Pelvic Girdle Pain
February has seen an influx in guests arriving at Indigo Spring with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) in Pregnancy. This debilitating condition causes restricted mobility and pain and discomfort in areas such as lower back, hips, thighs and pubic area. PGP is an umbrella term which covers pubic pain ( formally called symphysis pubic disfunction SPD) and all pains from lumbars spine down to the thighs either localised at the front or back.
WHAT CAUSES PGP?
Pregnancy causes the body to release a hormone called relaxin which softens the ligaments in the pelvis. To enable the baby to be born naturally. Sometimes this allow the joints at the front (symphysis Pubis) and at the back (sacroiliac joints) to become too mobile and the bones begin to rub together and trap nerves.
PGP can occur when people who in pre- pregnancy are very flexible such as dancers and gymnasts, it is also caused by a weaker pelvic floor or the extra weight of the baby.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
PGP can also be accompanied by a weak bladder, a waddling walk or clicking or grinding.
The key symptoms are groin pain when: Walking, turning over in bed, weight bearing on one leg, getting in and out of the car, moving leg sideways.
HOW CAN I TREAT PGP?
Massage relieves the pain of PGP and is helpful from the onset. Direct massage of the sacroiliac joints and the lumbar spine make a significant improvement.
Firm massage to the hip flexors and sciatic nerves relieves pain and is possible to do at home.
Take a firm ball (eg tennis ball) and place under hip.
Roll your weight over the ball until you find the trigger point ( maximum pain).
Breathe in.
As you breathe out apply pressure to the trigger point.
Roll off slightly as you inhale.
Repeat 3 times.
Another effective treatment for PGP – particularly at the symphysis pubis is the use of sound therapy. At Indigo Spring we use the Peter Hess Singing Bowl technique for vibrational medicine. The vibration of the bowl, placed on the painful joint, is able to travel deep into the bone and disappate the pain through the circulatory system of the body.
CAN YOU HELP?
Yes Indigo Spring is ready for your call. This is a really painful and common condition in pregnancy. Whilst painkillers will block some of the pain, Massage will help to dissapate the pain.
Come and visit for your free consultation. 07900900313
Why have an aromatherapy massage?
Aromatherapy massage is popular treatment at Indigo Spring. It uses essential oils blended with the massage oil to enhance the intention of the massage. Different aromatic plant compounds respond to different ailments. Your massage therapist will help identify the most helpful blends following your guest consultation.
Inhaling essential oils, stimulates the olfactory system and a signal is sent to the limbic system in the brain which controls emotions and retrieves memories.
Aromatherapy is beneficial in treating problems with:
- muscular aches
- circulation
- digestion
- headaches
- stress
- anxiety
At Indigo Spring we would initially encourage the use of one of our preblended oils. For a specific disorder you would like to be treated for using aromatherapy, we would recommend an additional consultation. Your unique blend will then be created and used specifically for your course of treatment.
You can also choose from these pre blended oils:
- revive
- relax
- reset
Book your aromatherapy massage with Indigo Spring today.
Isn’t it too Self Indulgent?
This comes up regularly when I talk to people who don’t make time for a massage – massage therapy still has a little way to go for some people. And so I thought it would be interesting to explore a little about the reason why.
Firstly, many of us were brought up to be selfless and hardworking. Massage can seem to be too self indulgent, but recent research leads us to realise the benefits of looking after yourself, your mind and your body, in order to be the best person to those around you. The prevalence of “Wellbeing” activities highlights this change in perspective.
Secondly, massage goes way beyond its remit of relaxation. Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system which returns the body to its resting and digesting state. It diminishes pain and allows the body to heal itself.
Massage also helps muscles to re-align and work more efficiently, this improves our flexibility and mobility.
Think of massage as preventative care.
You don’t need to wait until you are in pain to book a massage. Regular treatments are advised to keep us all in good working order. Make it a lifestyle choice to have fortnightly or monthly massages.
Massages don’t need to break the bank, many massage therapists have discounts for multiple bookings or for recommending others. Don’t be afraid to talk to your therapist about this, they won’t always advertise the fact.
Some people are put off massages after they have had one with too firm or too light pressure. Communication is the key, and this is your massage. The therapist should ask you for your preference of pressure and ask if the pressure is ok during the massage. But if you want it changing just let them know.
Massage will help you to restore your internal equilibrium so don’t think of it as self indulgent.
View is as a monthly health MOT to keep you working at your best!
Text Neck – Is your smartphone damaging your spine?
Every year I find myself increasing the amount of time I spend using mobile technology. My phone is no longer only for phone calls and with the developments of apps and resources I use both this and my tablet throughout the day. Whilst this may free up more time to do exciting and interesting things, all too often we become hooked on clicking through our train of thought and remain physically stuck in one position for long periods of time.
As a result there are more and more cases of “text neck” – a condition caused by looking down at phones and mobile devices too often and for too long. Symptoms are tension and pain in the cervical and thoracic spine (upper back), rounded shoulders, headaches and a protruding neck.
How much time do you spend with your head bent forward in this way?
On average it is 2-4 hours a day and by moving the head forward like this, its weight adds stress to the spine in a way it was not designed to receive. (Whilst remaining in the upright position the spine can easily support the head’s weight of about 12 pounds. But with the added tilt, the weight increases dramatically).
So what can we do? To prevent spinal injury in this way, remember to take regular breaks from your devices and move around, stretching your neck by slowly nodding and shaking the head. Also, try to hold devices at eye level and sit in an upright position where possible.
A 30 minute head, neck and shoulder massage will relieve the muscular tension and loosen the knots in your neck, increasing flexibility in your spine.
Book your spinal check and free consultation today.
Why have a massage?
Massage Therapy is one of the most popular of all the complementary therapies. These therapies are growing significantly in recent years as people recognise that they don’t have to choose between conventional medicine (which is necessary for many conditions) and complementary medicine. Many of our medical conditions could be simply alleviated by changes to our lifestyle and this move towards health and wellbeing as an important lifestyle choice is boosting the industry.
So what is it that massage offers?
Massage has been scientifically proven to benefit all of the systems of the body:
Massage benefits the cells by:
- Increasing red blood cell production
- Improving circulation
- Increasing nutrition to the cells
- Aiding cell regeneration
Massage assists the Integumentary system in the following ways:
- Provides overall stimulation and health of the skin
- Stimulates sebaceous glands which produce sweat
- Improves skin condition, texture and tone
- Stimulates sensory receptors
- Enhances tissue repair
- Enhances healthy scar formation
- Soothes and sedates the body through the power of touch
- Opens the skin’s pores assisting with waste elimination
- Removes dead skin
- Moisturizes skin
Massage assists the Muscular System by:
- Stimulating the circulatory system
- Stimulating the nervous system’s sensory neurons
- Enhancing cell activity
- Facilitating waste removal in the lymph system
- Reducing connective tissue thickening
- Releasing facial constrictions
- Providing flexibility
- Increasing tone
- Rehabilitating post operatively
- Warming up or warming down muscles for exercise
- Creating Relaxation of the muscles
- Managing pain
Massage can affect the Circulatory system by:
- Increasing oxygen
- Increasing blood flow
- Increasing nutrients
- Increasing red blood cells
- Lowering blood pressure
- Reducing heart rate
Massage assists the Lymphatic system by:
- Reducing swelling
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing scar tissue
- Rehabilitation post injury
- Rehabilitation pre surgery
- Relieving sinus conjestion
- Stimulating the Lymphatic system to remove toxins
Massage benefits the Nervous system by:
- Decreasing heart rate
- Stimulating the senses
- Reducing inflammation
- Stimulating blood flow
- Regulating mood
- Enhancing release of endorphins
Massage assists the endocrine system by:
- Balancing mood
- Controlling stress levels
- Reducing cravings
- Reducing pain
- Encouraging relaxation
- Rebalancing hormonal system
- Increasing desire
Massage helps the gastrointestinal system by:
- Releasing tension in intestinal and abdominal muscles
- Reducing bloating and cramps
- Improving digestion
- Assisting waste elimination
- Stimulating the liver and kidneys
Massage assists the Skeletal system by:
- Improving posture
- Reducing inflammation
- Increasing flexibility
- Improving muscle tone
- Facilitating body alignment
- Increasing range of motion
- Helping mineral retention
- Relaxing tight muscles and tendons
Massage aids the Respiratory system by:
- Improving lung capacity
- Relaxing muscles
- Increasing pulmonary function
- Promoting expansion and contraction of the diaphragm muscles
- Relieving lung congestion
- Lowering the respiratory rate
- Stimulating bloods flow
Massage assists the Urinary system by:
- Reducing fluid retention
- Increasing efficiency of liver
- Increasing efficiency of kidneys
- Stimulating the digestive system
- Increasing urinary output
- Aiding in the release of toxins.
With all these benefits, who wouldn’t see a monthly massage as a necessity rather than a luxury? If you agree, why not book your next treatment today?
What is Homeostasis ?
“homeostasis the physiological process by which the internal systems of the body … are maintained at equilibrium, despite variations in the external conditions.” -OED
The body is kept in balance by the nervous system and the endocrine system. Conditions such as blood pressure, body temperature and pH concentrations of hormones in the body, are all governed by this.
The body wants to return to its equilibrium and without it, disorders or disease may follow.
What is the holistic approach?
A holistic approach to health means that we are interested in engaging with and developing the whole person. Holistic is from th Greek “Holos” meaning whole. This includes the physical and mental strengths and difficulties, the psychological, social, nutritional and environmental factors which have an effect on the whole person. This differs from the symptomatic approach which looks at symptoms to diagnose a problem or disease.
The holistic approach is the concept that humans are multi-dimensional and that the systems within us are inter-connected. It treats each person individually and takes account of all aspects of their life.
The holistic approach enables people to improve their health through their on actions and helps to restore the body’s equilibrium.
This balance is homeostasis. Help your body by booking a massage today!