Light Therapy During the Winter Seasons

Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 12:17 pm  
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It is now or never to chase away the passing blues or the seasonal depression with the help of light therapy.

A quarter of the population sees their life turned upside down by the season’s rhythm, where as 2 or 3% of people suffer a severe depression due to this time of year.

Someone suffering from seasonal depressions have a tendancy to see their appetite increase, have a taste for sugar and have an excessive need for sleep.

As the symptoms are different to a regular depression, Dr Marc Hébert researcher and professor at Laval Robert Giffard University, thinks it is necessary to treat patients differently.

“Contrary to what many people think the eye is not an external organ, but an extention of the brain” explains Dr Hébert.

Seratonine and dopamine are the two most common neurotransmitters that are directly linked to the humour.

Light therapy, lux therapy or photo therapy consists of exposure to an intense light at eye level of 5000 to 10 000 lux (light unities), in controled conditions.

The cost of renting deducted if the person decides to buy the lamp.

The use of a light therapy lamp can be diversified, because the user can stay active during sessions.

Sure it is firstly recommended to consult a doctor so as to decide if the problem which is affecting the person is actually seasonal depression.

If the idea of being exposed to artificail light puts you off, nothing stops you from changing your habits and going to enjoy the sun summer or winter.

It must be known that the sun produces 100 000 lux during the summer, but the intensity of the light is lower in winter, so only 20 000 lux on average.

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Massage Therapy Overview – Part II

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 12:18 pm  
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In “Massage Therapy Overview – Part I,” brief descriptions of some of numerous available massage therapy modalities were introduced.

Applying essential oils to the body through massage has been clinically proven to reduce stress and relieve musculoskeletal pain; in addition to positively affecting the limbic system, which consequently helps to enhance mental health.

Polarity therapy, another form of massage therapy, is based on energy healing bodywork that integrates diet, exercise and self-awareness.

As an anti-aging treatment, facial massage therapy is not only a growing trend for clients, but is also gaining leeway as an instructional program in cosmetology schools, esthetics schools and of course, massage therapy schools.

In many cases, medical massage therapists have received extensive training in a variety of massage techniques including but not limited to craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, sports massage, Swedish massage, and touch therapy.

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Stress Fracture in the Foot

Saturday, March 28th, 2009 at 11:36 am  
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Calcaneus fracture X-ray
Image via Wikipedia

What is a stress fracture of the foot?

A stress fracture can occur as a result of prolonged repeated loads on the legs. Long distance runners are susceptible to this type of injury. Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the affected bone during exercise.
  • Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone.

A stress fracture in athletes occurs mainly in the lower leg and foot (in the calcaneus, navicular and metatarsal bones). A stress fracture of the 2nd or 3rd metatarsal bone is sometimes called a ‘march fracture’ because soldiers running in boots often get it!
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?

  • Pain in the forefoot which gets worse during activity?
  • Pain in the forefoot, aggravated by running?
  • Tenderness and swelling at a point on the bone?

Often an X-ray of the injured bone will not show any sign of fracture until the fracture has actually started to heal (2-3 weeks later). If a stress fracture is suspected then you should rest completely for 6-8 weeks. Crutches can be helpful.
What can the athlete do about it?

  • See a sports Doctor for advice.
  • Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary.
  • For more information about rehabilitation of metatarsal stress fractures click here.

What a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor can do:

  • X-ray the bone.
  • Do a bone scan.
  • Apply a plaster cast for 2 – 6 weeks if pain is severe.

When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. Many people start back running and complain of pain because they have let their muscles get hard and tight particularly in the lower leg.

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Calcaneal Stress Fractures

Friday, March 27th, 2009 at 1:56 pm  
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What is a calcaneal stress fracture?

The calcaneus bone is the big heel bone at the back of the foot. Due to overuse a stress fracture can occur in the bone. It is common for soldiers who have to do a lot of marching or road runners.
What are the symptoms?

  • Insidious, gradual onset heel pain.
  • Pain is made worse by weight bearing activities.
  • Pain is reproduced by squeezing the back of the heel from both sides.

Often an X-ray of the injured bone will not show any sign of fracture until the fracture has actually started to heal (2-3 weeks later). It is also possible that a stress fracture will not appear on an X-ray at all. If a stress fracture is suspected then you should rest completely for 6-8 weeks. Crutches can be helpful.
What can the athlete do about it?

  • See a sports Doctor for advice.
  • Rest for 6 to 8 weeks if a stress fracture is suspected. Use crutches if necessary.
  • Use a heel pad to protect the heel and allow it to rest.

What a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor can do?

  • X-ray the bone.
  • Do a bone scan.
  • Apply a plaster cast for 2 – 6 weeks if pain is severe.

When the athlete does start back running they must ensure the muscles in the lower leg are stretched and supple. A gradual return to full training is important.

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Massage Stoke on Trent

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 3:29 pm  
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Know and understand why massage is viewed as an important regiment and bod treat.

with its many health benefits and therapeutic effects to the physical and mental health of the body, it is easily recognizable why massage has been medically accepted and endorsed.

Studies have shown that your daily life stressors directly affect your immune system.

Its proven benefits include: promotes healing by increasing blood and oxygen supply to the muscles, stretching and elongation of tissues to increase flexibility, decreased blood pressure, overall sense of peace and well-being.

Therapeutic Massage is a form of healing and relaxation that has been around for centuries.

Therapeutic Massage combines techniques from various modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage to provide the client with the therapeutic work needed to relax and regenerate their muscles.

Generally, therapeutic massage is the scientific manipulation of the body’s soft tissues for purposes of promoting blood circulation and lymph, relief from pain, and other benefits both physical and mental.

Ad it has been called therapeutic because it helps you become more energized, improves the body circulation and releases toxins from the body, and cleanses and relaxing the whole body.

Therapeutic massage is no longer a luxury, but has become a necessity to the modern and hectic world.

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