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oh my sacrotuberous.... wait, what?

3/25/2024

Most of us are familiar with the sacroiliac, the SI joint, and sciatica. But what about the all-important Sacrotuberous Ligament and Pudendal Nerve?

The pudendal nerve is a close neighbour to the sciatic nerve and is an important player in providing pelvic function and health. It is responsible for sensory and motor innervation to the sex organs as well as the urine, bladder, and anal sphincters. Impingement of this nerve can cause pelvic burning, tingling or numbing pain; pain with elimination or sexual functions; or pain in the lower back and outside thigh.

This nerve originates from S2-S4 spinal segments, then splits from the nerve just before it enters the sacral plexus. Here it exits the pelvis again right beside the sciatic nerve; and then almost immediately re-enters the pelvis, until it finally settles into the fascial ‘pudendal canal’ along the surface of the obturator internus muscle. Phew! With such weaving in and out of our pelvis, is it no wonder that this nerve can get compromised and cause some trouble?

The most problematic parts of the pudendal canal are the sacrospinous and especially the sacrotuberous ligaments. Our most likely suspects to cause imbalance in these ligaments are our hard-working gluteal muscles and hamstrings! Be sure to keep these muscles and ligaments healthy and give them some table time during your massage treatments.

Who knew that those tight glutes and hamstrings could cause such issues “down there”?

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario
#glutes #hamstrings #pelvicfloorbalance #pelvicfloorhealth #pudendalneuralgia

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Ants in your pants.... or on your leg?

3/18/2024

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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), is known as a kind of neurological disease that is prevalent but easy to be ignored. Studies* have demonstrated that massage therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of patients with RLS and improve their quality of life.

Traditional massage techniques including tui na, acupressure, and myofascial releases are used, and are beneficial to the well-being of patients both physically and mentally. On one hand, massage can alleviate the tension in the skin and muscles, promoting blood circulation and enhancing the immune system. On the other hand, massage can prompt the releases of dopamine inside the human body, making the patient feel pleased and relaxed. Although massage therapy does not treat RLS directly, plenty of research has demonstrated that massage is effective in reducing the symptoms associated with RLS.

When is your next massage?

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #selfcare #rls #restlesslegsyndrome #restlesslegs

*from research found on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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oh that PAIN IN THE NECK!

3/11/2024

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Having pain around the back of the head and up into the scalp? It may not be a regular headache. It could be entrapment of one of the occipital nerves, most commonly the greater occipital nerve.

Soft-tissue work and release techniques around the entrapment site can free up the nerve nicely and alleviate symptoms and nagging pain.

This is just one of the great benefits from a detailed neck and scalp massage. Be sure to include neck work in your regular massage treatments or take a full hour with Anne’s HEAD, SCALP + FACE MASSAGE treatment.

Your muscles will thank you for the much-needed TLC!

When is your next massage?

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #neckpain #painintheneck #headaches #scalpmassage

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PSA: Pelvic Floor Personal Trainer

3/8/2024

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The term “use it or lose it” applies to all of the muscles of your body including your pelvic floor muscles. When it comes to our pelvic floor, we often think kegals, or sweat-bands, and work out regimes.

But did you know that going for a nice walk is actually one of the best ways to exercise your pelvic floor – and your entire body, mind and spirit!?

Of course, it is recommended that all women exercise their pelvic floor muscles every day to prevent weakness, improve strength and keep overall balance. But please understand that regular gentle exercise, such as walking, is one of the most natural ways to keep pelvic floor muscles happy … and the fresh air will do you a load of good!

So grab your beau, your friend, or your “personal trainer” and enjoy the great outdoors every chance you get!

When is your next massage?
I have space on my table. Let me know if you’d like to chat about treatments!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #getoutside #getmoving #womenshealth

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Insomnia... the struggle is real.

3/4/2024

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Adequate sleep is necessary for healthy functioning, and quality sleep is vital to health and wellness. But so many of us experience poor sleep patterns, or can’t get enough sleep – which affects our health and our day-to-day activities. But how can you possibly get a better sleep?
The National Institute of Health has advised that massage therapy can reduce fatigue and improve sleep. Based on research gathered by the American Massage Therapy Association, massage has been shown to improve sleep in infants, children, adults, and the elderly alike, as well as individuals with psychiatric disorders, fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, lower back pain, cerebral palsy, and breast disease.

Because melatonin influences the sleep stage of an individual’s circadian rhythm, massage is a natural way of boosting serotonin (a precursor to melatonin), making it a positive sleep-inducing option.

Getting regular massage treatment is a smart, healthy, and drug-free option that has helped many people overcome insomnia when included in an overall plan for better sleeping.

When is your next massage?
I have space on my table. Let me know if you’d like to chat about treatments!
#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #insomnia #sleep

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Sing out loud - sing out strong!

3/1/2024

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Singing is good for the soul, but did you know it is also good for your jaw and pelvic floor… and a whole bunch in between like the diaphragm?

What does the pelvic floor have to do with singing you might ask? The diaphragm, which is located at the base of your lungs and ribs, works ‘in concert’, or along with, the pelvic floor muscles. They have a pressure relationship. When the diaphragm descends, the pelvic floor descends. When the diaphragm is elevated, the pelvic floor is elevated.

When the pelvic floor is too tight or too weak, it is much harder for the diaphragm to move up and down and to control a steady airflow in and out. When this happens, the muscles of the upper chest, neck and jaw will tighten and take the load of pushing the air out to sing. Singers will be out of breath, may have a sore throat, and may not be able to hit the notes they need to.
How can singing help this situation? Well, when you are aware of your diaphragm, pelvic floor and jaw muscles, and you try to relax them when singing, you are actually helping to re-coordinate your postural muscles and you are exercising the hard-working group of breathing muscles.

Today’s Homework: go sing – sing in the shower, in the car, for your friends or on stage – just sing! It brings joy to the spirit, and it brings joy to many of your muscles that yearn to be balanced! The more you sing, the more you will be releasing the tightness in your jaw, mouth and your pelvic floor! Be sure to include a diaphragm release in your regular massage treatments as well. Your muscles will thank you for the much-needed TLC!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #sing #diaphragm #guthealth #breathwork #pelvicfloor

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Muscle + Massage Musings

oh my sacrotuberous.... wait, what?

Ants in your pants.... or on your leg?

oh that PAIN IN THE NECK!

PSA: Pelvic Floor Personal Trainer

Insomnia... the struggle is real.

Sing out loud - sing out strong!

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