Nahant Harbor Review - Nahant, Massachusetts USA

NAHANT HARBOR REVIEW • JULY 2010 • Page 9Weekend WarriorBy Susan Cadigan, LMT, CNMT, NCTMB,Nahant Therapeutic MassageTherapeutic massage often blends different applicationsand techniques of body work, to help eliminate pain,dysfunction, stress and tension. The goal is to alleviate thediscomfort and allow room for the body (and mind) toheal. By combining the different styles, a thorough, layerby-layerlifting of tension and sources of pain and discomfortcan be had, in a comfortable and soothing manner.With the warm weather here, our weekend warrior activitieshave increased and we tend to do too much, too soon,leaving us to wonder the next day, “What was I thinking?”Not enough rest between workouts can lead tochronic overload in the muscles. Frequently, we get knots,or spasms, in our legs and shoulders, from overuse and ifnot massaged, or left on their own, they are prone tobecome hypertonic. A hypertonic muscle is a muscle thatis constantly working—sort of held in a sustained contraction.This soft tissue dysfunction can lead to other naggingissues, over time. The distressed muscle tissue consumesmore oxygen and energy and gathers more nerve irritatingwaste products (lactic acid). Because the muscle is notpumping and performing normally, the circulation isdecreased and the muscle starts to harden (ischemia),which begins another cycle of pain and discomfort. Theknot, or hypertonic area, tends to pull on the attachmentsto the supporting tissues and ligaments, as well as thejoint capsule. The increased and uneven pressure cancreate excessive wear in the joint and speed up degeneration.Muscles that are too tight, or knotted, can compressnerves that travel between, or through, the area and cantrigger feelings of pins and needles, or buzzing-tinglingsensations.When working on an area that feels too hard, orfibrous, a minute or so of gentle warming to the area, withSwedish techniques, is applied. The knots are then gentlymilked, plied apart and detangled, with the slow, deepneuromuscular techniques. To encourage the muscle toregain its length and deactivate the contraction, the tissueis nudged slowly and deeply, by adding the myofascialmobilization along-side the neuromuscular therapy. Thetherapeutic approach is like having a good conversation.One must listen, observe and respond, with full attentionand awareness.Thank you for entrusting me with yourselves andloved ones. I am truly grateful. A safe and happy summerto you.Susan Cadigan is licensed and nationally certified intherapeutic massage & bodywork. She holds a diploma inadvanced massage therapy and is certified in myofascialand neuromuscular therapy. Nahant Therapeutic Massageis located in the center of town in the Community Center;41 Valley Road. Ms. Cadigan may be reached on her cellphone: 617-240-4252, or you may leave a message on theoffice phone: 781-780-3733. For more information,please visit www.nahantmassage.comHELP WANTEDThe Nahant Harbor Review needs a Sales Rep.to cover the Lynn and Swampscott areas.Generous commission schedule. Gas allowance.Work from your own home, on your ownschedule. Call Donna at 781-592-4148or email donna@nahant.comQ & A with North Shore Physical TherapyBy Susan Finigan, NSPTQ. I need to find an alternative to walking on land, because my knees and hips arehurting when I walk on land. What can I do to stay fit?A. Water reduces the effects of gravity, provides support around the submergedbody, and decreases compression forces on the joints and spine. Aquatic physical therapyis a comprehensive therapeutic approach, that uses aquatic exercises designed to aid inthe rehabilitation of various conditions and medical diagnoses. Each individualizedprogram consists of specific components: warm-up, stretching, muscular strength andendurance, cardiovascular, and a cool-down, or relaxation. The therapist and patientestablish goals and develop a plan with emphasis on an independent program. Thisprogram is used outside their aquatic therapy visits, for continued strengthening and painmanagement. Once their therapy is completed, many patients are able to transition towater exercise programs offered at various aquatic facilities, or continue to work on theirown exercise program. The benefits of aquatic therapy include: the promotion of muscularrelaxation, reduction of pain sensitivity, decrease in muscle spasm, reduction ofgravitational forces to assist with walking, increase the ease of joint movement, increasein muscular strength, increase peripheral circulation, increased respiratory musclestrength, increased cardiac function and improved body awareness, balance and trunkstabilityWater provides buoyancy, allowing joints to move more freely and also provides aforce (resistance) to move against. Moving against the resistance of the water can improvestrength in weak muscles. Due to hydrostatic pressure, respiratory muscles arestrengthened by working against the resistance of the water during inspiration. This sameforce helps expiration, key for asthma and emphysema sufferers. Dilation of bloodvessels increases in warm water, increasing venous return and moving tissue fluidsthrough the injured structures. Circulation is increased by this redistribution of blood tothe extremities.Many orthopedic conditions respond well to aquatic therapy. These include arthritis,low-back pain, joint replacements, knee, shoulder and ankle surgeries and shoulderinjuries. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke and balance/gait disturbances,can benefit from aquatic therapy, as well. Fibromyalgia syndrome patients maybe able to successfully exercise in water, due to its gentler environment. They can gainmuscle strength and endurance, receive pain relief and experience relaxation of musclespasms.If you have questions concerning back pain, balance, or other physical concerns,discuss this with your doctor, or physical therapist. The water may be a gentler environmentfor you to gain strength, experience less pain, and reach your rehabilitation goals.North Shore Physical Therapy has been offering aquatic physical therapy for 3 yearsand currently sees patients Tuesday and Thursday mornings, by appointment. Please seeyour doctor for a prescription and schedule your evaluation with our office. If you havequestions on aquatic therapy, please call our office in Marblehead, 781-631-8250.NAHANT CLASSIFIED ADSGot something for sale or do you want something?Reach all Nahant! Put it in the Nahant Classified ads!1” X 2 COLUMN BOXOnly $25.00Send text by email to donna@nahant.com, or drop in theHarbor Review box, at Equitable Bank in Nahant.TheDEADLINEfor theAugust issueof the NahantHarborReview isJULY 15th.Luis Ortiz, Licensed Massage TherapistCall today and receive 15% off your massage/Refer a friend and receive 25% off your next visit!Call us at 857-891-0257 or E-mail nahantlmt@gmail.comBy Appointment only. Offering the following services:Swedish relaxation massage • Deep tissue massageHot stone therapyWe welcome clients at a convenient Swampscottlocation. Gift certificates are available.