Posture is the bearing in which you hold your body plumb when you are standing, sitting or lying down.  Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during activity or weight-bearing movements.

Correct Posture:

• Keeps bones and joints correctly aligned so that muscles are being used properly.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the vertebrae together.
• Decreases the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that can bring upon arthritis.
• Prevents the spine becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
• Reduces fatigue.
• Prevents strain or overuse problems.
• Prevents back and muscular pain.
• Contributes to a good appearance.

It’s mortifying to hear “Posture is inherited.  My parents had bad posture, so did their parents, and so I have bad posture too.  I guess I’m just stuck with it”.

What an absolute load of rubbish!  The theory of inheriting bad posture is completely false, so why do so many sufferers of back pain believe it?

The answer is simply that medical profession is failing to help people with postural problems.  So much trust is put into our doctors, that when they can’t help us, we often give up all hope.  What most people don’t realise is that doctors aren’t really experts on posture, and 80% of Australians suffer from back pain.”

Improving your “computer posture” is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting rounded shoulders and neck ache.   While we need to be aware of your posture on any computer, using a laptop makes it is especially easy to pick up bad habits.

The trouble with laptops is that they keyboard and display are too close together, which means you are either you are looking down too much which is bad for your neck, or your hands are too high which encourages tense shoulders.   If only used for short periods at a time, laptops don’t really pose much risk, but increasingly people are spending more hours a day on them.

A sign of the aging process is poor posture, but it is actually possible to prevent this with posture exercises.

We can’t do anything about wrinkles or gray hair as we grow old…  (well, maybe the ladies will disagree,) but it is possible to maintain good posture as we mature.

Avoid sending your child to School.

Obviously, we can’t do that, but watch any child when they are in their preschool years and you will see an example of a good posture.  Children naturally hold no excessive tension in their bodies and move effortlessly regardless of what they are doing.  We look at them galavanting around and think “I wish I could still do that”.  This stops when the child starts school, and is made to sit in poorly designed furniture, in a static position, for hours on end.

Holding the body still for any extended period of time causes the muscles to tire and tense.   A typical school chair slopes backwards, thus tipping the pelvis away from the desk.   This leaves the child with no option but to round their back and shoulders in order to reach their desks.

In countries where children are not made to sit at school desks, you will almost always see that they maintain their perfect posture into adulthood.

Lack of Exercise.

Movement and exercise is commonly overlooked.  Actually they are perhaps one of the best posture exercises that you can do to ensure good health.  The reason for this is that our bodies are designed for continuous movement.   We are never really still for any length of time.  Even the act of standing, which many would assume is a static position, actually involves mini movements that are performed unconsciously over and over.  An exercise you can try is to stand on one leg and then close your eyes and see how hard it is to maintain your balance.  It shows how much we rely on our eyes to make the tiny adjustments in muscle tension that keep us upright.

Despite movement being such an important activity, we often make no plan for it.  Instead, people linger and tell their posture has become progressively worse to the point where they have to go and see a doctor.  Sadly, the doctor has not much to offer for back pain, and anti inflammatories just hide the symptom doing nothing for the cause.  However, if a little exercise were taken a few times a week it would probably have a more significant effect than anything a doctor or surgeon could accomplish.

The major problem seems to be that from the time a child goes to school until a person expires, we are typically expected to spend most of a day in a sitting position.  It’s no wonder that so many people have back pain these days when you consider the time that the average adult will spend in a chair.

In spite of age, muscle strength can be achieved even at 70 and above.  It’s simply a case of use it or lose it…  So use it! Walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, etc are all good posture exercises that you can enjoy and do you a whole heap of good.

Have you ever wondered why one side of your neck sometimes gets really tight.  Maybe it hurts to turn your head to the right.  Stand relaxed and check in the mirror to see if your left shoulder is raised.
You might be thinking you slept badly the night before, but it might be that your crook neck  is an indication of a more extensive muscular imbalance that has been coming on.

Ever felt the outer thigh get really tight or sore on, say, the left leg? Sportsmen might know the muscle as the ITB or iliotibial band.  Possibly combined with that the inner thigh (adductor muscles) on the other leg is tight or sore? Stand relaxed with your arms loosely down by your side and check to see if your right hip is higher than the left.
If in this instance your right shoulder is also lower than the left, you probably have at least a mild scoliosis…  a curvature of the spine.

Posture gives a remedial massage therapist numerous clues about likely causes of muscular and joint aches and pains.

Qualified therapists are trained to recognise what muscles are likely to be involved in postural imbalances, how to check the muscles for flexibility and strength, and how to loosen or strengthen them if there is a problem.

It can go without saying of course,that postural problems may be due to an injury, a birth defect or other reasons.  However, in the vast majority of cases it is simply due to an imbalance in the muscles between left and right side of the body, or the front and back.

As well as Remedial Massage, a therapist will often give stretching exercises to help correct a problem.

It is through the Lymphatic System that toxic substances are expelled from the body through the bloodstream.

Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic system is not closed and has no central pump.  Lymph movement is slow with low pressure due to peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of smooth muscles to propel contents through the digestive tract), valves, and the milking action of skeletal muscles.

Trained therapists use the technique (Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD) to stimulate circulation through the lymph vessels and ducts around the body.  Its effects and benefits are profound and many can give credence to its powerful effect.

The concept of Lymph Drainage treatment  was developed by Dr. Emil Vodder in the 1930`s.  He pioneered the technique used by so many Lymphatic Drainage Therapists today.

Today, this amazingly gentle massage provides a true balance and flow within the body, assisting the body`s immune system!
The benefits from a Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) are endless.
Not only does the entire immune system gain strength through the procedure, conditions such as swelling, cramping and tension virtually disappear.

The treatment is incredibly simple, yet so effective, and extolls the power of a very light touch.  Its very gentleness is why many people have never tried MLD.  Most people want or need a massage for very tight or sore muscles and believe a soft massage won’t fix their problem… and they are generally correct.

However, the gentleness of MLD massage belies the many health benefits that extend way beyond just relaxation and it’s amazing how such a light, slow and gentle technique has such amazing healing power.

The Lymphatic System transports excess interstitial fluid out of the tissue and back to the bloodstream. It maintains and assists movements of materials into and out of cells. It transports fat, proteins including hormones, and nutrients around the body and provides an important defence against illness.

It is be used for different reasons such as:

• After having surgery, in conjunction with a detox or body cleanse.

• Some Plastic Sugery Clinics recommend Lymphatic Drainage before procedures.

• People who have lymphedema to get rid of excess fluid in specific areas.

• For pregnant women to help relieve puffy hands and legs.

• As  a boost to the immune system.

Some clients have arranged a Lymphatic Drainage to try to avoid becoming sick when others in their workplace were coming down with viruses and wogs.  The massages seem to have worked, but how do you scientifically prove a person didn’t get sick because they had a massage.

Some Healthcare Professionals believe that having regular MLD treatments can reduce a woman’s risk of having breast cancer.

A clogged or blocked Lymphatic System creates a condition of stagnation which promotes fatigue and poor health.  Some of the common symptoms include lumps, pain and swelling.

Just like the veins, lymph travels through vessels in a one way direction only, due to semilunar valves.  There are two semilunar valves present in the arteries leaving the heart, and they prevent blood flowing back from the arteries into the ventricles.  The sound of the heart valves shutting is what causes the heart sounds.

This one way movement depends mainly on the movement of skeletal muscles to squeeze fluid through them, particularly near the joints.  Rhythmic contraction of the vessel walls through motion may also help draw fluid into the smallest lymphatic vessels.
Tight clothing will restrict this and reduce the removal of wastes causing them to multiply.  If tissue fluid builds up the tissue will swell…  a condition called Edema.
Some causes of a blocked lymph system are due in part to stress, lack of exercise, improper diet and repressed communication.

What are Lymph Nodes?

All the small and medium-sized lymph vessels open into lymph nodes which are found in strategic positions throughout the body. The lymph drains through a number of nodes before reentering the bloodstream. These nodes vary considerably in size.  Some are as small as a pin head and others the size of a large pea.

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body.

• Mastoid and Sub occipital nodes are of the head.

• Cervical lymph nodes are those of the neck.

• Axillary lymph nodes are found under the arms, chest and pecs.

• Inguinal lymph nodes are in the region of the groin.

• Popliteal nodes are those behind the knee.

The swelling of these nodes is common in inflammation and malignant disease.  Enlarged nodes are usually felt by your therapist during the course of a routine Remedial or Swedish massage.   Palpation or feeling of the neck, armpits and the groin area is an important part of clinical investigation.   Answers to a series of questions will usually confirm the therapists suspicions of their presence.

What causes swollen Lymph Nodes?

The main cause of swollen lymph Nodes is stress.
Other causes will be lack of exercise, improper diet, environmental toxins, trauma and infections.

What are the benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

There can be many benefits that occur in result of manual lymphatic drainage, ranging from immediate to long term.

These benefits can include the following and more:

• Promotes healing. This can include healing of acute injuries, such as sprains and fractures, as well as long-term illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Prevents illnesses. Manual Lymphatic Drainage can not only help heal illnesses and injuries that currently exist in the patient’s body, but it can also help the body prevent illnesses from occurring in the future.

• Relaxation and Stress Relief. Just as with most forms of massage therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a very relaxing therapy for the patient.

• Helps with pregnancy. Many pregnant women receive manual lymphatic drainage while they are pregnant because of the benefits it offers-it can reduce swelling and pain caused by carrying a baby.

• Helps heal the skin. It can do this in a variety of ways, including helping to heal burns and scars, as well as reducing stretch marks.

• Promotes overall well-being. By reducing swelling, reducing pain, increasing immunity, and healing or helping many illnesses, manual lymphatic drainage is thought to increase the overall well-being of its patients.

Some of the less pleasant after effects, however, may be a feeling of tiredness and lethargy as well as various aches and pains. A dull headache is not uncommon.  There may be slight nausea, an increase in nasal discharge, possibly a stronger-than-normal body odour and even diarrohea.

These are all caused by the extra toxins that have been liberated and are moving round the body, and need to be flushed from the body.

Drinking plenty of water will help flush them and reduce any of the less pleasant effects, which will only be short term.

As a general rule, people wanting a full body MLD massage from a Qualified Therapist should allow up to 80 to 90 minutes.  It’s also advisable not to wear anything tight as it will restrict the flow of the Lymphatic fluid.

One thing competent and experienced MLD therapists can confidently say to their clients is that even if they don’t feel any specific effects or benefits from the massage within a day or two, they will still have had a super relaxing massage and they’ll go home for the best sleep they’ve had in a long while.

When muscles feel knotted, tense or damaged a Deep Tissue can provided a soothing treatment either applying it shallow or deep.  It can be gentle or harder.

Deep Tissue (Remedial) Massage concentrates on the deeper layers of muscle tissue releasing the persistent forms of tension in the body through purposeful strokes and deep pressure on the tight areas, and along or across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia.

It also helps to reduce and eradicate scar tissue.

Remedial massage usually targets specific areas and may cause some discomfort during or after the massage.  If the massage is done correctly however, you should feel much better within a day or two.

The benefits of massage therapy are well known.  People who get a massage before an exams or other potentially stressful situations had a significant reduction in anxiety and respiratory rates.

Office workers who get a regular massage are more alert, perform more efficiently and are less stressed than those who aren’t massaged on a regular basis.

Massage has become an integral part of the athletic brigade from sports medicine clinics, to professionals locker rooms and Olympic training squads.

Trainers now believe that massage can provide an extra edge to the athletes who participate in high performance sports and has become a necessary component in a complete training session.

Anyone who stretches their physical limits through movement such as running, golf, swimming, football and racquet sports, strength training and aerobics can benefit from a massage.

There’s another group who engages in daily strenuous activities that are not normally classified as exercise.  Mothers with small children for starters, gardeners, delivery drivers and others who use their bodies strenuously in their work.

Including massage in your fitness agenda has a plethora benefits.  It helps you get into shape sooner, with less aches and pains. It helps you recover faster from intense workouts… gives relief conditions which may cause possible injury… provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion, and enhances athletic performance.  It is also beneficial treating injuries caused during sport or work.

People who experience regular massage therapy claim that they have an increased sense of daily well-being, better posture and more energy.

If you haven’t tried deep tissue massage therapy make a call today.  Arrange an appointment and experience the many benefits that deep tissue massage has to offer.  With any massage however, it’s advisable to wear comfortable underwear that’s not too tight.

Stress can make your life miserable, cause seemingly unexplainable fatigue, and strains your relationships and deminishes your leisure activities.

Friends and family can be unfortunate victims of stress in your life. You will find yourself less patient and less able to mentally engage with the people you care about.
Massage therapy is one of the best antidotes for stress.

If the untrained hands of a friend or spouse can soothe aches and pains in a ‘neck massage’, imagine the effect of a therapeutic massage by a trained therapist.  Even the rituals of massage come as a welcome break from our hurried lives.

Dimmed lighting, soothing music, the pleasant aroma of a mild oil will help you relax… even without massage.  However with the right massage technique, you can actually feel the stress leaving.
Along with reducing muscular tension, massage boosts the body’s immune system, which can become undermined from extended periods of stress. Tension can build up in the muscles, reducing circulation and nutrient delivery and you can find yourself being a little ’snappy’ with those around you.

Knots or tight spots in your muscles can inhibit your daily performance and are there to tell us that something is wrong.  As other parts of your body try to compensate, they will also start to become tight.

With a Remedial Massage, stress can be significantly reduced.  You’ll find increased energy, and there will be a boost your immune system and the result will be change for the better.

If you haven’t tried Remedial Massage and you’re experiencing stress… make a call today.  Arrange an appointment and experience the many benefits that Remedial Massage has to offer.  With any massage however, it’s advisable to wear comfortable underwear that’s not too tight.

Massage is the manipulation of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function of those tissues, improving relaxation and well-being.
There are many benefits that can be obtained through massage therapy. Relaxation, stress and pain relief are just some of them, but there are also many added benefits that can be achieved through massage therapy that you might not even be aware of.
This can include better physical and mental health, as well as anxiety relief.  Sometimes just talking to a caring massage therapist can take a load off your mind.  Much study has been done on a variety of massage therapy techniques and their effects on patients, and the results have been so very promising.

The benefits of massage therapy proven through research-based studies showed that people who get a massage before an exam or other potentially stressful situation had a significant reduction in anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as an surprising increase in white blood cells.
Another study showed that office workers who get a regular massage are more alert, perform more efficiently and are less stressed than those who aren’t massaged on a regular basis.
It has also been shown that seniors and elderly nursing home residents ane likely to be less agitated after massage.
Another study showed that heart surgery patients showed a significant decrease in anxiety and stress after receiving a massage, suggesting that their post operation health could be better since stress and anxiety are directly related to heart conditions.

The essence of massage is touch… and, through it, healing.

It’s healing power is attained from the fulfillment of a basic human need for human contact.  As siblings, physical contact with family was in the form of holding, stroking, cuddling and touching. Touching is essential for our emotional and physical well being that the lack of it or its withdrawal can lead to serious disturbances such as depression and lack of self-esteem in children.

Touch is the magical ingredient in massage that does not exist in modern medicine.

Not too many doctors touch their patients much any more.  Touch just isn’t there. Years ago massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much touch, and so much care communicated through touch and massage. Now nurses are as busy as doctors writing charts, dealing with insurance notes… they’re busy with procedures and sadly, there is no room for massage in their duties, at least not in the Queensland Health system.

Massage is also becoming increasingly popular. Many people are having massage on a regular basis, and discovering they have less stress and anxiety, and better general health.  With any massage however, it’s advisable to wear comfortable underwear that’s not too tight as the flow of Lymhatic Fluid can be impeded.

If you haven’t tried massage therapy make a call today.  Make an appointment and experience the many benefits that massage has to offer.