As part of my extensive massage therapy training, I was taught a specific series of movement that help relieve the symptoms of pain when suffering from a bulged or herniated disks.

When a disk is herniated, the bones (vertebrae) that form the spine (backbone) are cushioned by small, round, flat discs. When these discs are damaged from an injury, normal wear and tear, or disease, they may bulge abnormally or break open. If the herniated disc presses on a nerve root, it may cause pain, numbness, or tingling. After you have seen your physician and obtained permission to receive massage therapy, Thai Yoga Massage is helpful on your way to recovery.

Working very gently and with respect to the particular mobility restrictions as indicated by the physician, it is possible to help relieve muscular and nervous tension surrounding the spine, and provide safe and satisfying elongating and twisting stretches.

The Thai Yoga Massage session will aim at stretching the back, relieving muscular tensions, toning the postural muscles, making space between the spinal discs, and relaxing the recipient.  Specifically chosen Yoga postures administered by the therapist to the recipient and different touch techniques on the muscles will help to obtain symptoms relief.

Here are a few examples of Thai Yoga Massage postures that you can enjoy to help you in this condition. Photos below are master Kam Thye Chow from Lotus Palm, Montreal doing a demonstration for senior students.

Gentle spinal twists:

It opens up the chest, helps breathing, tones and stretches the lower back muscles and abdomen, and offers the therapist an opportunity to work on localized muscular tensions around the shoulder and on the neck.


Slow assisted spinal elongations:
(assisted mini bridge, cobra, and leg pull)
 

This posture is an assisted mini-version of the Yoga posture called the bridge. As opposed to when someone tries to do it without assistance, having a professional guiding you in this posture relaxes the muscles of the back, elongates the spine, and stretches the muscles of the hips, thighs, abdomen, and shoulders.  It is also good for blood circulation, digestion, and the immune system.






The therapist can also elongate your spine with a mild version of the classic cobra. Extensions are often recommended exercises for back conditions such as bulged and herniated discs. It tones and relaxes the back, opens up the chest for optimal breathing, and stretches the anterior muscles of the body.




Mild leg pulls, ankle rotations, and foot twists and pulls are also mechanical stretches that I was taught helpful to perform on recipients affected with herniated disks to relieve the symptoms. Some specific acupressure points on the feet are natural anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.



With an attentive awareness, the therapist can use different touch techniques using the forearms, knees, soft fists and palms on the back and along the stiff muscles of the body to help to alleviate the discomfort. Directing our intentions towards healing, the therapist and recipient can also work on the energy lines along the body to consciously promote relaxation and well-being.

Thai Yoga Massage will not cure you, but it will help you heal your condition. Don't forget to ask your physician's permission before engaging into massage therapy, and maintain in the meantime self-care routine such as healthy lifestyle habits to take care of yourself. Being surrounded by cheerful and inspiring people will make time pass faster until you can receive massage therapy by a trained, skilled and caring professional. It is worth the time and necessary monetary investment to take care of your spine. As Ayurveda teaches us in yoga, you are only as old as your spine, so take care of it !

Good luck to Josh and my other loved ones affected with this temporary condition !

Metta Touch and Loving Kindness in Massage Therapy.

This Metta spirit, when I practice it in my daily life and in massage therapy,  has immediate implications.  One of them is becoming more generous. You don’t need to think about generosity purely in terms of giving material goods or money. We can give our time and energy; we can give our attention; we can give thanks; we can give encouragement; we can give people many things, including Metta. There is no limit to the ways in which we can be generous.  A massage therapy service offered by a therapist who believes in the Metta spirit will be generous and uplifting. The recipient will go home feeling loved, respected, replenished, and so satisfied ! Like a smile, the Metta spirit is free, and contagious ! Try the Loving kindness in your daily life and see what happens around you.

Much Metta to all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

Care about other people and want to be able to assist them in a medical emergency? The Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care Course is being offered at the Massage Therapy studio des Pins on June 5th.

Have the Skills to Help When Your Help is Needed!

The EFR Primary and Secondary Course is an internationally recognized CPR and First Aid training course, following the same priorities of care used by professional emergency care providers. This course focuses on Emergency care for adults and detailed First Aid routines.

These skills are priceless - we are making them available for the lowest cost possible. Please join us!

The course will run 4-6 hours depending on how many we have in attendance, and be given simultaneously in French and English.

We have 8 places available... Students will need to confirm attendance ASAP, so that we can distribute your DVD and coursebook (in French or English) before the class. Please watch the DVD and do the "knowledge reviews" beforehand!

Course fee is $150 with certification cards included. Certificates for display are available for $10. Fees payable by cash or check (Ross Neil)

Key points:
Hands on skills practice (Learn by Doing)
CPR and First Aid skills for adults
Relaxed, non-stressful, supportive environment
Highly recommended for working professionals and parents

Course instructor: Ross Neill 514.947.3483
Host: Josh Layton 514.629.0890    

More info & instructor bio:
http://drop.io/EFRmtlqc/asset/emergency-first-response-pdf

EFR
http://www.emergencyfirstresponse.com/french/
http://www.emergencyfirstresponse.com/english/
(We will be covering the EFR Primary and Secondary Care Courses (w/ AED).)

Your shins include the Anterior Tibialis muscle, which is on the front of your lower leg. Its action is to flex the foot upwards. It is used when doing any exercise that involves lifting up the foot, such as running, walking, playing tennis, and so on.

Many causes lead to pain and inflammation of this lower limb muscle: tight calves, pronation while running, bad shoes, lack of foot strength.  The good news is that it can be treated and cured without having to stop exercising. Thai Yoga Massage at my studio has been successful at relieving pain and regaining range of motion  for that specific issue for two satisfied marathoners so far this year. Muscular compressions applied to the Tibialis Anterior muscle from the attachment to the origin and at the antagonist calf muscles helps to elongate it and reduce stress and tension on that muscle. Stretching the entire legs via foot twists and leg pulls helps the tendons to relax and the muscles to realign their fibers. Finally, acupressure at the insertion and origin near the marma points and working on the energy lines will provide a deeper relaxation of your painful shins.

Here is the recommended homework stretch for shin pains: sit in seiza, meaning sit on your ankles, and lean your weigh back on your hands. If its too easy for you, alternatively lift up your knees every thirty seconds.

Another stretch would be for you to lay on your side, and grab your ankle. Feel the stretch on your shins.  Stretch before exercising, and after, and during if needed.  It is also important to ice for ten minutes on your bones, three times a day. You can alternate cold therapy with an epsom salt bath prior to icing again. According to specialists, you don't have to stop exercising, especially if you know the special taping technique for shin pains that reduces the friction of the Tibialis Anterior against the Tibia. It will be my pleasure to show it to you.