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Category: Health

  • Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema Products

    Lymphedema treatments include:

    1. Exercises 

    Light exercises that move the affected limb may encourage fluid drainage and help prepare the body for everyday tasks. The exercises should not be strenuous or tiresome but should focus on gentle contraction of the muscles.

    • Wrapping the affected limb

    When the entire limb is bandaged, it encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body. Bandages should be tightest around fingers or toes and loosen as it moves up the arm or leg.

    • Massage

    A special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of your arm or leg. Additional various massage treatments such as massage guns or massage chairs may be helpful as well. Make sure to contact a physician before deciding on which techniques work best.

    • Pneumatic compression 

    Includes a sleeve that is worn over affected arm or leg that will connect to a pump that sporadically inflate the sleeve, putting pressure on the limb to move lymph fluid away from fingers or toes.

    • Compression garments

    Long sleeves or socks made to compress the arm or leg to encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of affected area. 

    • Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

    This approach involves combining therapies with lifestyle changes. CDT is not usually recommended for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, heart failure, blood clots or acute infections. Check with a physician.

    Is massage good for lymphedema?

    Massage treatment can benefit a patient with lymphedema. Although, deep tissue massage could potentially be too heavy for someone with lymphedema.  There are certified lymphedema therapists (CLT) and, some physical or massage therapists have had oncology and pathology training.

    Lymphedema refers to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid within one area, also known as swelling.  Gentle massage encourages movement of lymph fluids throughout the body in a specialized lymphedema massage.

    One solution may also be to look into massage chairs as an alternative therapy that could save time and money over the long haul.  A good massage chair should be designed to provide some measure of pain relief and relaxation without the need for person-to-person interaction and, some have the option of controlling the intensity. Some people would agree that opting to go with a massage chair as a potential means to ease their chronic pain allows the user to get a massage in the privacy of their home, on their time, and on their own schedule.   

    Massage therapy increases endorphin levels – conceivably the most valuable aspect of massage. Endorphins are the ‘feel good’ chemicals that run through the body, increasing their levels, inducing positive results. Among other benefits, increasing endorphin levels has been associated with swifter recovery, reduced pain and reduced anxiety. 

    While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, studies have found massage may also be helpful to:

    1.         Lessen depression and anxiety

    2.         Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow

    3.         Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin

    4.         Increase joint flexibility

    5.         Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation

    6.         Paresthesia and nerve pain

    7.         Reduce spasms and cramping

    8.         Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller

    9.         Arthritis

    10.       Relieve migraine pain 

    Why does massage help lymphedema?

    Lymphatic drainage is a specialized, gentle type of medical massage. It may be used as part of your lymphoedema treatment. The aim is to encourage the lymph fluid to move away from the swollen area, so it can drain normally. It also helps lymph fluid drain through the healthy lymph vessels.

    The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from bodily tissues. Some health conditions can cause lymph fluid to build up. Lymphatic drainage massages can benefit people with lymphedema, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

    People can develop lymphedema as a result of infections, cancer treatments that involve the removal of lymph nodes, and any condition that damages the lymphatic system.

    Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. Lymphatic massage usually forms part of a treatment program called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT).

    Lymphatic drainage massage can benefit people who are experiencing the following:

    1. Lymphedema
    2. Fibromyalgia
    3. Swelling or edema
    4. Skin disorders
    5. Fatigue
    6. Insomnia
    7. Stress
    8. Digestive problems
    9. Arthritis
    10. Migraine episodes

    Negative Effects of Massage Therapy on Lymphedema

    If massage therapy is applied to lymphedematous tissues, an increase in swelling may result. Massage causes an increase in arterial blood flow where applied, resulting in more water accumulating in those spaces. Due to mechanical insufficiency inherent in lymphedema, the lymphatic system will not be able to manage the additional water load. 

    Research shows that, depending on the severity of symptoms, some sufferers may initially experience some pain from the massage. However, it is essential to note that healing is a process; massage therapy will produce the sought-after long-term positive results with some patience. Steadily increased pressure over time is an ideal protocol. Premium massage chairs for home use would provide the ease and frequency of access as well as pressure control, which would be a perfect option for many who suffer.  

    Talk to a healthcare provider first before considering massage for lymphedema; ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost and type, and the insurance coverage if any.  Despite its benefits, massage is not meant to replace regular medical care, and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans already in place. 

  • Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Are massage chairs good after a workout?

    Massage therapy can induce improvement to circulation and breathing and has also been proven to help heal faster after training. As a result, the soft tissues of the muscles become stronger and healthier and create a more effective training and a faster recovery time between training sessions.

    massage chairs

    Benefits of massage after workout

    Benefits of massage after exercise include but are not limited to:

    • Decrease in pain
    • Improves recovery: Massage after strenuous exercise or from injuries to the muscles improves recovery. Massage improves blood flow, which assists healing to the damaged and/or affected areas. If there are minor injuries the lesions can be repaired quickly as well as effectively. Not only does massage quicken the recovery, but it also works to prevent injuries so that future training sessions are not unproductive, allowing for a quicker return to the activity.
    • Prevents DOMS

    What are doms?

    “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” (DOMS) usually occurs several hours after exercise and is painful, producing stiffness in your muscles, usually occurring after starting a new exercise program.

    • Massage post-workout can also provide many benefits for reduced tension, a more effective removal of waste products, an increased range of movement, and an overall improved feeling of relaxation.
    • Massage after a workout helps by increasing blood flow as fresh blood is pumped to the muscles in need, repairing any damaged tissues by carrying nutrients to be fixed quickly.
    • Often, exercise can be exhausting and have psychological effects on the body. However, regular post-exercise massage has shown to decrease depression, elevate moods, reduce anxiety and motivate the body to return to a normal exercise routine.

    Do massage chairs help recovery?

    Whether it is an in-person massage or a massage chair for home use, a post-workout massage will most certainly improve recovery. So yes, massage chairs are helpful to recovery!

    What are the benefits of massage chairs?

    1. Convenience: Accessibility that meets the needs for scheduling as well as duration. A post-workout massage for as little as 10 minutes is effective in improving recovery and reducing inflammation. 
    2. Relaxation: Stress-reducing benefits are immediate and quite like a good workout, the muscular compressions provided by a massage chair also results in increased endorphins within the body. The feel-good hormones produced are a healthy way to reduce stress on the brain and body.
    3. Improve Post Workout Recovery
    4. Reduce Back Pain: Many home massage chairs have options that focus on specific areas of the body, such as lumbar massage to increase circulation and mobility in the low back, going a long way towards improving low back pain resulting from muscular overuse and instability.
    5. Boosting Immunity: Inflammation after a workout is scientifically an immune response. If it is working overtime, the reduction of cytokines from the massage may improve that response, also assisting in cellular function and repair important to the immune system. So whether it is a cold or if it relates to battling a more severe immune issue, frequent massages at home in a massage chair might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

    You Can Even Get a Chair Massage Before Working Out

    Though most of this article is about getting a chair massage after a workout, using it beforehand can be beneficial, too. Massages help your muscles loosen up. This loosening can be of particular convenience if you are sore before going into a workout.

    You might think that working out with sore muscles is an effective way to get in shape. But, rather, muscles that are relaxed and rejuvenated tend to perform better in the gym. For that reason, feel free to use your massage chair both before and after workouts.

    In fact, that is one great thing about getting a massage chair that has a variety of settings. Take the time to figure out which kind of chair massage helps you relax before or after a workout then go into your next fitness regime, ready to be active and mobile.

    A Chair Massage Can Help Lower Blood Pressure After a Workout

    The circulation system can benefit from massage, too. When you work out, your heart has to keep up with the activity. So it is pumping blood a little bit harder to ensure the muscles get plenty of oxygen while they are being pushed and strained.

    Well, getting a massage after working out can help with that. Lower your blood pressure after a workout to ensure your heart returns to normal. This relaxing time after proper exercise is going to become an essential part of your health routine.

    Massages Can Help with Flexibility, Too

    When our muscles are more relaxed, they can be pushed and stretched that much further. To be specific, using a massage chair on a regular basis can help enhance your body’s flexibility, another reason it might be in your best interest to use the massage chair before as well as after working out. If you have flexibility training coming up, you’re going to want your muscles to be free from any soreness or fatigue, which is helpful in getting that new yoga pose just right.

    Whether you’re getting a massage from a chair or a professional, the results are the same. Massages are known to help release toxins that build up in our muscle system.

    In fact, that is why the practice of massage has been around for thousands of years. People recognize the health and wellness benefits and continue to want that level of relaxation. 

    Best Massage Chairs

    Z-Smart Massage Chair Plus

    Quality massage chair companies like….

    1. Slabway
    2. Zarifa
    3. Infinity
    4. OskaI

    Pre Workout Massage VS Post Workout Massage

    Pre-Workout

    A massage before working out allows muscles to get warmed up and stretched out to be more flexible, helping to get in the right frame of mind to start the workout.

    A study in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that the psychological benefits of a pre-workout massage, including reduced stress, tension, and anxiety leaves one more relaxed and focused on getting the best results from the workout.

    The massage should be gentle with light strokes and not deep tissue, which, if done pre-workout, could cause muscle soreness and tightness before even beginning.

    Post-workout

    Receiving a massage once you’ve finished working out helps reduce muscle soreness by reducing inflammation and reduces your recovery time by speeding up cell recovery.

    The answer is there are considerable benefits to having a massage both before and after a workout. Be especially certain to get the correct type of massage to set the body up for true success.

    Can you overuse a massage chair?

    Excessive use is known to lead to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. So, take it slow and easy with your massage chair, especially when you’re using it for the first time. The cost of overuse does not outweigh any perceived benefit.

    Many massage chairs have the ability to stretch and knead the problem areas where muscles are too tight, and relaxing them will help calm down the skeletal structure. It is warned, though, that excessive use of massage chairs leads to muscle damage, inflammation and bruised tissues, in addition to causing harm to the internal massage chair motor. 

    It is worthy to note and be aware of the following list of contradictions for massage therapy:

    • Infectious skin disease
    • A rash
    • An unhealed wound
    • Immediately after surgery
    • A tendency to form blood clots or if using blood thinners
    • Circulatory ailments such as phlebitis or varicose veins
    • Inflamed or infected injuries
    • Areas of bleeding or heavy tissue damage
    • At the sites of recent fractures, sprains, or bruises
    • Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy
    • Osteoporosis (use caution)

    Work with a Professional When Implementing New Health and Wellness Practices

    Of course, prior to starting any new form of treatment it is imperative to talk to a doctor. If there is chronic pain, numbness, or tingling, always consult a physician. A doctor can determine the cause of pain and prescribe the right treatment therapies.

  • What does home care provide?

    What is home care?

    After years of pro and semi-pro sports many of our athletes need attitional care. Here is some helpful information.

    Professional services that help make your home lifestyle easier to maintain are called home care services. People opt for home care services for a variety of reasons. They may include a temporary or a permanent medical disability, busier work routines leading to a lack of time for household chores, an aged person requiring personal support with assistance from a home care provider. 

    People often confuse the terms of home health care and home care. Home health care includes medical support services from a licensed healthcare service provider, a professional therapist or a hired professional nurse, which helps people suffering from disease or a disability catered specifically to their daily needs. On the other hand, home care is associated with people who provide assistance and companionship to elderly persons in their homes. Home care can be provided by skilled people who are adequately trained to provide many duties related to medical supervision of the elderly but are not licensed to provide other medical services. For example, a home care services provider can help an older adult with incontinence issues but can not administer medical aid to the subject as in injections or intravenous fluids. 

    Usually, there are three services:

    Personal home care is required by older adults who are too aged to carry out many of their chores. Home care providers can help such people with their everyday tasks, thus helping them adjust to their lives. Such home care is also known as assistive care, senior or companion care. Such home care providers can be hired to help the aged members of the family for the whole day or just a part of the day when there is no one at home to attend to the needs of the aged person. 

    Most of the time, the adults requiring companionship or assistive home care are suffering from chronic disabilities or diseases that do not require specialized medical care, such as administering injections or intravenous fluids. These chronic disabilities do not hamper a young person from carrying out the daily tasks completely, but managing the daily chores with these diseases might become a challenge for older adults. For example, older adults with incontinence and are unable to walk properly require proper assistive care from either a family member or another person to carry out these tasks. In this case, having a properly trained home care provider can help the adult enjoy a better lifestyle by dispensing these services when required.

    Such home care providers are trained to dispense basic medical services to their clients. For example, home care providers can help an older adult follow his or her daily medication as prescribed by the physician. Personal home care providers can help their clients with the basics of lifestyle such as bathing, dressing and laundry. If disabled, care providers can also help the person use the toilet properly. Apart from these essential services, home care providers also act as a companion for the older adults during times when no family members are at home, which helps the older adults feel less lonely and unattended. They act as a partner in hobbies and as a person to talk to over the coffee in the evening when no one is there!

    Most home care providers work at particular hours; however, if required, a home care provider can provide live-in care for a person. The care plan is managed by the family members or by the services provider to adjust the schedules to provide the best care possible to the client. nursing care and

    health care:

    Care providers specializing in dispensing complex medical care services to the clients fall in this category. A person may require short term medical care if suffering from temporary illness or an injury or may require long-term supportive care in the case of severe chronic diseases or permanent disabilities. A nursing and health care services provider can provide services to such people as directed by the physicians. Hiring a specialized nursing care provider for giving medical care becomes necessary if the patient requires particular medical services. Such services require medical training and can not be carried out by an inexperienced person. 

    Short term home health care is required by persons with temporary disabilities due to an accident or an injury or bedridden at home after a surgical procedure. Such people usually have to observe a tight medical care schedule, where they require intravenous fluids, administration of injections at suitable intervals and/or require ventilator care if they are in a state of coma. A home health care provider can provide all these services because of skilled and professional experience in this regard. Such home care providers also look after the medication schedules of the individuals and provide physician-prescribed home care during the recovery period after an injury or a surgical procedure. These services are sometimes called “visiting nurse services”, as the care providers most often work at particular hours without providing live-in 24-hour care to patients. However, in severe cases, live-in nursing care providers can also be hired to provide complex medical assistance to the patient, such as ventilator care or dialysis for a short term, until the patient recovers from the severe illness. 

    Long-term supportive health and nursing care are usually required for persons suffering from extreme illnesses such as cancers or severe permanent disabilities. Such home care is also known as catastrophic care. People requiring such nursing services may require specialized medical services such as needing a ventilator or a dialysis machine to perform essential body functions. In this case, hiring a good nurse with adequate experience in dispensing these services in a hospital or somewhere else can be beneficial because they are professionally trained and skilled to administer medical care that can be too complex for the family members, such as tracheostomy tube care, feeding and urinary tube insertion and removal. Patients who are severely disabled due to spinal injuries or brain injuries and are in a coma often require such services from an experienced home nursing provider. 

  • Do Massage Chairs Have Medical Benefits?

    Do Massage Chairs Have Medical Benefits?

    Massage chairs often seem like luxurious pieces of furniture. But research has demonstrated that these can be helpful tools in a wellness and fitness regimen for everyone, including athletes. 

    Several clinical studies have shown significant improvement in blood circulation, immunity response, muscle recovery, and managing hypertension. The health benefits of massage can be associated with enhanced mobility, muscle recovery, pain management. It’s also effective in treating neck, upper back, and lower back issues.

    The aspect of massage chair therapy that comes as a surprise to people is that medical research has demonstrated that regular use can increase problem-solving abilities. These chairs are also highly effective in lowering stress levels and anxiety. That’s why you see an increasing number of massage chairs in corporate settings, hospitals, and other places where people are usually high-strung. Having white-collar executives and healthcare personnel experience found massage therapy improved mental well being and accelerated their work performance. It was demonstrated to decrease the rate of incidence of work-related injuries.

    Massages help significantly in overcoming anxiety and depression and alleviating insomnia and sleep disorders. We know now that anxiety is a component of many other illnesses, so effective treatment automatically alleviates many other symptoms. Wellness comes from a relaxed body and a serene mind. Getting massages definitely contributes to both. 

    The Zero gravity position first started with the need to decrease the effects of take-off on astronauts as the optimal way to surmount that initial moment without straining their bodies. Furniture manufacturers embraced the same technology to relieve the constant loading off of the joints and muscles. 

    The Benefits from Owning a Massage chair

    Receiving a massage from a trained professional is a wonderful experience.  But having one on call day or night and access to someone at home and work would be an expensive proposition. Access to a massage chair solves many of these problems.  All you need to do is play some instrumental music and light a couple of scented candles near the chair. With a massage chair in your home, you can access daily massages whenever you want. 

    Here are factors to consider when deciding to purchase a massage chair

    1. Enhanced Muscle Recovery After Working Out

    With heating cycles and zero gravity settings, a deep tissue massage adds to rejuvenating the body after a workout. A quick recovery time means that you will want to resume your daily activities with the soreness eliminated and return to your sports routine.  

    2. Handle Anxiety and Stress

    Several clinical studies report that regular massage was effective in decreasing stress and anxiety. Therapeutic massage stimulates the release of ‘feel-good hormones’ such as serotonin and dopamine while decreasing cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. The combination of these reverses a volatile temperament and stabilizes mood swings. Stress and anxiety are quite abundant and will lead to actual illnesses. Massage costs much less than medication without side effects.  

    3. Constant Fatigue

    Many people report a sense of constant fatigue. Between lifestyle issues and digital devices, many things can keep us from a sense of real relaxation.  Massage is highly effective in overcoming sleep problems. , With a massage chair at home, the ability to let go and fall asleep fast is almost certain. 

    4. Alleviate Sore Muscle Pain

    Muscles become sore after exercise, playing sports, or after a long day at work. This ache is caused by the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Massaging the affected areas stimulates blood flow, which delivers more oxygen and helps carry away the lactic acid. A massage chair with a heating element is even more effective at alleviating sore muscle pain.

    5. A Targeted Treatment with Lower Back Pain

    75% of adults report experiencing some form of lower back pain. They get it with varying degrees of severity, but those who have a severe case need to live with it as it becomes a chronic condition. Regular massages increase mobility and aid in pain management. Studies also show a long-term increase in healing. Orthopedic doctors widely recommend massage as a part of the rehabilitation process for lower back pain. 

    6. Decreases Neck Problems

    Most massage chairs have a targeted massage for the neck and shoulders. This is quite successful in relieving the discomfort with a stiff neck and decreasing the headaches that also come from it. Massages that target this area decreasing stress and stimulating dopamine and serotonin. This also increases the pain threshold and assists the soreness in healing. 

    7. Replicates Chiropractic Adjustments for Sciatica

    Many massage chair models were developed with input from doctors and chiropractors. The result has been several impressive features and ergonomic enhancement with these chairs. An ability to twist and tilt and provide both heat and deep tissue massage helps address sciatica-related discomfort. These sessions also have a high success rate in decreasing shooting pain and keeping it at bay afterward.

    8. Improvement In Blood Circulation

    Massage plays a part in a well functioning circulatory system. The zero gravity position is a popular technique employed to decrease the heart’s loading, improve oxygen intake, and fix several circulatory issues.  Massage also decreases stress, improving circulation, as stress increases hypertension, heart rate and constricts arteries.

    9. Increased Oxygen Flow to the Arms and Legs

    While much of what we’ve discussed has concentrated on the torso region, massage chairs can increase the pumping of more blood to the extremities. Tissues that receive more oxygen can heal, renew themselves, and perform optimally.

    10. Improve the Lymphatic System

    Our lymphatic system is a key to our immunity. Vigorous movement helps to flush all the free radicals and toxins that pile up upon our lymph nodes. Massage flushes the lymphatic system keeping us well-defended from pathogens and feeling refreshed after ditching the bio-load that weighs down our systems. 

    When the day is done, unwind with a gentle massage, and slip out of the day’s anxiety and soreness.