The types of injuries I see from active adults fall into one of two categories:
1) "Pro" injuries do to overuse
2) "Rookie" injuries due to improper body mechanics
Today we're looking at the first type of injury.
"Pro" injuries tend to develop over time. They can present as a nagging pain, so it's possible to overlook them or dismiss that a feeling of not being able to do quite as much as you're used to doing as simply part of "getting older."
Chronic injuries are often a result of proper but repeated movements causing wear and tear on joints. You may also feel pain to in nearby joints (your physician, chiropractor, or massage therapist may call this "referred pain") as well as and firm, painful knots below the skin (massage therapists call these "muscle adhesions").
Chronic pain due to overuse is only partially preventable. As we age, our joints are used in the same motion from walking, throwing a ball, or even sitting at a computer. It's one cause of arthritis, and I see a number of clients of all ages who have some form of chronic pain.
Clients are not always happy to see me, but they're happy to leave and often feel MUCH better after a session. Sometimes a client comes right after the injury begins causing pain. Some clients have waited to get a massage, but they've experienced some relief from home remedies like rest, ice/heat, and exercises. I've massaged clients who are barely able to walk into my clinic because they've waited so long to get help.
I have several approaches to address chronic injuries: elongating tight/shortened muscles, soothing overstretched muscles, and having clients assist during massage in holding a joint in a specific position. I also integrate neuromuscular therapy into massage sessions for clients with chronic pain.
Here's a review from a regular client dealing with chronic injuries (work and life). She has arthritis due to joint wear and tear (chronic overuse) and receives massage on a regular basis:
- "Thanks Cynthia - you made may arthritis feel so much better. You did a great job and I really thank you for being so professional."
Please let me know if you'd like to try massage therapy for relief from a weekend of yard work, playing with grandkids, dancing, or even driving a semi (all of these are injuries from my clients!).
Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:
Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
http://olneymassage.com
