'POP!' Goes the Trigger Finger

Do you have a finger that stops in one spot and will not move unless you put a little more exertion into it, or do you have to move it with your other hand? When your finger gets stuck and you get it moving again is there a little 'pop'? Is there pain involved with this process? If you answer 'yes' to these questions you most likely have what is called trigger finger.
According to Ben Benjamin;PhD it is caused by inflammation of a flexor tendon or its sheath-a lubricated guide that keeps the tendon on its proper tack-that catches and holds the finger until it can 'pop' on through to the other side.1 It can be caused by over exertion, or the problem can be caused by repetitive motion.

What to do?

• See a licensed massage therapist who knows how to massage out the problem.
  
• Splint the finger to immobilize it and let it rest and take an over the counter analgesic to reduce the swelling.
• See a doctor who may inject the area effected with special medication to reduce the swelling.
• If nothing else works and the problem is severe and painful the doctor may prescribe surgery.
  

I have worked with clients that had trigger fingers. Even the skeptical ones have ultimately been pleased with the outcome of the therapy. So, if you think you have one or more trigger fingers see a licensed massage therapist and find out what they can do for you.

1 Benjamin, Ben E., Trigger Finger, Massage Today,
fa; 2007 www.massagetoday.com

A Worthy Subject-3

Is it worth putting up with that pesky pain that just won't go away?

• The results form the study on low-back pain, published in the 2003 Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that massage therapy reduced the patient's need for pain medications by 36 per cent, compared to other therapies, including acupuncture. This is great news for the more than 100 million Americans who experience low-back pain.
• Approximately 45 million Americans experience chronic headaches, and of those, more than 60 percent suffer from migraines. A 2006 study in The Annals of Behavioral Medicine showed that those who received massage therapy had fewer migraines for more than three week following treatment.
• There is a growing body of research that shows massage therapy can alleviate the pain of many conditions, including cancer, osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.1

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Don;t let stress or pain rob you 0f your life. Get a massage and let the healing begin.
"Nuff Said"

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than A Luxury"; Body Sense Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2009, p.8.

A Worthy Subject-2

Is carrying all that stress worth it?

• According to a 2009 survey sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 81 per cent of Americans are as stressed, or more stressed, than they were a year ago.
• Studies from the Touch Research Institute have shown that massage therapy effectively reduces stress and anxiety by lowering the stress hormone cortisol by up to 52 per cent.
  
• HR Magazine reports that employees receiving massage therapy at work are more productive and are less likely to take unplanned time off work.1

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So, is it worth it to allow that stress to continue? Or, would it be better to get a massage that is chemical free and good for you as well?

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than Al Luxury"; Body Sense Magazine; Autumn/Winter 2009, p.6.

A Worthy Subject-1

According to Body Sense Magazine, "One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if its worth the Expense."1

Answer

Massage is not just a simple back rub , nor is it just a "luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage is a valuable component of a well-rounded health regime, combating everything from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy education . . . [such as physiology, anatomy, business ethics, sanitary procedures, indications and contradiction to massage and more including continuing education requirements each year] 1

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So, just ask yourself, " Is it worth it to put up with feelings of stress, tension, or pain? Or, would it be worth it to get a massage by someone specially trained to take care of these problems in an effective way." People who get either a monthly or bimonthly massage tend to feel better, be less stressed and have a greater feeling of well-being.
Get a massage today and see if its worth it.

1 Picciuto, Lee; "More Than a Luxury'; Body Sense Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2009, p.6.