

• Gentle Swedish massage for relaxation and to reduce perception of pain if only temporarily.
• Shiatsu using light pressure may have a calming effect and promote better sleep.
• Trigger point therapy – use lighter pressure and shorter intervals
• Here are some precautions to be aware of when working with clients who suffer from fibromyalgia:
• Never use ice or cold or contrast therapy on clients with fibromyalgia (cold may exacerbate symptoms)
• Take care not to over treat; people suffering with fibromyalgia are extremely hypersensitive.

What can you do?

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, it is important to understand that although the symptoms may be debilitating, this is not a life-threatening disease nor is it a progressive disease. There are some things that you can do to reduce the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing:

• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
• Get plenty of sleep
• Get regular exercise.
• Stretch
• Try to reduce emotional stress in your life as much as possible
• And of course, find a massage therapist who can tailor massage sessions to fit your individual needs.

References

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2006/01/nine_massage_te.html

Massage and Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Chances are that you or someone you know has been affected by diabetes. It’s an increasingly common condition—one that approximately
1.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this year alone. While it is generally a long-term condition, diabetes can be managed through self-care, nutrition, and medication.

Understanding a complex condition

The body gets its energy from food through the process of digestion. Food is broken down into glucose (or sugar), which passes into the bloodstream. Then the glucose is moved into muscle, fat, and liver cells by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. However, if you have diabetes, your body either does not produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond to it properly, and this leads to high levels of sugar in the blood. Uncontrolled blood-sugar levels can cause serious complications if left untreated, including blindness, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, amputations, and nerve damage.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type I diabetes


Usually diagnosed during childhood, type 1 is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.

Symptoms usually come on suddenly and treatment includes daily injections of insulin.

Type II diabetes

This type accounts for 90 – 95% of all diabetes cases and is usually diagnosed during adulthood. Major risk factors include family history, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol and being overweight and sedentary.

Since symptoms may be mild, many people don’t know they have diabetes, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly, especially after age 45. Testing can also detect pre-diabetes, where blood sugar is high, but not yet at diabetic levels. With early detection and treatment it is far easier to stop the disease from progressing, control your symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatments often include regular blood sugar monitoring and medications to control blood sugar, as well as diet and exercise.

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing infections
• Impotence in men

Is massage ok for someone with Diabetes? Yes and no.

No. Circulatory massage is not recommended for those who have advanced diabetes, kidney failure, and atherosclerosis. In this case, energy techniques are more appropriate.

Yes. Massage is acceptable, if the client has healthy, responsive tissue and circulation and the client is managing blood glucose levels properly.

It is important to note that massage can lower blood glucose levels. A client with diabetes may want to check their blood sugar levels before and after a massage session to avoid any possible complications such as hypoglycemia.

It is important to note that some people with diabetes may have issues with neuropathy and lack of sensation in parts of the extremities. They may have slow-healing wounds or ulcers in these extremities that they may not even be aware of due to the lack of sensation.

Circulatory massage moves blood and lymph fluids through the body and may put an increased demand on the kidneys. To avoid complications, light to medium pressure should be used on clients with diabetes.

As with most illnesses, living with diabetes presents challenges that can create additional stress in the lives of those living with diabetes. A gentle massage can help to stimulate the parasympathetic response, our body’s natural relaxation mechanism.

Regular massage for an individual suffering from diabetes may help to manage stress. Massage also assists the body to naturally remove toxins from the tissues and to balance hormone production. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises teaches the body to respond to stress in a more appropriate and balanced way, thus reducing feelings of being overwhelmed.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know has diabetes and is managing their illness appropriately, recommend massage to promote relaxation and balance within the body in a natural and healthy way.