A bunion is a bond malformation at the base of the big toes. The leading causes for bunion are: foot stress high foot arch wearing high heels narrow shoes A bunion is often correlated to Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is due to the cartilage degeneration that separates 2 bonds. In this case, the 2 bonds are at the base of the big toes. This result in pain at big toe extension and during walking. Bunion’s Symptoms Visible malformation, like a bump, on the side of the big toes joint; Sharp pain in the thumb; Difficulties in walking; Stiffness; The big toes point laterally towards the other toes Intervention About what to do for a bunion presentation is to get in touch with a podiatrist as soon as possible. Massage therapy is recommended too, but it is a limited tool for helping in fixing the issue. Along with Remedial Massage, Thai Massage, Myotherapy and MLD treatment, what can be done to alleviate the pain is to treat the surrounding structures, such as the plantar of the foot and the metatarsal area. So, can it alleviate bunion pain and or invert the condition? Yes, it is. Today’s blog post is called “Happy Bunion Story”. So, back in Dec. ’21, Steph start having foot pain, due to osteoarthritis. The reasons behind her conditions are: High foot arch Long hour standing up for work (she is an amazing Wedding and Fashion photographer) Wearing high heels (she used to do modelling) The combination of those resulted in a degeneration of big toes cartilage and a bunion forming. As Steph complained about pain in the big toes, I told her what possibly was happening there. Soon after, she visited her GP and got some X-Ray done, and the result was not much of a surprise. After finding out about her new condition, Steph consulted a podiatrist, who suggested starting a daily routine of exercises for her big toes. Resisted big toes flexion (with a rubber band) Wearing spacer in between the toes Toes abduction from a seated position. But this is not all. The podiatrist even told her to wear an insole in her shoes. Furthermore, she was recommended to buy specific shoes that “protect her foot”. I saw the shoes myself, and I can tell you they didn’t look good. They were thick, big, and didn’t look comfortable to wear. Another podiatrist opinion A few months passed, and I went to see Andy, a podiatrist promoting barefoot wear for my own flat feet condition. As I was talking to Andy about my feet, I couldn’t resist getting an opinion in regard to what Steph was going through. Andy, without much hesitation, suggested that she wear barefoot shoes and continue the exercises. Next, we went down to Sole Mechanic, in Hampton, a shoe shop specialising in barefoot wear. Beforehand we researched different brands and decided to give a goal to the barefoot shoes, “Vivo Barefoot”. Sole Mechanic Experience The experience at Sole Mechanic was a positive one. We booked an appointment for 2 of us, 1 hour all up, so the staff has enough time to guide you through what barefoot is about and the best option. We went through the ankle and toes Range Of Motion and barometric platform test and tried a couple of shoes each. Vivobarefoot, given its ethical approach to shoe wear, was since the start our choice, and so far, the best option we could go for. At this stage, we have a couple of shoes each from Vivo barefoot, one for everyday wear and one for hiking. Back to the “Happy Bunion Story” So, after all this time, Steph now enjoys walking pain-free. The bunion, thanks to the exercises and to Steph’s determination in practising them daily and the new shoes that have a wider shoe box, is reduced, as the Big Toe is now diverging towards the medial side (away from the other toes). Osteoarthritis is a condition that can’t be fixed. Still, when Steph occasionally feels pain we do an MLD session which can help reduce the inflammation symptoms and help in pain management. Said so, the pain is a rare thing and not a daily issue. Furthermore, Steph is not wearing the insole anymore. As suggested by the Sole Mechanic staff, removing the insole is a process that can be done step by step. So, since Feb ’22 when we bought the first pair of Vivobearfoot shoes, took her approximately 2 to 3 months to abandon the insole, and now it is about three months that she is not using it anymore. Hopefully, this post gives you some hope and insights into what’s happening with bunions. If you are in pain and need to reduce the inflammation response to the bunion, MLD may be best for you as a short-term solution. Otherwise, book an appointment with Andy to find out the best way to adjust the shape of your foot as much as possible.
Tag Archives: MLD
Blog
Hormones and Menopause: What is happening?
Menopause is a crucial step in a woman’s life. Menopause marks the time when a [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog
How Strength Exercises Can Help With Bone Density
Bone density is a key factor in bond fracture prevention. Bone is made of cells [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog
How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Help with Menopause Symptoms?
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, which marks the end of a [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog Melbourne Massage and Treatment
Body scans as a Diagnostic Tools
Musculoskeletal pain can be complex, and orthopedic tests and hands-on treatment, sometimes, can be a [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog
Meralgia Paresthetica: Causes, Symptoms, and Myotherapy Treatment
Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer [...]
Continue readingMar
Sep
Tennis elbow or even known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition that occurs on the lateral side of the forearm, at the elbow’s high. A common cause is repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Tennis Elbow refers to how common this condition can be in tennis players. Said so, Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition that can affect anyone. As per Golfer’s Elbow, the pain starts from the elbow area, in this case from the lateral side, and can irradiate down the arm to the wrist. Rest and counter medication can help relieve symptoms. In some cases, surgery is required. Tennis Elbow Symptoms The pain generated by the tennis elbow may radiate down the forearm along the lateral side (thumb side). In addition to the pain, you may experience weakness too. Here is a list of actions that may be difficult to do Shake hands or grip an object Turn a door handle Hold a cup of water Book now your next appointment to restore the mobility of your Tennis Elbow Causes Tennis Elbow As Lateral Epicondolytis is overuse and strain of muscle, it is caused by repeated contraction of the forearm muscles extensor. These repetitive stretches and movements can lead to tiny tears in the tendon tissue, creating inflammation and pain within the elbow area. Playing tennis with the pour technique often replicates this condition, especially using repeated backhand strokes. Many other common motions can cause tennis elbow. Here is an extended list: Using plumbing tools, which require strong grips Painting Using screwdrivers Food preparation, especially when the knife is not sharp Working in the office using a mouse for long hours Treatment Options At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Giovanni offers a variety of options for treating Lateral Epicondylitis. MLD may be the most recommended per inflammation of tendons and muscles. Thanks to the light touch and repetitive movement, MLD stimulates the Lymphatic System directly, which takes care of the inflamed area. Combining Myotherapy, Remedial Massage or Thai Massage technique with MLD can help even release more tension along the arm and elbow. Tennis Elbow Exercises In addition to the massage technique offered at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, exercises placed as per usual a crucial role in recovery. Specifically, we can look in too eccentric exercises, which slow, lengthening muscle contractions. Here is a link to eccentric exercises for the Tennis Elbow. As you may notice in this video, the extension motion of the wrist is supported by the other hand. By doing so, the extensor muscle of the forearm that needs training is not working hard. So the actual strengthening happens in the wrist’s flexion when the extensor muscles are stretching under the extra pressure of the weight.
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
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that opens into the hand. The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and gives feeling to the 2nd through the 4th finger (the medial half of it). Carpal tunnel is a condition that affects any gender, and the prevalent of people affected by this condition, are people who do repetitive movements with their hands and arm. Carpal tunnel Symptoms Numbness Pins and needles in the hand Pain, particularly at night Darting pains from the wrist Radiated or referred pain in the arm and shoulder Weakness of the hand The little finger and half of the ring finger are unaffected. Causes of Carpal Tunnel Presentation Occasionally there is no clear cause for Carpal Tunnel. Said so, sometimes there is a combination of factors such as: Arthritis – C.T. is a consequence of inflammation and swelling Pregnancy – During the pregnancy period, given the increase of hormones, the body tends to retain more fluid, which can compress the median nerve and replicate CT symptoms. Genetics – some people can have smaller carpal tunnel Overuse injury – as previously mentioned, repetitive movement and overload of the wrist can lead to CT syndrome Treatment options Along with different treatment options, massage is the first non-invasive approach someone can try for carpal tunnel. As soon as the symptoms show up, it would be wise to go and see a massage therapist. Techniques such as Remedial Massage, Myotherapy can easily address the problem and alleviate the pain. Depending on the presentation and the cause of the carpobual tunnel, even Applied MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) can be an ideal treatment option. Along the physical therapy, rest is highly recommended, and exercises, as often happen, play the main role. To prevent pain from wrist movement, a splint can help. Other treatment options. Surgery is a standard alternative option for Carpal Tunnel. It is a common intervention and can be done on both hands simultaneously. The patient can choose to go for local or general anaesthesia. Surgery for Carpal Tunnel involves a cut along the palm and the wrist. The surgeon then cuts the ligament to reduce pressure on the underlying median nerve. Once the skin gets stitched back, the ligaments heal themselves, and the new scar would not put so much pressure on the median nerve. Even though the surgery is easy, it can have some complications, like swelling and damage to the median or ulnar nerve. Also, if the ligament was not cut completely, it would still apply pressure on the Median Nerve, and a second surgery would be needed.
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.
Aug
Lymphedema is a health condition that develops when the lymphatic system gets dysfunctional. Compared with lipoedema, Lymphoedema presents disproportional swelling in 1 limb per side. As stated above, what’s behind the swelling is a malfunctioning lymphatic system that leads to an increased amount of protein below the skin (lymph liquid). As already discussed in a previous post about MLD, the lymphatic system has the function of taking away the lymph liquid and pass it on to the bloodstream. Indeed, from the bloodstream, it will all get filtered from the organs such as kidneys and liver to be disposed of. The lymph liquid is mainly made of water, protein and dirt. How MLD works? The Manual Lymphatic Drainage technique stimulates the lymphatic system that can also be boosted by muscular movement. Indeed a 30-minute to 1-hour walk can speed up the Lymphatic System to double speed. This happens due to the capillary (pre-collector) of the lymphatic system, which constantly opens and closes to suck away the lymph. The faster the opening and closing of the doors of the capillary, the quicker the suctions would be. How may lymphedema develop? Where things can go wrong is when the lymphatic system stops working or doesn’t work strong enough in one or more than one area of the body. The reason why the LS stop working and cause lymphodema is as follow: Missing lymph nodes can happen after surgery for cancer removal Genetics missing lymph nodes as per genetic Parasites Surgery damages the pre-collector/collector or lymph nodes with invasive surgery. Radiation due to cancer treatment Are there risk factors? Older age Excess weight or obesity Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis When Lymohodema starts developing, an intervention of a professional carer is essential. Here is a link to a Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist worldwide that can help you with that. Seeing a GP is also recommended. For intervention, I refer to MLD as a manual technique to boost the lymphatic system, compression bandaging and garments wear. The consequence of letting go of Lymphodema is quite severe. As the skin keeps swelling, it will stop receiving oxygen from the bloodstream sooner or later. As per result, the skin would start drying out, cracking, and possibly getting infected. Said so, the consequence can be even more severe and lead to Cancer too. MLD at Melbourne Massage and Treatment Regarding my training as an MLD therapist, I can’t treat clients with Lymphodema yet. My skills within the MLD technique are limited to working with a patient with an intact and fully functioning Lymphatic System. But don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information about Lymphodema, as I can put you in touch with a therapist who can help.
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.
Jul
Barefoot shoes are now becoming more and more popular. One of the main reasons why this is happening, I believe is the spreading idea that having the feet, seated in a tight box all day, is not so beneficial. So, what can be beneficial about going around barefoot? Or having barefoot shoes? Well, the foot is made up of 20 muscles, and 30 ligaments. That’s a lot for such a small body portion. Now, in order to have those muscles working and the ligaments playing their function, to hold the joint together and allow the joint stability to be efficient, both those 2 groups of body connective fibres have to be stimulated. So, that’s where the tight box fails. Having rigid shoes on all day, with or without a high heel, is not supportive, it is actually numbing the muscles. Said so, it is true that shoes can protect the feet from damage. In certain environments, shoes, especially rigid protective shoes are mandatory, like in the construction industry or in a factory. But even through that, we don’t spend all day at work, isn’t it? Are you saying that barefoot wearing is for everyone? No, I am not saying that. There are specific conditions, that may not allow you to wear barefoot shoes. But, if you are in doubt about what’s the right thing to do, I would get in touch with a podiatrist, and he specific if you are in Melbourne I would contact Andy. I did that myself. My journey actually started in 2018 when I was in Thailand studying with Pichest. He always points out students about their feet and wrinkled toes. He would refer to shoes and Sox as cages for feet. In Thailand, there is no need for shoes, as is really hot, he would be barefoot or use flip-flops all day. ( I then realise that not even flip flop is a solution, anyway). Said so, once I left Chiang Mai back then I did decide to start using sandals all year round. Even though I have to say that occasionally in winter, I did wear closed shoes. The years did pass by and I did notice my pinky toes were not changing shape after all these years compared to the other 4 toes. The pinky toes were still seating quite close to the 4th toes and would not go out straight. Simultaneously, my Instagram account did start to come up more frequently with posts of barefoot shoes and barefoot sandals. From there then, I did realise that wearing sandals with a narrow front was not going to make much of a difference. Also, the sandals I was wearing, were quite rigid anyway. So that would basically not make much difference for my foot, I found out later. How did I get to wear barefoot shoes? That’s when I went to see Andy, in Feb ’22. Andy is a really carrying and smiling man. I like his approach to the question I was asking and took a quiet pragmatic approach to my feet/body presentation. After several assessments on the spot, I was told that wearing barefoot was not going to be a problem. And actually, another thing that I was told was that my left foot, which is flat compared to the right was not a problem either. And that was the main reason I went to see Andy actually. To find out how I could fix that flat foot. And with my surprise, I was told that flat foot is there because the body compensates for structural scoliosis. So If I was going to change my left foot shape, probably I would create an issue then in my back or hip. In conclusion, since Feb 22 I start wearing barefoot shoes. I did opt for Vivo barefoot. So far, can’t complain. I can see my feet changing shape, and even when I go for hikes and long walks I have no foot pain or discomfort. I don’t see myself going back to wearing conventional shoes any soon. And since then I start recommending to my client too about barefoot wearing. I always suggest them having a chat with Andy or a podiatrist who can see the potential of barefoot wearing, and for those who took up the change, so far, haven’t heard any complaints but only good stories. Another way to dig more about barefoot wear is also visiting SoleMechainc, a shoe shop down in Hampton, where you can find a broad range of barefoot wear and fantastic client service. In conclusion, if you are foot is in pain, massage therapy would still help. But as often happen, massage therapy by itself is not enough, so exercise, and change habits.
Jul
In a previous blog, we did talk about heat packs, now it is time to talk about the Ice Pack. Ice pack application, in the last few years, is a practice that got reviewed. What Ice Pack is about? An Ice pack, as the name says, is a cold (icy) bag. As better explained in this study an ice pack is something that can be applied to an acute injury, to prevent swelling and reduce pain, but it can’t be used for too long. As per the heat pack, an Ice Pack burn the skin, and that’s one reason why its usage has to be short (10 to 15mins at a time). In addition, extended exposure to icy temperatures, would reduce the blood flow around the injured tissue and can also damage nerves. Ice Pack usage recommendation: You have a new injury or aggravation of an existing condition, and the pain is above 7 out of 10. Where you want to minimize swelling to keep you mobile later. There are different types of Ice packs: Home-made one, ice from the freezer wrapped in a towel. Gel pack Ice Bag (as per the photo) Instant one – most of the time found in the first aid kit. Snap it and a chemical reaction would occur in the bag and freeze the bag. Those last ones are efficient as you can store them anywhere safely and use them as you need them. The cold lasts for about 20 minutes. Not to be used if they are broken. On the other hand, if you running out of ideas of what to use as a Cold pack, you can even use a bag of frozen food. Still would do the work. We have the ice bath and the cold show related to this topic. I did experience cold showers myself, most of the time not of my choice, but because of a limited supply of hot water, and I have to say that even on this topic, there are a series of debates on how that works and if it’s beneficial. So far, a cold shower, compared to a hot shower, is better for dry skin. This is because the heat of the water combined with soap can wash away the good oils of the skin. Then the benefit of an Ice bath can be more of a placebo effect. But again, I haven’t done much digging about myself, so I would stay out of any comment regarding it. Ice pack after a Massage? Well, as mentioned above, the usage of Ice Pack is suggested after an acute injury. So, either after a Remedial Massage or a Thai Massage, firstly there should be no acute injury, secondly, you want the blood flow along the worked area to stay active and not restricted. That’s why a heat pack would be more recommended. If you find this helpful information and need a massage, book your next session here.
Jul
A muscle tear is an acute injury caused by a laceration of the muscle cells/fibres and or tendon to which the muscle is attached to. How can happen a muscle tear? A muscle tear happens when a muscle is weak and don’t activate at the right time. Weak muscles are common in repetitive movement or when a muscle overcompensates due to a fragile pattern. For example, tearing a hamstring is expected when the Gluteal Firing pattern is incorrect. This type of injury is common in sports activities. Still, it can also happen within a home environment by lifting a box incorrectly or during garden activities. The three grades of muscle tear. Grade 1 muscle tear is the mildest one. As per this case, only a few muscle cells have been torn. Symptoms are like: mild pain, moderate swelling, none or light bruising. In grade 2, a moderate amount of muscle cells have been damaged. Symptoms are like: Bruising is now more evident as per the swelling You must luckily hear a sound as the tear happens More severe pain, especially when trying to use that muscle. Grade 3 is the worst-case scenario. In grade 3 muscle tear, the muscle has fully torn. Still, a pop or a sound would happen as the tear happens. On the opposite side of where the muscle did lacerate, you will notice a bulge as the muscle coiled up after tearing. Weakness in using the limb where the muscle got torn. In case of a Grade 3 muscle tear, surgery is needed to reattach the muscle. How to treat a muscle tear? The immediate appliance of heat or cold packs is highly debated. A cold pack would numb the area and help with the pain symptoms. As mentioned in the “Ice Pack” blog post, that is actually recommended. On the other hand, a heat pack would help stimulate blood circulation in the affected area, reduce swelling, and boost recovery. It’s important to note that applying a heat pack too soon after an injury can actually make things worse. It’s best to wait until the acute phase has passed, which typically takes around 48 hours. At that point, heat therapy can be a helpful way to alleviate pain and promote healing. Regarding massage treatments, MLD can be the only technique used as soon as the tear happens. Indeed MLD would be highly recommended for boosting the recovery, especially in case of a tear in 3rd grade, where operation is needed. In case of a 3rd-grade muscle tear, the first thing to do is see a doctor. Other massage techniques, such as Myotherapy, Remedial Massage and Thai Massage, are still valuable for muscle tears. On the other hand, either Myotherapy, Remedial or Thai Massage can only be practised after 48 hours of rest are passed after the incidents. Indeed that 48 h is considered the acute phase of the muscle tear. How to prevent a muscle tear? More the body moves, the less the chance of injury. Making sure to do simple exercises involving basic body movement can help in muscle tear prevention. but not only. Keeping the joint moving is another essential aspect of injury prevention. How can massage help? Along with a massage treatment, the area of focus will be the torn muscle and surrounding area. Initially, the technique used with a massage treatment, especially for the injured area, would be MFTT and passive movement/mobilisation. That would help muscle recovery and facilitate joint mobility, reducing the muscle’s load. Going ahead with the treatments, techniques such as MET, a resisted muscle force technique, can be used. This would allow the muscle to gain elasticity. Book your next session by clicking here if you are suspicious of a muscle tear and need treatment.