Author: Michael Greenspan

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Linked to Migraine Headaches

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist that’s characterized by pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in select parts of the hand. The result of a 2019 study suggests that CTS may be associated with migraine headaches. How can these two seemingly disparate conditions be related?

The study itself analyzed data gathered from a survey of nearly 26,000 adults in the United States. In particular, the researchers looked at responses to questions about CTS-related symptoms within the previous year and whether or not respondents had a migraine in the past three months. The results showed that 3.7% of participants had CTS symptoms in the last twelve months and 16.3% had a migraine in the last 90 days. 

When the research team compared those with CTS symptoms and those with migraines, they found that roughly a third (34%) of CTS-positive respondents also reported migraines, which is about 2.6 times more than study participants who did not experience CTS-related symptoms. On the other hand, 8% of individuals in the migraine group had CTS-associated symptoms in the last year compared with just 3% in the non-migraine group. 

The relationship between the two conditions indicates they may share one or more underlying cause. One such cause may be cervical dysfunction. While CTS is generally described as a condition caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist, pinching of the median nerve anywhere along its course from the neck to the wrist can generate hand/wrist symptoms. In many cases, a patient complaining of such symptoms may have median nerve entrapment in several areas that all need to be treated to achieve a successful outcome. While there are many potential triggers for a migraine episode, the root cause/s of the condition are not well understood. However, several studies have found that patients with migraines are more likely to have trigger points in their neck muscles and other cervical issues, and treatment to improve function in this area can reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines. 

With both conditions, it’s important to undergo a thorough examination to identify any and all contributing factors—including cervical dysfunction. Neuromuscular Therapists are trained to address such issues with manual therapies including trigger point therapy, and specific exercises and postural alignment therapy.

Click here to learn about the best postural alignment therapy for pain relief, and get a free 15-minute pain relief consultation.

You Could Be A Candidate For Trigger Point Therapy Or Neuromuscular Massage For Trigger Point Pain !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-798-4263 OR GO TO www.MassageRevolution.com

The Back & Neck Relief Center (Massage Revolution)
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Physical Activity and Low Back Pain

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

It’s common for individuals with low back pain to avoid any movement they feel may worsen their condition. Over time, this behavior can lead to deconditioned back muscles, setting the stage for either prolonged back pain or later recurrence. That’s one reason why treatment guidelines recommend patients continue to be active during the recovery process. But what about physical activity before back pain occurs? Does exercise reduce one’s risk for back pain in the first place?

In a 2019 study, researchers reviewed data concerning 4,246 Finnish men and women (average age 34 years) and found that those who routinely engaged in five or more sporting activities and/or endurance sports (especially running and cycling) were less likely to have radiating or non-radiating back pain. Meanwhile, those who focused on strength training only had a reduced risk for radiating back pain. The authors concluded that participating in a diversity of sporting activities, especially endurance sports, may be best for reducing the risk of both radiating and non-radiating low back pain. 

Another study that analyzed data concerning 4,022 men approaching middle age revealed a clear relationship between lower physical activity levels and a greater risk for chronic low back pain. This finding persisted even after researchers controlled for obesity, which is also a risk factor for back pain.  

A 2020 study that utilized data concerning 7,565 older men came to a similar conclusion. In the study, researchers calculated each participant’s total physical activity levels and found that the more one moved during the day, the lower their risk for chronic low back pain. The data show that even intermediate levels of physical activity cut the risk for chronic low back pain by as much as 25%. 

The findings of each of these studies suggest that staying physically active can reduce one’s risk for low back pain during each phase of adulthood, especially with the utilization of endurance exercises. If you’re suffering from back pain and have become inactive, your neuromuscular therapist can provide you postural alignment exercises to help identify simple exercises you can perform at home to increase your physical activity levels and help you get out of and stay out of pain.

Click here to learn about the best postural alignment therapy for pain relief, and get a free 15-minute pain relief consultation.

You Could Be A Candidate For Trigger Point Therapy Or Neuromuscular Massage For Trigger Point Pain !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-798-4263 OR GO TO www.MassageRevolution.com

The Back & Neck Relief Center (Massage Revolution)
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Exercises to Reduce Neck Pain Risk

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

As desktop computers, laptops, tablets, e-readers, and smartphones take greater importance in our lives, more and more people are consulting with healthcare providers for musculoskeletal conditions like neck pain. Why is this the case, and are there things that can be done to reduce one’s risk for neck pain in today’s modern world?

When using electronic devices, it’s common for individuals to lean forward and/or look downward. When the head rests in front of the neck and shoulders, the muscles in the back of the neck must work harder to keep the head upright. Over time, forward head posture (FHP) can lead to inflammation and injury in the back of the head/neck, shoulders, and upper back resulting in pain and disability. Past studies have shown that up to 60% of neck/shoulder pain patients have FHP, which suggests that taking steps to reduce FHP may have a dramatic effect on the prevalence of neck pain in the general population.

The following exercises can help improve one’s posture, thus reducing the risk for neck pain (they also benefit patients with neck pain):

  • Stretch the pecs, or chest muscles, by grasping a door jam and rotating your body away.
  • Shoulder external rotation strengthening. Lay on your side, elbow bent, and lift/rotate a LIGHT dumbbell toward the ceiling and slowly lower it.
  • “Flies”. Strengthen the interscapular muscles by laying prone and raising the arms up toward the ceiling (like you’re flying), squeezing the shoulder blades together.
  • Chin Tucks. Tuck your chin and nod the head to strengthen the deep neck flexors.
  • Neck Stretches. Pull your neck to the side, look up, and turn toward your pulling hand, followed by looking down and turning away from your pulling hand.

Staying physically active can also reduce your risk for neck pain. In a year-long study involving 367 sedentary workers, those who increased their daily step count by 1,000 steps cut their risk for neck pain by 14%! So, if you work in an office, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk around and/or perform the above exercises (at least #4 and #5, which can be done from your seat). Breathing exercises and meditation can also reduce neck muscle tension.

In addition to using manual therapies to treat patients with neck pain, neuromuscular therapists frequently recommend home exercises like those listed above to improve forward head posture and strengthen the neck muscles to not only reduce neck pain but also to reduce the risk for neck pain recurrence

Click here to learn about the best postural alignment therapy for pain relief, and get a free 15-minute pain relief consultation.

You Could Be A Candidate For Trigger Point Therapy Or Neuromuscular Massage For Trigger Point Pain !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-798-4263 OR GO TO www.MassageRevolution.com

The Back & Neck Relief Center (Massage Revolution)
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

6 Self Care Tips You Must Do For PAIN RELIEF

Massage Revolution - Trigger Poing Massage for Back and Neck Pain FILED UNDER Blog
Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

We’re all feeling the effects of lockdown and the closures of public spaces.

Because isolation is especially hard on those of us who suffer from chronic pain, I’m sending you a few easy self-care ideas to do at home to help manage your pain and stress…

Move

Exercise releases those feel-good hormones known as endorphins. Fresh air does the body good too, but if you can’t get out, crank up the tunes and dance around your living room. Be sure to get in some type of movement every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If you want to eliminate chronic pain and enjoy an active life, the most effective type of movement therapy for pain relief are posture alignment therapyexercises while at home.

Self-massage

A quick scalp massage and rubbing the hands and/or feet provide near-instant relief. Other high-tension areas include the neck, jaw, and shoulders, so be sure to give those a few rolls, while a spinal twist offers relief for your whole back.

Here’s a few self-massage videos we made you while you’re at home, depending where your pain is. Try it, you’ll get amazing relief!

TMJ and jaw pain?

Neck pain or headaches?

Back pain?

self-massage

Limit time on devices

Not only does reading bad news elevate stress levels, it also encourages staring which increases muscle tension.

Listen to music

Slower tempos are more relaxing, but if you’re feeling sluggish, put on something more upbeat to help recharge your batteries.

 

Try aromatherapy

Scents like lavender and chamomile are calming, while mint and citrus energize. A pleasant scent can boost your mood with just one sniff.

 

Soak

An epsom salt bath works wonders on sore, tight muscles. Even if you don’t have salts, the warm water soothes body and mind.

During this temporary closure, we want you to know that you and your loved ones are in our thoughts. We can’t wait to see you again!

Trigger Point Massage Therapy Breaks The Cycle With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain Treatment And Repetitive Stress Injuries

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

According to the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) such as carpal tunnel syndrome are the most common occupational health hazard in the nation. They affect hundreds of thousands of Americans, and cost an astonishing $20 billion each year in workers’ compensation. Whether or not these statistics surprise you, an even lesser known fact is that trigger points are often the culprit behind repetitive stress injuries. The good news is that trigger point massage therapy can relieve RSIs and break the cycle of carpal tunnel syndrome pain treatments and other pain, without resorting to surgery or drugs.

Tiny but hypersensitive, trigger points pack a punch. While they often appear in back and neck muscles, they can show up anywhere in the body. What makes trigger points even trickier is that you may not feel the pain at the site of the trigger point.

About two-thirds of work-related injuries and illnesses are a result of trauma to the upper body, which includes the back, shoulders, and arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer’s elbow and frozen shoulder are just a few examples of RSIs that are frequently caused by trigger points, but plenty of other problems occur as a result of trigger points in these areas, including issues as varied as allergy-like symptoms, irregular heartbeat and digestive woes.

A typical course of treatment for RSIs might include medication, physical therapy, surgery or a combination of the three, but before you sign up for anything drastic, you may want to give neuromuscular massage a try. Trigger point therapy may be exactly what you need because it goes to the source of the problem. Neuromuscular massage can not only relieve your RSI, it also helps to improve your range of motion, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

Here at Massage Revolution’s Back & Neck Relief Center, we specialize in neuromuscular massage and trigger point therapy. Depending on your particular injury, one session may be all that it takes to solve your problem, but if your job requires repetitive motions, it might be a good idea to book regular sessions or get a membership to keep your body running on all cylinders. In any case, our 35+ expert neuromuscular massage therapists are here to help. Call us today.

You Could Be A Candidate For Trigger Point Therapy Or Neuromuscular Massage For Trigger Point Pain !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-798-4263 OR GO TO www.MassageRevolution.com

The Back & Neck Relief Center (Massage Revolution)
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Get Relief From Fibromyalgia Diagnosis With Trigger Point Massage Therapy

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

Fibromyalgia Diagnosis is a chronic pain condition that affects some 5 million Americans. The most common symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain and trigger points and the vast majority diagnosed with it are female. It is estimated that women make up 80-90% of the cases of fibromyalgia, but that doesn’t mean men can’t get it (or children for that matter). Massage can be highly beneficial to those who suffer from fibromyalgia, and neuromuscular massage was especially developed to deal with trigger point pain.

Trigger points are tiny but extremely tender spots that cause great discomfort and pain. They often appear in back and in neck muscles, but they can turn up anywhere in the body, and do in the case of fibromyalgia, including in the chest, head, hips and knees. While talking about pain points probably doesn’t sound too appealing, what makes them interesting is the case of fibromyalgia is that they show up in the same places on different bodies. There are 18 trigger points to look for, and if you have at least 11 of them, the diagnosis will likely be fibromyalgia.

While doctors usually recommend medications to help manage the pain and other symptoms, there are natural steps you can take, such as exercise, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and getting massages. While all different types of massage can help relieve the manifestations of fibromyalgia, trigger point massage therapy is particularly effective in deactivating trigger points, reducing pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with the condition.

The cause of fibromyalgia isn’t clear, but possibilities include stress, trauma, infection and genetics. Other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or carrying excess weight also seem to trigger it. While there isn’t much you can do about your family history, you can take charge of diet, exercise, and stress management Trigger point massage therapy offers a two-fer: it reduces stress while desensitizing trigger points, leading to an improved quality of life.

You Could Be A Candidate For Trigger Point Therapy Or Neuromuscular Massage For Trigger Point Pain !
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 310-798-4263 OR GO TO www.MassageRevolution.com

The Back & Neck Relief Center (Massage Revolution)
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

While The World Is Quarantined We Have Some Uplifting News!

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

We have partnered with Quanta to bring their all-natural health and wellness products directly to your door.

What does this mean for you?

1. You can save 20% on all of Quanta’s products during this hectic time of need!

2. You don’t need to come into our office, Quanta will ship directly to your front door when you purchase on their website!

3. Their muscle rub product will help you ease your aches and pains leading to a more restful night of sleep which is essential for your immune system!

4. Their other products help reduce stress and promote well-being throughout the entire body!

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Boost Your Immunity With Trigger Point Massage Therapy

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

You may not have ever given it much thought, but the nervous system and immune system are interconnected. The immune system is a complex network designed to protect you from invaders and disease, while pain can be considered a sort of alarm bell. When the body is threatened, the brain and nerves send out orders to deal with the problem. The body gathers its troops to fight back for as long as necessary, but if the battle, aka pain, goes on for a long time, there is a cost to be paid as resources are used up and energy is directed away from other important functions. Just as soldiers can’t do their best without sometimes taking a rest, chronic pain depletes the immune system by making it work overtime. One out of every ten Americans have experienced chronic pain, and it is estimated that some 1.5 billion people suffer from the condition worldwide. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months. By relieving your chronic pain, you can strengthen your immunity. Almost by definition, chronic pain is hard to get rid of, but it possible to free yourself from pain without drugs or surgery. Trigger point massage therapy can offer complete relief from your chronic pain, and improve your overall health

While you probably know exactly what chronic pain is, you may not know that trigger points are the most common cause of chronic pain. Trigger points are small but highly sensitive spots that often occur in the low back, neck, but they can crop up anywhere. They cause issues from migraine to plantar fasciitis, and plenty of other problems in between.

Chronic pain does more than depress your immunity, it’s an overall downer. Over 75% of chronic pain sufferers say they feel depressed, and one out of every five say the pain disrupts their sleep. It is well-documented that insufficient sleep leads to lowered immunity and an increase of risk of getting sick.

The good news in all this is that neuromuscular massage and trigger point therapy go to the source of the problem and can permanently relieve your pain, even if you’ve been suffering for years. While many people experience relief after just a single session of neuromuscular massage , some, due to the nature of their work, lifestyle or stress load, prefer to make regular appointments. The massage therapists at Massage Revolution are allhighly trained specialists, and we’re here to support you and your health and wellness goals.
500 S. Sepulveda Blvd Suite 101

Our Pain Relief Specialists Have Got Your Back!

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Michael Greenspan Leave a comment

If your body is hurting and nothing seems to help, we’ve got good news for you: your search for safe, effective relief is over. Los Angeles’ own Massage Revolution’s Back & Neck Relief Center has the largest team of neuromuscular massage therapists in the country, so it’s no wonder we’re LA’s #1 pain relief specialists .

A lot of people don’t know this, but most aches and pains come from trigger points , which are like tiny knots in your muscles. Those little zingers can cause big problems, from migraines to back pain, neck pain, knee pain and more.

Massage Revolution’s 40+ massage therapists are specially trained in neuromuscular therapy and trigger point massage . We know how to zero in on your problem and fix it. Not only will you feel better instantly, you’ll also get lasting relief from your aches and pains.

Neuromuscular massage and trigger point therapy help relieve pain due to:

  • Text neck
  • Sciatica
  • Arthritis
  • Subluxations
  • TMJ
  • Degenerative discs
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Repetitive motions
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • General stiffness

Not only can these and other aches and pains be relieved with trigger point massage , the treatment will also improve you posture and flexibility. You’ll feel like your old self again!

We’re LA’s only neuromuscular therapist-owned massage center that offers a ‘Best Massage Promise.’ This means you’re guaranteed to love your massage or your session is free!

You’ve tried the rest, now try the best. Our name pretty much says it all: Massage Revolution’s Back and Neck Pain Relief Center will revolutionize the way you think about treating pain. So if you’re sick and tired of hurting, call us, the pain relief specialists , today!