Posts Tagged ‘massage therapy’
Massage for Insomnia (Massage Therapy Awareness Week)
Many people experience insomnia – according to Statistics Canada, one in every seven people have problems going to sleep or staying asleep. Chronic pain is often linked to chronic insomnia, which is something for which you may want to seek treatment from a RMT. Massage therapy increases the level of serotonin (a chemical produced by…
Read MoreCelebrate Massage Therapy Awareness Week – Painfree Household Chores
It’s Massage Therapy Awareness Week! From the RMTAO website:
“Massage therapy is a clinically-oriented health care option that can provide relief from the musculoskeletal pain and discomfort that can come from every day activities, such as sitting too much, pushing too hard at your favourite sport, or carrying around a heavy bag. Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and massage therapy should only be performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). All Ontarians can visit an RMT of their choice, without prescription or referral.”
Read MoreSeated Calf Stretch
The strong muscles of the calf can be quite tight, especially after prolonged standing or walking, and for many athletes whose sport of choice involves running or jumping. To best stretch these muscles, grab a bolster or pillow and have a seat; start with both feet extended out in front of you with the pillow…
Read MoreWork it! Exercises for Computer Users
If you sit at a desk all day, chances are good that the muscles in the back of your neck and between your shoulder blades are a little achy by the end of your work day. A lot of the time our inclination is to stretch sore, tired muscles, but that can do more harm than good…
Read MoreStanding Calf Stretch
Tight calf muscles are prone to cramping: the dreaded “charlie horse” that wakes you up in the middle of the night or attacks as you move from sitting to standing. The large muscles in the back of the lower leg are the soleus and gastrocnemius, both of which attach into the Achilles tendon and run…
Read MoreBiceps Floss Stretch
This stretch targets the biceps muscles of the upper arm that bend the elbow and flex the arm forward at the shoulder joint. These strong muscles run alongside nerves that stem from the neck and run into the arm, and when tight or swollen, they can restrict the nerves and cause pain, weakness, or pins…
Read MoreBanded Tricep & Shoulder Stretch
This is an advanced mobility technique that uses an exercise band to increase the intensity of the triceps stretch, and helps release restrictions in the shoulder capsule – a collection of fibrous ligaments, tendons and connective tissues that form the shoulder joint. This stretch is excellent to increase or regain range of motion following a shoulder injury, and can…
Read MoreAdvanced Lunging Hip Stretch
Chronic tension in the muscles at the front and sides of the hips can contribute to low back pain and poor posture. This stretch is particularly helpful for hip flexor contracture and ITB syndrome when combined with glute strengthening exercises. Changing toe positions of the back foot helps target different muscle fibers for a more…
Read MoreForearm Flexor Stretch
If you spend long hours at a computer, this stretch is for you! The muscles in the forearm cross the wrist via the carpal tunnel; when tight, they can cause pain in the wrist and hand. Stretch them by holding your arm out in front of you, palm facing up. Keeping your elbow straight, bend…
Read MoreNose-to-Armpit Levator Stretch
This stretch targets the muscle that shrugs your shoulders, the Levator Scapulae. It attaches to the top of your shoulder-blade, and to the sides of the uppermost bones of the neck. To stretch, first side-bend your head away from the side you want to stretch, and hold for a couple of breaths. Secure the arm…
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