Pregnancy
Background
A woman's body undergoes major physiological, structural and emotional changes during pregnancy. Some women experience muscle and joint pain. Stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue can also be problematic for pregnant women. Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain has an impact on daily life for many women. A recent study has shown this type of pain is preventable in 72% of pregnant women. Treatment Registered Massage Therapy may help:
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Stress Release
Background
Stress is something we experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it can be both positive and negative. Positive stress can encourage action, and raise our awareness and excitement. Negative stress can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, create sleep loss, anger, high blood pressure and other medical problems. Massage therapy can help reduce the negative outcomes of stress and help to induce relaxation. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may help:
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Headaches
Background
Headaches have many causes. The types of headaches treated by a Registered Massage Therapist include: Tension Headache: this most common headache is likely due to chemical changes triggering brain nerves and blood vessels. Migraine Headache: scientists don't know exactly why migraines occur, but they probably result from swelling in blood vessels and nerves that surround the brain. Cluster Headache: these are intense headaches that start around the eye, then spread to nearby areas of the face. Sinus Headache: due to inflammation, usually in the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may help:
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Low Back Pain
Background
Low back pain is very common but a precise cause is often not found. Researchers found that 60-80% of people will experience uncomplicated back pain at some time in their life. Possible causes include: Lumbar Strain: strain or microscopic tears of the muscles and ligaments. Facet Joint Syndrome: joints can be injured from a sudden force where the back is twisted or arched, or where the spine is repetitively placed into extension. Herniated Disc: the soft "shock absorber" disc structure becomes swollen and pinches nearby nerve cells. Degenerated Disc: the disc lose moisture and function. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may help:
Researches have found that 70% of acute patients with non-specific low back pain will improve within two weeks, and 90% will improve and resume their normal activity within four to five weeks. |
Whiplash
Background
Whiplash is a condition resulting from an acceleration-deceleration transfer of energy to the neck. Automobile accidents, sports injuries and occupational mishaps are events that can cause this injury. Research has shown that, with proper guidance, early return to work enhances recovery and reduces the risk of long-term disability. Symptoms: Whiplash may result in boney, muscle, nerve and other soft-tissue injuries. Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) may include pain and numbness, muscle spasm, dizziness, headaches, and social & psychological issues. The condition can vary from mild to severe. Treatment Registered Massage Therapist May help:
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Osteoarthritis
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects about 10% of the population. Recent research suggest that OA is a group of diseases marked by a dysfunction in the repair of joint cartilage, especially in the weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Symptoms include: joint pain that may come and go, morning stiffness, loss of mobility, boney changes. Causes: joint injury, infection, genetic factors and joint mechanics may play a part in the onset of osteoarthritis. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may improve the course of OA by:
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Fibromyalgia
Background
Fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-Al-juh) syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder with patients usually having at least 11 specific tender points on both sides of the body- above and below the waist, in the trunk, arms and legs. Symptoms: muscular stiffness, multiple tenderpoints, poor sleep, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, numbness and tingling, and a sensation of swelling of the hands and feet. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with depression, memory and concentration difficulties as well as anxiety. It affects up to 2% of the population of all ages and is 7 times more common in women than men. Cause: unknown Treatment Registered Massage Therapist may help:
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Cancer
Background
Cancer is a disease in which cells of an organ or tissue fail to respond to normal control mechanisms, growing and multiplying out of control. Massage therapy is increasingly being included in treatment programs for cancer patients at clinics and hospitals around the world. Current studies are showing beneficial effects of massage therapy, not for treatment of the disease, but as an aid in enhancing quality of life. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may help:
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Sports
Background
Sports massage therapy has been a time-honoured practice dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Sports massage therapy can be included in a training program as a pre-event warm up or post-event cool down to aid performance and assist in injury prevention. Current research provides evidence that massage therapy can reduce delayed muscle soreness and positively affect heart rate, blood pressure and hormonal levels in a relaxation response, reduced anxiety and improved mood. Treatment Registered Massage Therapists may help:
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*All health information can be found on the Massage Therapist Association of BC's website at www.massagetherapy.bc.ca