TMJ Syndrome: This is a condition caused by the
chronic clenching of the jaw and/or grinding of the teeth. This most often occurs during sleep. The muscles
on one side of the face can become more tense than the other side, resulting in an imbalance in tone and length of the
muscles. This tension can radiate down into the neck and shoulders. The symptoms of TMJ may include headache,
pain in the jaw, pain around the ears, uneven wearing away of the teeth, "popping" of the jaw.
Migraine Headaches: Migraine headaches
are actually vascular headaches. They are caused by changing blood levels and pressures in the head. In the beginning
stages of a migraine the blood vessels in the brain constrict, causing a decrease in blood supply to the brain. This
may cause blurred vision, gunnel vision, numbness, tingling, nausea, slurred speach, anxiety, and what appear to be little
twinkling lights. Eventually the brain realizes that it isn't getting enough blood. At this point
it will overcompensate for the lack of blood and cause a dilation of the blood vessels. This dilation allows blood to
pour into the brain, causing the painful migraine headache.
Massage cannot treat a migraine headache once it has begun, but it can help reduce stress levels and therefore prevent the
onset of the headache.
Tension Headaches: This
type of headache is caused by tightened, usually in the neck and shoulders. There are pressure points in these areas
that have trigger point referral pain patterns that go directly to the area of the temples. By massaging the neck, shoulders,
and back, much of this tightness can be released.
Fibromyalgia:
This condition is the result of pain in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. It occurs most often in women. It
is a condition that is difficult to diagnose due to the variety of symptoms that are mostly immeasuralble by a physician.
At one time it was thought that these symptoms were "just in your head". Symptoms include pain in the soft
tissue, depression, insomnia, GI disorders, irritable bladder, hyperthyroid, susceptibility to allergies, dizziness, headaches,
and heart palpitations. It is now believed that an emotional traumas can set women up for this condition.
Fibromyalgia resembles Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in many ways. The biggest difference is the
fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms that accompany CFS.
A relaxing
full body massage can decrease pain and help with insomnia.
Shin Splints: This condition affects the tibia and fibia of the lower leg. It is the result of running
or working on a hard surface. Inflammation occurs as the muscle fibers tear away the interosseous borders and membrane.
Ice, rest, stretching, and the proper shoes can help.
A massage
focusing on the specific muscles affected can speed healing and bring some relief.
More
to come....
