Australind Massage Therapy in Australind, Western Australia | Medical and health

Australind Massage Therapy

Locality: Australind, Western Australia

Phone: 97970218

Address: 8b Brotherton Way 6233 Australind, WA, Australia

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24.01.2022 Age wrinkles the body. Quitting on your dreams wrinkles the soul!

22.01.2022 Herniated Disk: Basic Information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) A herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk in the spine is forc...ed through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column protect nerves that come out of the brain and travel down your back to form the spinal cord. Nerve roots are large nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and leave your spinal column between each vertebrae. The spinal bones are separated by disks. These disks cushion the spinal column and put space between your vertebrae. The disks allow movement between the vertebrae, which lets you bend and reach. These disks may move out of place (herniate) or break open (rupture) from injury or strain. When this happens, there may be pressure on the spinal nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness. The lower back (lumbar area) of the spine is the most common area for a slipped disk. The neck (cervical) disks are affected a small percentage of the time. The upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) disks are rarely involved. Radiculopathy is any disease that affects the spinal nerve roots. A herniated disk is one cause of radiculopathy. Slipped disks occur more often in middle-aged and older men, usually after strenuous activity. Other risk factors include conditions present at birth (congenital) that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal. Symptoms Low back or neck pain can feel very different. It may feel like a mild tingling, dull ache, or a burning or pulsating pain. In some cases, the pain is severe enough that you are unable to move. You may also have numbness. The pain most often occurs on one side of the body. With a slipped disk in your lower back, you may have sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip, or buttocks and numbness in other parts. You may also feel pain or numbness on the back of the calf or sole of the foot. The same leg may also feel weak. With a slipped disk in your neck, you may have pain when moving your neck, deep pain near or over the shoulder blade, or pain that moves to the upper arm, forearm, or (rarely) fingers. You can also have numbness along your shoulder, elbow, forearm, and fingers. The pain often starts slowly. It may get worse: After standing or sitting At night When sneezing, coughing, or laughing When bending backwards or walking more than a few yards You may also have weakness in certain muscles. Sometimes, you may not notice it until your doctor examines you. In other cases, you will notice that you have a hard time lifting your leg or arm, standing on your toes on one side, squeezing tightly with one of your hands, or other problems. The pain, numbness, or weakness will often go away or improve a lot over a period of weeks to months. Signs and tests A careful physical exam and history is almost always the first step. Depending on where you have symptoms, your doctor will examine your neck, shoulder, arms, and hands, or your lower back, hips, legs, and feet. Your doctor will check: For numbness or loss of feeling Your muscle reflexes, which may be slower or missing Your muscle strength, which may be weaker Your posture, or the way your spine curves Your doctor may also ask you to: Sit, stand, and walk. While you walk, your doctor may ask you to try walking on your toes and then your heels. Bend forward, backward, and sideways Move your neck forward, backward, and sideways Raise your shoulders, elbow, wrist, and hand and check your strength during these tasks Leg pain that occurs when you sit down on an exam table and lift your leg straight up usually suggests a slipped disk in your lower back. In another test, you will bend your head forward and to the sides while the health care provider puts slight downward pressure on the top of your head. Increased pain or numbness during this test is usually a sign of pressure on a nerve in your neck. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS EMG may be done to determine the exact nerve root that is involved. Myelogram may be done to determine the size and location of disk herniation. Nerve conduction velocity test may also be done. Spine MRI or spine CT will show that the herniated disk is pressing on the spinal canal. Spine x-ray may be done to rule out other causes of back or neck pain. However, it is not possible to diagnose a herniated disk by a spine x-ray alone. Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Image from: chiropractic-help.com

22.01.2022 Appreciation brings out the JOY in life. What are you thankful for?

21.01.2022 Basic Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Facts: By Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause chronic inflammation of the ...joints and other areas of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, characterized by periods of disease flares and remissions. In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually, but not always, affected in a symmetrical pattern. Chronic inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint destruction and deformity. Damage to joints can occur early and does not correlate with the severity of symptoms. The "rheumatoid factor" is an antibody that can be found in the blood of 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis results in better outcomes. What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. While inflammation of the tissue around the joints and inflammatory arthritis are characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can also cause inflammation and injury in other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. The immune system contains a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, particularly infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. However, rheumatoid arthritis is typically a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability. A joint is where two bones meet to allow movement of body parts. Arthritis means joint inflammation. The joint inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling, pain, stiffness, and redness in the joints. The inflammation of rheumatoid disease can also occur in tissues around the joints, such as the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In some people with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic inflammation leads to the destruction of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments, causing deformity of the joints. Damage to the joints can occur early in the disease and be progressive. Moreover, studies have shown that the progressive damage to the joints does not necessarily correlate with the degree of pain, stiffness, or swelling present in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common rheumatic disease, affecting approximately 1.3 million people in the United States, according to current census data. The disease is three times more common in women as in men. It afflicts people of all races equally. The disease can begin at any age and even affects children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), but it most often starts after 40 years of age and before 60 years of age. In some families, multiple members can be affected, suggesting a genetic basis for the disorder. What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis? The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area of worldwide research. It is believed that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited (hereditary). Certain genes have been identified that increase the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It is also suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals. This misdirected immune system then attacks the body's own tissues. This leads to inflammation in the joints and sometimes in various organs of the body, such as the lungs or eyes. It is not known what triggers the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas. Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. For example, scientists have reported that smoking tobacco, exposure to silica mineral, and chronic periodontal disease all increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs? The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation subsides, the disease is inactive (in remission). Remissions can occur spontaneously or with treatment and can last weeks, months, or years. During remissions, symptoms of the disease disappear, and people generally feel well. When the disease becomes active again (relapse), symptoms return. The return of disease activity and symptoms is called a flare. The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals, and periods of flares and remissions are typical. When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy, lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis). Rheumatoid arthritis usually inflames multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Early symptoms may be subtle. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Symptoms in the hands with rheumatoid arthritis include difficulty with simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved, which can lead to painful walking, especially in the morning after arising from bed. Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function. Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms in children with rheumatoid arthritis include limping, irritability, crying, and poor appetite. What are complications of rheumatoid disease? Since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, its inflammation can affect organs and areas of the body other than the joints. Inflammation of the glands of the eyes and mouth can cause dryness of these areas and is referred to as Sjögren's syndrome. Dryness of the eyes can lead to corneal abrasion. Inflammation of the white parts of the eyes (the sclerae) is referred to as scleritis and can be very dangerous to the eye. Rheumatoid inflammation of the lung lining (pleuritis) causes chest pain with deep breathing, shortness of breath, or coughing. The lung tissue itself can also become inflamed, scarred, and sometimes nodules of inflammation (rheumatoid nodules) develop within the lungs. Inflammation of the tissue (pericardium) surrounding the heart, called pericarditis, can cause a chest pain that typically changes in intensity when lying down or leaning forward. Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increase risk for heart attack. Rheumatoid disease can reduce the number of red blood cells (anemia) and white blood cells. Decreased white cells can be associated with an enlarged spleen (referred to as Felty's syndrome) and can increase the risk of infections. The risk of lymph gland cancer (lymphoma) is higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in those with sustained active joint inflammation. Firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules) can occur around the elbows and fingers where there is frequent pressure. Even though these nodules usually do not cause symptoms, occasionally they can become infected. Nerves can become pinched in the wrists to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. A rare, serious complication, usually with longstanding rheumatoid disease, is blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis). Vasculitis can impair blood supply to tissues and lead to tissue death (necrosis). This is most often initially visible as tiny black areas around the nail beds or as leg ulcers. Full article here: http://bit.ly/SqBVhH Image from WebMD

21.01.2022 What Are Bursitis and Tendinitis? By the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Fast Facts: Bursitis and tendinitis are b...oth common conditions that cause swelling around muscles and bones. They occur most often in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving body parts such as muscles, tendons, or skin. Bursae are found throughout the body. Bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes swollen. A tendon is a flexible band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Tendons can be small, like those found in the hand or ankle, or large, like the Achilles tendon in the heel. Tendons help create movement by making the muscles push or pull the bones in different ways. Tendinitis is the severe swelling of a tendon. What Causes These Conditions? People get bursitis by overusing a joint. It can also be caused by direct trauma. It usually occurs at the knee or elbow. Kneeling or leaning your elbows on a hard surface for a long time can make bursitis start. Tendinitis usually occurs after repeated injury to a certain area such as the wrist or ankle. Tendons become less flexible with age and become more prone to damage. Doing the same kinds of movements every day or putting stress on joints increases the risk for both conditions. People like carpenters, gardeners, musicians, and athletes often get bursitis or tendinitis. Infection, arthritis, gout, thyroid disease, and diabetes can also cause swelling of a bursa or tendon. Both bursitis and tendinitis are more frequent the older you get. What Parts of the Body Are Affected? Tendinitis causes pain and soreness around a joint. Some common forms of tendinitis are named after the sports that increase their risk. They include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Tennis elbow is an injury to the tendon in the outer elbow. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner tendon of the elbow. Any activity that involves a lot of wrist turning or hand gripping, such as using tools, shaking hands, or twisting, can bring on these conditions. Pain occurs near the elbow. It can also travel into the upper arm or forearm. Shoulder Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Impingement Syndrome Two types of tendinitis can affect the shoulder. Biceps tendinitis causes pain in the front or side of the shoulder. Pain may also travel down to the elbow and forearm. Raising your arm over your head may also be painful. The biceps muscle in the front of the upper arm helps secure the arm bone in the shoulder socket. It also helps control the speed of the arm during overhead movement. For example, you may feel pain when swinging a racquet or pitching a ball. Rotator cuff tendinitis causes shoulder pain at the top of the shoulder and the upper arm. Reaching, pushing, pulling, or lifting the arm above shoulder level can make the pain worse. Even lying on the painful side can worsen the problem. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that attach the arm to the shoulder blade. This cuff allows the arm to lift and twist. Repeated motion of the arms can damage and wear down the tendons, muscles, and bone. Impingement syndrome is a squeezing of the rotator cuff. Jobs that require frequent overhead reaching and sports involving lots of use of the shoulder may damage the rotator cuff or bursa. Rheumatoid arthritis also can inflame the rotator cuff and result in tendinitis and bursitis. Any of these can lead to severe swelling and impingement. Knee Tendinitis or Jumper’s Knee If you overuse a tendon during activities such as dancing, bicycling, or running, it may become stretched, torn, and swollen. Trying to break a fall can also damage tendons around the kneecap. This type of injury often happens to older people whose tendons may be weaker and less flexible. Pain in the tendons around the knee is sometimes called jumper’s knee. This is because it often happens to young people who play sports like basketball. The overuse of the muscles and force of hitting the ground after a jump can strain the tendon. After repeated stress from jumping, the tendon may swell or tear. People with tendinitis of the knee may feel pain while running, jumping, or walking quickly. Knee tendinitis can increase the risk for large tears to the tendon. Achilles Tendinitis The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. Achilles tendinitis is a common injury that makes the tendon swell, stretch, or tear. It’s usually caused by overuse. It can also result from tight or weak calf muscles. Normal aging and arthritis can also stiffen the tendon. Achilles tendon injuries can happen when climbing stairs or otherwise overworking the calf muscle. But these injuries are most common in weekend warriors who don’t exercise regularly or don’t take time to warm up before they do. Among athletes, most Achilles injuries seem to occur in sprinting or jumping sports. Athletes who play football, tennis, and basketball can all be affected by Achilles tendinitis. An injury almost always retires the athlete for the rest of the season. Achilles tendinitis can be a long-term condition. It can also cause what appears to be a sudden injury. When a tendon is weakened by age or overuse, trauma can cause it to rupture. These injuries can be sudden and agonizing. Diagnosis of tendinitis and bursitis begins with a medical history and physical exam. You will describe the pain and when and where the pain occurs. The doctor may ask you whether it gets better or worse during the day. Another important clue is what makes the pain go away or come back. There are other tests a doctor may use including: Selective tissue tension test to find out which tendon is affected. Palpation or touching specific areas of the tendon to pinpoint the swelling. X ray to rule out arthritis or bone problems. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which can show damage to both bone and soft tissue. Anesthetic injection test to see if the pain goes away. Taking fluid from the swollen area to rule out infection. What Kind of Health Care Professional Treats These Conditions? Your regular doctor or a physical therapist can treat most cases of tendinitis and bursitis. Cases that don’t respond to normal treatment may be referred to a specialist. How Are Bursitis and Tendinitis Treated? The focus of treatment is to heal the injured bursa or tendon. The first step is to reduce pain and swelling. This can be done with rest, tightly wrapping or elevating the affected area, or taking drugs that bring down the swelling. Aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen all serve that purpose. Ice may be helpful in recent, severe injuries, but is of little or no use in long-term cases. When ice is needed, an ice pack can be held on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours for 3 to 5 days. A health care provider may suggest longer use of ice and a stretching program. Your health care provider may also suggest limiting activities that involve the affected joint. Support equipment may be suggested such as: An elbow band for tennis elbow A brace for the ankle or foot A splint for the knee or hand. Other treatments may include: Ultrasound, which are gentle sound-wave vibrations that warm deep tissues and improve blood flow An electrical current that pushes a corticosteroid drug through the skin directly over the swollen bursa or tendon Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises Massage of the soft tissue. If there is no improvement, your doctor may inject a drug into the area around the swollen bursa or tendon. If the joint still does not improve after 6 to 12 months, the doctor may perform surgery to repair damage and relieve pressure on the tendons and bursae. If the bursitis is caused by an infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If a tendon is completely torn, surgery may be needed to repair the damage. Repairing a tendon tear requires an exercise program to restore the ability to bend and straighten the joint and to strengthen the muscles around it to prevent repeat injury. An exercise program may last 6 months. Can Bursitis and Tendinitis Be Prevented? To help prevent swelling or reduce the number of flares, you can do several things. The following list was adapted from MayoClinic.com. Warm up or stretch before exercise. Strengthen the muscles around the joint. Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks. Cushion the affected joint with foam (knee pads, elbow pads). Increase the gripping surface on tools by using gloves, grip tape, or other padding. Use an oversized grip on golf clubs. Use a two-handed backhand in tennis. Use two hands to hold heavy tools. Don’t sit still for long periods. Practice good posture. Position your body properly when doing daily tasks. Begin new activities or exercises slowly. If you have a history of tendinitis, consider talking to your doctor before starting a new exercise. What Are Researchers Learning? Researchers supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) are studying bursitis and tendinitis in the following ways: The role of the immune system in the inflammation of tendinitis to create better strategies for prevention and treatment. Worksite issues that affect the onset of tendinitis and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Full Article Here: http://1.usa.gov/SSOalO

18.01.2022 ~ via Love unlimited <3

14.01.2022 Scalene muscles are three paired muscles of the neck, located in the front on either side of the throat, just lateral to the sternocleidomastoid. There is an an...terior scalene (scalenus anterior), a medial scalene (scalenus medius), and a posterior scalene (scalenus posterior). They derive their name from the Greek word skalenos and the later Latin scalenus meaning "uneven", similar to the scalene triangle in mathematics, which has all sides of unequal length. These muscles not only have different lengths but also considerable variety in their attachments and fiber arrangements. As you will see from the descriptions below, these muscles are in a very crowded place and are related to many important structures, namely nerves and arteries, that run through the neck. The scalenes run deep to the sternocleidomastoid. They all start at the cervical vertebra and run to the first to second ribs. The anterior scalene runs almost vertically and its upper part is concealed by the SCM and the lower part is concealed by the clavicle. Along its medial border runs the carotid artery. The internal jugular vein, the intermediate tendon of the omohyoid, the phrenic nerve; and the transverse cervical and scapular arteries all lie between the anterior scalene and the sternocleidomastoid (in front of scalene behind the SCM) Between the muscle and the clavicle runs the subclavian vein. The rear of the muscle, its posterior border, makes contact with the brachial plexus nerve roots, which run between it and the medial scalene. Together with the first rib these muscles form a triangle known as the scalene triangle or interscalene triangle1 through which the brachial plexus nerves and the subclavian artery pass. Also behind the anterior scalene are the pleura of the lungs and the superior intercostal artery. Just behind the anterior scalene is the scalenus medius, referring to the "middle" muscle. This muscle forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck2. The front of the muscle runs close the the brachial plexus and the upper two thoracic nerve roots run through it. It makes contact with the levator scapulae in the rear, and the dorsal scapular nerve and transverse cervical artery pass between the two. The upper two roots of the long thoracic nerve go through the muscle. Only the anterior and medial scalene can be palpated. The posterior scalene is much shorter than the other two, and only starts at the lower cervical vertebra, where it attaches via two three tendinous slips. Whereas the first two attach to the first rib, the medius attaches to the second rib. 1,2,3,4,5,6.7 Some texts refer to a fourth scalene muscle, the scalenus minor. This variant does not always occur on both sides of the neck, but may be present in up one-third of people. This normal variation may have implications in thoracic outlet syndromes as does the scalenus anterior, resulting in a syndrome known as Scalenus Anterior sydrome or Scalenus Anticus syndrome (another name for the anterior muscle). The brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, as mentioned above, pass between the anterior scalene and the middle scalene. When present, the minimus inserts between the scalenus anterior and medius, passing behind the subclavian artery while the scalene anterior passes over and in front of it.7,8 At the top of the lungs is a the suprapleural membrane, which is a dense fascial layer also called Sibson's fascia. This fascia is attached to the inner border of the first rib and the costal cartilage. The pleura of the lungs attach to this fascia underneath. The fascia attaches to the transverse process of the C7 vertebra and when muscle fibers are found in it, it is called the pleuralis muscle, which is another name for the scalenus minimus. So this suprapleural membrane could be regarded as a flattened out tendon of the scalenus minimus, meaning that the scalenus minimus is attached to the pleura of the lungs, or the pleural dome and then beyond to the first rib, lying behind the anterior scalene and the groove of the subclavian artery. The scalenus muscle is a reinforcement of Sibson's fascia, which serves to stiffen the thoracic inlet and the neck structures above it so that they are not "puffed" up and down during forced respiration.8 The scalenes are clearly individual muscles but the all work together as a functional unit. They are usually considered accessory muscles of inspirations, as they work to elevate and fix the first and second ribs, while serving to fix them during quiet breathing, becoming guy-wires from the neck. It was thought that they were only active during labored or forceful breathing. However, measurement of their activity with concentric needles electrodes have demonstrated their activity even during quiet, normal breathing, even when the intake of breath is quite small. This has caused some researchers to drop the "accessory" label and consider them primary muscles of inspiration. During normal diaphragmatic breathing, the ribs are elevated by the intercostal muscles and the scalenes. The orientation of the ribs causes them, when elevated, to expand the chest to the sides and front which increases the thoracic volume available for the lungs to expand into, although a most of this expansion is into the abdominal space which is made available by the contraction of the diaphragm downward. Their exact role in breathing is difficult to resolve. The actions of the scalene muscles as movers of the neck and head are variously reported. They stabilize the cervical spine against lateral movement. The most common moving action attributed to them unilaterally is contralateral rotation of the cervical spine (rotation of head to the opposite side of working muscle). They have also been reported to be ipsilateral rotators (rotation to same side as working muscle). Bilaterally they are reported to be flexors of the neck. Their action in this regard depends on whether the thorax is fixed or the neck is fixed.1,2,3,4,5,6.7 Whether they are always active during breathing or not, the scalenes may become overactive in quiet breathing in upper chest breathing patterns. Prolonged coughing can overuse these muscles as well, and they may be especially problematic to asthma sufferers. Pain can come from myofascial trigger points in the scalenes or from thoracic outlet entrapment syndromes associated with the muscles.7 Origins, Insertions, and Actions Origins: The Anterior Scalene (front scalene) originates on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third or fourth to the sixth cervical vertebrae. The Scalenus Medius (middle scalene) originates on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first or second to seventh cervical vertebrae. The Scalenus Posterior (rear scalene) attaches by two or three tendons from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the the fifth or sixth to the seventh cervical vertebra (the last two or three). Insertions: The scalenus anterior inserts onto the scalene tubercle and cranial crest of the firt rib, in front of the subclavian groove. The middle scalene inserts onto the cranial surface of the first rib, between the scalene tubercle and the subclavian groove. The posterior scalene inserts onto the outer surface of the second rib. Actions: As above, the scalenes function as fixers and elevators of the first and second ribs during inspiration. The anterior and medial scalenes elevate the first rib and the posterior scalene elevates the second rib. It is generally accepted that, acting unilaterally, they flex the head to the same side and acting bilaterally the flex the head forward (cervical flexion). Their roles as rotators of the neck given differently by different texts. Some report that all three scalenes rotate the head to the same side and some report that they all rotate it to the opposite side. Some report different functions for each scalene. According to Buford, et al., a multiple single-subject study on anesthetized macaques and human cadaver follow up revealed all three muscles as contralateral rotators of the cervical spine (rotating the head to the opposite side).4 The scalenes also help to laterally stabilize the neck, which is especially suited to the scalenus posterior.7 Sources of Scalene Trouble and Trigger Points As stated above, breathing habits can be a cause of the scalenes being overworked. Here is a list of possible causes of scalene trouble which can lead to trigger points in the muscles or the neurovascular entrapment syndrome: labored breathing and/or habitual upper chest breathing (paradoxical), or chronic coughing, possibly associated with: nervous hyperventilation asthma emphysema pneumonia bronchitis allergies playing wind instruments work habits and activities such as: working for long periods with arms in front and possible slouched forward (as at a desk) working long periods with arms overhead work the requires repeatedly raising and lowering the arms carrying heavy loads at the sides pulling or lifting (especially with arms as waist) rowing swimming pulling ropes as in sailing wearing a heavy backpack poor posture with head-forward, kyphotic slouching and other problems such as: one short leg when standing small hemipelvis when sitting idopathic scoliosis sleeping with the head and neck low trauma from a hard fall or auto accident, whiplash (also affects sternocleidomastoid)7 Full article, with references & more great tips here: http://bit.ly/NOTfco

14.01.2022 Did You Know: One of the reasons we yawn is to cool our brains! When you start to yawn, powerful stretching of the jaw increases blood flow in the neck, face, a...nd head. The deep intake of breath during a yawn forces downward flow of spinal fluid and blood from the brain. Cool air breathed into the mouth cools these fluids Image from a Pepsi Cola Ad (We know. Weird! But we have to give them the credit since it is their artwork.)

14.01.2022 Muscle pairs: Muscles are grouped together in pairs on your skeleton Relaxed or Contracted: When one muscle of a pair contracts, the other relaxes. Pulling Musc...les: Skeletal muscles only pull in one direction. For this reason they always come in pairs. When one muscle in a pair contracts, to bend a joint for example, its counterpart then contracts and pulls in the opposite direction to straighten the joint out again. Without this arrangement you wouldn't be able to straighten your legs when you walk or bend your fingers to grip something. When your biceps muscle in your upper arm contracts, it pulls your lower arm in towards your shoulder. However, when it relaxes, your biceps cannot push your arm back out. To do this, your triceps muscle, on the underside of your upper arm, contracts and straightens your arm out. If your triceps muscle wasn't there, your arm would stay drawn in permanently. Info: BBC Medical Drawings by tumblr user "this-is-relevant"

14.01.2022 lol how true this is !!

13.01.2022 Health Benefits of Massage

12.01.2022 Is your handbag going to give you arthritis? Not to mention slipped discs and bad knees? How lugging around a heavy load can put years on your body! Studies sho...w half of women suffer pain from carrying heavy handbags and now men are also suffering, according to new research by the British Chiropractic Association. ‘Heavy man-bags weighing, on average, 6.2kg put unbalanced strain and stress on the body, which can lead to pain, poor posture and health problems,’ says Rishi Loatey, of the British Chiropractic Association. ‘I’ve noticed a spike in patients experiencing pain in the neck and upper back due to carrying around heavy loads more frequently,’ he adds. There, my movements while walking were recorded and analysed both with and without my weighty 9lb-plus handbag to see the effects. The results were startling. ‘Carrying a bag has a huge impact on posture and movement,’ says Bupa physiotherapist Russell Stocker. ‘Though you might not notice it, your body dramatically adapts and compensates. This was even more pronounced when wearing high heels.’ NECK When you carry a bag, your neck naturally leans away from the load to help carry and balance the weight. This causes tension on the carrying side of the neck and compression on the opposite side. ‘Craning your neck means increasing the distance between the neck and the shoulder,’ says Russell. The problem is that this is just where a bundle of nerves come together (forming the brachial plexus) before running into the arm; the strain can lead to neck pain and muscle inflammation. Over time, this could trigger an ‘acute episode’, he says the muscles can spasm, restricting movement and causing pain. SHOULDERS AND BACK The shoulder bearing the load is rotated backwards and raised all the time, explains Russell. This affects the muscles running down the upper back, the shoulder blades and those supporting the spine they tire and spasm. As Bupa orthopaedic physician Dr Leon Creaney, explains: ‘Fatigued muscles won’t hold the spine correctly, so it will slip into poor posture slumped with curved back and shoulders.’ Long term, this can lead to painful arthritis in the facet joints. These are tiny joints running all the way along the spine on either side The vertebrae and the discs the ‘cushions’ of cartilage that sit between the vertebrae could also be affected. "The side of the body not carrying the bag leans away from it, crunching the lower back on this side, while extending it further on the other,’ adds Russell. This compresses the vertebrae, wearing them down. Carrying a heavy bag can, over time, also cause disc degeneration and prolapse, says Dr Creaney. This is when the soft tissue inside the disc ruptures out of it, pressing on the nerves. ‘This can be agonising, and even require surgery’ he explains ‘and carrying a heavy bag could lead to faster disc degeneration. ‘Bearing a heavy load on one side could also cause the spinal nerves to become irritated or compressed possibly leading to sciatica (pain in the buttock and thigh), which is also very painful.’ ARMS The arm carrying the bag remains very static while walking to keep the load still and balanced. ‘This is quite different to the natural swinging movement we make when walking,’ says Russell. ‘Without the normal arm swing used as a balance mechanism, this can make you slightly unsteady and actually mean you need greater effort to move forwards.’ The nerves in the arms can also become irritated by the pressure of the bag, leading to chronic pain. HIPS ANDLEGS In the long term, women can develop arthritis from increased pressure. ‘Carrying a bag makes you walk differently, and that changes the way forces act through the skeletal system, which could cause problems and pain,’ says Russell. The greater the load of the bag, the more pressure on the leg joints. Over a long period, force on the knees can cause wear and tear and joint problems. ‘With a heavy bag you also take shorter steps an adaptation your body probably makes to control the load better and remain upright,’ he adds.

08.01.2022 Remedial massage is a therapeutic and treatment based massage. It is a wonderful method to prevent and treat injuries, tensions and stresses you may receive through work, day to day living and sport. I use a combination of massage techniques, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point and Myofacial. Back, neck and shoulder pain and tension headaches Reduce stress and tension work, exams and general life General wellbeing ... Assist with particular muscular problem or injury Improve circulation of blood and lymph aid elimination of toxins Relieve aches, pains, sprains and strains Relax, revive and recharge Prevent injury Increase range of movement Health rebates may apply. Treatments 1 hr $60 Gift vouchers available A great gift to treat a friend or family member. To book a treatment or further enquires Jan Baruffi 97970218 See more

03.01.2022 What Is Tennis Elbow? What Causes Tennis Elbow? The condition is also known as lateral epicondylitis (inflammation of the outside elbow bone). Tennis elbow ofte...n occurs as a result of strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and around the elbow joint. These tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Other descriptions for tennis elbow are lateral epicondylosis, lateral epicondylalgia, or simply lateral elbow pain. Tennis elbow is also known as "hooter's elbow" or "archer's elbow." According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary: Tennis Elbow is chronic inflammation at the origin of the extensor muscles of the forearm from the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, as a result of unusual or repetitive strain (not necessarily from playing tennis). The peak incidence is between 30 to 60 years of age. No difference in incidence between men and women or association between tennis elbow and the dominant hand has been demonstrated. What are the symptoms of Tennis Elbow? The pain that is caused by tennis elbow usually lasts for between 6-12 weeks. Recurring pain on the outside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of the elbow is the most frequent sign of the injury. Sometimes, pain may also be felt down your arm towards the wrist. Pain that is caused by lifting, or bending, your arm is also a symptom. Pain when performing basic actions such writing, or when gripping small objects, like a pen is also a possible symptom. Pain when twisting your forearm - for example, when turning a door handle also can be lateral epicondylitis , or difficulty extending your forearm fully. What are the causes of Tennis Elbow? Among tennis players, it is believed to be caused by the repetitive nature of hitting thousands and thousands of tennis balls which lead to tiny tears in the forearm tendon attachment at the elbow. It can also be a result of basic life activities such as using scissors, or shears, gardening, sports that involve lots of throwing, swimming, manual work that involves repetitive turning, or lifting of the wrist, such as plumbing, or bricklaying, typing, and racquet sports. Tennis elbow can also occur if you play golf frequently, and golfers can also sometimes get golfer's elbow which affects the inside of the arm. The extension of the fifth digit and some extension of the wrist allowing for adaption to "snap" or flick the wrist which is usually associated with a racquet swing. Most often, the extensor muscles become painful due to tendon breakdown from over-extension. Improper form or movement allows for power in a swing to rotate through and around the wrist thus creating a movement on that joint instead of the elbow joint or rotator cuff. This movement causes pressure to build impact forces to act on the tendon causing irritation and inflammation. Diagnosing Tennis Elbow An easy at-home test can be performed to determine whether you have tennis elbow. Stand behind a chair, place your hands on top of the chair back with your palms down, and try to lift the chair up. If this causes pain on the outside of your elbow, the culprit is most likely tennis elbow. However, in some cases it is necessary to perform an X-Ray or MRI scan in order to rule out other more severe ailments such as arthritis, or an injury inside your elbow joint. If a person has severe tennis elbow that has failed to heal, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, or an ultrasound scan may be necessary. This will produce a more detailed image than an X-ray, as it includes the soft tissues, muscles, and tendons inside your arm. . What are the treatment options for Tennis Elbow? There are several layers of treatment that can be implemented by self or a physician. First, rest is important. The rest allows the tiny tears in the tendon attachment to heal. Tennis players treat more serious cases with ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, soft tissue massage, stretching exercises, and ultrasound therapy. Stretches and progressive strengthening exercises involving use of weights or elastic bands to increase pain free grip strength and forearm strength can be helpful. Racquet sport players also are commonly advised to strengthen their shoulder rotator cuff, scapulothoracic and abdominal muscles by physiotherapists to help reduce any overcompensation in the wrist extensors during gross shoulder and arm movements. Soft tissue release or simply massage can help reduce the muscular tightness and reduce the tension on the tendons; and strapping of the forearm can help realign the muscle fibers and redistribute the load. If symptoms are particularly painful, and the condition is making movement difficult, a steroid injection may be recommended. Cortisone is the steroid that is usually used because it helps to reduce inflammation. After having a steroid injection (or injections), one should take care to rest the arm and avoid putting too much strain on it too quickly. Physiological options to treatment span a host of possible approaches, including: blood injection (possibly augmented by plateletpheresis), botulinum toxin, extra-corporeal shock wave therapy (lithotriptor), heat therapy, immobilization of the forearm and elbow using a splint for two to three weeks, low level laser therapy, occupational therapy, plasma injections, and trigger point therapy. In rare cases of severe, persistent tennis elbow, surgery may be recommended. The operation involves removing the damaged part of the tendon in order to relieve the symptoms of pain. Preventing Tennis Elbow Prevention is difficult to define exactly, but measures can be taken to decrease the likelihood of contracting this injury. Techniques of movement are especially important. Rather than using your wrist and elbow more than the rest of your arm, try spreading the load to the larger muscles of your shoulder and upper arm. Before playing a sport that involves repetitive arm movements, such as tennis, or squash, warming up beforehand and gently stretching arm muscles will help you to avoid injury. Using lightweight tools, or racquets, and enlarging their grip size, will help prevent putting excess strain on your tendons. Wearing an arm brace, or a wrist splint, when you are using your arm, and taking it off while you are resting, or sleeping, can help prevent further damage to your tendons. Ask a general practitioner or physiotherapist for advice about the best type of brace, or splint, for you to use. Finally, increasing the strength of forearm muscles can help to prevent tennis elbow from occurring. A physiotherapist will be able to advise regarding suitable exercises that will help build up the muscles of your forearm. Sy Kraft. "What Is Tennis Elbow? What Causes Tennis Elbow?." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 13 Jan. 2010. Web.

02.01.2022 Better Health Through Orgasm (Image of brain activity during the big event) Researchers and physicians are finally wising up to what some of us already knew: se...x and orgasms are good for you. Specifically it is now being confirmed that sex and orgasm have positive effects on most of the major bodily processes. Relieve Tension: The relaxation that typically follows orgasm is often one of the few times people actually allow themselves to completely relax and let go of the day’s stresses. Help you sleep better: Following an orgasm men usually experience a quick drop in blood pressure and fall into sudden relaxation. For women the effect is more progressive but just as powerful. Consider orgasm as your own personal tranquilizer. Throw the Ambien out and overcome insomnia. Let the joyful release of endorphins take over and calm your body and mind. Boost your immune system: With orgasm, DHEA is released and Dr. Theresa Crenshaw author of Alchemy of Love and Lust, says DHEA may be the most powerful chemical in our personal world. It helps balance the immune system, improves cognition, promotes bone growth, and maintains and repairs tissues, keeping your skin healthy and supple. It can mean less frequent colds and flu. In fact, Wilkes University in Pennsylvania says those who have sex once or twice a week show 30 percent higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system. Reduce Depression: Many hormones are positively affected by the act of sex and orgasm, which can lead to a lighter mood. Another theory is proposed by psychologist Gordon Gallup who states that Prostaglandin, a hormone found in semen (which upon being absorbed in the female genital tract) may have led to 30 percent more of his female study participants to report feeling happier than the participants who did not have men ejaculate inside of them. So, he can apparently make you feel happy inside and out. Help you eat better: Sexual stimulation activates the production of phenetylamine, a natural amphetamine that regulates your appetite. So start curbing those midnight cravings with a little midnight sex. Strengthen your body: Muscle contraction as a form of exercise is generally good for any muscle. The muscle contraction associated with orgasm can also address issues such as erection problems and incontinence. When 178 Belgian men with minor erection problems participated in a four month daily rehabilitation program which primarily focused on Kegel exercises, 74 percent showed improvement and 43 percent reported they were cured. For women, Kegels strengthen the entire uro-genital tract, aid in easing childbirth, and prevents the onset of incontinence. Alleviate Pain: Oxytocin should be everyone’s favorite hormone. When oxytocin is secreted in your body it helps release those wonderful endorphins we have been discussing. Because of these natural opiates, sexand specifically orgasmbecome a powerful analgesic, elevating the pain threshold. Orgasms can even help to relieve the pain of arthritis, whiplash, and headaches. Now that is a prescription everyone can follow. Reduce your risk of heart disease: It is simple by having sex three or more times per week, individuals reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke by half. Increase blood flow: As fresh blood supply arrives, your cells, organs and muscles are saturated with fresh oxygen and hormones, and as the used blood is removed, you also remove waste products that cause fatigue and even illness. This can be contributed to all of that deep breathing and muscle contraction occurring up to and through orgasm. Help you lose weight: There are 3,500 calories in a pound of fat. For every 3,500 calories you burn, you will lose one pound of fat. Sexual intercourse burns approximately 150 calories per half hour. In comparison, yoga uses 114 calories per half hour, dancing 129, walking at 3 mph burns 153, weight training also kicks 153, while volleyball burns 174. The pulse rate, in an aroused person, rises from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as that of an athlete putting forth maximum effort. And here’s a fun fact: British researchers have determined that the equivalent of six Big Macs can be worked off by having sex three times per week for a year. Create healthier relationships: Oxytocin is also considered the bonding hormone another reason to love it. It spikes three to five times higher than usual just before orgasm, actually triggering it. It can also be elevated through touch. Maybe that is why so many of us feel compelled to blurt out how much we love our partner at climax. Help you to live longer: A British study of 1,000 people found those who had at least two orgasms per week had half the death rate of the rest of the country, which admitted to indulging in sex less than once per month. Live long and prosper. By Dr. Kat Van Kirk is a Clinical Sexologist and Relationship Therapist

02.01.2022 Well thats holiday time over awww back to work look forward to seeing old and new clients this month ....stay cool and hydrated :)

01.01.2022 Posture Matters.