Category: UCSB athletes

Chronic PFP – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Chronic PFP – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS; not to be confused with jumper’s knee) is knee pain as a result of problems between the kneecap and the femur.[4] The pain is generally in the front of the knee and comes on gradually.[2][4] Pain may worsen with sitting, excessive use, or climbing and descending stairs.[1] While the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to be due to overuse.[1][2] Risk factors include trauma, increased training, and a weak quadriceps muscle.[1] It is particularly common among runners

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Massage for TKR & THR

Massage for TKR & THR

For many people, the answer is massage therapy. This is an all-natural and proven method of pain management that more and more knee surgery patients are seeking. And when you see the benefits, it’s no wonder why.

Let’s look closer at why knee pain happens and how massage therapy can aid your recovery and help you get back on your knees, er, feet, and do your normal activities again

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What are the Chemicals that make you Happy? Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, Oxytocin

What are the Chemicals that make you Happy? Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins, Oxytocin

Chemicals & Happiness

Each of these chemicals plays a huge part in the way our bodies function: physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve only touched the surface, and I really encourage you to learn more on your own. By understanding the role these hormones have, you can better understand how they are affecting you in everyday situations. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to take control of those effects and enjoy a healthier, happier life. 

The 4 brain chemicals:

Serotonin – The “leadership hormone.” Heavily related to pride, loyalty, and status.
Dopamine – The (good & bad) habit former. An incredible tool when used appropriately
Endorphins – The natural painkiller. The runner’s high!
Oxytocin – The hugging drug or “love hormone.” Oxytocin makes us social and builds relationships with trust and loving feelings.

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Massage for Pickleball Players in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Ca.

Massage for Pickleball Players in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Ca.

Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular recreational sports in the U.S. It combines tennis, badminton, and ping pong, and it is great exercise without being so high-impact. That said, injuries can occur, so all players must take care of their bodies and know how to find relief after those hard matches and that’s where PRO Massage comes into your life.

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

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

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.

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Muscle injuries

Muscle injuries

Muscle injuries is a broad term encompassing many pathologies and these are common injuries in both elite and amateur athletes as well as in the general population.

Skeletal muscle injuries represent a great part of all traumas in sports medicine, with an incidence from 10% to 55% of all sustained injuries. The muscles and muscle groups more frequently involved are the hamstrings, rectus femoris, and the medial head of the gastrocnemius. They should be treated with the necessary precaution since a failed treatment can postpone an athlete’s return to the field for weeks or even months and increase the risk of re-injury.

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Massage for Hamstring Injuries, Pulls, Tears, Tendonitis Tendinopathy, Tenosynovitis in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Massage for Hamstring Injuries, Pulls, Tears, Tendonitis Tendinopathy, Tenosynovitis in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Hamstring tendonitis occurs when the soft tissues that connect the muscles of the back thigh to the pelvis, knee, and lower legs become inflamed. Tendonitis is often brought on by overuse and causes acute, or immediate, pain that decreases with rest and minor first aid. Most people can return to regular activity after a week or so. Full recovery typically involves rehabilitative exercises and takes several weeks.

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Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) or (CTR)

Connective Tissue Massage (CTM) or (CTR)

Connective tissue massage (CTM) is a manipulative technique that facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies. Observation and subsequent manipulation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues can have a beneficial effect upon tissues remote from the area of treatment. These effects appear to be mediated by neural reflexes that cause an increase in blood flow to the affected region together with suppression of pain. CTM is becoming accepted more widely as research confirms the claims of an expanding population of practitioners.

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