Neck Massage Techniques - 7 Methods for a Fast and Relaxing Massage

By Tess Rainey

In this article we will discuss neck massage techniques and 7 ways to give a fast and very effective massage. These techniques will relieve stress and relax you quickly and without needing a massage table or professional. To perform these 7 techniques, position someone in a chair sitting backwards with a pillow in between their chest and the chair, draping their head over the pillow.

1. Upper Shoulder Squeeze: The first step for a quick and relaxing neck massage is to administer an upper shoulder squeeze. The muscle on each side of your shoulders is notorious for carrying a lot of stress and toxins. Gradually increase the pressure and repeat this squeeze three times.

2. Finger Circles: With your hands straight and fingers in line, place the fingers at the top of the neck and make small circles with your fingers. Continue to move down the neck and along the shoulder muscle down to your shoulders. Repeat this move three times before moving to the other side.

3. Lobster Claws: This technique is done by rubbing the muscles on the back of the neck, alternating hands and going in a fluid motion. Repeat 20 times.

4. Head Massage: To begin, place fingers at the hairline at the back of the head. Positioned in the center, make tiny circles with fingers and move outward. Move up the back of the head and massage the scalp, once you've reached the top move back down. Once completed, repeat the lobster claw massage technique on the other side of the body.

5. Fist Tapping: Gently tap on the back of the shoulders with the smaller part of your fist and cover the entire back and shoulders.

6. Karate Chops: Open the hands and perform karate chops over the shoulder muscles and upper back.

7. Finishing Strokes: Light downward strokes from shoulders to lower back; this final move relaxes the person considerably after having worked some seriously tight muscles.

This article discussed neck massage techniques and 7 ways to give a fast and effective massage. By following these simple steps, you can help anyone who needs to take a moment to reduce some stress. - 32188

About the Author:

Tess Rainey, an advocate for alternative medicine, created a website that can help you find the relaxation your body needs. Her website, SwedishMassageTechniques.NurturingYourBody.com, has some neck massage techniques as well as massage techniques for neck.

Low Back Pain Should Be Examined

By Mike Genco

Back pain can be caused by many things. People often think it has to do with age alone. Low back pain, however, can have many causes. It can also afflict people of all ages.

The back consists of many different parts. Down its centre is the spinal column, which holds the back in place and also protects the spinal cord and its adjoining nerves. The spine is made up of different types of vertebrae, each of which are separated by round cartilage pads called discs. There are also ligaments and tendons that hold the vertebrae in place and connect the muscles of the back to the spine. Vertebrae are divided up into parts such as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and root or sacrum. The lumbar area of the back is where low back pain happens.

The length of time someone experiences low back pain is part of how it is diagnosed to be either acute or chronic. Acute back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks, at the most a month or two. Chronic back pain, however, is back pain that lasts longer than three months.

Posture itself can affect the spine, but so can other things. Obesity, unusual weight gain during pregnancy, or a poorly maintained physical condition can also contribute to the causes of back pain. Losing weight and living a healthy life can help improve the back's health a great deal.

Low back pain can also result from trauma to the back, such as the kind experienced during a car accident. Overstretching the back or trying to carry something too heavy may also hurt the spine, causing the discs to bulge out. Nerves and muscles can become irritated and there can be resulting bone lesions, all of which need proper time to heal. Left untreated, these may become more serious conditions of the back.

Sciatica can often be a result of untreated low back pain. This condition is caused when herniated or ruptured discs in the spine press down on the sciatic nerve that runs down the spinal column to the pelvis. People with sciatica experience shock like or burning pain in their back that shoots through the buttocks and down a leg, often traveling to below the knee.

Having low back pain is one of the most common of all job related disabilities and missed time at work. The back aches severely, and sufferers experience shooting and stabbing pains. People may not be able to stand up straight, or may not be able to bend. Both men and women are afflicted equally by back pain, and every year Americans spend approximately fifty billion dollars in back pain treatments. Back pain and trauma can be caused by age afflictions like osteoporosis but even housework, gardening and improper lifting of heavy objects can be the cause. Even teenagers can suffer back pain from heavy backpacks, poor sleeping habits and bad posture.

Whether back pain is a result of trauma or just seems to happen, any kind of low back pain that persists longer than a few days should be treated by a doctor. Back pain that doesn't heal on its own could become something more serious. Visit a doctor if you have any questions, to avoid an improper diagnosis of something more severe. - 32188

About the Author:

Sometimes individuals wrongly consider certain physical ailments are only attributed to aging or only afflict older individuals. When it comes to back pain nyc, they couldn't be more wrong. More information on the best Back pain relief nyc, now a click away!

Facial Massage Techniques - 3 Good Reasons to Consider Facial Massage

By Tess Rainey

In this article we discuss the benefits of using some facial massage techniques. The 3 beneficial reasons below will enhance your appearance, reduce some stress and help the rest of your body function even better.

1. Unclog Pores and Prevent Blemishes: Your face is punished every day and is probably the last place on your body that gets treated with respect and love. Piling on makeup and using harsh chemicals to clean your face and improve your appearance can take its toll.

Having a facial massage can not only undo some of this damage, but it can also help you achieve the beauty you are seeking and usually in a much less expensive and intrusive way. Facial massage techniques help to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and much more so you may even end up with fewer things to try and cover up anyway.

2. Prevent Wrinkles and Strengthen Facial Muscles: Did you know that there are muscles in your face that can be worked just like any other muscle in your body? They are a little more fragile than other muscles, but if done correctly, a facial massage can help strengthen facial muscles and even prevent a double chin.

When you massage your face you will be decreasing the number of wrinkles that form and this will leave you looking younger simply by doing something that is enjoyable. Since you don't want to stretch or lengthen your facial muscles, you shouldn't massage your face for more than 20 minutes.

3. Increase Circulation and Reduce Impurities: Some common facial massage techniques that can help increase circulation are soft, circular and upwards motions. While this can help reduce impurities that will show in your appearance, an even better bonus is that it will help other parts of your body work better too.

Since the face usually gets ignored, you can bet that the ears are ignored as well. Yet the ears in particular when massaged and pulled back can affect your other functions since they are pressure points and can stimulate the rest of the body.

This article discussed facial massage techniques and 3 good reasons why you should consider getting a facial massage. Not only will it unclog pores and prevent blemishes, a facial massage will help prevent wrinkles as well as strengthen facial muscles, increase circulation and reduce impurities. If the massage is done correctly, and is no longer than 20 minutes long, either given to yourself or by someone else, it can help you look younger, feel younger and age gradually with style.

Want to know more? - 32188

About the Author:

Tess Rainey, an advocate for alternative medicine, created a website that can help you find the peace and relaxation your body needs. Visit Swedish Massage Techniques to find out more about a massage techniques.

Total Hip Replacement Management - Physiotherapy

By Jonathan Blood Smyth

Human populations are ageing across the world, particularly in developed countries such as the USA, Europe and Japan, with some developing countries such as China set to follow them over the next decades. This will place a large burden on physiotherapy and medical services as countries struggle to cope with steadily increasing levels of osteoarthritis (OA), an age-related degenerative condition. OA is responsible for significant levels of medical expenditure, disability, pain and work loss and provision of services such as joint replacement will be a challenge. Quality of life improvements after medical interventions vary but for joint replacement are some of the highest of all medical procedures.

Of all medical interventions, joint replacement has one of the highest increases in quality of life, transforming a person's mobility, outlook and independence. Developed in the 1960s to a level where mass treatment was feasible, total hip replacement has matured into a predictable and successful treatment for OA with very good results stretching to 15 years and beyond. Conservative treatments are the mainstay of management of OA but once it becomes severe hip replacement is the only option.

It is used to manage a variety of complex hip conditions with excellent outcomes at fifteen years and beyond.

Post-operative physiotherapy consists of reviewing the operation note and the medical observations, assessing the patient and instructing them in breathing and leg exercises. The physio assesses the sensibility and muscle power in the legs to exclude problems such as nerve injury, although an epidural can cause temporary loss of feeling and power in the lower body and delay mobilisation. The next physio job is to get the patient up out of the bed with an assistant, stand and walk them as appropriate with elbow crutches or a frame, taking account of the necessary precautions to avoid dislocation.

Toes, ankles, quadriceps, hip flexion and buttock exercises continue to restore normal muscle activity to the legs and maintain the circulation. Routine painkillers should be taken as this helps patients get up and about and once safe they can get up three times a day or more with a helper to walk, toilet and wash. Usual precautions are taken and when sat out the chair must be the correct height and normally patients do not put their feet up whilst sitting.

After hip replacement patients require instruction and correction to achieve a normal walking pattern, develop muscular power and improved function. Physiotherapists teach the appropriate gait at the time, often starting with "step to" where the patient moves the walking aid, steps the operated leg forwards and steps up to it with the other leg, a stable and safe pattern. Progression is to 'step through" where the unaffected leg steps beyond the other in an approximation of a normal walking pattern. Patients often progress naturally then to a gait where they move both the crutches and the affected leg forward at the same time and start to walk in a fully natural pattern.

Six weeks or so after the operation the patient will have a good gait, have reasonable muscle power and be able to do most functional activities such as a walk, climb stairs and ride in a car. They may then move on to a stick if stability or balance is difficult or the person is very old. Patients can now return to normal activities but need to maintain the hip precautions:

* Avoid hip flexion over 90 degrees by not sitting down in low seating, not sitting down or standing up too quickly, not bending over to the floor quickly and not crouching.

* Standing on the operated leg and rotating the body is risky.

* Don't flex the hip suddenly or above 90 degrees, such as by sitting in a low chair, sitting down too fast, crouching or leaning forward quickly to the feet.

* If an infection develops, for example chest, teeth or bladder, then the doctor should be informed as infections can settle in an artificial joint. - 32188

About the Author:

Jonathan Blood Smyth, editor of the Physiotherapy Site, writes articles about physiotherapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapists in Solihull, back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neck pain and injury management. Jonathan is a superintendant physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK.

Popular Types Of Footwear for Health Care Professionals

By Seane C.J. Hess

Medical executives have special wants when it comes to shoes due to their conditions of work. Standing on their feet for the majority of their shift and working in areas where the floor might be greasy are two of the reasons for this. It is important that these pros have comfy shoes so they don't end up with foot pain, which can lead to joint or back stiffness if not dealt with. There used to be some options for shoes for nurses nowadays many firms specializing in comfy shoes have come up with at least some decisions.

One of the more popular choices for shoes for medical pros is sneakers. This are often flexible, slip resistant, and made with extra support and padding to make them cosy for longer amounts of time. They also tend to have wider toe boxes and rubber soles, which are requirements for this type of shoe. There are some brands that are manufactured by nursing shoe firms, as well as those available at any shoe store.

Those hunting for comfortable nursing shoes also often choose clogs, either those with a closed back or an open back. These are known to be exceptionally cushty, and they're straightforward to slip off and on when required, while not being certain to come off when folk don't want them to. It is best to select those made especially for nurses when buying clogs, since these will be more likely to have the special features that are beneficial for nurses to have in their shoes. They are also rather more likely to have clogs in white, which is still a requirement in the dress code for nurses at many places where they work.

Related Blogs: Medical shoes

With the recent popularity of Crocs, these shoes have also found their way into the work wardrobe of many medical pros. Although they're not closed shoes, they're cushty, which is the main requirement for shoes for medical pros.

Although the above discussed styles have a tendency to be some of the most popular shoes for medical pros, they don't seem to be the sole styles available. There are a number of slip on, tie, and other styles available, including Mary Janes.

Many medical pros still prefer to get their medical clogs or comfy nursing shoes thru companies which make these types of shoes particulary for nurses and doctors. This guarantees that all of the most important issues have been considered when the shoe was designed. They might be lighter than other similar options, or have more support and be more flexible. They also are much more likely to be made with non-slip rubber soles and treated so they are more easy to keep clean. - 32188

About the Author:

There are a number of brands that are especially renowned for making cushty nursing shoes, including Nurse Mates, the Dansko professional clog, Anywear, Klogs, Sketchers Work, and Birkenstock, which many medical professionals choose over precise shoes made simply for them since this gives them options for style at a cost that is often lower than purchasing professional shoes.

Top Of The Line Sanyo 8700 Massage Chair

By Dr. Alan Weidner

Sanyo has just released the Sanyo 8700, a Top of the Line Massage Chair. This chair, like the zero gravity massage chairs-the 6700/7700/8700 is a zero gravity chair with some great upgrades: The Sanyo 8700 has a stretch program that gently squeezes around the ankles and pulls down on the legs to create a great stretch through the low back, hips, and legs. This is a great addition to loosening and releasing the muscle tension. This amazing chair also has 3 incredible zero-gravity programs that vary from creating a full-body experience, to an Air-comfort massage. The Air-Comfort massage utilizes the air cell compression to work the back, leg, and foot, loosening and releasing the muscle tension throughout the body.

This chair also has a longer lower leg extension on the foot ottoman. It extends out 8" to comfortably accommodate users up to 6'4". This provides even more flexibility to provide a perfect massage experience for a wide range of users.

This chair has been reshaped from older Sanyo models with exclusive GK rollers that are wider than most massage chairs, providing greater back coverage. By having wider rollers you get greater back coverage ranging thoroughly throughout the upper and lower back working out even the most stubborn of knots in your muscles.

There is also an an intensity adjuster that allows for deeper pressure or can be as gentle as you would like it to be! This chair also has a very sophisticated sensor system. It has a stress sensor that detects the mental fatigue that your body is going through. An exclusive stiffness detection system is available so that the chair can focus on those stiffest areas and release the tension. The Physical Shape Sensor is the last sensor which allows the massage rollers to automatically accommodate various body types and shifts in position during massage, adjusting accordingly.

If you have always loved the Sanyo massage chairs you'll want to try this one out as it seems they have taken all the best things about Sanyo chairs and sifted out the features that needed some fine tuning. The early interest in this massage chair has been quite high. The price tag on this model is $5999, which is $1000 more than the very popular 7700 zero gravity massage chair from Sanyo, however it is easy to see that this chair is truly Sanyo's Top of the Line massage chair! - 32188

About the Author:

You will want to try out the New Sanyo_8700! Visit Dr. Weidner at his website, www.massage-chair-relief.com, and start massaging away Chronic Pain and Stress.

Your Guide To Back Pain

By Nitin Garg

A back pain is the most common problem that is there in females who are pregnant and who have had children. The other most common candidates for back pain are people who have sedentary jobs or those who work for long hours in front of the computers.

Poor posture and osteoporosis are two main reasons for back pain. In fact poor ergonomics is also the main cause for back pain.

Ergonomics means the way the work area is constructed and how we fit into it. In most instances people will sit on chairs that are well designed and in turn they put a lot of stress on the back. In osteoporosis the bones get weak because of lack of calcium. These weak bones cannot handle too much pressure and weight

If you have a sitting job then make sure that you get up and walk every half hour from your seat. Get an ergonomically designed chair. Get the lumbar support for the chair you site on. While driving get lumbar support for your car seat.

For people with weak back bones it is better to use a lumbar support belt. This belt will provide assistance to the lumbar or the lower back region and it will be able to support the weight of the body. To make the back bone strong you can attend physiotherapy sessions. After consulting your doctor you can start visiting the gym and do some back exercises to get increase the strength of the lower back muscles.

Back pain is disorder that can be cured easily with some prevention and a little care. - 32188

About the Author:

To avoid the back pain you should wear lumbar support and the author tells about types of lumbar support