Category: Massage for Athlete’s in Santa Barbara

DIFFERENT STYLES OF MASSAGE THERAPY TECHNIQUES

chris June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

Licensed massage therapists like myself are generally equipped with lots of different techniques that can accomplish a variety of results. When the receiver (the client) can effectively tell the giver (the massage therapist) what they want, the giver can do their best work.

There are several different types of massage. If you take a moment to understand the distinct differences between each of them, you will be able to better communicate to your therapist exactly what it is you’re looking for:

What is Remedial Massage ?

chris May 7, 2023May 7, 2023

Remedial massage is a complementary therapy that aims to treat muscles that are damaged, knotted, tense or immobile. It is useful for a number of problems that affect the muscles, tendons and bones and can address a number of other health problems.

Fractured Patella for Runners – Hairline Fractures

chris February 25, 2022

A hairline kneecap fracture is a simple crack in the bone (the patella is still in one piece). Hairline fractures are also known as stress fractures and are rare in the kneecap. They can occur in athletes, such as marathon runners, and may be due to overuse. A stress fracture of the patella may be difficult to see on an X-ray. The main symptom is a pain in the front of the knee that gets worse over time.

Thai Massage for Athletes

chris February 21, 2022February 21, 2022

Thai massage for athletes shortens regeneration time after intense exertion and improves physical shape in everyday exercise. It removes exhaustion, lowers contusion probability and helps with faster strength recovery, relaxes stretched and stiff muscles, lowers the pain made by exercise.

Insertional Achilles Tendinitis

chris November 26, 2021November 27, 2021

Insertional Achilles tendinitis involves the lower portion of the heel, where the tendon attaches (inserts) to the heel bone. In both non insertional and insertional Achilles tendinitis, damaged tendon fibers may also calcify (harden). Bone spurs (extra bone growth) often form with insertional Achilles tendinitis. Insertional Achilles Tendinitis is pain and inflammation at the insertion of the Achilles Tendon on the heel bone. It is often associated with swelling, redness, and calcium buildup (small bump) located at the back of the heel (see picture). Pressure at the back of the heel tends to be sensitive and painful. In the clinic, some of my clients often report that certain tight shoes might cause more pain in this area from the pressure and have to sometimes resort to open back shoes.

Peroneal Tendonitis / Superior Peroneal Retinaculum (spr) & Cross-Fiber Friction Massage

chris November 12, 2021June 12, 2023 1

I don’t like long complicated answers so here’s goes! I guess I got a little carried away! LOL

Your question is about friction massage and a tendon called the superior peroneal retinaculum (spr). I work on a lot of runners with many similar issues. You don’t say how long ago and how you injured your ankle. You also don’t mention if you have had an MD or specialist look at you and did they refer you to have x-rays or an MRI. If you have insurance the MRI would be very helpful. You also don’t mention if you have had Physical Therapy for your leg and foot. I’ve found in the past that MRI with or without a diagnosis combined with a good physical therapist and a knowledgeable sports LMT works pretty well. Regardless, applying different friction massages in different areas of the foot and leg is what works. I’ve found that you should also work the entire foot, calf muscles, and the front of the leg at many different angles. Unfourtually, most people can’t apply the pressure needed and take the pain that is required to break up the microscopic adhesions and scar tissue to increase blood and oxygen flow in those areas that already have limited blood and oxygen flow.

Massage for Muscle Pulls & Strains

chris September 1, 2021June 28, 2023

A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in any muscle, but they’re most common in your lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring, which is the muscle behind your thigh.

These strains can cause pain and may limit movement within the affected muscle group. Mild to moderate strains can be successfully treated at home with ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe strains or tears may require medical treatment.

Massage & Facts on Muscle Knots

chris August 30, 2021November 29, 2022

A muscle knot is a painful or tender spot in a muscle. It feels tight and sore, and it often happens in the upper back or legs. They’re not usually harmful, but they can certainly be uncomfortable. In rare cases, muscle knots are a sign of a long-term (or chronic) pain condition.

Chances are, you’ve experienced the tender, achy feeling of a muscle knot at some point in your life. Research has shown that muscle knots may affect up to 85 percent of the population. Muscle knots impair mobility, cause pain, and can reduce a person’s quality of life.

Facts on Upper & Low Back Spasms & Pain

chris August 3, 2021November 17, 2022

Pain in the upper back is usually the result of poor posture, muscle overuse, or injury. Treatment may include home remedies, such as rest and gentle exercises, or possibly seeing a physical therapist. The upper back is the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the ribcage.

Leg Pain Facts

chris July 22, 2021November 17, 2022

Characterized by aches, numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness, leg pain quite often is not caused by a problem in the leg or foot, but rather by a condition in the lower back. In fact, with many low back problems, there is actually little or no low back pain.

Compression or pressure on any of the nerve roots in the low back can cause pain, numbness, or weakness along the different nerves as they travel down through the leg and into the foot. Because the sciatic nerve is commonly affected, leg pain and related symptoms are often generally referred to as sciatica, although medical professionals prefer the term radiculopathy.