Are we being given drugs for conditions we don't have?

Good morning folks,

Can I ask a huge favour this Monday morning?  I've put myself up on Google maps as a means to generate more interest for my services.  It would help me greatly if you could just spend a few moments to write me a review when you have the time.  Go into Google Maps, search "Michael Bond Massage Therapist".  My home location will come up (of which Google photographed it when the bin men were in the vicinity so everywhere looks in disarray), click on leave a review, give me some stars and type your comments saying whether you visited me at Riverside or at home. Thank you in advance

You know we all hear on the news and in the media how the NHS is strapped for cash and is at breaking point?  The NHS could save millions, maybe billions by doing one simple thing;  stop giving the general public drugs they don't actually need.  I seriously feel that the population as a whole is being over diagnosed with the "condition du jour", being scared into thinking they need this or that drug because they apparently have a potential illness.  And who benefits from these diagnoses?  Not necessarily the patient but the multi national drug companies who pocket time and time again from scaremongering.  

Case in point;  My gp has been monitoring me since October for potentially harmful levels of cholesterol and saying that if this continues, I may be looking at having to take statins.  The terrible side effects of statins, for me, far out weigh the potential benefits they are supposed to bring and I've told them this.  Having done my own research, I have found that until a few years ago, my cholesterol levels were considered safe & healthy but the healthy level has since been reduced further dropping a larger number of NHS customers, because that is what we are, into the "harmful" category and these people now can be worried, made to feel scared that they are in harms way unless they start taking a load of drugs long term.  Yes, I'm sure for some people with genuine high levels of cholesterol, a course of statins to lower their levels to a safe one, is beneficial but once that level is achieved, why are we not taken off these drugs?  The cynic in me, and please send me your thoughts too on this, is that it is purely to make profits for drug companies.  

My other half has been on statins and lots of other drugs for years with the side effects really making themselves felt now.  Cholesterol levels are normal now but he is still told he needs to remain on them.  Some of the other drugs D is prescribed each month on a repeat prescription do not agree with him, his gp has been informed yet still each month they are included in the prescription bag. I have cupboards full to bursting with unwanted NHS drugs.  This is just one person.  Imagine how many other people are receiving drugs they no longer need or have ever needed and then think how much this is costing us.  With regard to my "high cholesterol" levels, the doctor was at a loss why, even though I was allegedly now at high risk, my chance of developing any form of heart disease was just 5%.  I'm not saying there aren't any genuine cases out there, because there are, but I think we must question, if we are in doubt, what medical professionals are telling us instead of just popping pills willy nilly to the potential detriment to our health but to the benefit of drug corporations.  Research on the internet, educate yourself with the facts etc

Apologies for the rant, it is a subject I feel very passionate about and I tend to go off on one 

Until next week, stay safe

MB

Can you have a massage? Part 2

Good morning folks,

Were you surprised by any of last weeks conditions that can stop you having a treatment? Or were you surprised the other way, at some of the things that you'd thought would prevent you, actually can be worked around?  Let me know your reactions to this weeks list.

Gout:  Officially, massage of a joint that is in the active/acute stage is a no-no due to it being too painful.  From my own experience, I've found that this varies from person to person, with clients wanting some firmer work as the benefits afterwards are worth it, others prefer gentle, drainig strokes whilst another may not wanting the area touching at all.  My advice?  Tell me if you have gout and well work out a plan.  I have researched a special oil blend for gout that counters inflammation of the joint, reduces redness and helps break down the crystals of uric acid.

Diabetes:  Not contraindicated but client's should bring any medication they are taking with them to their treatment in case of an episode, inform me of the time of their last injection and of the injection site so as not to affect the effectiveness of the medication.

HIV/AIDS;  No longer the danger it was once thought to be as long as normal hygiene protocols are followed and open wounds or weeping skin are avoided.  The benefits to the client choosing a massage  include relief of aches, pains, anxiety, depression, removal of toxins from any medication or on going treatment, improvements to sleep and boost to the immune system.

Raynaud's Disease:  From my experience, massage is of great benefit to sufferers, bringing warmth and increased blood flow to the area as well as calming the sympathetic nervous system, the mechanism that is the prime cause of this condition.

Fibrositis, fibromyositis, fibromyalgia: Each session will be tailored to how the client is feeling on that particular day but always gentle to avoid tiring an already fatigued body.  For this reason I'd suggest booking a session that is less than an hour.

Have a condition you're not sure would benefit from treatment?  Drop me a line and I'll get back to you.

Until next week, stay safe

When can/can't you have a massage?

Good morning folks,

Well, I was going to open this week by saying what glorious weather we've been having over the last week, but as i sit and type this, looking out onto a grey sky, hundreds of puddles and my washing hanging bedraggled on the line I think I'll move swiftly along!

I often get asked when I'm out about whether they can receive massage if they have a certain condition or illness and will it make it worse or better so, in an occasional feature, I'll address which conditions you can bring to the massage clinic and which you can't.

Coughs and colds;  yes you can come for a treatment but I'd rather you didn't.  I can't afford to take the risk of catching anything so if you are suffering, please please please call and rearrange a later date.
Til next week, stay safe 

Fractures;  Obviously I wont be able to treat the area that is broken, but so long as you are able to move about, get on or off a couch or any other impediment, massaging areas around the fracture that are compensating for the fracture can be beneficial.  Once the fracture has healed, massage of the area will have to be avoided fr some time and even then pressure will have to be light.  Seated massage can also be an option.

Sprains and strains;  The affected areas, like above, will be avoided but the rest of the body can be massaged as normal, providing the client has sufficient mobility.

Musculoskeletal Conditions;  These can include RSI, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Frozen Shoulder, Tendonitis.  When the conditions are active and there is inflammation, only gentle massage/mobilisation of the joint and adjacent tissues is advised.  When the inflammation has subsided, massage of the surrounding muscles will help to relieve pain, and massage of other parts of the body that may be over compensating is beneficial.  

Arthritis, Rheumatism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis;  If the joints are inflammed then massage cannot take place, otherwise gentle, relaxing massage can be beneficial to ease pain and gently increase mobilisation providing care is taken.  Draining tissues around the joints can reduce stiffness, aid circulation and remove toxins.  As stress can be a factor in flare ups beginning, relaxing massage is ideal. 

Ringworm, Candida, Scabies, Lice & Fleas;  Obviously, massage is a total no no with these conditions.

Dermatitis, Eczema, Psoriasis;  Providing the skin is not broken or weeping, massage can go ahead and may even be beneficial.  If clients would prefer the areas not be treated, then please advise me of this during the consultation.

Itching yet?  The things a therapist can come across can occasionally make you want to grab for the nearest pair of rubber gloves.  But to conclude this week...

Skin Cancer;  When I was initially training, any form of cancer meant that massage could not take place.  This was because it was believed massage could dislodge cancerous cells and send them to other parts of the body.  Now however this way of thinking no longer prevails in fact the opposite is true.  As a therapist, we are in a position to notice if there are any changes to a clients body, if moles have grown or changed shape drastically and advise them to go get them checked.  Massage can provide much needed relief from physical and emotional stress.  However, until the area of cancer has been treated, that particular area cannot be massaged but the rest of the body can.

Until next week, stay safe

Do you know your fascia?

Good morning folks,

Aches & pains, I'm sure we've all had them at some point but sometimes they seem to appear when, for the most point, we've really not done anything out of the ordinary or over taxing. So what's going on?  The problem could lie at the feet of a type of tissue called fascia.  Want to know more? (you'd better or its going to be a really short entry this week)

Fascia is a sheet of connective tissue, made of protein fibres, that runs throughout our bodies.  This is why muscle pain is sometimes not localised to one area but in several throughout the body as it is referred elsewhere.

Fascia could be responsible for any muscle soreness & stiffness you may be experiencing today, as it makes you feel achy and uncomfortable but you can make it better by having more supple fascia.  Stiff fascia results in nerve impulses not operating properly through your muscles, making you feel uncomfortable, and the brain can interpret this as pain.

If you wake up feeling stiffened up or with cramp, release your fascia slowly by stretching out your arms and legs and rolling from side to side in bed before getting up.  Fascia can be confusing as it can hurt after being sedentary for some time but then can be just as painful after alot of exercise.  Injuries too create tension in the fascia tissues, causing discomfort.  With care and, as I stated the other week, avoiding directly rolling the IT Band, use a foam roller on your sore points to release tension in your fascia tissues.

Dynamic stretching can help release your fasciae.  Something as simple as swinging your arms and legs can improve your movement.  Always warm up sufficiently before any physical activity as this will prevent injury to fascia and muscle tissues.

While these methods can help ease any feelings of discomfort you may be experiencing from tightening fascia, there are times when the pain and tension requires professional intervention which is where I step in.  Regardless the type of massage you book, relaxation, deep tissue etc, in all cases I'll be working your fascia tissues, albeit to a varying degree of depth of pressure, in addition to your muscles.

So there you have it.  Next time you're in discomfort, do get in touch and we can get you sorted, pointless remaining in pain when, in most cases, it can be easily reversed with an hours treatment.  Regular treatments have the added benefit of maintaining the health and vitality and mobility of the tissues in your body.

Til next week, stay safe 

MB

Facial Exercises Pt 2

Good morning folks,

Have you been doing your facial exercises?  Are you seeing any improvements?  I have several more for you to try today so without further ado, let's crack on.


This is a forehead lift exercise to reduce frown lines, the lines between the brows and lift any hooding of the upper lids.  Either sitting or lying, place the index finger of each hand high on the forehead and pull down, fingers remaining parallel to your brows (of which I don't have). While pressing down concentrate on pushing the brows up.  Do this 10 times.  On the 10th, keep brows raised and do mini pulses of the brow until you feel the burn or a band of pressure around the brows.  Stay raised for a cunt of 20 and release.  Do twice a day.


This exercise works the apple of the cheek and the muscle around the mouth.  Either sitting or lying, place fingers on the apple of each cheek.  Open the mouth, forming a firm "O".Now smile with the corners of the mouth, repeat 35 times, each time visualizing the muscle of the cheek moving upwards and filling out. Perform twice a day.


This exercise will energise the face as well as counterbalancing the effects of gravity of the face which lengthens and flattens the face.  It is also a great exercise to release stress in the face and jaw.  Perform this exercise lying down.  (I'm doing it sitting for demo purposes)
With the mouth, form a firm "O".  Repeat the sequence for the previous exercise, fingers on apple of cheeks, smiling with corners of mouth.  On the 10th repetition, open mouth as wide as possible whilst retaining firmness. Hold for a count of 30. Slowly move the fingers away from the face, up towards the scalp.  With your arms raised above your head, imagine your cheeks lifting towards the tips of your fingers and hold for a count of 30.  Perform 2 x a day, more often if you are stressed.


Did you know that your nose continues to grow throughout your life as well as widens?  This exercise should help reduce this. Again, either sitting or lying, place a finger firmly onto the tip of your nose.  Flex your nose down by pulling upper lip over your teeth.  Repeat 35 times.  Remember to keep breathing.  This exercise stimulates oxygen and blood flow to the area.  A tingling feeling is not uncommon.  Had a nose job?  Doing this exercise actually lends the finished nose a more natural appearance.  Do this once a day.


Mouth corner lift exercise.  Sitting or lying, close your lips together, locking the corners tightly to your back teeth.(Don't clench your teeth and remember to breathe)  Place a finger gently onto the corners of your mouth.  With the corners still tucked in tightly, imagine the corners up, then down, imagine the movement occurring slowly.  It can be easier to do this with your eyes closed. As you do this, lift and lower in tiny pulse movements, the fingers to and from the corners of the mouth.  When you feel the burn, hold for a count of 30.  Perform 2x a day.

Ok, let me know how you get on cos next week the final batch are on the way.

Til next week, stay safe 

MB

Facial Exercises Pt1 to hold back ageing

Good morning folks,

Many moons ago I bought a book called Facercise by Carole Maggio, in which she basically had created a facial exercise routine to strengthen the facial muscles, in effect a natural face lift, for people afraid to, or unable to afford, invasive, painful surgery.

This book has languished in the back of my book case until recently, but I've dug it out, dusted off the cobwebs and over the next few weeks, together we can give these exercises a go and see if they make a difference to our looks.  You might get funny looks if you try ding them on the bus or tram, so i suggest you do them in the comfort of your home either once or twice a day.

Many of us do regular exercise to tone and strengthen the muscles in our body, to improve our appearance and enhance our looks but have you not wondered why the muscles in our face don't get a work out too?  Think about it?  Our facial muscles are made of the exact same stuff as say a hamstring or bicep so why aren't we exercising them also?  


As you can see there is alot going off there.  As we age, along with the effects of lifestyle, diet and the environment, the delicate contours of our face begin to soften and (here's the word I hate) SAG!! (shudders) Wrinkles and lines develop and the only way you're gonna look 21 again is in flattering lighting whilst stood on your head!!  

So, Carole says by doing facial exercises, we can strengthen our facial muscles and, although we can't make our faces look 20 years younger, and I haven't found a tardis on ebay, I, and hope you too, will join in giving these exercises a go.  I'm giving us 2 to try this week, with more to follow next week.  

Are you ready to pull faces?

This is working the lips for a fuller pout without the trout! You can sit or lie for this.  Close your lips but don't clench your teeth.  Put the tip of your finger where your lips meet then firmly press your lips together.  Imagine your finger as a pencil that you are trying to press against your lips.  Slowly move the finger/pencil away from your lips whilst keeping your lips firmly pressed together.  Imagine a trail of energy from your finger to your lips, keep pulling the finger back til you feel "the burn".  Now pulse your finger for a count of 30 then relax.  Repeat.  This is great too for dispersing tension that you may hold in your mouth.

Exercise 2

This may look like I've swallowed a golf ball but it is in fact working the jaw, drawing up droopy jowls and sagging around the jaw.

So, in a seated position, open your mouth and roll your lower lip tightly over your lower teeth.  Pull the corners of your mouth back tight.  Press your upper lip against the upper teeth.  Open and close your jaw in a slow scooping motion as if using the jaw to scoop something up. with each scoop, lift the jaw up half an inch or so.  Imagine the sides of your face lifting.  Place both hands (i could only use 1 as holding phone with the other)  to move energy up the side of the face.  After several scoops your head should be tilted back and your chin facing the ceiling.  When you feel "the burn" hold the pose for a count of 20 then relax.  Repeat.

More exercises to follow next week.  If you follow them, please let me know how you get on.

Til next week, stay safe 

IT Band pain and my lazy glute

I'm writing this on day 3 of having the most pain thighs, walking especially up and down stairs is a real challenge, even touching them is a sore point.  How did I end up in such a state?  A conditioning class on Thursday!!! I'm not exactly sure which exercise did the deed or if it was a combination of exercises, but come Friday morning I was walking like a very bad low budget 70's robot!  And it hasn't improved much yet either.

The actual problem is my IT Band (ITB), the ligament that runs down the outside of your thigh that begins up by your hips (where it connects with the Tensor Fascia Lata, sorry getting technical here) then runs down to the knee and onwards onto the shin.  Doing alot of physical activity for the first time, or changing the type/intensity of exercise that you do pushes the body to do things differently and can result in muscle soreness (yeah right, these thighs of mine BURN baby, burn!!)

The popular misconception is that as a result of this your ITB tightens, me included and I advised clients accordingly.  The latest studies show that rather than tightening, our ITB's are actually getting "glued" to a muscle below it with the friction between them being the cause of discomfort.

There are a few reasons why this happens; problems with the knees, unbalanced hamstrings (I have issues in this area), a tight piriformis (those of you who have had massage with me know that I target this often painful deep muscle in the bum with my elbow), or a a glute muscle, the medialis, that isn't working as it should, allowing it to weaken, forcing other tissues such as the ITB to take over.  As a result your body automatically uses these other structures to move leaving the poor glute to longer in obscurity.  Are you still with me?  Basically my ass has gotten lazy!!

In the past to relieve my ITB pain, I'd be on that foam roller, frantically hammering away at my ITB, biting my lip and swearing through the pain I was experiencing because it's all worth it to have a freed up ITB.  I apologise to all clients who I advised to follow my lead because, guess what?  We've probably been doing more harm than good.  Yes, rolling some parts of the body is great for increasing mobilisation of tissues but not necessarily the ITB where we could be stretching an already over stretched and abused piece of tissue.So stop abusing your tissues and join me in waking up your lazy glute.


Here's a simple glute med test to see if yours is or isn't working properly, you may need assistance for this;
 Lay down on your side in a straight line and make sure your hips are stacked on top of one another. Now with your legs out straight bring your top leg, whichever it may be, back a bit so that your toe is touching the heel of your bottom foot. Now flex your ankle and try to raise your leg.

Many people have trouble even performing this leg lift without rolling backwards (which allows you to cheat with your hip flexors), turning the foot outwards (which allows you to cheat with your external rotators) or letting the leg shift forwards (which lets you use your hip flexors again). So if you’re able to do this you’re already ahead of roughly 50% of the population.

Now have your friend attempt to push your leg down gently at first and then with slightly increasing force. If you can maintain the height of your leg without your body position shifting, then congratulations, your hip abduction is actually quite strong. For most of us, we will either resort to cheating or simply be unable to maintain the leg raise.


The nice thing about this issue is that it can be fixed pretty easily. The same leg lift you used as a test can be used as an initial exercise to reteach your glute med to fire. You simply need to pay close attention to avoid cheating and make sure you feel the muscle pulling.  If you start to feel the pull on the front of your hip, then take a break and adjust your position because you’re cheating.

I mentioned a tight piriformis earlier. If you feel tightness in the fleshy part of your bum when yu get into a position similar to this, chances are yours is tight.  It can be the cause of sciatic or lower back pain.

To help relieve yours between sessions with me, try these simple stretches and hold for up to a minute.




As with most movement disorders the true solution is mindfulness of your body position and mindfulness of your movements. Get your glutes firing again and maintain mindfulness of their proper use while working out. It really is that simple.


Til next week, stay safe 

MB