All the little pieces: Tensor Fascia Latae

All the little pieces: Tensor Fascia Latae: Tensor Fascia Latae The tensor fasciae latae is a muscle with several functions to aid the hip. This muscle, approximately three fingers ...

Tensor Fascia Latae

Tensor Fascia Latae The tensor fasciae latae is a muscle with several functions to aid the hip. This muscle, approximately three fingers wide and located on the lateral side of the hip, is an abductor and internal rotator of the hip, and a hip flexor. As an abductor of the hip the TFL (tensor fascia Latae) aids in drawing a limb away from the body. The TFL works together with two other important muscles of the gluteal, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. As an internal rotator of the hip, TFL works with a group of muscles that act to stabilize the hip. Gluteus minimus primary function is to stabilize the hip when walking or standing. TFL aids in the equalizing of the gluteus minimus and medius when an individual is standing or walking with the effect on the opposite of side of the TFL. If the TFL becomes hindered, the rotation of the hip will feel a constraint and an additional burden will be placed on the TFL. Inhibition of the TFL will often radiate pain into the groin area. Additionally, the hampering of the TFL may in turn cause pain in the psoas, rector femoris, adductors, and Sartorius’s muscles. This small but mighty muscle is important in keeping the hip flexors and gluteal functioning properly. Another area that may be affected by TFL is the IT band. Strengthening the TFL before rolling out the Illiotibial Band will prove fruitless, unless strengthening the TFL occurs first. Find a physical therapist or a certified personal trainer to help secure the best exercises for strengthening this muscle, which will help decrease discomfort in so many areas of the hips and gluteal. Some causes of the pain the TFL is sitting, driving, or exercising at a 90 degree angle for long periods of time. Other causes of TFL discomfort are sleeping in the fetal position or sleeping with feet elevated. Runners and walkers often experience pain in the IT band, which in turn radiates pain to the TFL. An individual may be overweight which also can increase the pain in the hip and TFL area. The body is interconnected. Connecting muscles often refer pain and tenderness, when in fact the muscle that is being affected cannot be determined. Massage therapy can locate the muscle and surrounding muscles that are causing the pain. With proper palpitations and manipulation the client may feel relief within a few weeks if properly treated. David Kent, L. N. (2012, February). Hip and Thigh Pain: The Tensor Fascia Latae Connection. Retrieved from Massage Today: http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14542 The Often Overlooked Tensor Fascia Latae. (2010). Retrieved from Neurokinetic Therapy: http://neurokinetictherapy.com/the-often-overlooked-tensor-fascia-lata

All the little pieces: Help Your Body Help Itself

All the little pieces: Help Your Body Help Itself: Help Your Body Help Itself Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice is a product I drink and recommend to individuals with sore muscles. The re...

Help Your Body Help Itself

Help Your Body Help Itself Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice is a product I drink and recommend to individuals with sore muscles. The reason this juice is so good for muscles is all the minerals, anti-oxidants, and vitamin sources contained in one serving (1/2 cup). There is not fat, cholesterol, and only 10 milligrams of sodium per ½ cup serving. Check out the vitamins that this product contains: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B2, and Vitamin B4. Additional the nutrients found in Black Cherry Juice are Calcium, iron, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, and Manganese. Black Cherry Juice has essential micro-nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to aid in: 1) managing uric acid 2) restores electrolytes 3) helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and keep normal Cholesterol levels 4) improves iron absorption 5) helps with cell growth and aids in digestion Lakewood Organic Black Cherry Juice can be found at your local Publix store in the healthy juice section. Your muscles will thank you for drinking this healthy drink.

All the little pieces: Sacroiliac Joint

All the little pieces: Sacroiliac Joint: The Sacroiliac Joint By Karen Benford Smith The sacroiliac joint links the sacrum and pelvis. This joint forms a merging of the three bon...

Sacroiliac Joint

The Sacroiliac Joint By Karen Benford Smith The sacroiliac joint links the sacrum and pelvis. This joint forms a merging of the three bones that make up the pelvis: the ileum, ischium, and the pubic bone. The main function of this joint is to provide stability while limiting the amount of motion. Five different ligaments connecting to the SI Joint help aid in stabilizing this join. There are 35 muscles that connect in some fashion to the sacrum which help deliver additional stability to the hip and lower back. Muscular and ligament pain produced in the SI Joint account for 27% of the back pain seen by doctors and emergency room attendants. (Nestor, 2008) The aging process changes the formation of the SI Joint from smooth and rounded found in youngsters to a more rigid source with more friction and restrictions in older adults.

From Web Md: Find the Right Treatment for Your Back Pain Complementary Back Pain Treatments There are several other back pain treatments you can try. • Acupuncture. An expert inserts tiny needles in your skin at specific points to relieve pain. Studies have found that acupuncture can help some people with back pain. • Electrical stimulation. This involves sending harmless levels of electricity to the nerves in order to ease pain. The most common form of this treatment is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS.) • Massage. One study found that massage helped reduce back pain and improve function faster than regular medical care alone. Be sure to tell your massage therapist about your back pain and any injuries. • Spinal Manipulation. An expert will press against a joint in your spine with hands or a device. The idea is to relieve pressure and realign the joints and muscles. Spinal manipulation is also called chiropractic adjustment. Studies have found the approach can help with back pain. Tips to Prevent Back Pain • Seek support from your furniture. Sit in chairs with good back support. Make sure your desk is at a comfortable height. • Have good posture. Try not to slouch when you're sitting or standing. Keep your shoulders back when sitting at a desk. Don't let your shoulders creep up toward your ears. • Lift carefully. Don't try to pick up things that are too heavy. When lifting, bend from your knees, not your waist. • Sleep on your side with your knees bent. It puts less stress on your spine. Try not to sleep on your stomach. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your lower back and knees. • Stretch. Before you work out or do anything strenuous, stretch first. It lowers the risk of a strain or sprain. View Article Source Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on January 28, 2013 © 2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

How to stretch the Iliopsoas muscle

How to stretch the Iliopsoas muscle

All the little pieces: Avoid the Summertime Blues

All the little pieces: Avoid the Summertime Blues: Avoiding the Summertime Blues By Karen Benford Smith Traveling by automobile, plane, train, and riverboat is a physical challenge but also a...

Avoid the Summertime Blues

Avoiding the Summertime Blues By Karen Benford Smith Traveling by automobile, plane, train, and riverboat is a physical challenge but also affects the diet. The availability of healthy nutritionally based foods found in convenience stores, gas stations, and even in the terminal of the airport often can impede a usually good eating program. Another problem for the traveler is finding a healthy food source that was within a reasonable price range. The only way to counteract purchasing unhealthy snacks and convenience foods would be to bring your own bag of goodies. Choosing snacks that are low in calories and healthy is the first decision. After all you probably just spent six weeks previously at the gym trying to get in shape and look your best for your travels. It is possible to keep those pounds from making a regrowth on the body. Understanding healthy meals and prepackaging can aid in avoiding unnecessary pounds to shed upon return from your travels. Some convenient snack options include raw nuts, fresh or dried fruits, bagels, pretzels, low-sugar granola bars, low-fat energy bars, mini carrots, celery, and bottled water. Consider packing peanut butter cracks and pre popped popcorn. When creating your own snack packs use baggy sized snack preparation to eliminate overeating. Often eating takes place because the vacationer is stationary in a car or airplane and is bored. Also, bringing your own water will save money during your travels. Purchasing water in an airport, gas station, or even a hotel room can be double the cost of buying your water at the neighborhood grocery store and carrying amongst travel items. Before leaving on vacation, consider eating a healthy well-balanced meal. This strategy will control the urge to eat and snack on foods. The next step to keeping the caloric intake down on vacation is to choose healthy eating places along the road. Avoid fast food restaurants as well as sauces on dishes and salads which pack on the pounds. If the fast food restaurant is the only choice look for convenience dining that offers salads and fresh foods. Again, leaving the sauces and additional dressings off the fresh food prevent the good eating habits in check. Airports post the restaurants that are available in the terminals, which give the traveler a heads up when searching for a restaurant that meets their dietary plans. Preplanning where to eat in the terminal is integral to continuing a healthy eating program. Some airport terminals only offer food from kiosks while other airport restaurants are offering top named chef's to create a variety of wholesome foods to entice the conscious diner. New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport hosts many upscale restaurants including a sushi bar titled Deep Blue, an amazing steakhouse 5ivesteak, an Italian eatery Aero Nuova, and Le Vie, a French brasserie. A google search turned up these favorite restaurants in JFK International Airport on Terminal Five. Imagine the time and energy saved when locating the perfect dining stop in the terminal, for budget and diet. Another tip borrowed from Web MD suggests that drinking caffeinated beverages stimulate the bladder and the intestines. This triggers frequent restroom stops but more importantly activates a snack attack. Drink liquids that contain low or no sugar. The flight attendant guide to flying suggests two, eight ounces of water the morning before a flight. During the flight at least one eight ounce bottle of water per hour including flight time(s) and this will keep the body properly hydrated. Adults need between six and eight glasses of water per day. Hydration prevents improves skin texture, improves jet lag, decreases wrinkles around the eyes and lips, and increases urine output. (Dietician, 2012) Drink water. Throw a few tennis balls into the suitcase or purse for muscles that become tight and need attention. Placing a tennis ball underneath the glutes, especially where the Piriformis is located, may reduce tension in the lower back region as well as the hamstrings. Sitting for long periods of time will cause muscles to tighten up. If the traveler is driving, then take a stretch and bathroom break as often as needed. (Piriformis syndrome, 2014) Hydrating will ensure that muscles do not cramp or may aid in relief of muscular pain. Relief may occur by placing the ball in the Piriformis (middle section of the gluteal muscles) and using the body weight to decompress the already tight muscle for approximately 8 to 10 seconds. Complete this activity for at least three sessions at 8 to ten second intervals. The beauty of this type of statement is that a tennis ball is easily stored in almost any compartment of a purse, travel bag, or suitcase. Placing the tennis ball between the shoulder blade and the spinal column may also help to release pain the neck and shoulder area. Be careful to place a tennis ball in muscular areas and not on any bone or bony area. The last two items on the list of summertime fun are sunscreen and bug repellent. African Shea butter is the natural choice for sunscreen protection. Shea butter is rich in vitamin E and F, and is essential for dry and cracked summer skin. The butter will also resolve sunburned skin and pain attributed to sunburns. Additionally, Natural African Shea butter promotes muscular relaxation and intensity. A natural way to provide protection from mosquitoes and other annoying insects is an essential oil called Purification. The ingredients in purification essential oil include citronella, rosemary, myrtle, lavender, and maleluecan. Placing a few drops of the Purification essential oil on each wrist and below each knee should ensure that bugs stay away. C Traveling this year may be the most successful vacation ever if the trip follows a few of the guidelines that are noted in the article. Watching the caloric portion, hydrating, and eating responsible can help avoid weight gain. Secondly, let the body stretch and move around. Do not remain stationary for long periods of time or the muscles will begin to tighten up and cause muscular pain. Always include sunblock in the suitcase and on the body for protection against sun poisoning and sunburns. Take along some mosquito or insect repellent to prevent bites that may become irritated. Lastly, take photos for lasting memories.

Purification Essential Oil Versus Bug Spray

Purification Essential Oil

Sold by Young Living Oil Representatives

Purification® can be used directly on the skin to cleanse and soothe insect bites, cuts, and scrapes. When diffused, it helps to purify and cleanse the air from environmental impurities including cigarette smoke and other disagreeable odors. EarthKosher Certified

How to Use

For topical or aromatic use. Diffuse, apply topically on location as needed, or put on cotton balls to place in air vents of home, car, hotel room and office. Diffuse and rub on feet for cleansing.
Possible skin sensitivity. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Dilution not required; suitable for all but the most sensitive skin. Generally safe for children over 2 years of age.

Product Tips

• Dilute several drops of Purification essential oil blend in a spray bottle and spray to repel insects.
• Apply one drop of Purification essential oil blend topically to soothe existing bug bites or scratches.
• Add Purification essential oil blend to your washing machine to freshen laundry.
• Add a couple drops of Purification essential oil blend to shoes to help neutralize odors.
• Add a few drops of Purification essential oil blend to a cotton ball to help eliminate stale air in the office or your child’s room.
• Diffuse Purification essential oil blend to dispel unpleasant odors and clear the air of impurities.
• Diffuse Purification essential oil blend to eliminate odors after the dog returns from playing outdoors in the rain.

Ingredients

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) lavandin (Lavandula x hybrida), and myrtle (Myrtus communis).

 

 

 

 

Massage Therapy Cupping

Massage Cupping Therapy

By Karen Benford Smith

 

Massage cupping is an ancient form of vacuum therapy that was used in early Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Ancient practitioners would hollow out animal bones or horns to remove toxic poisons from venomous snake bites and skin lesions.  The horns were later replaced by bamboo cups and today the glass cups are the choice of most therapists for massage cupping. 

The theory behind cupping is that blood is diverted to a particular site on the body  In the 18^th through the 20^th century cupping was used to reduce congestion and build up associated with colds.  Breast cupping is used for lactation dysfunction.  The breast pump resulted out of breast cupping to ensure that the mother could continuously produce milk and store the milk for future feedings of the child.

Massage cupping currently is used in addition to a massage therapy session.  Cupping adds suction to the body and helps the nervous system by sedating and relaxing the area that has built up lactic acid or adhesions.

The deep rolling effect of cupping that is done on the entirety of the back and mimics a deep tissue massage.  Long and intended cupping actions will drain fluid, or circular actions will remove stubborn or ridged tissue build up.  Often the skin turns red, which is a sign that the circulation has been brought to the surface.

Some conditions that benefit from cupping or fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, post-injury trauma, chronic pain, post- surgery adhesions, and sluggish coon.

Cupping is a new addition to my practice.  Creating a suction and vacuum pressure to soft tight muscles and tone attachments may produce reduction in inflammation, drain excess fluids, and toxins by opening lymphatic pathways.  Be sure and request cupping as part of your therapy treatment.