Exercise is the cure for pain, and it is an underestimated medicine that could sort out many of our bodies’ aches. Strengthening exercise, such as exercising under load or resistance, can be done at home or the gym, and it should be part of our weekly routine. It is never too late to start exercising; everyone can benefit from it. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we always encourage our patients to make a treasure of the exercises we show, and if you have any questions about it, do not hesitate to ask. Exercises as Medicine. Exercise can be considered a potent medicine, offering many benefits beyond physical fitness. Regular physical activity has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. It also helps manage weight, improve mood, and enhance mental well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, exercise strengthens muscles and bones, improves sleep quality, and boosts overall energy levels. Its ability to promote longevity and quality of life underscores its role as an indispensable component of preventive healthcare, highlighting the transformative power of exercise as medicine (Ruegsegger & Booth, 2018). How Exercises can help: Mechanotherapy. Mechanotherapy is the therapeutic application of mechanical forces to tissues and cells to promote healing and enhance physiological function. This approach harnesses the body’s innate response to physical stimuli, such as exercise, massage, and physical therapy, to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall tissue resilience. By strategically applying mechanical forces, mechanotherapy aims to optimize biomechanical properties, restore normal tissue function, and alleviate symptoms associated with musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions. This therapeutic modality underscores the importance of tailored physical interventions in healthcare, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation and wellness that complements traditional medical treatments. How many days a week? Ideally, you would like to exercise 3 to 5 times a week for 45 minutes to 1 hour daily, with 1 to 2 days of rest. The reason behind this is covered by the scientific research and data that we have in hand nowadays, which reveal the importance of loading the body with resistance and weights to grow and regenerate the body components, like muscle, tendons, ligaments, etc… and also the fact that, once the body has been put under load, it also needs time to rest and repair itself, which is crucial for maintaining optimal physical and mental health (Lee et al., 2017). Indeed, if we look at the effect of exercises on muscles, the muscles present with micro tears and micro damage post-exercise, which, the day after the training, reproduce pain, better known as DOMS ( Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness ). Time is needed to allow those microtears to recover. How long should DOMS last? As per all the inflammatory responses, DOMS can last between 24 to 72 hours. During this time frame, the body supplies extra blood to the muscles in order to implement a recovery process. During this time frame, to reduce discomfort and aches, you can use a heat pack (remember, no longer than 15 minutes), massage the area with oil, and do gentle movement. Avoid taking anti-inflammatories, as those would slow down the inflammatory response put in place by your body to heal. If pain persists longer than 72 hours, you can book a consultation or refer to a GP for advice on meds or scans. Can exercises be DOMS-free? Yes, exercises don’t have to reproduce pain every time. When you don’t feel that your muscles have been working that hard, it means that you haven’t pushed them to their limits, and therefore, they are not developing new fibres. Is this a bad thing? No, not necessarily. It is all about what you are aiming for. Indeed, if you are aiming to recover from an injury or you are training for a competition, then yes, you would aim to feel the DOMS the day after, especially if you are at the start of your training journey. On the other hand, if you are happy with the level of strength achieved, you can keep the current presentation by doing general training, without pushing your body close to its limit, by exercising twice a week only and by not increasing the load of resistance/weights as weeks pass by. Exercises and muscle bulk. Doing regular exercise is not going to make you bulky unless you are keen to be hyper-disciplined about the type of exercise, timing, and nutrition. But let’s see in more detail what happens to the muscle cells during exercise. Firstly, we have to understand that hypertrophy. Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of muscle cells due to the rise in their component proteins. There are two primary types of hypertrophy: myofibrillar hypertrophy and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. Myofibrillar Hypertrophy: This type of hypertrophy involves increased size and number of myofibrils within muscle fibres. Myofibrils are the contractile units responsible for muscle contraction. Training focusing on heavy resistance and lower repetitions (e.g., weightlifting) typically induces myofibrillar hypertrophy, increasing muscle strength and density. Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: Sarcoplasm is muscle cells’ fluid and energy storage area. Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy involves an increase in the volume of sarcoplasm within the muscle fibres. This type of hypertrophy is often associated with higher repetition ranges and moderate resistance (e.g., bodybuilding workouts). It results in larger, more visually noticeable muscles but with less emphasis on maximal strength gains compared to myofibrillar hypertrophy. Mechanism of Muscle Growth: During exercise, particularly resistance training, muscle fibers experience microscopic tears. In response to these tears, the body initiates a repair process that involves synthesising new proteins to rebuild and strengthen the muscle fibers. Over time, with consistent exercise and adequate nutrition, this repair process leads to an increase in muscle size and strength. Importance of Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for supporting muscle growth. Adequate protein intake is essential as proteins are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Carbohydrates provide energy for workouts, while fats contribute to overall health and hormone regulation. Additionally, sufficient […]
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Jul
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) stands as a transformative initiative in Australia, particularly significant in Melbourne, Victoria’s vibrant capital. Designed to provide support and services to Australians with disabilities, NDIS embodies a commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and improved quality of life for participants across the country. NDIS and Massage Therapy Understanding the NDIS Established in 2013, NDIS represents a shift towards individualised support plans tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of people with disabilities. In Melbourne, this framework ensures that individuals have access to necessary supports that enhance their independence and participation in the community. How It Works At its core, NDIS operates by providing eligible individuals with funding for a range of supports and services. These can include personal care, access to therapies, assistive technology, and modifications to homes or vehicles, all aimed at fostering greater autonomy and well-being. Impact on Melbourne Communities Melbourne, renowned for its diversity and inclusivity, has embraced the principles of NDIS wholeheartedly. The scheme not only supports participants directly but also fosters a network of providers and community organizations dedicated to delivering high-quality services. This collaborative approach ensures that Melburnians with disabilities have access to a wide array of support options, tailored to their unique circumstances. NDSI services at Melbourne Massage and Treatment Giovanni, a dedicated Myotherapist based in North Fitzroy, plays a crucial role in the local implementation of NDIS services. His practice extends its services to surrounding suburbs, providing essential musculoskeletal therapies that enhance the physical well-being and quality of life for NDIS participants. Giovanni’s personalized treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, contributing to their overall health and independence. Services covered by the NDIS scheme include Remedial Massage, Myotherapy, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). NDIS and Myotherapy In the vibrant landscape of Melbourne’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Myotherapy stands out as a pivotal therapy for enhancing participant well-being. Myotherapy focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through advanced techniques such as dry needling, joint mobilization, and tailored corrective exercises. For individuals with disabilities, this specialized approach targets pain management and improves physical function, empowering them to navigate daily life with greater comfort and mobility. NDIS and Remedial Massage Remedial Massage therapy plays a complementary role within the NDIS framework, offering participants relaxation, stress reduction, and relief from muscle tension. This therapeutic modality is essential for promoting overall physical and mental well-being. By addressing muscular discomfort and enhancing circulation, remedial massage supports participants in achieving a sense of relaxation and renewed vitality. NDIS and Manual lymphatic Drainage Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) emerges as a vital service under the NDIS, particularly beneficial for individuals managing conditions such as lymphedema. This gentle, specialized massage technique promotes lymph flow, reduces swelling, and supports immune function. MLD not only helps in managing symptoms but also contributes to enhancing participants’ quality of life by improving lymphatic circulation and overall wellness. In Melbourne, practitioners like Giovanni integrate these therapies into NDIS plans with a personalized approach, ensuring participants receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs and goals. Through Myotherapy, Remedial Massage, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, NDIS participants in Melbourne are empowered to achieve greater independence, alleviate discomfort, and enhance their overall well-being. Challenges and Opportunities While NDIS has been instrumental in improving the lives of many, challenges such as navigating the application process or understanding available supports can arise. In Melbourne, organizations and advocacy groups play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families through these complexities, ensuring that every participant maximizes the benefits of the scheme. Looking Ahead As NDIS continues to evolve, Melbourne remains at the forefront of innovation and advocacy in disability support. The city’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity is reflected in its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and expand opportunities for those with disabilities. That said, if you need treatment, do not hesitate to book now an initial consultation with Giovanni. During the first session, Giovanni would be able to draft a personal treatment plan that works best for your presentation. If you are in doubt about what treatment works best for you, just get in touch with Giovanni, by clicking here. Conclusion In conclusion, the NDIS has had a profound impact on Melbourne, empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in society. Through its person-centred approach and collaborative spirit, NDIS exemplifies Australia’s commitment to equity and dignity for all. As Melbourne continues to grow and evolve, so too will the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive, supported by a framework that values their unique strengths and aspirations. Whether you’re a participant, a provider like Giovanni in North Fitzroy, or an advocate, NDIS in Melbourne represents a beacon of hope and progress towards a more inclusive future.
On the occasion of my 4th time in Chiang Mai, since 2018, I am dedicating this post to Thai Massage in Pichest Boonthumme Style. When and where did it all start? In March 2018, I started studying and practising Thai Massage. I came here to Chiang Mai, to see Pichest Boonthumme, after a friend’s recommendation. I was looking into finding someone, that could teach and share a massage technique, not only based on sequence and repetitive movement. As often happens, as long as you ask, what you are looking for will show up. And now, after 3 long years of the Covid pandemic and limitations on travelling, I am back in Chiang Mai. This is my first trip out of Australia since 2019, so it was an excellent way to celebrate the freedom of travelling, once again. Being back at Pichest Thai Massage School is always challenging. Even though I spent the last three years training for Remedial Massage, Myotherapy and MLD, when I came here, there was always something new to learn. Along with that new practice, there is always the Thai/Buddhist philosophy aspect of how to see things. I did really like the way Pichest, with his limited English, can explain the complex way life can present and shape, and how simple it is to learn how to deal with it. Just observe the breath. Well, no surprise, as this is the principle of Vipassana Meditation itself. That said, what most often happens is that people who come here to study with Pichest ask to learn how to breathe, even before they can receive a massage. Many people come here because they heard of how good Pichest is at giving massages. And they all come with the expectation to get fixed. And it is just hilarious to see how Pichest, every time, turn these people away from treatment and asks them to learn how to breathe. We are used to thinking of Thai Massage as a painful approach, a strong technique, and it is. But not because we are physically suffering means we are getting better. If we can’t deal with the pain if we stop breathing as we perceive that pain, we keep creating tension in the body and will not let the healing process happen. Breathing during a massage comes with a series of benefits: helps the blood to be pushed around Oxygenation of the muscle tissues Improve relaxation It helps in dealing with the pain reproduced by the touch of a tense area Stimulates the Vagus Nerve, which controls the parasympathetic nervous system On the other hand, before we start doing deep work on the body, the patient does better take 5 minutes to practice breathing, and the first area to work would be around the posterior portion of the shoulder and the hip or Tibia area, to stimulates the blood flow within the body. In conclusion, Thai Massage as we know it in the West is a bit of a distortion of the real thing. Thai Massage, as with any deep tissue massage, can replicate pain, but the pain must be good, not sharp. The pain must help to release tensions and not increase them. And to be a Thai Massage therapist, you better know your anatomy well. Are you curious to find out what a traditional Thai Massage is like? Bookings are open for Traditional Thai Massage at Melbourne Massage and Treatment Fitzroy North studio.
Oct
Joint mobilisations are manual therapy techniques that improve joint mobility and flexibility and reduce joint pain. Joint mobilisation can be applied to many body joints. Some contraindications have to be taken into consideration for mobilisation: Joint swelling Osteo Arthritis Bone Fracture Bulge disk (if the mobs are intended on a vertebra) Mobilisation VS Adjustment. Mobilisations are different from Chiropractic adjustment. The difference is that Chiropractic adjustments are fast movements applied with more significant pressure. Mobilisations are constant slow, repetitive movements applied to the joint. Along with a Myotherapy treatment, Giovanni would evaluate if mobilisation is the proper treatment for your condition. For example, mobilisation along the spine is recommended when someone presents with a stiff back in the sacrum, lumbar, thoracic or lower cervical area. Giovanni would always double-check with you about what the mobs felt like. Types of Mobilisation. As we already know, the body is made of different types of joints. Given the different types of joints, like socket joints, plane joints and more, others are the type of mobilisation. For example: For a joint like the hip, we can apply mobility like a distraction, anterior-to-posterior pressure or posterior-to-anterior pull, internal rotation or superior-to-inferior pull. Some of these techniques can be applied to other joints, and each way of using a mobilisation aims to improve a specific range of motion. So, all up, the type of mobilisation that we have are: Superior to Inferior; Inferior to superior; Distraction; Posterior to Anterior; Anterior to Posterior; Posterior glide; Anterior glide; Lateral glide; Medial glide. Mobilisation Belt. A mobilisation belt can be used to deliver the mobilisation based on the joint we aim to work on. A belt is a tool wrapped around the designated joint we want to work on and is used to apply stretches that would not be as easy to achieve by hand. An example is a hip distraction. For distraction, we refer to it as a force that pulls a joint apart. In the case of a hip, the head of the femur is pulled away from the hip’s socket from the medial to the lateral direction. As you would imagine, using bare hands for applying this technique not only could result in an uncomfortable approach to the intimacy of the patient, but it would requireFr too much effort for the therapist, resulting in poor mobilisation delivery and risk of injury. Therefore, the best tool is a belt wrapped around the patient’s hip and the therapist’s waist. Why use the mobilisation technique? The mobilisation technique aims not to reproduce pain, cracking sound, or sharp sensation. Indeed, the aim is to reproduce a firm pressure/pull on the joint area. Regarding the thoracic area, if any of those vertebrae reproduce pain or sharp sensation, applying the mobs along the vertebrae/ribs joint would be better. Doing so would still possible to affect spine mobility indirectly. Giovanni’s training for this type of modality started during the Advance Diploma in Myotherapy at RMIT and continued at the Bachelor of Health Science at Torrens University. Mobilisations technique can be applied to Big Toe, Ankle, Shoulder, Feet, Hip, Wrist, Elbow, Vertebrae, SIJ joint, Facet Joint, Clavicle and other body areas. An example of joint mobilisation for the feet. Mobilisations at the ankle area are used for improving ankle mobility. Indeed, improving ankle mobility is to better support during the walk, standing and or running. Always talking about the feet area, the mobilisation applied to the Big Toes is used along the Metatasolphalangeal Joint. Do you feel your joints stiff? Your booking for a Myotherapy treatment with Giovanni is just a click away. This mobilisation is applied by creating a distraction movement within the joint, pulling the toes away and then using it for passive flexion and extension. As mentioned in another blog post about wearing bear foot shoes, the Big toes are meant to extend from 65° to 70°. Conclusion The Big Toes are the feet joint that should push the most in the feet strike as we walk. In conclusion, mobilisations are a great way to increase mobility within a joint allowing better movement and improving the range of motion.
Sep
Golfer’s Elbow also known as “medial epicondylitis” is an inflammation of the tendons that originates from the medial elbow side. The pain sensation can be local or spread along the forearm till down the wrist. Indeed, Golfer’s Elbow is similar to a tennis elbow, which occurs on the lateral side of the elbow. Both these conditions are not limited to those who play golf or tennis but can affect anyone who does repetitive movement their for usually builds pain usually builds up with time and can get quite intense if the condition is not looked after. Therefore, rest, massage and specific exercises are well recommended. Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms Pain: The area of pain as described above is around the medial side of the elbow and can spread down the forearm to the wrist Stiffness: The area of inflammation controls the forearm flexors, indeed, making a fist or flexing the fingers/wrist can be difficult or painful. Even the elbow can feel stiff in movement. Weakness: Due to the pain, you may experience weakness in the affected arm/forearm Numbness or tingling: Along the medial side of the elbow, pass the Ulnar nerve, which can refer to the ring finger and pinky finger with numbness or tingling sensation. Risk factors for Golfer’s Elbow Here below is the risk factors list for Golfer’s Elbow: Age 40 or older Doing repetitive movement of wrist/elbow daily Obese If this post talks to you, book your next massage session now. Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Option The treatment options for Golfer’s Elbow are many. Along Melbourne Massage and Treatment Services, MLD can be the least invasive and recommended. The gentle touch and repetitive mechanical stimulation of the cutaneous nervous system can help reduce inflammation, stimulate relaxation, and reduce swellings in the area. Said so, as MLD can have several absolute and partial contraindications. This treatment can not be applied to all. So other services such as Myotherapy, Remedial Massage or Thai Massage are more recommended. The treatment would aim to work on the surrounding area of the inflamed tendon to improve the tone of the forearm flexors. Medications such as anti-inflammatories can also be considered for this condition, especially when rest is impossible due to work commitments. Therefore, you better talk to your GP about the medication option.
Sep
Myotherapy is a massage technique to treat or prevent soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement. “Myotherapy” stands for “Myo” Muscle “Therapy” therapy. In Australia, and specifically in Melbourne, it is a practice that took over the massage market in the last few decades and is not becoming more and more popular. There is Dry Needling and Joint Mobilization along the different techniques used in a Myotherapy treatment. Is Myotherapy Safe? Yes, Myotherapy is a safe treatment. Said so, you want to ensure that the therapist treating you has their qualification up to date. Here is a link to my qualification. What about Dry Needling in a Myotherapy Treatment? Dry needling is one of the many ways a Myotherapist can treat a client, but it is unnecessary. Before using needles, the therapist always has to double-check with the clients the following: No metal allergy No bleeding disorders No needle fear or phobia The client feels comfortable with such treatment The therapist does explain how dry needling works Is Myotherapy available at Melbourne Massage and Treatment? Yes, it is. I am a fully qualified Myotherapist who completed an Advance Diploma in Myotherapy at RMIT University. On top of all, I am now enrolled in the last year of my Bachelor’s Degree in the Myotherapy Clinic at Torrens University. What’s the difference between Myotherapy Treatment and Remedial Massage? Myotherapy is similar to a Remedial Massage session. The difference is that a Myotherapist has more knowledge about the human anatomy, joints, and functionality. So before the session, the therapist would guide the patient through a specific range of motion to evaluate the body’s presentation. Done so, the therapist has an idea of what can be done to improve the body’s presentation. Furthermore, a Myotherapist is trained to use mobilization, which is a repetitive joint movement to improve the joint’s range of motion. My favourite “mobs” are along the spine. They consist of a gentle push over the transverse process of the spine. Applying this constant firm push, the transverse process gain mobility, allowing all the muscle inserts originating from that joint to be more mobile. Is a mobilization the same as what a chiro does? No is not. The Chiro makes an adjustment, which is a fast joint pull or push, to adjust its position or functionality. Along with an adjustment, the patient has no control over the fast movement. Indeed, during mobilisation, the patient can take control of the push and stop the treatment if he/she does feel uncomfortable. Book Now your Myotherapy treatment with Giovanni. Giovanni is available in Fitzroy North at 175 Holden St Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7pm.
Sep
Preeclampsia is a condition that can affect pregnant women. Preeclampsia is a severe condition of pregnancy, most of the time characterised by: high blood pressure protein in the urine severe swelling Most women who suffer from preeclampsia are unaware of this condition, which is why continuous monitoring during pregnancy is so important. There is no cure for this condition, and the only step it can be taken to prevent the death of the mother the baby is to deliver the baby by opting for a C-section birth. What happens during preeclampsia? What does happen during preeclampsia is that the blood pressure increase to a dangerous level. The consequences can be catastrophic for both the mother and the baby. Indeed, the mother’s organs, such as the liver, kidney, heart and brain, are in great danger. The increase of protein in the urine also cand puts the kidney and liver in danger. How can MLD help with a preeclampsia presentation? In this case, MLD would not be applied to reduce preeclampsia. Still, it can be used when the baby is delivered, and there is a need to reduce the swelling postpartum that eventually would build up in the legs and abdominal area after the C-Section. On the other hand, MLD would also help scar healing by moving fluid away from the scar tissue and reducing the swelling around the scar itself. Said so, as you may already read in other blog posts about MLD, liver and kidney failure are absolute contraindications, and condition as high blood pressure too can be a partial contraindications. Indeed, before starting any treatment, the “good to go” from the doctor would be needed in this case. How would MLD be applied after the C-section? In regards to the type of approach needed in this case, the MLD session would start by: Working on the neck and terminus area Applied MLD on the abdominal area to clear off the Cisterna Chyli And finally, MLD along both leg A simple sequence would be used because a wound is still there when doing MLD on the legs. I would not recommend that the client lies in a side position, which could hurt the wound. So when should I come in for my first session? If the doctors reckon that your liver and kidney are functioning at 100% and your blood pressure has decreased since giving birth, you can start receiving MLD immediately. I already had a client, who had preeclampsia, and thanks to the suggestion of the nurses they book in their session just 10 days after the birth. After just one session, they realised how the swelling was reducing. Said so, it can take longer to reduce the swelling down to the desired level. What else can be done in combination with MLD? In combination with MLD, I am walking and staying active help. Also, lots of water is always highly recommended, especially after an MLD session. In conclusion, if you need an MLD treatment due to Preeclampsia or other body swellings, and you have no Liver or kidney conditions or DVT, MLD is the treatment that does for you. Then click here to book your next session. Or click here if you have any enquiries about MLD or Melbourne Massage and Treatment services.
Aug
Myofascial Dry Needling (MDN) treats sore muscles and trigger points. How does Dry Needling work? As discussed in another blog post, muscles are made of many individual fibres. As the fibre contract and stretches, this does give the muscle the ability to have strength and elasticity. Along with repetitive movements and lack of posture, the muscle fibres can accumulate tension that we generally call knots. Those “knots” are also known as trigger points. This is one of the many theories behind the formation of trigger points. Said so, a trigger point is a terminology used to describe a painful spot. And still, nowadays, there is no exact explanation for how trigger point forms and what exactly they are. But what we know for sure is that not everyone develops trigger points in the same spot. Now, to release the tension out of the trigger points, we can either apply external pressure, with the thumb or the elbow, in case of a Remedial Massage or even the knee or the heel of the foot with a Thai Massage, or we can break the fibres from within by using a needle. What a needle is like? The needles used in this practice have a diameter from 0.15 to 0.25mm, so really thin needles. Whereas the length can vary from 15mm to 90mm. Depending on the target muscle, the length of the needle is different. So, as we penetrate the muscle with the needle, we brake the fibre, and we recall an inflammatory response from the patient’s immune system. Which drives more blood and nutrients to the target area. As discussed further in this study published on PubMed, Dry Needling is effective for chronic non-specific neck pain 1. Is dry needling safe? Yes, it is, as long as the practitioner offering the service is qualified for it, and well knows the anatomy of the muscles. Said so, when you receive dry needling, there are a few things that you may want to consider. Firstly you better not have any metal allergy. Also, Dry Needling is not recommended if you have just done any strong physical activity or training, as the muscles would be in an acute inflammatory stage. In addition to this, other contraindications are: If the patient is on a blood thinner Diabetes type 1 The area is affected by Lymphedema The patient is unable to give the consent The patient would not be able to stay still as the needle is in the body Book now, your next Myotherapy session at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Fitzroy North Clinic. How long the needle stays in the body? Depending on the area needing treatment, the needle may stay in the body for 3 to 10 minutes. And always based on the target muscle that needs to be treated would also depend on the type of treatment. Indeed, the needle could be placed in the muscle and left there to sit and create the physiological response needed, or it could even be partially extracted, moved around and placed back. This type of technique is called “peppering”. Peppering along a dry needling session allows the therapist to target other fibres around the muscle fibre area. 1. Cerezo-Téllez E, Torres-Lacomba M, Fuentes-Gallardo I, Perez-Muñoz M, Mayoral-Del-Moral O, Lluch-Girbés E, Prieto-Valiente L, Falla D. Effectiveness of dry needling for chronic nonspecific neck pain: a randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial. Pain. 2016 Sep;157(9):1905-1917. DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000591. PMID: 27537209.
Lipedema is a condition that causes excess fat to accumulate under the skin, either in the lower or upper part of the body. Said so, it is a condition that affects mainly women. It manifests itself just after hormonal changes, such as puberty, post-pregnancy or in older age, after even major surgery. The condition does not affect the hands or feet. Regarding the symptoms and presentation, Lipedema can be mistaken for lymphoedema. Even though those are different conditions, lipedema can lead to lymphedema. What is the cause of Lipedema? Well, it is not known what can cause lipedema. As mentioned above, it manifests itself often when there is hormonal change, so hormones can play a role in it. What is known is that it runs in families, so it has a genetic component and, most of the time, affects women. Obesity is not a cause either, even though most of the people who suffer from Lipedema suffer from obesity too. Lipedema Symptoms are like: A fat build-up in the thighs, buttocks, calves, and occasionally in the upper arms. Feet or hands, unless the patient has chronic venous insufficiency or lymphoedema, do not swell. Pain. Walking ability can decrease as the condition worsen. Condition of Anxiety and or Depression can develop as the person feel an imbalance in their body appearance. Fat accumulation under the skin can block the Lymphatic System, causing Secondary or lipo-Lymphoedema if the lipedema is not looked after. What can be done if you suffer from Lipedema? There are several approaches to the problem, depending on the severity of the case. The earlier the lipedema gets diagnosed, the better. For diagnosing Lipeedema, you may want to talk to your GP or visit a therapist from the Vodder Academy who has a LEVEL III certification. Here is a link to find a practitioner to help you with that. Regarding massage, there is not much that Remedial Massage, Myotherapy or Thai Massage can do. Specifying diet can help too, and you may want to talk to your GP about it. Also, surgery such as liposuction would help, even though those are better at the early stage. Specifically, manual therapy like MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) can help. But MLD itself is not enough in most cases, especially if the Lipedema did create a Lipo-Lymphodemia. Read more about MLD by following this Link. Indeed, in addition to MLD compressed bandaging and compressed garments wear are essentials. Those two practices can allow the work initiated by MLD therapy to be maintained and amplified.
Jun
Lymph nodes (or lymph glands) are small lumps of tissue containing white blood cells that fight infection. They are part of the body’s immune system and filter lymph fluid, composed of water and waste products from body tissues. Introduction to Lymph Nodes Lymph nodes are located in different body areas. On average, we have approx 600 LN. In the neck area only, we find 160 LN itself. LN can vary in size and go from 2 to 30 mm. Lymph Nodes are connected by vessels, better known as afferent and efferent vessels. The afferent vessels carry the lymph to the lymph node, and the efferent vessels take the lymph away from the lymph nodes. So, the lymph nodes are also connected directly to the blood system, veins, and arteria. What is a lymph node made of? Despite the structures that enter and leave the lymph node, these cleaning stations are made of: Connective tissue capsule Supporting strands of connective tissue inside Below the marginal sinus, there are clusters of lymphocytes lymphoid follicles Artery, vein and nerve As for the filtering station, the lymph node is essential to ensure that no bacteria, viruses or dirt can access the blood system. Where we find no lymph nodes in the brain. Indeed, the lymph fluid around this area gets drained by the Optic and Olfactory nerve. Following then the position of the lymph nodes, we can define the watershed. MLD and Lymph Nodes. Lymph Nodes can occasionally be swollen, which happens when the body fights an infection. In my practitioner experience, I often have to refer to the lymph node concept to introduce the client to MLD treatment. Not many clients know about this technique; they are more familiar with Myotherapy or Thai Massage and Remedial Massage. Said so, the client who tried MLD are all well impressed with its benefit. During an MLD session, what happens is that with a gentle stretch and recoil of the skin, I help your lymphatic system to work faster. Consequently, that’s how swollen area gets reduced. In pushing your lymphatic system to work harder, the lymph node would receive more liquid to process. On the other hand, knowing where the lymph nodes are, is essential to ensure we push the lymph liquid in the right direction. If you haven’t booked your appointment yet and wish to set a goal for MLD, please follow this link.