MS

Patients with multiple sclerosis have problems with their immune systems attacking their nerves, resulting in nerve damage. MedlinePlus explains that multiple sclerosis affects the brain and spinal cord, causing pain, movement problems and other symptoms. While the treatment for multiple sclerosis often involves medication to control symptoms, some patients may opt to include massage therapy as part of their treatment program.

Pain Reduction

Many multiple sclerosis patients experience pain when the disorder affects their sensory nerves. MedlinePlus notes that patients can have facial pain or a burning sensation in their limbs. The pain from multiple sclerosis may impact other functions. For example, if a multiple sclerosis patient has pain in her legs, she may have difficulty walking. Massage therapy can help reduce this pain. When performing the massage, the masseuse puts pressure on the areas where the pain occurs. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs suggests that multiple sclerosis patients consider massage therapy and other physical treatments, like physical therapy, when they start experiencing pain.

 

Increased Flexibility

Patients with multiple sclerosis can have problems with movement. MedlinePlus notes that patients can have many muscle problems, such as muscle spams, problems walking and loss of balance and coordination. Multiple sclerosis patients may have problems moving their arms and doing fine motor movements, such as picking up small objects with their hands. Weakness and tremors can also occur in patients' arms and legs. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that massage therapy can help patients with these muscle problems. For example, massaging the legs can help reduce spasticity, in which the muscles contract and become tight. In addition, massage therapy helps with flexibility, which improves patients' mobility.

Stress Reduction

As part of the multiple sclerosis treatment, patients need to keep their stress levels low. MedlinePlus explains that with multiple sclerosis, stress can worsen the symptoms or trigger them. For example, if a patient has a remission, in which he does not currently have symptoms, but becomes very stressed, his multiple sclerosis symptoms can start up again. Massage therapy can reduce the amount of stress multiple sclerosis patients have, and can help keep them calm. Besides the physical calming of a massage, the environment during a massage session can reduce stress. For example, if a massage therapy session uses calming music, the patient may feel more relaxed. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that massage therapy improves patients' well-being.

Sciatica

Mainly affecting the lower torso and legs, sciatica is caused by a variety of structural and muscular conditions that result in an impingment of the sciatic nerve.
Over the course of your life, vertebrae and soft tissues can suffer numerous insults and traumas. The vulnerable sciatic nerve may be irritating spinal nerves. This can lead to excruciating pain along all or part of the sciatic nerve (originating in the lower back, gluteals, hip, thigh, leg and foot.) This pain is known as sciatica.
Sciatica SymptomsFor most, sciatica is a major discomfort that becomes more severe with each recurring attack. Attacks can be brought on by simple movements such as lifting or sneezing. Sciatica sufferers describe the pain they experience as sudden, "shooting", "hot", "sharp", or "tingling" pain. They may also experience intermittent "cold numbness" or a "buzzing feeling" along the nerve pathway.
In the acute stage, pain is usually constant, but may ease temporarily - returning so suddenly that it can "take your breath away". In winter cold weather may play a part in intensifying the sciatic pain. Muscles that are already tightened in response to misaligned vertebrae (such as piriformis) can suddenly go into spasm, impinging the sciatic nerve.
Vertebral SciaticaA herniated disk (also known as a slipped disk) can be the origin of sciatic pain. However, the most common cause of sciatica is a pinched spinal nerve caught between misaligned vertebrae.
If you think you may have this kind of sciatica it is important to consult a physician or a chiropractor. X-rays or MRIs may be required to properly identify which vertebrae are involved. Research shows that this type of sciatic pain responds favorably to chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor will work to realign the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Muscular SciaticaMuscular Sciatica is often overlooked as the cause of mysterious back pain. Not as well known as vertebral sciatica, it is just as painful and more often more complicated to treat.
Muscular sciatica is a result of a deep muscle spasm in the buttocks. This impinges the sciatic nerve near the hip, causing pain and weakness. While vertebral sciatica can strike anytime of day, the attacks of muscular sciatica more often occur in the early morning. Sufferers may notice the pain decreasing during the course of the day as a result of routine use of the muscles.
If ignored the dull pain of early morning sciatica can develop into chronic sharp or debilitating pain. Complications include sensitivity or swelling of the buttocks, legs or feet.
Sciatica TreatmentEarly intervention based on awareness of the early symptoms of sciatica may avert pain. Taking immediate and appropriate action can alleviate pain episodes and prevent the condition from worsening.
Active exercise is important for sciatica reliefAlthough it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain than bed rest. Patients may rest for a day or two after their sciatica flares up, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Without exercise and movement, the back muscles and spinal structures become deconditioned and less able to support the back. The deconditioning and weakening can lead to back injury and strain, which causes additional back pain. Exercise is also important for the health of the spinal discs. Movement helps exchange nutrients and fluids within the discs to keep them healthy.
Many sciatica exercises focus on strengthening the abdominal and back muscles in order to give more support for the back. Stretching exercises for sciatica target muscles that cause pain when they are tight and inflexible. When patients engage in a regular program of gentle strengthening and stretching exercises, they can recover more quickly from a flare up of sciatica and can help to prevent future episodes of pain.
Massage and SciaticaMuscular sciatica can involve all the musculoskeletal symptoms of the leg. Unlike vertebral sciatica, this type of sciatica may not respond well to chiropractic manipulation, but it responds exceptionally well to the soft tissue approach of massage therapy.
An ideal way to address early symptoms of sciatica is through use of therapeutic massage. Massage therapy helps remove waste materials from muscles. Benefits include "breaking up" muscle spasms and increases the flow of oxygen to the muscles. Massage also lengthens and relaxes muscle groups allowing them to rest. Range of motion and flexibility are restored.

More Than Just A Luxury!

Getting a massage even just 1 time a month is SO important! It is just as important as going to the dentist or to your chiropractor, your muscles are one of the most over worked thing in your body, they are used on a daily basis whether it is something strenuous like working out, or something simple like getting dressed and for many years, massage has been viewed as a stress relieving luxury. However, in the past decade or so, the general public and other healthcare professionals are starting to recognize that massage therapy is an effective healthcare approach. Massage therapy, along with chiropractic, physical therapy and other natural health modalities are being sought out more often as an alternative option to prescription drugs and surgery.

Massage therapy is different from any other health care modality, as the therapist often spends an hour in constant physical contact during the course of treatment. Massage therapy has proven to be a very effective course of treatment for an injury, such as frozen shoulder, or an illness, such as fibromyalgia. A doctor (medical or chiropractic or other) should be contacted to rule out contraindications before starting a treatment program.

Frozen shoulder is a term used to describe conditions that result in pain in the shoulder joint. Pain often starts as a result of trauma to the shoulder, poor posture or pathological issues, or it may appear for some unknown reason. As the name suggests, over time restriction or adhesions of the joint capsule develop, resulting in reduced movement of the shoulder, accompanied with pain upon movement in certain directions. A massage treatment program over a period of time, with the approval of a physician, can be very effective in improving the range of motion and pain associated with a frozen shoulder.

A case study of a 55-year-old woman who developed a frozen shoulder, as the result of a trauma to the shoulder, is an example of how massage can be a beneficial therapy. She was unable to lift her arm to more than one inch in abduction away from her hip (abduction is the movement of a limb away from the body). With the encouragement and approval of her doctor, she received a therapeutic massage once a week for three months. After three months, she had little to no pain remaining and was able to lift her arm up to her ear.
Fibromyalgia is another chronic condition where massage therapy has been known to alleviate pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. While the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, many sufferers experience sleep disturbance, morning stiffness, tingling, anxiety, and depression. Gentle massage work is vital in the healing process providing much needed stress relief and relaxation.

Massage therapy can benefit many different injuries and illnesses. Discuss potential treatment options with your healthcare team.

Migraines...

A migraine is marked by moderate to severe pain and throbbing in the head, and can be accompanied by nausea as well as sensitivity to light. In some cases, these painful headaches are preceded or accompanied by a sensory warning sign, such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. Fortunately, management of migraine pain has improved dramatically in the last decade. Although there's still no cure, alternative treatments like massage have been found to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
How Can Massage Help Manage Migraines?
Massage is a great way to manage stress and relieve tension- two of the main causes of migraine headaches. Research at The Touch Institute of the University of Miami School of Medicine found that massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms while increasing serotonin levels in adults with migraine headaches. Professional massage therapists can provide services designed to reduce symptoms associated with migraines, so you experience lasting relief and peace of mind.
Is There Lasting Relief?
Migraines and other types of headaches are one of the most common complaints seen in the doctor's office today. The Mayo Clinic recommends that patients with migraines spend at least a half-hour each day doing something either relaxing or that involves the relaxation of muscles. Yost Family Chiropractic has different types of financial options that can be geared towards massage. This is particularly helpful for managing migraines and severe headaches, as you can easily visit us prior to, during or after symptoms occur. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 515.278.9678, visit our website at www.yostfamilychiropractic.com or find me on facebook at
Cassie Maldonado LMT

My hours:
Mon. 10-7pm
Tues. 10-7pm
Wed. 10-4pm
Fri. 10-7pm
Sat. 8-2pm

Sports Massage

I have had a lot of people come in to me who are starting new excersise routines or who have just continued with their normal excersises and are experiencing soreness in their muscles, so I wanted to do a post about Sports massage (excersising) so that all of you out there who work out or do sports and are wondering what massage can do for you can get the information you need!


Sports massage is reported to have many beneficial effects in athletes. Sports massage can be used pre-performance, post-performance, during training or for rehabilitation. Athletes of all levels may benefit from sports massage. If you are looking for a way to improve your athletic performance, then sports massage may be for you. Learn more about the possible performance enhancing effects of sports massage.

What is Sports Massage?

Sports massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body that focuses on muscles relevant to a particular sport. Runner Paavo Nurmi, known as the "Flying Finn," was one of the early users of sports massage. Nurmi used sports massage during the 1924 Olympics in Paris where he won five gold medals. In the United States, Jack Meagher is thought to be the father of sports massage in the United States.
Many different movements and techniques are used in sports massage. Examples of these techniques include; Swedish style massage, effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), compression, friction, tapotement (rhythmic striking), vibration, gliding, stretching, percussion and trigger points. These movements and techniques are used to try to help the athlete's body achieve maximum performance and physical conditioning with a decreased chance of injury or pain and a quicker recovery.

What are the Benefits of Sports Massage?

Many benefits from sports massage have been reported based on experience and observation. Some of the benefits are to the mind (psychological) and some are to the body (physiological).   

Some of the reported benefits include:

• Increased blood flow

• Increased joint range of motion (ROM)

• Increased flexibility

• Increased elimination of exercise waste products (lactic acid)

• Increased sense of well-being

• Decreased muscle tension

• Decreased neurological excitability (nerves more relaxed)

• Decreased chance of injury

• Decreased recovery time between workouts

• Decreased muscle spasms

What Does the Sports Massage Research Say?

Now that you know the benefits of sports massage, let's find out if the research studies support those benefits. Research studies regarding fatigue and recovery showed that subjects felt they were less fatigued and felt like they recovered faster after sports massage. Decreased anxiety, improved mood and well-being were also noted. Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) decreased by about 30% in one research study. Other studies support the finding that DOMS does decrease after sports massage.

Possible side effects of sports massage are tenderness or stiffness for 1 to 2 days after the sports massage. 


I hope that this information was helpful and if you have any questions you can look me up on facebook at Cassie Maldonado LMT  and if you want to set up an appointment for a massage give us a call 515.278.9678 Also visit our website at www.YostFamilyChiropractic.com

Yost Family Chiropractor :)

Hey everyone! If you have ever thought about going to a chiropractor or wanted to get a massage or acupuncture and live in around the Urbandale area or surrounding towns definitely check out this link to Yost Family Chiropractic.  All the staff there is AMAZING! and you dont have to be a chiropractic patient to come in for a massage or acupuncture http://www.yostfamilychiropractic.com/ 


My hours:
Mon:: 10am-7pm
Tues:: 10am-7pm
Wed:: 10am-4pm
Fri:: 10am-7pm
Sat:: 8-2pm


Give us a call 515.278.YOST [9678]

Benefits of Massage

The Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Typically Asked Questions

Below is a list of typically asked questions that I get quite often from clients who have never had a massage before. It is completely normal to be curious as to what happens during a massage, when going to a Licensed Massage Therapist touch should be very professional and have a specific purpose and desired outcome.

1. What should I expect during my first massage therapy visit?

Your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form. Afterwards the therapist will begin by asking you general questions to establish what areas you would like worked on, if there are any conditions needing to be addressed and to determine if massage is appropriate for you. Your massage therapist may perform certain assessments and testing to evaluate your condition, and to see if you have any presenting complaints. 2. Where will my massage session take place?

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. 3. What do I wear during the massage? 
(this question is always a big concern for people who have never had a massage before)

Depending on the primary technique your therapist uses, you may or may not need to undress. For a full body massage, most people undress completely. However, you may choose to wear underwear. Your massage therapist will give you privacy to undress, and you will be covered with a sheet and blanket at all times except the area being worked on. 4. What do I do during a massage therapy treatment?

Make yourself comfortable. If your therapist wants you to adjust your position, she or he will either move you or will ask you to move what is needed. Otherwise, change your position anytime to make yourself more comfortable. Many people close their eyes and relax completely during a session; others prefer to talk. It's up to you. It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time. 5. How will a massage feel?

It usually depends on the techniques used. Many massage therapists use a form of Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes (effleurage) that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas and relieve areas of muscular tension. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Do not hesitate to ask questions or mention if you feel any discomfort so that the massage therapist can use another approach or technique.6. Will the massage oils used make me break-out?

Most massage therapists use hypoallergenic massage oils or lotions. However, if you have sensitivity to certain types of oils or lotion please bring it to the massage therapist's attention as most practitioners have an assortment of oils and lotions on hand. 7. Is a massage always appropriate?

No, there are several medical conditions that would make massage inappropriate. That's why it is necessary that you fill out the health history forms and before you begin your session. The massage therapist will ask general health questions to rule out if you have any contraindications to massage. It is very important that you inform the practitioner of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Your massage therapist may require a recommendation or approval from your doctor. 8. How long will a massage treatment last?

The average full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour. A half-hour appointment only allows time for a partial massage session, such as neck and shoulders, back or legs and feet. Many people prefer a 60- to 90-minute session for optimal relaxation. Always allow relaxation time prior to and after the session. 9. How will I feel after the massage therapy treatment?

Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. Massage therapists sometimes recommend a hot Epsom salt bath that encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the massage treatment.