What do tension headaches, low back pain, heel pain and forelimb lameness all have in common?
If you guessed pain you're a cheeky sort like me, but the real answer is that the pain doesn't originate in these areas. Tension headaches are caused by overly tight muscles in your neck and shoulders. Low back pain is commonly caused by tight glutes and hamstrings. Heel pain can be caused by rock hard calves. Forelimb lameness has a multitude of other causes that are not limited to saddle fit, neck tension and hind end injuries.
It's all connected.
If you've been on my table you've probably heard this phrase. In school we're taught pieces and parts and how they function individually. Without 1+1 we would never figure out that 2 1's = 2. This is also how the body works. Without our tricep to counteract our biceps we wouldn't be able to flex and extend our elbows (you're trying it right now aren't you? Good!). If you remove the deltiod, supraspinatus, trapezius or pectoralis major your shoulder wouldn't function properly.
If you guessed pain you're a cheeky sort like me, but the real answer is that the pain doesn't originate in these areas. Tension headaches are caused by overly tight muscles in your neck and shoulders. Low back pain is commonly caused by tight glutes and hamstrings. Heel pain can be caused by rock hard calves. Forelimb lameness has a multitude of other causes that are not limited to saddle fit, neck tension and hind end injuries.
It's all connected.
If you've been on my table you've probably heard this phrase. In school we're taught pieces and parts and how they function individually. Without 1+1 we would never figure out that 2 1's = 2. This is also how the body works. Without our tricep to counteract our biceps we wouldn't be able to flex and extend our elbows (you're trying it right now aren't you? Good!). If you remove the deltiod, supraspinatus, trapezius or pectoralis major your shoulder wouldn't function properly.
Photo Credit: viz Tumblr user afallfromyou
Your body is an amazing dynamic system that works best in harmony and balance. This is why as a massage therapist I do not just work on "the sore spot." Many people that come through my doors wind up having a completely different section of their body worked on than what they thought was the problem. Once the initial problem is resolved, say neck tension for example, The body will lead us to an older area of tension, followed by an even older area of holding. Your body will focus on the "latest and greatest" of injuries and pain and put older issues on the back burner.
So the next time your massage therapist says that you'll need another session (or two) before you feel 100% better. Stop. Think. And listen to your body. 9 out of 10 therapists are telling you the truth and are not just looking for a fatter paycheck.
For this reason I offer the "Carrot Discount": Keep 3 appointments in a row (no matter the amount of time between them) and get 50% off your third treatment. OR if you need a bigger carrot to keep you motivated I offer your sixth appointment for free.
Post #2 of the 20 posts in 28 days challenge
So the next time your massage therapist says that you'll need another session (or two) before you feel 100% better. Stop. Think. And listen to your body. 9 out of 10 therapists are telling you the truth and are not just looking for a fatter paycheck.
For this reason I offer the "Carrot Discount": Keep 3 appointments in a row (no matter the amount of time between them) and get 50% off your third treatment. OR if you need a bigger carrot to keep you motivated I offer your sixth appointment for free.
Post #2 of the 20 posts in 28 days challenge
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