Revive Therapy Massage of Sacramento's Blog

Hip and Back Pain - Piriformis Syndrome

August 26th, 2012 • Posted by Steven Metzger • Permalink

Severe pain or tingling in the buttocks, leg or lower back may be piriformis syndrome or “sciatic pain.” Sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle in the hip causes the problem. This syndrome is more common in women and active persons (runners and walkers.) The cause is acute or cumulative muscle overuse or trauma. Pelvic imbalance and an uneven gait may be the cause.

Pain or numbness may be sudden and debilitating or slowly progressive. Muscle tension may present for years or decades but certain positions or movements aggravate the sciatic nerve. This causes pain or numbness along the nerve track, from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg. Low back pain may be referred pain because the piriformis muscle attaches to the sacrum.

Treatment of piriformis syndrome may include:

• Pain medication
• Ice for pain relief and heat for healing
• Stretching
• Manual therapy including deep tissue massage
• Myofascial release (gentle sustained stretching)

Pain medication can provide some immediate relief but it is temporary and does not correct the problem.

Ice is an effective pain reliever and very useful for acute injuries. Within 72 hours of trauma, ice slows tissue swelling and provides pain relief. Heat is not recommended for acute injuries but can increase circulation and promote relaxation for chronic muscle tightness.

Stretches effectively release tightness and should be sustained for 3 to 5 minutes for best results.

Deep massage or trigger point therapy releases the tight muscle but can be very uncomfortable.

Myofascial release is the most effective technique for lasting relief. Trained therapists find the pain and look elsewhere for the cause. Gentle sustained stretching realigns the body and releases tight tissue. Repeated treatments are often necessary.

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Seven Ways Lymphatic Massage Helps Heal Liposuction, Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation Surgery Healing

September 2nd, 2011 • Posted by Steven Metzger • Permalink

Cosmetic surgery can give you desired physical enhancements but healing and recovery are often accelerated with skilled bodywork. Liposuction, tummy tucks and breast augmentation are invasive surgeries that may require extensive healing. Specialized massage techniques and myofascial release support the skilled work of your surgeon.

1. Fast Start with a Preop Session. A consultation and relaxing massage prepares your body for surgery and you make your postop plans in advance. A nice massage the night before your surgery relaxes your body and gives you great sleep before the big day. Your therapist may take baseline body measurements and give helpful advice before you have surgery. This is the best time to plan your post operative appointments.

2. Easy Does It with Postop Swelling. Many surgeons support lymphatic drainage massage therapy beginning in your second week after surgery. Lymphatic drainage massage reduces swelling by moving fluid out of the congested tissues back into the blood stream. The technique is very gentle and relaxing but very effective. Not only is swelling reduced by debris from the surgery is cleansed and immunity is boosted. Be sure to get a release from your surgeon for massage therapy.

3. Trust Your Guardian Angel. Having an expert massage therapist is like having a guardian angel. An experienced surgical therapist knows what is normal and can answer your questions. Incision lines, drains, compression garments and post operative pain often bring questions. Your therapists can answer questions and support your surgeons instructions. Good advice and affirmation can help you sleep well (the massage helps too!)

4. Gentle Release of Tissue Tightness. All surgery causes tissue layers to stick together, adhesions and scars. Myofascial release uses techniques to relax fascia and muscles with stretching techniques.

5. Standing Up Straight. In the second post operative month more work can be done on the muscles on your front and back to help your stand up straighter. This will allow you proudly. Walk with your shoulders back showing pride in your new body. Your back muscles will need attention to relieve tension caused by effects of surgery and postural accommodation.

6. Maintain Your Beauty Treatments. After two months, most patients can transition to regular maintenance treatments. Whether you need shoulder stress release from daily stress or just a sleeping beauty treatment, you deserve regular body work. So, why not take care of yourself to maintain your new beauty.

7. Save Money with Packages. Often discount packages are available that can save you money. When purchasing multiple sessions, the cost per session decreases and you make a commitment in advance for therapy that will speed your recovery and provide valuable support during healing. Revive Therapy integrates massage, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. Therapist Steve Metzger, RN-CMT has 35 years experience and understands your medical,surgical and emotional needs.

Book your lymphatic drainage massage appointment for a better healing after surgery! .

7 Indications Where Massage Touches Medicine

May 29th, 2011 • Posted by Steven Metzger • Permalink

Of course, massages are relaxing and feel good, but there are also many medical benefits to massage:

1. Stress reduction. Studies show that massage decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases the “feel-good” neurochemicals serotonin and dopamine. Also, release of muscular tension reduces physical and mental stress.

2. Healthy heart and better circulation: Massage increases the blood flow to muscles and soft tissues, allowing relaxation, cleansing and decreased swelling. Heart rate is slower and blood pressure decreases with massage.

3. Pain relief: Tight muscle and soft tissue often presses or pulls nerves creating the pain. Massage attacks pain at the source and also blocks pain receptors. Try massage for headaches, migraines, shoulder pain, back aches, cramping, etc.

4. Better sleep: Massage increases the delta brain waves that are responsible for deep sleep. This combined with relaxation, decreased stress and pain relief can provide for improved sleep quality.

5. Less anxiety and depression: Less cortisol and more serotonin and dopamine may also mean less stress anxiety and depression.

6. PMS and menstrual cramps: Hope and Relief! Massage has shown to be effective with pain, water retention and mood swings.

7. Emotional and physical healing: Tension, trauma and pain are often stored in the fascia and soft tissue, causing imbalance and dysfunction in the body. Myofascial release is effective in releasing the tension bringing physical and emotional healing.