Introduction.
Welcome to our blog post exploring the fascinating relationship between fitness and massage. In this article, we will delve into the transformative journey from pain to power, highlighting the ways in which these two practices intersect and complement each other. Join us as we uncover the profound impact that fitness and massage can have on your physical and mental well-being. Get ready to embark on a captivating story of healing, growth, and resilience. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of pain and power.
Benefits of Massage: Osteo-Articular Pumping
Dr. Guy VOYER’s osteo-articular pumping is a technique used in massage therapy that focuses on the movement of joints and bones to alleviate pain and improve mobility. By applying gentle pressure and rhythmic movements, this method encourages the circulation of synovial fluid, which nourishes and lubricates the joints. Osteo-articular pumping can effectively reduce inflammation, enhance range of motion, and promote overall musculoskeletal health. Experience the transformative power of this technique as it restores balance and vitality to your body.
One of my favorite pumping techniques is for the SI joints. Often times clients will come to see me with low back pain or pain specifically in their SI joint. After doing a thorough assessment I will often times select one of the four major ligaments that cross the SI joint as a starting place for the pumping. I will have the client lay on their side on my table. I will position them in such a way that I can target one of the specific arms of the SI joint.
Once we have selected the joint and the ligaments, we begin the gentle pumping with the client doing a contraction and relaxation of said joint. The pumping not only helps improve the flow of fluid through the joint. It also stimulates the nerves that send the signals to the brain as to the position of the joint. By utilizing this pumping method, we not only provide instant relief to the discomfort, we also help rewire the nervous system to help the body maintain the reduction of the painful state. Following the pumping, we generally retest to make sure that the joint is moving better.
Benefits of Fitness: Segmental Strengthening.
When dealing with joint pain or dysfunction, I like to utilize the segmental strengthening techniques. These techniques allow us to focus not only on the individual muscle, but different segments of that muscle. For instance, if someone comes in with a biceps problem, we have to recognize the anatomy of the biceps. We know that the biceps has two different heads and that one of those heads attaches into the labrum of the shoulder. The other head attaches onto the corocoid process of the scapula. Both heads of the bicep, then converge to attach into the forearm.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the biceps, we have to decide which part of the bicep needs the most attention, that’s where segmental training is at its best. From there we can select the appropriate exercise to target either the deep or superficial aspect of the muscle, we can also target a specific head to emphasize where we want the improvements to occur. All of this being understood, we simply apply the correct exercise and teach you how to do it. To ensure that you were doing it correctly, we video you doing the exercise in a tutorial format.
The Power of Integrating Fitness and Massage
The real magic happens when we integrate both the massage and the fitness components of the program. As mentioned above, we use specific osteo-articular pumping and massage techniques to target not only the areas of pain and dysfunction, but we also assess the entire myo-fascial chain to determine what other joints may need to be addressed.
We use the massage techniques to help instantly increase blood flow, improve range of motion and improve neurological connection between the joint and the brain. We follow that up with the segmental strengthening to ensure that you are able to continue to improve blood flow range of motion, strengthening, and neurological connections at home in a safe and effective manner. Linking the two modalities together, we provide the best opportunity to heal quickly and permanently, helping you move out of pain into performance and longevity.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, you can now see the importance and the value of utilizing both massage therapy and fitness training to reduce pain, improve performance and move into longevity. But don’t just take my word for it. Check out this success story, and our many, many others.
I am 62 years old and was diagnosed with MS about 12 years ago. I had
frequent spasms in my right leg and little to no sensation in my right
foot. I had both hips replaced four months before starting with Pierce
Family Wellness with the objective of continuing rehab/physical therapy
to recover/improve range of motion. If I had to choose one word to
describe my program…remarkable.
TJ’s focus on “micro” determines
“marco” has proven itself. I have greater foot, ankle and hip mobility
along with a major reduction in spams. While progress is incremental,
the improvement lasts, unlike most massage/PT. The Eldoa exercises
are challenging but my posture has improved. The focus on fascia,
muscle and nerve integration is unique. I also appreciate TJ’s
investigational approach to first determine where and what is
malfunctioning and then taking customized steps as well as his honesty
about what works and what won’t. Get off the fence and into Pierce
Family Wellness!
