Tell Me More About Analgesics

Well, there is a lot to know about how to reduce pain in your very active body. One of the first lines of defense could be an analgesic.

Analgesics are used for decreasing pain, swelling and bruising. They are also known as painkillers. They include acetaminophen & non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They differ from anesthetics, which aid to eliminate sensation.

Topical analgesia is generally recommended to avoid painful side effects of arthritis or trauma. Some topical analgesics contain ibuprofen & capsaicin. We in the massage department typically use analgesics that contain homeopathic remedies such as Arnica Montana, which has been shown to be a vasodilator- or a blood cell shrinker. My personal favorite is Traumeel, second to that I know Maryann is fond of Topricin.

On the other hand we also use topical anesthetics such as Sombra, or Biofreeze, which contain menthol and camphor to cool hot and swollen surfaces. Julie’s favorite pic is the Sombra, and I’m sure if you have ever had a massage from her you wont forget that smell!

These items can be procured via the Internet or at a local co-op, if you have any questions regarding the use of such gels or ointments, please don’t hesitate to ask! Happy healing!

Written by Jessie Jo Egersett
Massage Director, Seattle Athletic Club Downtown

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Plantar Fasciitis

Here are some easy tips to keep your plantar fasciitis under control.

STRETCH!
Not just your calves get your hamstrings involved into the lengthening as well! If the fascia of the hamstrings is tight or bound it can pull the fascia of the entire calf up, creating stress for the foot and further stressing the plantar area. Make sure to get your feet and toes as well. It is extra helpful to warm up the foot/toes first thing in the morning before you place weight on your feet.

FOAM ROLL!
It is your friend after all! Stand on it, roll on it, play with it, and just use it!! You can also implore the use of a tennis or squash ball to get into some specific sites. It’s a great thing to get into the habit of doing while watching a movie or hanging out on the couch. Self-massage is a wonderful tool.

ICE!
A bag of frozen peas or corn works great. One of my new favorite methods is tossing a plastic bottle of water into the freezer and then rolling it under the arch of the foot. Don’t be afraid to really put some weight into it, you will get good relief.

If your plantar fasciitis is not responding be sure to see your doctor. In some cases the use of orthotics can be a good aid or even a boot to sleep in.

Written by Jessie Jo Egersett
Massage Director, Seattle Athletic Club Downtown

Massage, It’s Not Just for Feeling Good

Did you that massage not only makes you feel better but it can actually help you sleep? As it turns out massage is good for boosting serotonin and dopamine levels. Those hormones help in slowing your heart rate, reducing your blood pressure and blocking your nervous system’s pain receptors. It also increases blood flow to the muscles, which can help them heal.

More serotonin and dopamine in your blood stream may also mean less stress, anxiety and depression. Massage has been shown to increase activity in the left side of the frontal lobe that controls happiness and decrease activity in the right, which is more active during depression.

So why wouldn’t you want to make massage part of your regular routine? Sure sounds good to me!

Written by Jessie Jo Egersett, LMP
Massage Practitioner, Seattle Athletic Club Downtown

Trigger Points & Neuromuscular Technique

"Wow, I can feel that spot you're working on radiating down my shoulder. What IS that?" It’s Neuromuscular Muscular Technique being applied to a trigger point. NMT is a wonderful muscle releasing technique that allows your massage therapist to help your muscles release effectively without overworking them. What is also wonderful about this technique is that it can keep working even after the session is over. After your massage session is over, your nervous system will continue for a while to react to the therapy.

What are trigger points?
One definition is that they are the most extreme expression of a tight muscle. A bit more of a descriptive definition is "hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. The palpable nodules are said to be small contraction knots and a common cause of pain." When you feel your therapist putting static pressure on a spot, but feel the sensation elsewhere, you are likely feeling the trigger point referring pain along a nerve pathway. Sometimes a trigger point, one that is called an active trigger point, will refer pain on the nerve pathway without any outside stimulation. However when you are not feeling this referring sensation without the stimulation of pressure on it, it is probably a latent trigger point. These trigger points are not only uncomfortable but can also have an effect on muscle patterns, coordination and balance.

What causes trigger points?
It can be many things or a combination of things - such as even mild dehydration, overuse or underuse of the muscle, posture, nutrition, stress, and direct trauma to the area. The good news is two-fold. By making healthy lifestyle choices such as proper exercise, stretching, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy and avoiding excess intake of certain things such as alcohol, sugar and smoking, you can help your body be less likely to develop as many trigger points. Secondly, when your massage therapist compresses a trigger point and you feel some local tenderness, referred pain, or local twitch response, feel free to hum with satisfaction knowing what is going on and that your LMP is helping your trigger points to release, leaving you with less pain, better circulation in the area and maybe even an opportunity for you to improve overall muscular health.

Written by
Jessie Jo Egersett, Massage Director
Seattle Athletic Club Downtown