The Body Bar

11/03/2022

Reiki appointments available ♥️

07/10/2021

THE FOOT...
THIS UNKNOWN...

One foot has 33 joints and 26 bones...

The spine has 33 joints and 34 bones...

Both structures have 33 joints so why not consider foot movements as important as spine movements?

While you think about it I remind you that we actually have two feet so 66 joints that impact and affect the rest of the body...

And while you think about this further information I also point out that the joints of the spine are linear and work for one vertebrae above the other while in the foot the joints are not linear and a single bone shares joints with other bones such as the third cuneiform that articulates with 6 other bones...

Does this make everything a little bit more complicated or not?

This means that both feet are required to ensure balance in the skeletal muscle system and any difference between the right foot and the left risks impacting the entire kinetic chain...

If, for example, one foot shows a pronation superior to the other, which is absolutely common, how could it reflect on the hip, or the pelvis, or the cervical column or even the temporo-mandibular articulation?

Take a look at several kinetic chains starting from the foot and related dysfunctional symptoms...

It's time to start learning how to evaluate the foot and all the joints that compose it...

31/08/2021

Here’s how this energy-healing practice can help balance you

22/08/2021

06/08/2021

Reiki treats all aspects of a person: body, mind, emotions, and spirit, leading to benefits which include relaxation, peace, security, and well-being. In summary, Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of self-improvement which everyone can use.

18/07/2021

lifestyle

09/06/2021

15/01/2021

10/10/2020

🔈 ABDOMINAL MASSAGE TO RELIEF CONSTIPATION

Massage has been used for constipation since the nineteenth century: how effective is it?

According to some research done by Doreen McClurg from University of Ulster, Belfast, Abdominal massage can relieve constipation of various physiological causes by stimulating peristalsis, decreasing colonic transit time and increasing the frequency of bowel movements.

It reduces feelings of discomfort and pain, and induces a feeling of relaxation. It has also been found to improve patients’ quality of life, and no adverse side-effects have been reported.

The researcher suggests abdominal massage may be of benefit to people with constipation, including those with comorbidities such as multiple sclerosis.

The main drawback is the amount of time required to perform the massage, and the repeated nature of the intervention. However, abdominal massage is not a difficult technique to teach to patients and carers, and could undertaken by them if appropriate.

MASSAGE TECHNIQUE

Stroking: start at the small of the back and follow the dermatome of the vagus nerve, over the iliac crests, and down both sides of the pelvis towards the groin. Repeat it several times;

Effleurage: Strokes should follow the direction of the ascending colon across the transverse colon and down the descending colon. This should be repeated several times with increased pressure to stimulate the austral and segmental contractions of the large intestine. The aim is to propel the faecal matter along the gut;

Palmar kneading: This is the heart of the massage and tracks down the descending colon, up the ascending colon, and down the descending colon once again. Kneading helps to propel the faecal matter along the gut to load the re**um. Finger kneading may be required to break up faecal mass. This part of the massage may be uncomfortable because of the deep compression required.

Vibration: Over the abdominal wall to relieve flatulence. This should conclude the massage session.

01/09/2020

🔈 CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, a major nerve in the upper extremity that travels down the arm and enters the hand through a very small gap called carpal tunnel located in the central part of the wrist, gets compressed in the carpal tunnel. This causes irritation of the nerve leading to tingling or pain. Typically, this disease affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers.

Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, weakness, pain, or tingling in the hand or fingers. Some individuals experience pain in the arm between their elbow and hand.

▪️Symptoms generally may occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger.
▪️Pain in the other fingers except little finger may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
▪️Hands and fingers get weak.
▪️Slight pain in forearm and wrist.
▪️Pain will be severe at night.
▪️Feeling of relief just by shaking out the hand.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is first treated by conservative method. The general treatment includes complete rest for the wrist by wearing a splint. Cold therapy helps a lot to relieve the swelling and inflammation.

Surgery is performed in severe cases. Carpal tunnel release is a very simple operation in which carpal ligament is cut in order to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve the pressure on the median nerve. This is done either by open technique or endoscopic technique.

Physiotherapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is important in speeding up the healing process and to get the optimal results. Physiotherapy also decreases the likelihood of recurrences in the future. Physiotherapy may include:

▪️Soft tissue massage.
▪️Electrotherapy.
▪️Joint mobilization.
▪️Heat and ice treatments.
▪️Bracing or splinting.
▪️Exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
▪️Activity modification and training.
▪️Appropriate plan for return to activity.Soft tissue massage.

Exercises for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Stretching and strengthening exercises are really helpful for the prevention from re-occurrence of symptoms. Pain free exercises are recommended. Aim for a full, pain-free range of motion before moving on to strengthening exercises.

Wrist Flexor Stretch against a chair

Method:

Starting Position:
Stand next to a chair. Lean forward and place your outstretched hand on top of the chair’s sitting surface with the palm facing and in contact with the surface of the chair.

Action:
In a slow and progressive manner push the wrist against the chair’s surface until you feel the resistance of the end of range. At end of range, hold the position for 15 seconds whilst breathing slowly and deeply. Ensure you keep the elbow fully extended throughout the exercise.