BOTANY MUSCLE THERAPY  
50 Bob Charles Drive 
Botany Downs
Auckland
Tel 021 95 95 95
or 09 273 7092

www.sportsmassage.co.nz

January 2004

 

Muscles that express emotions are called mimetic muscles.  There are 30 pairs of mimetic muscles on the human face - more than on any other animal.  Collectively they can form an incredible range of expressions including crinkling the eyebrows in confusion, flaring the nostrils in anger, puckering the lips for a kiss, or raising the chin in a pout.   

Smiling J is generated by 8 muscles while frowning L requires 20 .

What conditions may be helped by therapeutic massage?

An increasing number of research studies show massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins (enhancing medical treatment). Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

So while massage also feels great, research indicates that people with the following conditions have reported that therapeutic massage has lessened or relieved many of their symptoms J.

  • Arthritis 1
  • Asthma 2
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome 3
  • Chronic and acute pain 4
  • Circulatory problems 5
  • Headache 7
  • Immune function disorders 8
  • Insomnia 9
  • Myofascial pain 10
  • Reduced range of motion 12
  • Sports injuries 13 (including pulled or strained muscles and ligaments)
  • Stress 14
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction 15
1 Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Seligman, S., Krasnegor, J., Sunshine, W., Rivas-Chacon, R., & Schanberg, S. Jrnl. Ped. Psychology, 1997.
2 Field, T., Henteleff, T., Hernandez-Reif, M, Marting, E., Mavunda, K., Kuhn, C., & Schanberg, S. Jrnl. of Ped., 1997.
3 Sheon R.P., Postgrad Med., 1997.
4 Weintraub, M. American Journal of Pain Management, 1992.
5 Meek, S.S., J. Nurs. Sch., 1993.
7 Puustjarvi, K., Airaksinen, O., Pontinen, P.J. Acupunct. Electrother. Res., 1990.
8 Ironson, G., et.al. Intl. Jr. Neurosc., 1996.
9 Richards, KC., Am J Crit Care, 1998.
10 Danneskoild-Samsoe, B., et.al. Scand J Rehab Med., 1982.
12 Crosman, J.L., et.al. Jr. Orthop. & Sports Phys. Th., 1984.
13 Goats, G.C. Br. J. Sports Med., 1994.
14 Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi, F., Nawrocki, T., Goncalves, A., Burman, I., Pickens, J., Fox, N., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C.
Intl. Jrnl. of Neurosc. ,1996.
15 Blood, S.D. Jrnl. of Am. Osteop. Assoc., 1986.

DUL-X Sport Fluid 125ml

Dul-X Sports Fluid cools and refreshes.  It promotes post work recovery, and leaves a long lasting refreshing, cooing effect with a pleasant, invigorating fragrance.

Use after exercise or competition, inbetween games, or whenever Your muscles need a lift.

Dul-X Sport Fluid is the first product we use on the NZ Ironman athletes during their post event massage, to help reduce muscle pain and stiffness.

February Special $15 Save $3.90

 

Some lower back pain can be traced back to tight gluteal (buttock) muscles.  Here is a great stretch for the "glutes".

Lie on your back with your left leg crossed over your right knee.
Exhale and flex your right knee, lifting your right foot off the floor, and let it slowly push your left foot toward your face, keeping your head, shoulders and back flat on the floor.
Repeat for the other side.

I couldn't find a picture of this stretch, so if the instructions aren't clear, ask for a demo next time you're in the clinic. 

The Tauranga Half Ironman on January 10 was held on a hot and sunny day, with a record number of competitors in attendance, and we were kept extremely busy in the massage tent post event.  It was great to see several Botany Muscle Therapy clients recording personal best times in the lead up to the NZ Ironman in March.

We were also kept busy in the massage tent at the inaugural Auckland Half Ironman event held at Maraetai/Kawakawa Bay on January 25.  Once again there were some great results recorded by Botany Muscle Therapy clients, and it was good to have the opportunity to see you all in action.

This month I'm off to the South Pacific Masters Games in Hamilton, supporting a team of cyclists competing in the three day tour.  

Other events in February include the Womens Special K Triathlon on February 8 www.tri.co.nz , the Aunty Betty's Triathlon Series at Okahu Bay on February 22 www.peoplestri.com and the Cathay Pacific Half Marathon on February 22.  

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Rachael Button
Botany Muscle Therapy
rachael@sportsmassage.co.nz 
50 Bob Charles Drive, Botany Downs, Auckland