Massage for Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
Experiencing shoulder pain and restricted movement just washing your hair? A doctor’s exam may reveal that you have Adhesive Capsulitis (commonly known as Frozen Shoulder) which typically is noticed as a slow onset. While treatment plans are as invasive as surgery (depending on the severity of the case), your doctor may prescribe massage therapy to relieve your shoulder pain and improve your range of motion.
A Married to Massage qualified massage therapist will use a variety of techniques to improve the blood flow to the affected shoulder area, release scar tissue, relieve muscle spasms and reduce muscle tension. Massage modalities to improve your condition include: Deep Tissue, Trigger Point and Heat Therapy. Be patient because even with treatment, full recovery may not be accomplished for 12 to 18 months. The sooner treatment is started, the earlier your condition will improve as there will be less scar tissue forming.
Experts are still unclear as to what causes Frozen Shoulder, however, there are certain population groups that are more susceptible to the condition:
- those suffering from diabetes, strokes, thyroid issues, or cardiovascular disease
- those who had to have their arm immobilized for long periods of time due to injuries (such as a broken arm)
- more common in women than men
There are three stages of Frozen Shoulder:
- Acute Stage: The most painful stage (especially at night) with limited range of motion
- Adhesive Stage: Very limited range of motion. Still painful but pain is not increasing at this stage.
- Thawing Stage: Shoulder movement begins to improve. Some pain but improving
When scheduling your massage to improve your frozen shoulder condition, you may wish to reserve a 90-minute Diamond-Grade Deep Tissue session to benefit from the focus of your shoulder and a full-body treatment.
After a conversation with your doctor and health insurance company, you may determine that you are covered under your policy for massage therapy to treat your frozen shoulder. If this is the case, please advise your Married to Massage therapist and a receipt will be issued via email to you for insurance submission. We do not accept insurance payments at this time, however, we do accept HSA cards for your convenience.
Massage for Plantar Fasciitis
Arguably the most common complaint that orthopedic doctors encounter is Plantar Fasciitis. When patients complain of sharp (and sometimes dull) pain felt in the heel of the foot that is typically most painful in the morning, doctors suspect Plantar Heel Pain Syndrome (PHPS) and begin the process of diagnosing. Plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber for the arch of the foot when working properly, but when the ligaments are strained, pain develops.
Plantar Fasciitis can develop under a number of conditions:
- long-distance running
- those with high or low arches
- wearing shoes with little arch support
- those with tight Achilles tendons
- late-stage pregnancy
- those who are on their feet a lot
- those who are overweight
While your doctor may suggest a number of different treatments, he or she may suggest a Deep Tissue massage performed on the affected areas (soft tissue of the foot and calf muscles). A Diamond-Grade deep tissue massage incorporating trigger-point therapy and coupled with recommended self-care techniques may be enough to realize relief. If the condition is ignored, chronic issues may develop in the knees, legs, hips and back.
After speaking with your doctor and health insurance provider, it may be determined that your massage treatment is covered under your medical coverage. If this is the case, inform your Married to Massage therapist and a receipt will be emailed to you to submit to your insurance company. While we do not accept insurance at this time, we do accept HSA cards for your convenience.
For focused massage therapy on the affected areas and to realize the benefit of a full-body massage, it is recommended that you schedule a 90-minute Diamond-Grade Deep Tissue & Bodywork session
Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Noninvasive treatment plans for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be appropriate when diagnosed in the early stages. This can include resting the wrist and icing the wrist to control inflammation reducing nerve compression. A qualified massage therapist can also take steps to reverse or control the condition by using techniques to relax the flexor tendons and increase the blood flow to the hand. An experienced massage therapist will provide you with appropriate self-care procedures to follow including stretches that will assist you in healing.
If you are experiencing pain and numbness in your thumb and first three fingers, you may be noticing the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Pain is also known to radiate up your arm as well. When these symptoms first appear at night and subside after shaking your hand, it may be early warning signs of the condition. An exam with your physician is essential to rule out any other conditions and start a treatment plan before surgery may become necessary. Your physician should explain that the medial nerve controls the movement and feeling in your thumb and in all fingers but your pinky. (Your pinky finger is controlled by another nerve). When the compression of the medial nerve occurs, pain and numbness will follow. Anatomically, compression of the nerve happens when the narrow tunnel of the wrist (where the medial nerve and flexor tendons passes) becomes even more narrow due to factors such as healing of a broken bone or bone spurs. When repetitive motions causes the flexor tendons to be stressed and inflamed, compression of the medial nerve can also occur. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is commonly associated with repetitive motions involving the flexor tendons which control the wrist and hand. Incorrectly using your computer mouse or typing using poor hand positioning can be the culprit. Increasing blood flow to your hand becomes imperative when this is the case.
Closing Notes:
Other known contributory factors for the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include obesity, hypothyroidism, lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and even pregnancy. Speak to your physician before treating the symptoms.
After speaking with your doctor and health insurance provider, it may be determined that your massage treatment is covered under your medical coverage. If this is the case, inform your Married to Massage therapist and a receipt will be emailed to you to submit to your insurance company. While we do not accept insurance at this time, we do accept HSA cards for your convenience.
For focused massage therapy on the affected areas and to realize the benefit of a full-body massage, it is recommended that you schedule a 90-minute Diamond-Grade Deep Tissue & Bodywork session
Massage for Patellofemoral Pain (PFPS): Runner’s Knee
Symptoms and Risk Factors for Runner’s Knee:
If you are experiencing pain on the anterior side and back of your knee cap and/or a grinding sensation when bending, you may be experiencing symptoms of Patellofemoral Pain commonly referred to as Runner’s Knee. It has been said that it is the most common overuse injury among runners. This condition does not, however, limit it’s symptoms to just runners.
Others at risk for PFPS include: basketball players, cyclists and weight trainers. Both adolescents and the elderly are at risk as well. If you have low or high arches you are at a higher risk as this can move the patella (knee cap) position in your knee. Those with wider hips are at a greater risk with the angling relationship between the thigh and knee. Because those who have wider hips are at greater risk, the condition affects twice as many women as men.
Activities that aggravate the Runner’s Knee Condition:
- Sitting for long periods of time such as long car rides
- Going up and down stairs or hills
- Worn shoes or inappropriate shoes
Prevention of Runner’s Knee:
- Purchase the proper shoes for your activity and your arches
- Strengthen your quad muscles which will improve your knee cap tracking
- Stretch your hamstrings and gastrocs (calf muscles) to prevent foot overpronation
Treatment of Runner’s Knee
Upon your doctor’s examination, surgery may be suggested to treat your Runner’s knee, however, this invasive treatment is rare. You may be referred to a physical therapist who is trained in knee taping as this has been proven to help so that you may continue activities with less pain. Your qualified massage therapist will perform myofascial release, trigger point and cross-friction therapy and passive stretching that will aid in recovery. Common areas that will be addressed in your massage session are the IT band, quadriceps, hamstrings, gastrocs and patellar regions. Resting will be encouraged although exercise is still recommended. It may be suggested that mileage be reduced. Icing to reduce inflammation may also be indicated as part of your treatment plan.
To schedule your massage treatment for Runner’s Knee, please reserve your medical massage by scheduling a Diamond-Grade Deep Tissue massage appointment with Katrina at Married to Massage at her Sacramento massage studio in Midtown. If you would are looking for a full-body massage with focus for Runner’s Knee, it is advisable to schedule a 90-minute massage treatment session. We do accept HSA cards for your convenience.