Blog Posts - Anne the RMT

My Guts are where?

2/26/2024

Often I am asked why I am doing massage on the back when a client has come in for an ABDOMINAL MASSAGE. I explain that we are not built like a piece of paper with guts on the front and muscles on the back, but that our systems and muscles and ligaments criss-cross our body: front to back, side to side, and up to down! It is interesting how many of us look at our ‘guts’ as living on the front, and our muscles on the back!

Our lymphatic system is also this way. We have lymphatic pathways just under the skin throughout our body, but the abdomen holds a great number of nodes, as well as deep pathways that intertwine with our GI system and organs. It is important to clear and move your lymph of these many pathways from both superficial and deep angles. This allows the abdominal cavity and its structures, the pelvic floor and the organs (viscera) of the abdomen to be fully treated, along with massage.

So next time you have a tummy ache and a sore back at the same time, think about how everything sits in your body, and how amazingly intertwined our insides are! And please remember you are not a piece of paper – but an incredible three-dimensional structure that has been beautifully created!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #lymphaticdrainage #mld #abdominalmassage #selfcare #IBS #womenshealth

My belly button is a scar?

2/22/2024

The belly button is an informal term for the navel. It refers to the scar on the abdomen that is caused when the umbilical is removed. It doesn’t hurt the baby when the cord is cut - but it feels strange to those cutting the cord! There are no nerves in the cords, so clamping and cutting it causes no pain to baby. although it is often jokingly compared to “cutting calamari!

The cord, and in particular the remaining scar, or belly-button, have always been fascinating to humans. There are even some very unique traditions and customs to celebrate and aid in the separation of the umbilical cord from baby and mother.

The belly button is a reminder that we were once attached to our mother via the umbilical cord and that we received nourishment through it. Cords are generally 20-24 inches in length, and 1-2 cm in diameter. But long ones can be as long as 32 inches and short ones can be 13 inches or less. Interestingly, the umbilical cord is probably the first toy a baby has – and some have even been seen playing around with it on their ultrasound!

Periumbilical pain is a type of abdominal pain that is localized in the region around or behind your belly button. This part of your abdomen is referred to as the umbilical region. It contains parts of your stomach, small and large intestine, and your pancreas. If you are suffering from bloating or constipation, this can sometimes make if feel like your belly button is sore.

Always check with your doctor to rule out any other reasons for the pain, and then request an ABDOMINAL MASSAGE at your next appointment. This type of massage has been effective in dealing with constipation and referred pain to the belly button region caused from inflammation and bloating. Read more HERE.

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #guthealth #bellybutton #IBS

Who's the Happy Hooker?

2/19/2024

Do you feel pain when pinching or holding items between your thumb and the other fingers of the same hand? This could be due to the opponens pollicis or adductor pollicis muscles (in your hand) and even the brachialis (sitting under your biceps). You can overwork these muscles if you hold something in your hand for a long period of time – so activities like drawing, sewing, or crocheting can cause this pain.

The brachialis muscle in your arm is responsible for bending your elbow. You can overwork this muscle doing anything that requires your elbow to be bent for long periods of time – like playing an instrument, moving boxes, driving, using the computer, and yes – even crocheting! Did you know that even though this muscle is in your arm, overusing the brachialis can cause pain in the base of your thumb?

Be sure to pay some attention to these muscles with your wellness and self-care activities. Trigger point and fascial releases through massage therapy are great ways to bring these muscles back to their healthy and happy place!

Be sure to include hands and arms in your regular massage treatments. Happy hooking!

#wortleyvillagermt #wortleyvillage #oldsouthheart #healthylifelondonontario #crochet #knitting #handmuscles

Is this you?

2/16/2024

TINNITUS (the perception of sound without an external sound actually being present), is a surprisingly common condition. While there are no cures for tinnitus, massage can treat symptoms of tinnitus and make tinnitus easier to live with.

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, both physical and stress-related. Circulation issues, irritation to the nerve endings, medication side effects, high blood pressure, and exposure to sudden loud noise can all cause chronic ringing in the ears. Head and neck conditions like whiplash, TMJ DYSFUNCTION and even poor alignment of the skull and neck are also known causes of tinnitus.

Quite often trigger points, knots and shortened muscles cause symptoms of tinnitus, and in those cases, MASSAGE MAY ALLEVIATE THE RINGING IN YOUR EARS.

If you are looking for a way to treat tinnitus, a massage that focuses on the ears, head, and neck may be just what you need to alleviate your tinnitus symptoms and enjoy the quiet for a while!

Find out more about massage for TMJD and headaches here!

4 Reasons to include Lymphatic Drainage into your Wellness Routine

2/16/2024

A self-care routine can slow down the pace of an increasingly busy and connected world.

That's why it's important to create habits that help you connect with your own body’s rhythms and needs. This will support your physical and mental health, and in turn, improve your quality of life.

But how does Lymphatic Drainage play a role in that?

Reduces Edema + Fluid Retention

Removes excess water and metabolic waste from the tissues in the body
May improve the skin's appearance by reducing puffiness and promoting a more youthful, radiant appearance.

Improves Circulation

Helps improve circulation by promoting lymph flow throughout the body
Can help to reduce swelling and improve the overall functioning of the immune system

Promotes Immune Health + Healing

More efficient healing from illness or injury
Promotes quicker healing from post-surgery swelling
Reduces scar formation by boosting healing responses

Reduces Stress + Anxiety

May aid in stress reduction by promoting relaxation and balance
This can be particularly beneficial for people who experience chronic stress or anxiety

What are your favourite self-care habits? Please share with me! ❤

Read more about Lymphatic Drainage for wellness and post-operative recovery

Oh no! Did that just happen?

11/13/2023

Hello Beautiful Community!

Thank you for your continued enquiries. Today I am going to get a little personal on a subject we generally don’t like to discuss ….

Did you ever think that your “sneeze-pee” or occasional leakage might be caused by constipation?

It makes sense that chronic straining from constipation can lead to: weakening of the pelvic floor muscles; excessive stress on pelvic organs and nerves; as well as bladder dysfunction and recurring accidental bowel leakage. Right?

But how does constipation affect the bladder? The rectum is located very close to the bladder. When the rectum is overfull (due to constipation), it can press on the bladder, reducing the amount of urine the bladder can hold. This may cause you to actually “leak” urine or make you feel as if you to need to pass urine right away or frequently.

Pelvic floor muscle strength and balance is important for both bowel and bladder control. But it is just as important to realize that a pelvic floor which is too tight (which is more common) can also cause an imbalance or loss of control. (you may want to hold off on those kegals!)

Abdominal and visceral massage that encourages circulation, movement and relaxation of all the muscles of your core and pelvic floor (not just the GI tract) is important for those that suffer from constipation or irregular evacuation. Along with diet and exercise and balancing your pelvic floor (with a pelvic floor physiotherapist), you may find a natural, long-term solution to your bathroom drama!

I have space on my table. Let me know if you’d like to chat about treatments.

Oh that Elvis muscle!

11/9/2023

Hello Beautiful Community!

For a bit of interest today, let's look at a Fun Fact:

At 44 characters, the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle (occasionally shortened alaeque nasi muscle) has the longest name of all the human muscles!

Historically known as Otto's muscle, it dilates the nostril and elevates the upper lip, enabling one to snarl. Elvis Presley is famous for his use of this expression, earning the muscle's nickname "The Elvis muscle".

Remember, even the muscles of the face and scalp can get tired and sore. Be sure to include your hard-working snarl into your massage treatment!

When is your next massage?

Are you feeling fragile and broken?

10/23/2023

Hello Beautiful Community!

Thank you for the continued questions and the opportunity to discuss massage with you. With the damp season coming up, conversations are turning often to arthritis, and other syndromes that are affected by the weather.

Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia can cause widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes: pain all over the body, sleep problems, deep fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed once you are properly diagnosed.

Research suggests massage therapy can increase quality of life and decrease pain for people suffering with FM. Benefits of massage include pain relief and a reduction in anxiety and depression. The following are a few types of massage therapy that have been shown to be the most impactful.

SWEDISH MASSAGE is a gentle technique that promotes general relaxation. The five basic strokes associated with Swedish massage (effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, and vibration) have been shown to improve circulation and blood pressure.

MYOFASCIAL MASSAGE is considered by many to be the best treatment for myofascial pain and stiffness, which are also symptoms of fibromyalgia. By relieving this muscle stiffness and pressure, and improving blood flow, clients experience pain reduction and better mobility.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE is a modality of massage that focuses on the health of your lymphatic system by encouraging movement through a rhythmic stroking treatment. By addressing congested areas or areas of swelling, clients experience a restored feeling of wellness, better mobility and a reduction in joint pain.

RAINDROP AROMATHERAPY METHOD This treatment helps to bring balance and wellness to the body by combining targeted massage techniques and using specific remedial organic essential oils and heat to the body. Although clinical studies have not been done to verify the efficacy of this treatment, I can share with you that I have had several clients over the years that suffer from fibromyalgia (or chronic fatigue), who have found pain relief and overall wellness with the Raindrop Method, and use it as part of their regular wellness plan.

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, talk to your massage therapist today about developing a treatment plan that suits your own needs. A little TLC can go a long way.

I have space on my table. Let me know if you’d like to chat about treatments.

Clinical Studies:
Castro-Sánchez, A.M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G.A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-Rubio, J.M., Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:561753

Li Y.H., Wang F.Y., Feng C.Q., Yang X.F., Sun Y.H. (2014) Massage therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. 2014 Feb 20;9(2):e89304. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089304. eCollection 2014

Castro-Sánchez, A.M., Matarán-Peñarrocha, G.A., Granero-Molina, J., Aguilera-Manrique, G., Quesada-Rubio, J.M., Moreno-Lorenzo, C. (2011). Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011:561753

October 17th, 2023

10/17/2023

Hello Beautiful Community!

Thank you for contacting me with your continued great questions! I love talking about self-care and how massage can fit into your wellness plan. I’d like to talk to you today about an area that many of you list as a symptom, but sadly they often go unaddressed: that being your over tired eyes.

Did you know that some of your busiest muscles are those controlling your eye movements?!

Your eye sockets are made up of six skeletal muscles that help you move your eyes. And the internal muscles of your eyes are made up of smooth muscles. All these muscles work together to help you see.

These muscles are constantly making adjustments as you read, watch TV, or look around you. In an hour of reading, your eyes may make as many as 10,000 coordinated movements. Your eyes also play an important role in locomotion, assessing your environment and in coordination (hand-eye coordination for example).

If you damage these muscles, you may impair your vision, which would result in overall body mechanic changes. Overtired eyes can also provoke TENSION HEADACHES and may even trigger MIGRAINES.

When was the last time you took care of these sore muscles as you would your back or your neck?

· allow your eyes to rest (take a break from screens)
· try a warm or cool compress like a lavender sachet or cucumber slices
· wear your glasses instead of contacts to give your eye muscles a well-deserved break
· and take in a relaxing massage to soothe the tense muscles of your neck, face and scalp!

A little TLC can go a long way. ❤︎

Read more on Headaches + Migraines or Head, Face + Scalp Massage.