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| Contrary to what many believe, our bodies do not just
start hurting because we are aging, nor do we have to
live with aches and pains just because of our age. Pain
is our bodies’ alarm system telling us that something
is wrong. |
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| Chronic pain is often a result of years of occupational
and/or postural strain, causing muscle and joint injuries.
Fibrous tissue forms around injured muscles, tightening
and shortening them, restricting mobility and causing
weakness. Similarly, injured tissues around joints, such
as ligaments and connective tissue, also thicken and tighten.
Restricted joint mobility can then lead to further damage
such as arthritis and degenerative disc disease, which
then puts further strain on muscles. The vicious cycle
begins: pain causes restricted mobility, restricted mobility
causes pain. The less mobile we are, the less we do …
the less we do, the less we can do. |
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Massage therapy is a very effective tool in breaking
this pain cycle. Therapeutic treatments:
• reduce
fibrous tissue build up;
• stretch and lengthen
muscles and to help restore muscle strength;
•
restore joint function by reducing thickening and tightness
of ligaments and connective tissue;
• reduce
pressure on joints, preventing or reducing arthritic changes.
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| Recently, a 76-year-old man came to our clinic for treatment.
His leg muscles had become so tight that he had to rely
on his wife to help him out of a chair. Through massage
therapy, we were able to stretch his muscles and restore
strength to his legs, which enabled him to get up on his
own. Maintaining mobility maintains independence. |
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| Not all massages are created equal. There is a significant
difference between a relaxation spa massage and a therapeutic
massage. When looking for a massage therapist to help
correct a specific problem, be sure to ask for a registered
massage therapist who specializes in deep tissue and therapeutic
treatments. |
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Janice McCord is a registered
massage therapist, practicing at the Bellesmere Massage
Therapy Clinic in Scarborough. The clinic specializes
in therapeutic treatments, and all therapists are registered.
For further information, contact the clinic at (416)
431-9791 |
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