Category: General Information

Exercises to target the glutes?

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Exercises to target the glutes?

Here are some exercises that can help strengthen and tone the glutes:

  1. Squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body as if sitting in a chair. Keep your knees aligned with your toes and push back up through your heels.
  2. Lunges: Step forward with one foot and lower your body until your front knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your back knee off the ground and push back up through your front heel. Repeat with the other leg.
  3. Deadlifts: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold a barbell or dumbbell in front of your thighs. Hinge at the hips and lower the weight towards the ground, keeping your back flat. Squeeze your glutes to come back up to standing.
  4. Glute bridges: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift your hips towards the ceiling, squeezing your glutes at the top. Lower back down and repeat.
  5. Step-ups: Step onto a box or bench with one foot and drive your opposite knee towards your chest. Step back down and repeat with the other leg.

Remember to start with light weights and gradually increase them as you get stronger. It’s also essential to maintain proper form to avoid injury.

If you want to know more about correct technique or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. Furthermore, if you are including glute exercises into your regime and they are causing you some aches and pains, then we can help there too with our specialist sports massage service. For more information on how these types of massage could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

Exercises to help with lower back pain

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Exercises to help with lower back pain

Stretching

Child Pose:

  • Begin on your hands and knees, with your knees hip-width apart and your feet together.
  • Lower your hips back towards your heels while stretching your arms out in front of you.
  • Rest your forehead on the ground and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply.

Cat/Cow Poses:

  • Begin on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
  • Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow pose).
  • Exhale and round your spine towards the ceiling, tucking your chin to your chest and bringing your tailbone towards your knees (Cat pose).
  • Repeat the sequence several times, moving smoothly between the two poses.

Knee to Chest with Rotation:

  • Lie flat on your back with your legs extended.
  • Bend your right knee and bring it towards your chest.
  • Keep your left leg extended on the ground and hold onto your right knee with both hands.
  • Rotate your right knee to the left, keeping your right shoulder on the ground.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Both Knees to Chest:

  • Lie flat on your back with your legs extended.
  • Bend both knees and bring them towards your chest.
  • Hold onto your knees with both hands and breathe deeply, feeling the stretch in your lower back.
  • Release the pose and repeat several times.

Figure 4 Stretch:

  • Lie flat on your back with your legs extended.
  • Bend your right knee and place your ankle on your left knee.
  • Reach through your legs and hold onto your left thigh.
  • Pull your left knee towards your chest, feeling the stretch in your right glutes and hip.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Sitting Spinal Stretch:

  • Sit on the floor with your legs crossed.
  • Reach your arms up overhead, interlocking your fingers and stretching your spine.
  • Keep your back straight and hold the pose for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply.

Hamstring Stretch with Towel:

  • Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
  • Loop a towel around the sole of your right foot and hold the ends of the towel with both hands.
  • Keeping your knee straight, lift your right foot towards the ceiling until you feel a stretch in your hamstring.
  • Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Strengthening

Dead Bug:

  • Lie flat on your back with your arms extended overhead and legs in the air, bent at a 90-degree angle at the knees.
  • Lower your left arm and right leg toward the floor at the same time, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side, lowering your right arm and left leg.

Bird Dog:

  • Begin on your hands and knees, keeping your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
  • Simultaneously extend your right arm and left leg, keeping your back flat and your core engaged.
  • Hold for a few seconds and then return to the starting position.
  • Repeat with your left arm and right leg.

Forearm Plank:

  • Start in a push-up position, but instead of resting on your hands, rest on your forearms.
  • Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels and engage your core to maintain stability.
  • Hold for 30-60 seconds, or as long as you can maintain proper form.

Lying Windshield Wipers:

  • Lie flat on your back with your arms extended out to the sides.
  • Raise your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor.
  • Slowly lower your legs to one side, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor.
  • Bring your legs back to the center and then lower them to the other side.

Slow Mountain Climber:

  • Start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
  • Slowly bring your right knee toward your chest, then return to the starting position.
  • Repeat with your left knee.
  • Continue alternating knees, keeping your core engaged and your back flat.

Hanging Knee Raises:

  • Hang from a pull-up bar with your palms facing away from your body.
  • Engage your core and raise your knees toward your chest.
  • Lower your legs back down and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

If you want to know more about correct technique or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. Furthermore, if you are including lower back exercises into your regime and they are causing you some aches and pains, then we can help there too with our specialist sports massage service. For more information on how these types of massage could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

Why rest isn’t always the best?

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Why rest isn’t always the best?

Overview

Most often when attaining a soft tissue injury, the acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) was advised to reduce blood flow to the affected area, and ease symptoms. However, resting an acute injury is becoming less evident, due to risk of re-injury increasing when returning to sport or activity, where tissues exceed their capacity. Instead, optimally loading the injured area to a tolerable degree, through isometric or range of motion exercises, could reduce recovery time and the risk of re-injury.

Resting as a Deconditioning Factor

After attaining an injury, the natural thought is directed towards resting the injured limb, allowing symptoms to ease. However, the reduction in physical activity also decreases the tissue capacity, making the body’s capacity to handle the load of sport or exercise programme difficult. As such, the risk of re-injury increases upon returning to sport. A sensible approach after attaining an acute injury, is to not completely rest after the occurrence, and instead maintain strength and range of motion through light exercises and avoid certain sports or activities that trigger pain. Before returning to sport, adequate time of recovery is essential to avoid exceeding the body’s capacity and risk another injury.

The Cross Over Effect

As for injuries that require rest, such as fractures, training the rest of the body can help overall recovery time and return to sport at a quicker and easier rate. Newer studies have also found a “cross over effect” whereby training the opposing and uninjured limb (contralateral strength training), can increase strength in the injured side, of up to 39%. Essentially, training the healthy side helps reduce muscle atrophy and instead increase strength, making return to sport easier and recovery time quicker.

End Message

Resting is often perceived as a sensible approach and is recommended after an injury. However, strengthening the injured area to what it can tolerate, as soon as possible can speed up recovery, and maintain conditioning of the body, that is important to avoid re-injury occurrence when returning to sport or activity. Newer research has also proposed contralateral strength training (strengthening the uninjured side), to increase strength on the resting side of the body. The key is to not completely rest, and instead maintain strength of the body for a gradual return to full recovery.

Shoulder Impingement

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Shoulder impingement is a common condition that occurs when there is a compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa (a fluid-filled sac) between the acromion (a bony prominence on the shoulder blade) and the head of the humerus (upper arm bone). It is also known as subacromial impingement. This condition can occur in both athletes and non-athletes, and is more common in individuals over the age of 40. Subacromial impingement is a common condition caused by compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa between the acromion and the head of the humerus. It is often accompanied by rotator cuff tendinitis, which is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons. If left untreated, it can lead to partial or full thickness rotator cuff tears. Treatment options include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent progression and reduce risk of tears.

Anatomy

Shoulder impingement, also known as subacromial impingement, is a condition that occurs when there is compression of the rotator cuff tendons and the bursa between the acromion and the head of the humerus. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that attach the humerus to the scapula, and acromion is a bony prominence that forms the roof of the shoulder joint. Impingement occurs when the space between the acromion and the head of the humerus becomes narrowed, causing the tendons and bursa to be compressed against the acromion. Common causes of impingement include anatomic variations of the acromion, degeneration of the rotator cuff tendons, overuse and trauma. Factors such as obesity, smoking, and diabetes can also contribute to the development of impingement, resulting in pain and weakness in the shoulder.

Diagnosis

Shoulder impingement is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, patient history, and imaging studies. The orthopedic surgeon will assess range of motion, strength, and pain in the affected shoulder, and perform specific tests such as the Neer test or Hawkins-Kennedy test. Imaging studies like X-ray or MRI can reveal degenerative changes in the bones and inflammation or tears in the rotator cuff tendons. A diagnosis of impingement is typically made when the patient has pain and weakness in the shoulder, and the physical examination and imaging studies reveal evidence of impingement. In some cases, a diagnostic injection may be done to confirm the diagnosis and to help to determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment

Shoulder impingement treatment usually begins with conservative measures such as rest, ice, and physical therapy. Medication and corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, or cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgery such as subacromial decompression may be necessary. This involves removing a small portion of the acromion to create more space for the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. Physical therapy and exercises are essential for recovery after surgery. The treatment of shoulder impingement depends on the underlying cause of the condition and the severity of the symptoms.

Exercises

  • Pendulum exercises: This exercise helps to gently move the shoulder and improve range of motion. Stand with your good arm leaning on a table or wall for support, and let the affected arm hang down. Use your body weight to gently move the arm in small circles.
  • Isometric rotator cuff exercises: These exercises involve contracting the rotator cuff muscles without moving the arm. An example is the “empty can” exercise, which involves holding a light weight with the arm at a 90-degree angle to the body and squeezing the shoulder blade towards the spine.
  • Scapular stabilisation exercises: These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder blade, such as the serratus anterior and the trapezius. An example is the “wall slide” exercise, which involves sliding the back against a wall while keeping the arms and elbows in contact with the wall.
  • Theraband exercises: This exercise helps to improve the strength of the rotator cuff muscles, such as the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus. An example is the “external rotation” exercise, which involves holding the theraband in one hand and turning the arm outwards against the resistance of the band.
  • Strengthening exercises: To improve shoulder strength, it’s recommended to do exercises such as shoulder press, lat pulldown, and rows. These exercises can be performed with free weights or resistance bands.

It’s important to note that exercises should be performed under the guidance of a physical therapist or other healthcare professional, to ensure that they are performed correctly and to avoid further injury.

Prevention

  • Maintain good posture: Keeping your shoulders back and down will help to reduce the stress on your rotator cuff tendons and decrease the risk of impingement.
  • Strengthen the rotator cuff muscles: Performing exercises that target these muscles can help to improve their strength and stability, which in turn can help to prevent impingement.
  • Avoid repetitive overhead motions: Repetitive motions like throwing a ball or lifting weights over your head can put stress on the rotator cuff tendons and increase the risk of impingement.
  • Take breaks when doing repetitive tasks: If you do a lot of overhead work or other repetitive tasks, take regular breaks to give your shoulders a rest.
  • Use proper technique when lifting: Using proper form when lifting can help to reduce the stress on your shoulder and decrease the risk of impingement.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra stress on your shoulders and increase the risk of impingement.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking is associated with increased risk of impingement due to the decreased blood flow and oxygenation in the shoulder.
  • Control chronic conditions: If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, it’s important to control it to avoid the risk of impingement.
  • Wear the right equipment: If you play sports or engage in other activities that put your shoulders at risk, wear the appropriate protective gear to help prevent injury.
  • Listen to your body: if you experience pain or discomfort in your shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention, rest the shoulder and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.

If you want to know more about correct technique or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. Furthermore, if you are including shoulder exercsises into your regime and they are causing you some aches and pains, then we can help there too with our specialist sports massage service. For more information on how these types of massage could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

Exercises for Triceps

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Strengthening

Triceps Extension:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Keep your elbows close to your body and bend your arms, lowering the weights behind your head.
  • Straighten your arms to raise the weights back to the starting position.

Triceps Pushdowns:

  • Stand facing a cable machine and attach a straight bar to the cable.
  • Grasp the bar with an overhand grip and keep your elbows close to your body.
  • Push the bar down until your arms are fully extended.
  • Return the bar to the starting position.

Triceps Kickbacks:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand.
  • Bend forward from your hips and keep your back straight.
  • Keep your upper arms close to your sides and straighten your arms, extending the weights behind you.
  • Return the weights to the starting position.

Triceps Dips:

  • Grasp the bars of a dip station.
  • Lower your body by bending your arms until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
  • Push back up to the starting position.

Overhead Triceps Extension:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell overhead with both hands.
  • Keep your elbows close to your head and bend your arms, lowering the weight behind you.
  • Straighten your arms to raise the weight back to the starting position.

Skull Crushers:

  • Lie on a bench or mat with your feet flat on the floor.
  • Hold a barbell or dumbbells with an overhand grip and extend your arms straight up.
  • Lower the weights to your temples, then press back up to the starting position.

Stretching

Leaning stretch

  • Kneel away from chair
  • Lean forward to be parallel to floor
  • Place elbows on chair above head
  • Bend elbows to support you
  • Look at floor and line up head with neck and back
  • Elbows should be the only part of you touching the chair
  • Bring forearms towards neck and place hands on back of neck
  • Press torso towards floor while exhaling
  • Hold for 30 seconds

Overhead Triceps Stretch:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
  • Reach overhead with one arm and bend elbow
  • Bring hand towards upper back
  • Use other hand to gently press down on elbow
  • Hold stretch for 15-30 seconds, switch side

Wrist Pull:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
  • Hold one arm out in front of you with your palm facing down
  • Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers towards your wrist
  • Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then switch sides

Cross-Body Triceps Stretch:

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
  • Reach across your body with one arm, placing hand on shoulder
  • Use other hand to gently press down on elbow
  • Hold stretch for 15-30 seconds, switch sides

If you want to know more about correct technique or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. Furthermore, if you are including trcieps exercises into your regime and they are causing you some aches and pains, then we can help there too with our specialist sports massage service. For more information on how these types of massage could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

Rest vs Activity

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Rest vs Activity

Rest and activity are necessary for overall health and well-being, and striking the right balance between the two is vital.

Rest is essential for the body to recover from physical and mental exertion. During rest, the body can repair tissues, replenish energy stores, and consolidate memories. Adequate rest can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.

On the other hand, physical activity is necessary for maintaining cardiovascular health, building muscle strength and endurance, improving flexibility and balance, and supporting healthy weight management.

It has also been shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and specific types of cancer. Additionally, physical activity can improve mental health and cognitive function.

Ultimately, the appropriate balance between rest and activity will depend on an individual’s unique needs and goals. Some people may require more rest than others, while some may need more physical activity to achieve optimal health. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to develop a personalized plan that meets your individual needs.

Physical activity guidelines

The physical activity guidelines recommend individuals of all ages and abilities maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The following are some general guidelines:

  1. For adults aged 18-64, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical exercise per week, or a combination of both, is recommended.
  2. Muscle-strengthening activities involving major muscle groups should be done two or more days per week.
  3. For children and adolescents aged 6-17 years, engaging in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity every day is recommended.
  4. For older adults aged 65 years and above, engaging in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week or in physical activity that combines moderate and vigorous-intensity activities is recommended.
  5. It is essential to avoid prolonged sitting and to engage in regular physical activity throughout the day.

These guidelines provide general recommendations for physical activity and may vary based on an individual’s health status, medical conditions, and other factors. It is always essential to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise program or increasing physical activity levels.

Number of hours of sleep

The amount of sleep needed varies by age, with different age groups requiring different amounts of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation provides the following general guidelines for recommended hours of sleep by age:

  1. Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per day
  2. School-aged children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per day
  3. Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours per day
  4. Young adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours per day
  5. Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours per day
  6. Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours per day

It is vital to note that these are the general guidelines, and individual sleep needs may vary based on factors such as activity level, health status, and individual differences. Additionally, it is essential to prioritize getting enough sleep for optimal health and well-being, as sleep plays a vital role in good physical and mental health.

f you want to know more about correct technique or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. Furthermore, if you are feeling the negatives of a lack of sleep, then we can help there too with our specialist sports massage service. For more information on how these types of massage could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

 

Raynaud’s Disease

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Raynaud’s disease causes areas of the body, such as the fingers and toes, to feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress. It causes the smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin to narrow, limiting blood flow to affected areas, called vasospasm. There are two main types of Raynaud’s: Primary (or Raynaud’s disease), where the cause is unknown, and Secondary (Raynaud’s phenomenon) (less common), that occurs from an underlying disease, condition, medication, or lifestyle factors. Although there is no cure for Raynaud’s that occurs on its own, it can be controlled through treatment, that varies depending on the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle changes may be enough to manage the condition, however in more severe cases, medication and a sympathectomy may be recommended if other treatment have not worked.

Anatomy (what happens during an attack?)

Raynaud’s syndrome is an exaggerated version of a normal body process called vasomotor response, where the blood vessels open (vasodilation) and tighten (vasoconstriction) to help the body respond to its environment (such as cold weather or stress). Raynaud’s disrupts this process, causing the blood vessels to constrict greater than normal. This interrupts your normal blood flow and limits the oxygen available to your fingers or toes, and in rare cases can affect the nose or ears, in which symptoms typically last for around 15 minutes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Raynaud’s are episodic (∼ 15 minutes). The symptoms can vary depending on the type of Raynaud’s (primary or secondary), which are usually milder for primary, as secondary is typically more severe, including skin ulcers.

  • Cold fingers or toes
  • Areas of the skin that may turn white to blue to red
  • Cold and numb, prickly feeling or stinging pain of skin
  • Skin ulcers and gangrene (only for secondary Raynaud’s)

Causes

The causes of Raynaud’s is still not fully understood, but cold temperatures are the most likely cause of an attack. For primary Raynaud’s the cause is unknown but is most common for females between the ages of 15-30 years, and those with a family history of primary Raynaud’s. For secondary Raynaud’s, an underlying disease or condition, such as lupus, scleroderma, can cause Raynaud’s, however, can also affect those with jobs, that require repetitive pressure on hands, such as keyboard operators, or those repetitively using hand tools such as chain saws. Certain medication can also increase the risk of developing secondary Raynaud’s such as beta-blockers and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis

Raynaud’s is usually easy to diagnose, however it is more difficult to differentiate between primary and secondary, where diagnostic tests may be required. Symptoms are the most common way to diagnose Raynaud’s, where you may be asked to take photos of your skin changing. A physical exam and diagnostic tests may then be performed to identify or rule out underlying condition as causes, some examples being nailfold capillaroscopy (to check for connective tissues disease), antinuclear antibody (to check for autoimmune disease), or complete blood count (to check for a range of conditions).

Treatment

Treatment often depends upon the severity of symptoms; however, lifestyle changes can be enough to manage the condition such as avoiding caffeine, cold spaces, touching cold objects, managing stress and strong emotions that triggers the attack, and wearing warmer clothes during cold weather. However, medication may be advised, to relax and open the smaller blood vessels (calcium-channel blockers), or a cream to apply to your fingers to heal any skin ulcers (Nitroglycerin skin ointment). In more severe instances, if the treatment methods are not working, a procedure called sympathectomy may be recommended, which temporarily blocks or cuts small nerves near the affected blood vessels, that prevents the blood vessels getting too narrow. This procedure should relive symptoms between 1-2 years.

 

Is bad posture the cause of your back pain?

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Is bad posture the cause of your back pain?

Poor posture can be a contributing factor to back pain in some cases.

Maintaining good posture is essential because it helps distribute the body’s weight evenly and reduces the amount of stress on the spine. Poor posture, such as slouching or sitting in a hunched position, can put extra pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the back, leading to pain and discomfort.

Other factors such as injury, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle habits can also contribute to back pain. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of your back pain and develop a plan for treatment and prevention.

Is bad posture the cause of your back pain

Exercises that can help with back pain

Several exercises can help with back pain, but you must consult a healthcare professional or a qualified physical therapist before starting any exercise program to ensure that you perform the exercises correctly and are safe for your specific condition. Here are some exercises that may be helpful for back pain:

  1. Cat-cow stretch: Get on your hands and knees and alternate between arching your back up towards the ceiling (the “cat” position) and rounding your spine downwards (the “cow” position). This can help stretch and mobilize the spine.
  2. Pelvic tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles and press your lower back into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, and then release. This exercise can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and stabilize the lower back.
  3. Bird dog: Start on your hands and knees and extend your right arm forward and your left leg back at the same time. Hold for a few seconds, and then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. This exercise can help strengthen the core and improve balance.
  4. Wall sits: Stand with your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold for a few seconds, and then slowly stand up. This exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the lower back and legs.
  5. Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips towards the ceiling and hold for a few seconds before slowly lowering back down. This exercise can help strengthen the glutes and hamstrings, supporting the lower back.

Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises as your back pain improves. More stretches & exercises can also be found on our Back Stretches and Exercsises page.

If you want to know more about the correct techniques or would like professional advice from one of our personal trainers then please get in touch. . For more information on how these types of techniques could help you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or drop us an email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk

 

How serious can stress be?

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Unveiling the Hidden Benefits of Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Stress has been a secret killer for many years. In today’s world we are told to just “deal with it” or “Stop whining” but stress can be a serious factor in not just mental concerns but musculoskeletal issues. Massage therapy has long been recognized for its efficacy in addressing physical discomfort. However, the impact of massages extends far beyond the realm of soft tissue recovery. In this article, we’ll explore the often-overlooked mental health benefits of various massage types, shedding light on the crucial role they play in stress relief, overall wellbeing, and disease prevention.

Stress has become an omnipresent force in modern life, affecting individuals both mentally and physically. While it is a normal response to challenges, chronic stress poses a significant risk to overall health. Understanding the intricate connection between stress and its impact on the body is essential in appreciating the value of massage therapy.

How serious can stress be

Stress’s Toll on Health:

  • Persistent stress has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases. Research indicates that ongoing stress can elevate the chances of cardiovascular diseases and digestive problems by 60%. Moreover, it accelerates the ageing process and compromises immune system functionality. The need to combat stress before it takes a toll on day-to-day life is paramount.

Massage as a Stress Buster:

  • Massage therapy emerges as a powerful tool in the battle against stress. Beyond its physical benefits, massages induce a state of relaxation that helps alleviate anxiety, reduce built-up tension, and contribute to an overall sense of calm. By addressing stress proactively, individuals can mitigate the risk of associated health issues.

Understanding the Benefits of Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy, when integrated into practices like remedial and Swedish massage, offers a holistic approach to physical and mental wellbeing.

Relief from Aches and Pains:

  • The primary role of massage therapy is to alleviate the physical discomfort associated with everyday life. Whether it’s tight or sore muscles, massages help improve flexibility, range of motion, and blood circulation. This relief from physical tension directly contributes to stress reduction.

Stress Reduction through Breathing and Pain Relief:

  • Specialised massage techniques, such as those employed in remedial massages, facilitate slower breathing and targeted pain relief. This combination plays a pivotal role in calming the mind and relaxing the entire body. The result is a rejuvenated and refreshed state, enabling individuals to tackle daily activities with a clearer mindset.

LiveWell Health: Bridging the Gap to Wellbeing

  • LiveWell Health recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and offers a diverse range of massage techniques to address various health aspects.

Sports Massages for Enhanced Agility and Recovery:

  • Tailored for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, sports massage at LiveWell Health contribute to improved agility and faster recovery from sports-related injuries. These massages focus on specific muscle groups, aiding in performance enhancement and injury prevention.

Swedish and Remedial Massages for General Wellbeing:

  • LiveWell Health’s Swedish and remedial massages go beyond physical relief. They improve circulation, enhance mental health and wellbeing, and provide an overall sense of rejuvenation. The experienced professionals at LiveWell Health ensure that clients receive top-quality treatment tailored to their unique needs.

Reflexology for a focused and specific requirement:

  • LiveWell Health’s reflexology team carry a mastership in the subject and as such work with people ranging from children to the elderly on issues around stress, womens help, fertility and also palliative care. Reflexology can be used as a more gentle focused approach to massage and gives potential customers the option of something less vigorous.

Conclusion:

As we navigate the challenges of modern life, prioritising both physical and mental wellbeing is crucial. Massage therapy emerges as a holistic approach to achieving this balance. By unravelling the hidden benefits of massages, particularly their impact on stress relief, LiveWell Health aims to empower individuals to proactively manage their health. Whether addressing aches and pains, enhancing athletic performance, or promoting overall mental wellbeing, the diverse range of massages offered by LiveWell Health stands as a testament to their commitment to comprehensive wellness.

For more information on how massage therapy and reflexology can benefit you, contact us on 07939 212 739 or via email at info@livewellhealth.co.uk.

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