Body Therapy Center

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12/29/2022

10/09/2018

01/24/2018

How Muscles Tighten

Muscles typically receive their energy from an aerobic process powered by oxygen and delivered to muscles through the blood. During most daily activities breathing rates increase, and in turn increase the amount of oxygen traveling through the blood to meet the energy needs. Sometimes, however, there is not enough oxygen available to continue using the aerobic system to provide energy for the muscles. Once that occurs, the body uses anaerobic metabolism to create energy. This process works without oxygen to supply energy to the muscles.

One of the by-products of anaerobic metabolism is lactic acid. When the oxygen requirement for particular muscle activity is insufficient, lactic acid is produced and begins to accumulate in the muscle. Lactic acid build-up reduces the efficiency of the muscle and also causes the burning sensation felt during high intensity exercise.

Muscles fatigue because of an accumulation of lactic acid and a depletion of energy reserves (Human Physiology, Sherwood). The muscles may be too weak from a lack of exercise (causing fatigue to occur without high activity), or repetitive use may be contributing to the fatigue. Fatigued muscles cannot sustain the work they are being required to do. When a fatigued muscle is called upon to continue to work – contract while fatigued – that muscle will tighten. If the tight muscle continues to work while fatigued, it takes on a rigid quality. This is called a myotonic muscle.

As the fatigued muscle tightens, the blood vessels supplying that tissue are constricted, which further reduces the supply of oxygen being carried in the blood. Tissue that is oxygen deprived will fatigue and tighten even more, creating the negative loop of; fatigue, tightening, constricting, oxygen deprivation, and more fatigue, often resulting in a myotonic muscle (Job’s Body, Juhan).

Releasing a Contracted Muscle

A chronic compulsive shortening of a muscle is no longer called a contraction, it is a contracture (Rolfing, Rolf). One of the most effective ways to loosen a contracture is through manual stimulation, specifically, loosening the muscles by stimulating the tissue one layer at a time. When a muscle in contracture is stimulated, the tissue contracts, and then releases. When the tissue releases, it breaks a pattern of contraction and allows more blood to flow back to the tissue which increases the oxygen levels. When oxygen supplies are restored to the tissue, the chronic tension is released and the muscle begins to return to a normal resting length.

01/24/2018

Releasing a Contracted Muscle

A chronic compulsive shortening of a muscle is no longer called a contraction, it is a contracture (Rolfing, Rolf). One of the most effective ways to loosen a contracture is through manual stimulation, specifically, loosening the muscles by stimulating the tissue one layer at a time. When a muscle in contracture is stimulated, the tissue contracts, and then releases. When the tissue releases, it breaks a pattern of contraction and allows more blood to flow back to the tissue which increases the oxygen levels. When oxygen supplies are restored to the tissue, the chronic tension is released and the muscle begins to return to a normal resting length.

01/24/2018

Massage for the Spirit

Massage provides a therapeutic component largely absent in today’s world: tactile stimulation, or, more simply, touch. In 1986, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami published groundbreaking research on the effects of massage on premature babies. The preterm babies whom received massage therapy showed 47% greater weight gain and six-day shorter hospital stays than the infants who were not receiving massage. But is this study evidence of what loving touch can do spiritually, or rather what massage can do on a physiological level? Regardless, babies are not the only benefactors.

Many adults report cathartic experiences on the massage table. As a therapist carefully unwinds a client’s stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding taut, pent-up emotions. And the feeling of being touched in a safe, caring manner can be a very powerful experience; reminding the client that she or he is not alone. As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it’s beneficial to body and soul.

01/24/2018

Questions to ponder:

Do I feel fatigued in the morning?
Does pain wake me at night?
Do I experience more pain in the morning?
Do I experience pain and / or stiffness when I get out of bed?
Do I have chronic pain due to muscle, tendon and ligament tension?

If you answered YES to at least 2 or more of these questions, you are a good candidate to receive PUSH Therapy. You would very likely feel better after just a few treatments. The goal of PUSH Therapy is to permanently change the body’s soft tissue so that lasting improvements in structure, function, strength and performance are achieved.

01/24/2018

As a diabetic, how can PUSH help me?

PUSH does not alter your disease or change your diagnosis. It can be a powerful adjunct therapy, however, as it helps maximize circulation. PUSH treatments release contracted, rigid muscles and restores them to a healthier resting length. Circulation is improved once tight muscles no longer constrict blood vessels. Improved blood flow to the extremities can help keep small injuries from becoming life and limb threatening.

Who else can benefit from PUSH?

Many people suffering from chronic or acute pain can see results from PUSH Therapy. Ailments ranging from tendonitis, joint pain, headaches, sciatica, back pain, plantar fasciitis and TMJ syndrome have been successfully treated with PUSH. Athletes looking to optimize their performance and mitigate the wear and tear of training and competition have found PUSH Therapy to be invaluable in giving them the edge. Anyone looking to improve his or her feeling of wellbeing would benefit from PUSH Therapy.