Feeling Generous

I am loving the change of season at the moment. Autumn is a great time of the year, the rain starts, the days get cooler and our beautiful town begins to slow down. It's the perfect time to get back to nurturing your body, and start addressing those aches and pains.

The good news is that I am feeling generous, and you are going to benefit from this!

For every Massage treatment booked at the Stress Less Bodyworks studio in the months of May and June, you will receive a complimentary

 15 MINUTE FOOT REFLEXOLOGY MASSAGE OR 

a 15 MINUTE PRESSURE POINT HEAD MASSAGE!!!!! 

Do your health a favour...follow the link below to the Stress Less Bodyworks facebook page, "like us" and find our contact details.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stress-Less-Bodyworks/279708293248?ref=tn_tnmn

Have a Stress Less Day!

Nicola

Get Relief from Tight Traps

common areas of muscle soreness in the Trapezius Muscle

The Trapezius Muscle is a broad triangular shaped muscle which attaches to the base of the skull, and lies at the back of the neck, over the upper shoulders and extends down your upper back to your mid back. It is one of the most likely muscles to get sore knots or trigger points.

It has several actions including:

• moves the shoulder blades towards the spine
• moves the shoulder blade up and down
• brings the head and neck back into extension
• rotates and side bends the head and neck
• assists in breathing

The muscle is divided up into three groups; the upper, middle and lower fibers and depending upon the action under taken, depends upon the flexibility of this muscle. 

On most people, the upper fibres of Trapezius present as tender, knotted up muscle. This muscle is the first to bother you when you are under stress, and you may feel the ache or burn from the base of your skull to between your shoulder blades.

Trapezius muscle pain, is classic stress pain. Your shoulders will ache, the base of your skull and neck will hurt. You may be aware of a pressure or pulling at the base of your skull. And there is often the presence of headaches. 

Most of these pain symptoms are related to postural imbalances of the body which may be caused by:

• head forward posture when driving, reading, using a computer etc
• holding a phone between your shoulder and your ear. It is much better to get a headset or use a hands free system
• carrying a heavy bag or backpack or baby/child
• sleeping on your back or stomach with your head turned to one side
• whip lash injury 

The good thing though is that Trapezius pain is very preventable and treatable with plenty of stretching, exercise and remedial massage treatments. I have helped many people with ongoing Trapezius pain find relief from associated headaches and shoulder tension through the application of deep tissue massage, pressure point work, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Everyone responds well to Trapezius massage.


Have a Stress Less Day!
Nicola

It's a Pain, Repetitive Strain

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and overuse syndrome is extremely common in Australia's workforce, affecting people in many occupations including chefs, hairdressers, computer operators and trade workers. 

A repetitive strain injury happens from the repetitive actions and over use of a certain body part. RSI commonly presents itself as injuries such as carpel tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, tendonitis, lumbago, headaches and migraines. However, these conditions are all preventable, so long as you listen to the body's signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of RSI and Over Use Syndrome:

• persistent aches and pain
• muscle stiffness or muscle weakness, clumsiness
• fatigue and difficulty performing normal tasks, like turning on the tap
• tingling or numbing sensations, burning sensations or shooting pain in small restricted areas like the forearms or fingertips

The first signs of an impending RSI or over use injury may present as soreness, tingling or discomfort in the arms, neck, shoulders, lower back or legs. The symptoms may come on when you perform an action or afterwards. The symptoms may disappear when you stop the action, or they may take a few hours or even days to ease up. Over time though, if left untreated, the symptoms can become chronic.

The most important factor in preventing this type of injury from developing into a chronic condition is to listen to your body and take action. Notice the symptoms and warning signs. Stretch daily and take regular breaks each hour to momentarily rest those body parts affected. And receive regular Remedial Massage Treatments.

Have a Stress Less Day, 
Nicola

Lavender the great Leveller

I've had a love affair with lavender for as long as I can remember. English Lavender, lavandula angustifolia is a regular of mine and I use it daily. The aroma brings about a sense of comfort, well being and calm and brings up fond memories of childhood holidays at my grand parents country cottage.

Lavender has been used for thousands of years and it has a wide list of applications. It is especially valuable for skin care and skin conditions as it promotes skin cell regeneration and kills bacteria, is antibiotic, antiviral, may prevent scarring and ease pain.

One of the great properties of Lavender is it's ability to increase energy within the body, enhancing the function of the glands, whilst strengthening the body's systems. Lavender helps the body to achieve balance by relieving cramps and spasms and reducing inflammation. It eases problems of the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems and is an extremely effective pain reliever, making it's use perfect for the massage setting. It's anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from problems like, arthritis, sciatica, headaches, muscle tension, cramping and menstrual pain. Applied as a massage oil or in a bath, lavender will calm, ease and soothe the body. 

When it comes to Stress, there is nothing better than lavender. Lavender is the great leveller. It can create a sense of calm and clear mental chaos. It has the ability to harmonise and balance every aspect of our bodies and minds. Lavender reduces stress and calms the nervous system, lifting feelings of depression and easing headaches and insomnia.

Five Ways with Lavender:

• Feel it. Have a lavender massage. Be it deep relaxation or deep tissue, a massage that uses lavender oil is bound to make you feel energised.

• Soak it. Have a lavender bath. You can use lavender essential oils directly in the bath, or perhaps lavender bath salts or lavender bath bubbles are more your thing. This bath will have a calming and soothing affect on your whole body and mind, promoting good sleep.

• Smell it. With an essential oil burner, place 15 drops in a diffuser will keep your home or office smelling amazing and will create a comforting environment.

• Grow it. Plant lavender bushes in your garden and along your paths. This bush is very hardy and smells great. The essence of the flowers will be released each time you brush past.

• Drink it. Take a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers, a few slices of lemon and your favourite teapot and you've got yourself a nurturing herbal tea that will soothe your insides.

Have a Stress Less Day!
Nicola

Headaches and Massage Therapy

At some point in the past year, you've experienced a headache. From the very dull ache at the front of the head to the light sensitive pain behind the eyes, headaches are unpleasant and can be rather disruptive to your life. You may experience headaches regularly or once a year. There are many different causes for headaches and what causes headaches for one person may not cause headaches for you.

One of the biggest contributors to headaches is Stress. As tension increases in your life, you may be unaware of the way you are clenching your jaw, or holding your shoulders. But the body is a marvelous communicator and will manage to get your attention that all is not well through headaches and muscular pain.


Tension type headaches due to Stress, may be the result of Trigger Points, or areas of hyper sensitivity within the muscle groups of the neck and shoulders. The Trapezius muscle in particular, is almost always one of the main contributors. As the muscle fibres become tightly contracted (knots) they spasm creating referred pain and isolated tender spots. Remedial massage therapy is an affective treatment in releasing these knots, and ultimately assisting to alleviate headaches.

Other contributing factors to headaches may include; not enough sleep, hormonal changes (in women), excessive use of mobile phones (exposure to radio frequency fields), illness (like cold's and flu's), depression, food additives or allergies, dehydration and hang overs. Most of these factors can be linked back to Stress and muscular tension.

Massage therapy for headaches is an affective bodywork treatment that addresses the main postural muscles of the neck, shoulders and chest and incorporates remedial techniques such as trigger point release and deep tissue therapy, but has a general emphasis on relaxation and calming of the nervous system. By massaging and releasing tight and sore muscles, the body restores wellness and reduces pain and Stress.

Headache pain need not be something that you put up with or learn to live with. The pain is highly treatable with massage and stretching and adequate hydration. However, it is always best to consult your doctor if you have headache pain that lasts more than a few days, is of greater intensity than your previous headaches, cause severe vomiting or are triggered by coughing, lying down or bending. Your doctor will be able to rule out any serious diagnosis.

If you experience headaches, you don't have to live with pain. Regular massage therapy can help break the headache cycle.

Have a Stress Less Day, 
Nicola