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Evidence-Based Massage Therapy in White Rock: Recover Faster and More Safely

Tuesday, 09 May 2023 15:20
Written by Shelley Jackson

If you’re looking for a registered massage therapist (RMT) and quality massage therapy services in White Rock, you’re in the right place. Our clinic offers evidence-based massage therapy treatments to help you recover from injuries, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and depression in individuals with chronic pain conditions (Bervoets et al., 2015). Additionally, research has shown that massage therapy can aid in injury prevention and recovery by reducing muscle soreness, improving range of motion, and increasing blood flow to injured areas (Hemmings et al., 2018). This means that incorporating massage therapy into your recovery plan can help you recover faster and more safely.

Our RMTs are highly trained and experienced professionals who specialize in using massage therapy techniques to treat a variety of conditions. We offer a range of massage therapy services to suit your needs, including deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, sports massage, and more. Our RMTs will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Our clinic in White Rock is committed to providing our clients with evidence-based care. Our RMTs use only the best techniques and equipment to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment possible. We also offer a comfortable and relaxing environment where you can feel at ease during your massage therapy sessions.

In British Columbia, the regulatory body for RMTs is the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC). The CMTBC requires all RMTs to have a minimum of 2200 hours of training and to adhere to strict standards of practice and ethical conduct. This means that when you choose an RMT in British Columbia, you can be confident that you’re receiving care from a highly trained and qualified professional.

If you’re looking for RMT and evidence-based massage therapy services in White Rock, look no further than our clinic. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey towards improved health and well-being.

References:

Bervoets, D.C., Luijsterburg, P.A.J., Alessie, J.J.N., Buijs, M.J., Verhagen, A.P., & Koes, B.W. (2015). Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1), 139-149.

Hemmings, B., Smith, M., Graydon, J., & Dyson, R. (2018). Effects of massage on physiological restoration, perceived recovery, and repeated sports performance. Sports Medicine, 48(8), 1875-1889.

College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia. (n.d.). About RMTs. Retrieved from https://www.cmtbc.ca/what-is-an-rmt/

How Massage Therapy Can Relieve Low Back Pain: Evidence and Benefits

Sunday, 07 May 2023 10:08
Written by Shelley Jackson

According to the Government of Canada, low back pain affects up to 85% of Canadians at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common reasons for missed work and visits to healthcare providers. While there are various treatment options available, massage therapy has gained attention as a potential solution due to its non-invasive nature and ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Here are some ways that massage therapy can benefit low back pain, supported by research studies:

  1. Reduced Pain: Several studies have shown that massage therapy can significantly reduce low back pain. For example, a 2015 systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that massage therapy was effective in reducing low back pain in both the short and long term (1). Another study found that a 10-week massage therapy program significantly reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic low back pain (2).
  2. Improved Function: In addition to reducing pain, massage therapy can also improve physical function in individuals with low back pain. A 2011 study found that a 10-week massage therapy program led to significant improvements in range of motion and muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain (3).
  3. Decreased Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate low back pain and hinder the healing process. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and feelings of well-being (4). This can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, which can, in turn, improve low back pain.
  4. Improved Sleep: Chronic low back pain can interfere with sleep, leading to further health problems. Massage therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality and duration in individuals with low back pain (5). This can lead to better overall health outcomes and further alleviate low back pain.

If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to manage your low back pain, massage therapy may be the solution you need. As research has shown, massage therapy can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life for those with low back pain. At Buena Vista Massage Therapy Clinic in White Rock, our Registered Massage Therapists have over 20 years of experience providing evidence-based therapeutic massage and manual therapies to treat and prevent physical dysfunction, injury, pain, and soft tissue and joint disorders. Our customized treatment plans are designed to meet your individual health goals and help you achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. Don’t let low back pain control your life – contact us today to schedule your massage appointment and experience the benefits of massage therapy for yourself.

References:

  1. Yuan SLK, Matsutani LA, Marques AP. Effectiveness of different styles of massage therapy in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Man Ther. 2015;20(2):257-64.
  2. Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW. A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Psychol Bull. 2004;130(1):3-18.
  3. Preyde M. Effectiveness of massage therapy for subacute low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial. CMAJ. 2000;162(13):1815-20.
  4. Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:19-31.
  5. Moraska A, Pollini RA, Boulanger K, Brooks MZ, Teitlebaum L. Physiological adjustments to stress measures following massage therapy: a review of the literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2010;7(4):409-18.

How Regular Massages are Better than Peanut Butter and Jelly!

Wednesday, 05 November 2014 18:14
Written by Buena Vista Massage

It seems too good to be true, but getting regular massages can actually improve your health! Below we’ll look at the many benefits of massages and the science behind them.

Reduce Anxiety
By stimulating the nervous system, massages have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a hormone that is released in response to stress, by up to 50%. Massages also increase the levels of neurotransmitters that reduce depression.

Relieve Digestive Disorders
Massage therapists are trained to feel tightness and abnormalities in your muscles throughout the body. By massaging the abdominal area, they can also feel firmness and tightness due to congestion in the digestive tract. By massaging these areas, massage therapists can relax muscles to let the material flow naturally through the system. These massages can reduce symptoms such as: gas, bloating, cramping, and constipation.

Headaches
Proactive massages can help prevent migraines and tension headaches by relaxing muscle spasms in the head, face, shoulders, and neck. These are common trigger points for headaches.

For those who are suffering from severe headaches and need immediate relief, massages can help reduce the existing pain and make the headache easier to cope with.

Reduces Blood Pressure
Studies show that a program of regular massages over an extended period of time helps reduce diastolic and systolic blood pressure. By reducing cortisol levels in the blood, massages help people reduce stress, which is a leading cause of high blood pressure.

Nerve Pain
A pinched or damaged nerve can cause a lot of pain. Though massages don’t treat the nerve itself, they can be used to relax the areas surrounding the nerve to reduce muscle spasms that may cause the pain to flare up.

Soft Tissue Strains
Muscle strains are caused by too much tension on a muscle, resulting in a tear. During the period of inactivity that is required for the muscle to heal, scar tissue forms and may cause adverse effects on the muscle, reducing its range of motion or decreasing its physical capabilities. Massage therapy can help keep the surrounding tissue stretched and active during this recuperation period so that your body heals correctly.

Sports Injuries
Massages greatly improve blood circulation. For those who suffer a sports related injury, massages of the effected region can help increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the recovering organs and tissue, assisting in a more rapid recovery.

Strengthens the Immune System
Stress and anxiety can take a heavier toll on your body than many realize. Stress tends to affect the sleep quality and dietary well-being of those plagued with it, which reduces the immune system’s ability to combat bacteria and infection. Getting regular massages provides more benefits than just immediate relaxation, it increases your white blood cells and reduces the number of T-cells in your system. In other words, massage helps increase the activity of your body’s fighting cells and improve your immunity overall.

There are many physical and mental benefits to receiving massages. They can be one-time massages to help you through isolated incidents, or a series of massages to work through stress and anxiety related problems. One thing is clear though, this alternative medicine is tried and true and is a risk-free alternative to drugs and other, more permanent, procedures.

Article Author: Shelly Jackson is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Buena Vista Massage Therapy Clinic in Vancouver, BC. On a daily basis we deal with: resolving muscle and movement stiffness and pain; injuries from vehicles or sports; post breast cancer rehab; pregnancy related discomfort; repetitive strain and overuse injuries. We work with clients to reduce their anxiety and stress, improve joint movement, sleep and quality of life. Working with qualified massage therapists is necessary for your continued health. Contact us at 604-538-7166 and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Photo Source: courtesy of Ambro / Free Digital Photos

How Massage Therapy is a Weight Off Your Shoulders

Wednesday, 05 November 2014 18:13
Written by Buena Vista Massage

Have you ever seen a line of dominoes fall? It only takes one domino to fall out of place in order for the whole line to follow in a downward tumble. One change in the system affects the rest and continues to create more change. In a human body, there are many triggers that may cause one problem that will create a series of other negative issues for the body. Stress is one trigger that can negatively affect mental, emotional, and physical health.

Stress Effects
According to knowledge from PositiveMed, the head, stomach, skin, pancreas, heart, and many more organs of the body are victims of mental stress. Stress also creates aches, pains, and tension in joints and muscles. When muscles are sore or damaged in any way, this can create serious problems for the body and mobility, in other words, creating a domino effect.

Learning to manage stress mentally is key to releasing a lot of stress, but it is not always so easy to accomplish. So how can you help yourself physically when the weight on your shoulders is too much?

How Massage Helps with Stress
Medical research shows us that, in fact, getting massage therapy is one of the best ways to improve not just physical health, but mental and emotional as well. Research completed in the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles shows that when massage therapy relaxes muscles, many chemical changes occur. When muscles relax, levels of the main stress hormone cortisol are reduced. Even more fundamentally, there is a decrease of arginine vasopressin, which controls the release of cortisol, as well as adrenal corticotropin, which is the actual stimulant of cortisol.

The number of lymphocytes, or white blood cells in the immune system, increase as well as the hormone oxytocin, which is related with happiness and contentment. Essentially, massages will literally eliminate stress and make you happy person! The physical healing will bring mental and emotional healing, which simplifies the burden of stress management.

In the study at the David Geffen School of Medicine, the Swedish technique in massage therapy was used on the clients. This is not the only technique used and certainly not the first. In fact, techniques vary and change between different massage therapists. Still, there are methods widely known and used.

Massage is one of the earliest known forms of psychical therapy with the use of massage as a healing technique dating back centuries. Because massage therapy has been in practice for so long all around the world, it should come as no surprise that it has the power to provide physical, emotional, and mental healing. Through studies performed with modern science on massage therapy, it has been proven that our ancestors were right and massage therapy has extremely beneficial uses with regard to stress and overall health. Don’t let stress affect your health, take a load off your shoulders and experience massage therapy.

Article Author: Shelly Jackson is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Buena Vista Massage Therapy Clinic in Vancouver, BC. On a daily basis we deal with: resolving muscle and movement stiffness and pain; injuries from vehicles or sports; post breast cancer rehab; pregnancy related discomfort; repetitive strain and overuse injuries. We work with clients to reduce their anxiety and stress, improve joint movement, sleep and quality of life. Working with qualified massage therapists is necessary for your continued health. Contact us at 604-538-7166 and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Photo Source: courtesy of Ohmega1982 / Free Digital Photos

Why Drinking Water is Essential to Avoiding Health Risks after a Massage

Wednesday, 05 November 2014 18:12
Written by Buena Vista Massage

Drinking water is not only important to your daily health, but is extremely important to maintain your health before and after a massage. During a massage, your massage therapist manipulates toxin filled muscles and tension that constricts blood flow, which could have negative risks if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Drinking Water before Your Massage
People typically get massages to alleviate some level of tightness in their muscles. Tight, tough muscles act as a barrier for healthy blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Consider the following example of how your blood flow interacts with your muscle. A hose of flowing water (your blood stream) approaches a kink in the hose (your tight muscle), which makes it more difficult for the water to move through the system. In other words, as your blood flows to a muscle plagued with tension, it has a hard time flowing through the muscle.

Your massage therapist is loosening your muscles and surrounding connective tissue, making it easier for the blood to deliver essential fluids and oxygen to the neglected parts of your muscles. However, this transition of water from the blood stream to the muscle can leave you feeling dehydrated and rather unpleasant. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended that you drink one to two glasses pf water before beginning your massage. You are essentially storing water for your blood to use once it sends fluid to your muscles.

Drinking Water after Your Massage
Once your muscles have been sufficiently poked, prodded, and stretched, you will be feeling relaxed and will likely not think of the effects the newly loosened muscles are having on your health. To understand the danger, it’s important to understand the science behind tight muscles.

As tension builds in your muscle from bad posture, injuries, or stress, the muscle becomes tough, preventing good blood flow to the muscle. With this decrease in blood flow, your muscle will begin to suffer from metabolic waste buildup, creating adhesions in your muscle over time. You will begin to feel pain and lose mobility in these muscles, which is when most people turn to massage therapy.

Your massage therapist can work your muscles, breaking up these adhesions and increasing blood flow to your muscles, but it creates two risks. First, as described above, the fluid supply will leave the blood stream to go to the muscle, causing you to feel dehydrated. Second, when the tight spots in your muscle are relieved, the toxins, which built up from poor blood, flow will be released and your blood stream will be flooded with more toxins than normal, which could cause illness.

To prevent sickness due to toxins and dehydration, simply drink one to two glasses of water after your massage to flush the toxins out and clean up your blood stream.

There’s no need to be worried about the risks mentioned above as long as you hydrate yourself before and after your massage session. Every massage therapy center will have access to plenty of water and the therapists will tell you exactly how to avoid massage-related risks.

Article Author: Shelly Jackson is a Registered Massage Therapist and owner of Buena Vista Massage Therapy Clinic in Vancouver, BC. On a daily basis we deal with: resolving muscle and movement stiffness and pain; injuries from vehicles or sports; post breast cancer rehab; pregnancy related discomfort; repetitive strain and overuse injuries. We work with clients to reduce their anxiety and stress, improve joint movement, sleep and quality of life. Working with qualified massage therapists is necessary for your continued health. Contact us at 604-538-7166 and we would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Photo Source: courtesy of Theeradech Sanin / Free Digital Photos

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