Ouch! My Aching Text Neck

July 4, 2018July 13, 2018 Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

Checking your smart phone too often has a major impact on your posture and overall health. According to the American Journal of Pain Management spinal pain, headache, mood, blood pressure, pulse, and lung capacity are among the functions most easily influenced by posture. This forward head tilt occurs every time we look at our phone and effectively changes the weight of the head from 10-12 pounds to as much as 60 pounds. Over time, this puts excessive strain on the spinal joints and causes tension within the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back.

Four Wellness Sandy Springs offers 4 view postural assessments which includes a comprehensive report sent to you in a PDF file. You will learn,head to toe, in 4 views, how your structure is being impacted by your posture. One of the most eye openers clients have experienced is learning how much their head should weigh verses how much it “weighs” based on their posture.

For less than 1 personal training session you will receive:

An initial 4 view postural assessment
Customized exercise program with pictures and videos
Online support
A 4 week postural re-assessment

Being present and aware of your posture and having proper posture is an equilibrium in which there is no strain on the ligaments and a minimum expenditure of muscular force to maintain spinal alignment of the head, shoulders, hips, knees and ankles.

Ways to combat text neck is to limit your smartphone use. Especially when you are trying to hide the fact you are on your phone. I suggest holding your smart phone at eye level with your arms at your sides so you are not straining your shoulders. Holding the smartphone at eye level keeps you from excessively flexing your head forward. For an added benefit, with your head upright gently squeeze your shoulder blades together 5 times once per hour. This will help strengthen your postural muscles.

Strengthen, loosen, and stretch your neck and upper back into proper alignment. The earlier you start, the better. A healthier you = a healthy overall well-being.

Your program will work if you work it! And results will be based on your compliance.

Practice Makes Perfect Posture!

Keywords: deep tissue massage, sandy springs, 30328, medical massage, sports massage, Thai yoga massage, rock blade therapy, cupping therapy, instrument assistant soft tissue mobilization

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Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

June 13, 2018July 13, 2018 Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

IT Band Syndrome

The Iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of fascia that runs along the lateral or outside of the knee, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and inserting just below the knee. Its major role is to stabilize the knee by moving from behind the thighbone (femur) to the front of thighbone during activities such as walking or running. IT band syndrome (ITBS) is an overuse injury of tissues of the outer thigh and the knee. It occurs when the distal portion of the IT band rubs against the lateral thigh bone and is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners, but can actually occur to anyone with overused IT bands. Runners are at the greatest risk and without proper care, the pain can become so severe, it can put runners out for months!

The most typical and notable symptom of IT band syndrome is pain on the outside of the knee. Because the pain can become so severe, many mistake the pain for a lateral meniscus tear. A difference between ITBS and a knee injury is that a knee injury will usually swell, so if you don’t have any swelling, and you’re consistently experiencing this pain, about five to seven minutes into a sport, like running, you likely have ITBS. Another way to differentiate a lateral meniscus tear from IT band syndrome is that you’ll experience a clicking sensation with a tear.

Risk factors include overtraining, improper footwear, muscle imbalances including weak hip muscles, leg-length discrepancy or high or low arches of the foot. Inadequate warm-up or cool-down or a lack of proper mobility are also contributing factors.

Symptoms:

• Tightness of the affected muscles

• Gradual onset of burning or pain at the lateral part of the knee during activity

• Radiation of pain to the outside of the thigh

• Aggravation of pain during repetitive activities (e.g. running or cycling)

• Swelling of area where the band moves over the thigh bone

How to treat ITBS:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation)

• Anti-inflammatories for pain management during the acute phase.

—> Four Wellness uses in sessions and sells CBD clinic Level 5 Pro-Sport

CBD Clinic decreases inflammation and pain while increasing range of motion (ROM) and flexibility <—

• Myofascial relief through deep tissue work including medical massage techniques.

• Exercises that focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of the IT band syndrome such as muscle imbalances or tightness in certain areas.

• Stretching specific to the IT Band

Prevention:

It is important to include an exercise and stretching protocol that focuses on regaining strength and flexibility. Soft tissue work, including massage therapy, can be helpful to restore muscular imbalances in the area. As for all exercise protocols it is important to conduct the exercises on a regular basis for a minimum of 6 weeks. For runners or other endurance athletes they could be included in a dynamic warm-up or cool-down phase.

How Four Wellness can help you?

Step 1: Book a Medical Massage Lower Extremity Session. Your session will include specific techniques that will quickly release, not only the IT Band, but all the major lower extremity muscle players. Your session will include some or all of the following: CBD Clinic Level 5, Deep Tissue, Rock Blade Therapy, Stretching, and Muscle Stimulation to reactivate muscles that have gone on strike 🙂

Step 2: Schedule a 4 view postural assessment and receive a detailed report sent via a PDF file with customized strengthening and stretching exercises. With this service, you will receive online support, intermediate and advanced program and a 1 month post postural assessment to see your hard work and results.

Namaste’,

Lisa Philomena

Owner of Four Wellness, llc

http://www.fourwellnessmassage.com

30328 · Blog · Deep tissue · Deep tissue massage, massage therapy, health education · Rock Blade Therapy · Sandy Springs

Got Cranky Nerves?

April 22, 2018April 22, 2018 Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

If you are not receiving long term relief from deep tissue massage, stretching, or other therapies stemming from a specific chronic issue, Four Wellness will test for nerve entrapment in two ways; 2 point discrimination assists in mapping out varying levels of sensitivities and through manual restriction/asymmetry screening.

In as little as 90 seconds to 5 mins of strain treatment to fibroblasts aka “dosing”, Rock Blade Therapy, Myofacial Release, will decrease and can reverse phosphorylation of the protein (peptides) the mediates the apoptosis (death) of the cells.

Fun Fact: There are 72 kilometers or 45 miles of peripheral nerve in a human body. Every cubic centimeter of skin organ has a nerve or portion thereof, supplying it, embedded into it. ~ Diane Jacobs

Motor sign and symptoms of nerve entrapment:

• Cramps

• Fasciculations (twitching)

• Muscle Loss

• Muscle weakness

• Impaired balance/coordination

Sensory signs and symptoms of nerve entrapment:

• Numbness

• Reduced Position Sense

• Tingling, Burning pain

Autonomic nerve entrapment:

• Skin, Hair, Nail changes

• Skin Allodynia (pain)

• Bladder control

• Blood pressure/Heart Rate change

• Sweat abnormalities

There are two types of nerve entrapments that cause a host of issues. The most commonly known nerve entrapment is through tunnels; for example, carpal tunnel. Tunnel entrapments narrow osteofibrous/fibromuscular tunnels and is basically a cranky nerve that has become compressive or tensional danger to the neurons inside (Lundborg 1988)

The lesser known, “grommet holes” are cutaneous nerves housed in skin ligaments narrowing aponeurotic ring skin ligament. We have grommet holes throughout our entire body. Cutaneous nerves rise up out of the depths of the body, surface through dense body wall into the skin organ, and run parallel to it, behind or within it. Sore spots on the surface of the body coincide to a large extent with the “grommet holes” or exit points for these nerves that emerge from beneath and into the skin organ. (Diane Jacobs)

Damage to or disease affecting nerve entrapment may impair sensation, movement, gland or organ function or other aspects of health, depending on the type of nerve affected.

Causes:

• Systemic Diseases (diabetes)

• Vitamin Deficiency

• Medications (chemotherapy)

• Trauma + Ischemia

• Radiation Therapy

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Immune system disease

• Genetic

• Idiopathic (unknown)

Want to learn more? Just ask!

Rock Blade Therapy can be used in several ways incorporated into your next massage session or as a stand alone therapy service.

Peace, Love, Rock Blade Therapy

Lisa Philomena

Certified Rock Blade & Rock Blade Advanced

www.fourwellnessmassage.com

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Blade, Scrap…: Rock Blade Therapy

April 12, 2018April 12, 2018 Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

In 2005 I experienced frozen wrist. At the time, my career was in Sonography and I was running a high demand patient schedule. One day, my wrist literally froze and I could not move my hand for several days. From 2005-2017 I had chronic wrist issues, tingling in my fingers, experienced pain each day in my job and was limited in many sports I love: bowling, rock climbing, acroyoga, and cycling.

Fast forward to 2017…my bff was telling me about her results with Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on her shoulder, post car wreck and I became very interested in this therapy and what it could do for me. In less than 6 treatments, less than 10 days between each treatment, my wrists have been healed now 5 months strong!

I went on a mission, to learn this therapy, to help everyone I meet! And so far, the results have been absolutely amazing!

IASTM is a manual therapy treatment technique that utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to assist in detecting and treating areas exhibiting scar tissue, soft tissue restriction, adhesions, chronic inflammation, and even stagnant lymph.

IASTM is a great treatment therapy for anyone: athletes wanting to improve sports performance and heal from past injuries, repetitive motion pain related to sitting at a desk all day, to healthcare professionals in direct patient care.

A soft-tissue injury involves damage to the muscles, ligaments, tendons and/or fascia somewhere in the body. Common soft-tissue injuries usually occur from a sprain, strain, blow to the body resulting in a contusion (ruptured blood vessels/bruising), or overuse of a particular body part. Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function. Adhesions within the soft tissue may develop as a result of repeated strain, surgery, immobilization or other mechanisms including repetitive motion injuries.

Four Wellness is RockBlade Certified and offers IASTM as a stand alone service or incorporated into deep tissue massage sessions, lymphatic drainage massage, dedicated myofascial release, and a perfect addition with cupping therapy.

CBD Clinic ointment Level 1 or 3 will be used in conjunction with Rock Blade blading therapy.

The Benefits of IASTM

• Mobilize muscles, tendons and ligaments to decrease pain

• Improve mobility and flexibility

• Stimulate rehabilitation and speeds recovery after athletic events

IASTM is indicated to treat the following injuries

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow and Achilles tendonitis

• Chronic muscle strain

• Chronic ligamentous strains

• Excessive scarring

• Running-related injuries, including plantar fasciitis and Iliotibial band syndrome (IT Band)

Whether you are experiencing an acute or chronic injury or repetitive motion pain, I believe IASTM is for you! I offer free consultations.

How can I help you?

Peace, Love, RockBlade Therapy!

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ACHOO!

Featured Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

Peppermint essential oil is an expectorant, a relaxant, and has antispasmodic properties.

Lavender essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and natural antihistamine.

Lemon essential oil supports the lymphatic and immune system. Assists in detoxifying the body and stimulating white blood cell production.

For extra immune boosting, allergen fighting relief in your home. Diffuse doTERRA Breathe. A remarkable blend to clear airways and minimize the effects of seasonal threats.

doTERRA Peppermint, Lavender and Lemon essential oils: $68.66

doTERRA Breathe essential oil blend: $26.67

Buy all 4 essential oils and get a discount on a doTERRA diffuser: $47-$89.95 (price depending on what diffuser you choose)

Combing , peppermint, lavender, and lemon will boost your immune system, clear sinuses, relieve pain from sore throats, reduce coughing, treat rashes and hives, and eliminate allergen triggers in the air

*Internally: place 1-2 drops of each oil in 1oz water, shoot at once. You can also place in an empty capsule or make as a tea, with hot water.

Topically: apply a drop of lavender oil and a drop of peppermint oil on your cheeks and around your sinuses throughout the day to relieve your symptoms.

In your home: To treat allergies, you’ll want to mix a few drops of lemon oil and water to spray the air, any soft surfaces like upholstered furniture or drapes, and hard surfaces like counter tops and sinks.

If your allergies are very severe, just ask and find out more information basil, frankincense, chamomile, ginger, lemongrass, and cypress which can also help reduce and treat some of your worst allergy symptoms in a variety of ways.

*please note. There are very few brands that can be used internally. doTERRA is one of the highest grade oils on the market and these three oils, from doTERRA, can be used internally.

Contact Four Wellness to learn more about these essential oil, and all there uses, or how doTERRA can enhance the quality of your health!

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Got Humpback?

Featured Four Wellness, llcLeave a comment

Slumped shoulders coexist with rounded upper back and a foreword head posture. This condition is common with those who work with their arms directly in front of them or sit for prolong periods in poor posture.

Slumped shoulders lead to shoulder pathologies as well as upper thoracic spine dysfunctions.

Pain is most often reported in the rhomboids and middle traps (upper thoracic region) due to muscular fatigue and/or myofascial trigger points. The (pectoralis major) upper chest muscles will become hypertonic (tight) and tender. Limitation in lateral rotation of the shoulder may be effected due to the pectoralis major muscles being tight as well as restriction to active retraction of the scapulae.

Deep tissue massage, focusing on the hypertonic muscles and fascia elongation is also helpful to encourage lengthening and loosening of tissues. While deep tissue and myofascial release will decrease pain and increase mobility, long lasting results will be based on compliance off the table to make life long postural changes.

When you become a client with Four Wellness, you will receive more than exceptional effective bodywork. We will also address and correct repetitive dysfunctional patterns resulting in living a healthier lifestyle, pain free.

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Unstick The Stuck:

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When pain is caused by myofascial tightness within the fascial system (the web of connective tissue that spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve blood vessel, and organ to the cellular level) the diagnosis is more difficult, as fascia restrictions do not show up on MRI scans or X-rays. Yet, those restrictions can play a significant role in creating pain and malfunction in the structure of the spine, extremities and organs.

Myofascial release (MFR) therapy focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness. As the fascia releases, you will regain flexibility and function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue. MFR, will also increase recovery in carpal tunnel syndrome, or possibly migraine headaches, and even fibromylagia

Symptoms:

Tightness of the tissues that restricts motion or pulls the body out of alignment, causing individuals to favor and overuse one hip or shoulder
A sense of excessive pressure on muscles or joints that produces pain
Pain in any part or parts of the body, including headache or back pain.

What is fascia and why it causes pain: https://www.spine-health.com/video/myofascial-pain-syndrome-video#vm_A_40b1ac61

Book a MFR session and lets start unsticking the stuck. The session will include dry brushing, cupping and rock blade therapy along with table top Thai.