Clayton Giles RMT Langley

02/16/2025

Hello everyone, my name is Clayton Giles, and I have been a Registered Massage Therapist for over 11 years. Most of my career has been spent in Vancouver and Coquitlam, and for the past three years, I have had the privilege of working in Langley at Natural Point Therapy. I am currently accepting new patients, so if you or someone you know is seeking expert RMT services, I would be happy to help. My practice is located at Unit 120 - 5769 201A St, Langley, near the intersection of 201A Street and Fraser Highway.

I take pride in the quality of care I provide, and I am grateful for the trust my patients place in me. Here are a few of the 30+ five-star Google reviews I have received, which you can find on the Natural Point Therapy Google Business page as well as my own page, CJG Registered Massage Therapy.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out—I’d be more than happy to chat.
Thank you, and I look forward to helping you achieve your best health!


https://loganmassage.janeapp.com/locations/natural-point-therapy/book #/staff_member/25/bio

02/02/2025

A PSA for Today’s Snow!

The snow is finally here! And I am sure many of you like myself are about to step outside to shovel it away. But before you do, I would like to pass on a word of warning. Studies have shown that the combination of cold weather and intense physical exertion can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, particularly for older adults and those with underlying heart conditions.

Why Is Snow Shoveling Dangerous for Your Heart?

* Cold Weather Strain – Low temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and making the heart work harder.�

* Sudden Physical Exertion – Shoveling is a demanding activity that can rapidly increase heart rate and blood pressure, particularly in those who are not regularly active.�

* Silent Warning Signs – Many people ignore early signs of heart strain, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or dizziness, which can quickly escalate into a heart attack.�

Who’s at Risk?

* People over 45, especially men�
* Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes�
* Individuals who smoke or have a sedentary lifestyle�
* Anyone with a history of heart disease�

How to Reduce the Risk

1. Warm Up First – Just like any workout, start with light movements to prepare your body. Go for a quick walk as an example.�

2. Take It Slow – Pace yourself, take breaks, and avoid overexertion.�

3. Use Proper Technique – Push snow instead of lifting when possible. And when lifting use your arms and legs in tandem, not just the arms alone.�

4. Stay Hydrated – Dehydration can make the heart work harder, even in cold weather.�

5. Listen to Your Body – If you feel dizzy, short of breath, or experience any discomfort, stop immediately and seek help if necessary.�

6. Avoid Large Meals, Alcohol, or Smoking – Doing any of these three things before shovelling will put extra strain on the heart.

Know the Warning Signs

A heart attack can come on suddenly or develop gradually. If you or someone near you experiences chest pain, discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness, call 911 immediately.

This winter, be mindful of the risks and take steps to protect your heart. A little caution can go a long way in ensuring you stay safe while keeping your walkways clear!

If you get sore from all the shovelling, why not book a massage! It’s a fantastic way to not only to help your muscles, joints and ligaments heal, but also to help decrease blood pressure. Your body will thank you.

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

01/22/2025

Turmeric for Joint Pain Relief: What the Research Says

Recently, many of my clients have been asking about turmeric as a natural way to relieve joint pain, particularly from osteoarthritis. With so much buzz around this golden spice, I decided to take a closer look at the research and see what the science actually says.

Understanding Osteoarthritis and Common Treatments

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, mainly affecting the knees and hips. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears down over time, leading to inflammation and discomfort. While the exact cause is still not fully understood, we do know that inflammation plays a major role in the progression of the disease.

Doctors often prescribe pain relievers such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and diclofenac to manage osteoarthritis symptoms. However, these medications come with potential side effects, including stomach issues and increased cardiovascular risks. Because of these concerns, many people are looking for natural alternatives to help manage their joint pain.

What Does the Research Say About Turmeric?

Turmeric, a bright yellow spice commonly used in cooking, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Scientific studies suggest that taking standardized turmeric extracts (typically around 1000 mg of curcumin daily) for 8 to 12 weeks can help reduce arthritis symptoms, offering pain relief comparable to medications like ibuprofen.

However, the research does have some limitations. The studies analyzed had relatively small sample sizes, ranging from 45 to 124 participants, which means more high-quality research is needed to confirm turmeric's effectiveness conclusively.

Turmeric vs. Traditional Pain Medications

In some studies, turmeric was found to provide similar levels of pain relief as NSAIDs without the severe side effects. One study compared diclofenac (75 mg daily) with and without curcumin (1000 mg daily). While both groups improved over the course of the study, there was no significant difference between them. This suggests that curcumin may work through similar mechanisms as NSAIDs, but without causing gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues.

Is Curcumin Absorption a Concern?

One challenge with turmeric is that curcumin has low bioavailability, meaning the body has difficulty absorbing it effectively. Research shows that curcumin levels in the blood are often very low, even after taking large doses. However, newer formulations of turmeric supplements include added ingredients like black pepper extract (piperine) to improve absorption.

Safety and Side Effects

Turmeric is generally considered safe for most people and has been classified as "generally regarded as safe" by health authorities. Most studies report no significant side effects at doses under 2000 mg per day. However, very high doses (8-12 grams) can cause mild digestive issues such as nausea or diarrhea in some individuals.

Additionally, people with iron deficiency should be cautious with turmeric supplements, as curcumin can interfere with iron absorption.

The Bottom Line: Should You Try Turmeric?

Based on the available evidence, turmeric supplements can be cautiously recommended as a complementary approach for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. While it may not replace traditional treatments entirely, it offers a natural option with fewer side effects than NSAIDs. If you're considering adding turmeric to your routine, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure it's right for you.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to stay informed about the latest research and share insights to help my clients make informed decisions about their joint health.

If you are interested in booking a Registered Massage Therapy appointment with me, please click the link below.

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

11/11/2024

About two weeks ago I wrote a post about how pain works in the body. This week, I'd like to talk about an amazing process in the perception of pain called Pain Modulation. Pain modulation is the body's way of turning down the volume on pain signals, helping manage and reduce pain sensations. Here are some ways in which it works:

1. Natural Pain Modulators
The body produces chemicals like endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural painkillers. During pain, these chemicals are released and bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the sensation. This is why exercise can help with pain—it releases endorphins, which boost mood and ease discomfort.

2. Gate Control Theory
Think of a “gate” in the spinal cord that controls the flow of pain signals to the brain. According to the Gate Control Theory, some signals can close this gate, blocking pain signals from passing through. For example, rubbing a sore area activates non-painful nerve signals that "close the gate," which is why a gentle rub often soothes pain.

3. Brain and Mind Influence
The brain can amplify or reduce pain perception. Positive activities like relaxation or distraction calm the nervous system and lessen pain, while stress and anxiety can intensify it. Mind-body approaches, such as meditation or mindfulness, work by shifting attention away from pain, reducing its perceived intensity. This is amazing, because what this tells us is by simply changing out thought processes or perceptions, we can control our pain.

4. Medical and Physical Interventions
Certain treatments help with pain modulation. Medications like NSAIDs reduce inflammation, targeting the pain source. Physical therapies like massage therapy or acupuncture release endorphins and relax muscles. For chronic pain, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps change how the brain interprets pain signals, reducing their impact.

5. Electrical Stimulation
Techniques like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) use mild electrical currents to stimulate nerves and block pain signals. This activates the pain gate and releases natural pain relievers, making it effective for some pain types.

Overall, pain modulation is a complex yet effective way the body and mind manage pain, which is especially valuable for those dealing with chronic pain conditions.

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

10/25/2024

Hello everyone.

In a recent study that I read it talked about how patient outcomes are greatly increased just by explaining how pain works. So today I'd like to talk about how pain works in the body.

Pain is like your body’s alarm system. When something potentially harmful happens—like a cut, a burn, or even strain in your muscles—your body wants to let you know, so it sends out a warning signal to your brain. Here’s how it works:

1. The Start of Pain: Detecting a Problem
Specialized nerve cells in your skin, muscles, and organs are on alert, ready to pick up signs of trouble. These cells, called nociceptors, detect things like heat, pressure, or chemicals. When they sense something unusual or dangerous, they create an electrical signal.

2. The Pathway: Sending the Signal to the Brain
Once a nociceptor detects a problem, it sends the signal along nerves to your spinal cord, which acts as a highway to the brain. The spinal cord sends this pain message upward to the brain for processing.

3. The Brain: Making Sense of the Pain
When the signal reaches the brain, the brain's job is to figure out what’s happening and how to respond. Different parts of the brain work together to understand the pain's location, type, and intensity. Some areas of the brain also handle the emotional reaction to pain, which is why pain can make you feel anxious, upset, or drained.

4. The Response: Reacting to Pain
Once the brain identifies the pain, it may send out instructions on how to respond. For example, if you touch a hot stove, the brain tells your hand to pull away quickly. Or if you have muscle pain, the brain might signal you to rest or stop what you're doing to prevent further damage.

5. After the Pain: Sensitization
In some cases, if the body has been in pain for a long time, it starts to become extra sensitive to pain signals. This is called "sensitization." The nerves and brain can become so primed for pain that even gentle touches or small triggers might hurt, which can be a part of chronic pain conditions.

In summary, pain is a protective system that helps keep you safe. It alerts you to danger or injury and encourages you to act, whether it’s pulling your hand away, resting, or seeking medical help. When pain lasts a long time, though, it can become complicated and affect how your body and mind process it, which is why chronic pain often needs a comprehensive approach to treatment.

Stay tuned for a follow up post where I will discuss pain modulation, your bodies natural ability to use built-in painkillers, like endorphins and enkephalins, to decrease the sensitivity to and reaction of pain.

If you or anyone you know would benefit from Registered Massage Therapy please visit the link below.

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

10/20/2024

Anyone with chronic pain can tell you how debilitating it is. Pain that is ongoing from an injury that could have happened months if not years ago. That nagging pain that just persists, even when the tissue no longer shows signs of damage and presents as completely healthy if subjected to imaging. If you suffer from chronic pain, as well as an increased perception of pain, you may find this post helpful.

Trigger points, also known as Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs), are tight, sensitive spots in your muscles that can cause pain. These trigger points are linked to various types of regional pain, such as low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, knee pain, and pelvic pain. They’re also found in more widespread conditions like fibromyalgia and whiplash injuries.

When we talk about pain, both peripheral (local) and central (brain and spinal cord) mechanisms play a role. This means that pain can start in the muscles (like from a trigger point) and then cause changes in how the brain and spinal cord process pain. This leads to a phenomenon called central sensitization, where your body becomes overly sensitive to pain, even from minor triggers.

Recent research has shown that treating trigger points using methods like injections, mild electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and massage therapy can help reduce this increased sensitivity to pain. This is especially true in conditions like fibromyalgia, where patients often experience pain from even light pressure or touch. By deactivating trigger points, these treatments can reduce the overall pain response and make the body less reactive to pain.

Trigger points send pain signals to the brain, which can lead to prolonged pain responses. Studies using brain scans have shown that when pain is caused by trigger points, it activates areas of the brain that control both the sensation of pain and emotional responses to pain. This suggests that trigger points can start a chain reaction that not only causes pain in the muscles but also affects how the brain interprets and responds to pain.

The evidence suggests a strong link between trigger points and central sensitization, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship. However, what we know so far shows that treating trigger points can help reduce central sensitization and, in turn, reduce chronic pain.

This highlights the importance of addressing trigger points as part of the overall strategy for managing chronic pain. Treating these spots may offer relief for people dealing with long-term muscle pain and conditions like fibromyalgia.

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

10/12/2024

I recently read the peer reviewed article: Acute Effects of a Brief Physical Exercise Intervention on Somatosensory Perception, Lumbar Strength, and Flexibility in Patients with Nonspecific Chronic Low-Back Pain. I would like to share with you the take aways I learned that can be applied to both therapists and patients alike.

This study explored how different types of 20-minute physical exercises affect pain perception, strength, and flexibility in patients with nonspecific chronic low-back pain (NSCLBP). Eighty-one patients were divided into four groups: aerobic exercise, stretching, strengthening, and a control group. Tactile sensitivity, pressure-pain thresholds, lumbar strength, and flexibility were measured before and after the intervention.

The results showed that all exercise groups experienced improvements in pain sensitivity and lumbar flexibility. Aerobic exercise specifically increased tactile sensitivity at the gluteus medius compared to the erector spinal muscle. However, since improvements were also seen in the control group, the findings on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (reduced pain perception) are somewhat limited. The study contributes evidence about the effects of exercise on pain relief in chronic low-back pain, but further research is needed to clarify these effects.

This research on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (pain reduction) in patients with nonspecific chronic low-back pain (NSCLBP) is highly relevant for massage therapists in several ways:

1. Understanding Pain Modulation: The study highlights how different exercise modalities, such as aerobic exercise, stretching, and strengthening, can reduce pain sensitivity and improve flexibility. This should help inform therapists about how to complement massage with specific exercises to enhance pain reduction in clients.

2. Targeted Treatments: The findings suggest that certain body areas, like the gluteus medius and lumbar region, show varying responses to different exercises. For massage therapists, knowing which muscles respond better to specific interventions (e.g., increased tactile sensitivity in the gluteus medius after aerobic exercise) can guide more targeted, effective treatments, potentially focusing more on those regions during sessions. For example, if the goal is to help strengthen the lumbar musculature by implementing a walking exercise program, it would be prudent of a therapist to test the strength and endurance of the gluteus medius muscle for any possible weakness, since they are the lateral stabilizers of the hips and are integral for walking.

3. Incorporating Active Recovery: As massage therapists often encourage clients to engage in self-care and exercises between sessions, understanding which types of exercises (aerobic, stretching, strengthening) can yield immediate improvements in pain and flexibility. This will foster quicker recovery and improved long-term outcomes.

4. Holistic Approach to Pain Management: This research reinforces the idea that managing chronic pain often requires a multimodal approach. For massage therapists, integrating massage therapy with exercise recommendations can offer a more comprehensive strategy for reducing pain and improving overall physical function in clients with chronic low-back pain.

By leveraging insights from this study, massage therapists can tailor their treatments to not only address pain but also enhance the effects of massage through the incorporation of appropriate exercise regimens.

Patients can take a more proactive approach to their recovery from chronic low-back pain using the insights from this research in the following ways:

1. Incorporating Exercise into Daily Routine: The study highlights the benefits of different types of exercise—particularly aerobic, stretching, and strengthening—in reducing pain and improving flexibility. Patients should actively integrate these exercises into their daily routines, even if for short durations (like the 20-minute sessions in the study), to support their recovery. Engaging in these exercises between massage or physical therapy sessions can help maintain the pain-relief benefits.

2. Tracking Responses to Different Exercises: Patients can monitor how their bodies respond to various exercises and take note of what works best for them. Since the study showed that different modalities impact specific muscle groups and areas differently, patients should keep track of which exercises provide the most pain relief or improvement in flexibility. This self-awareness helps them personalize their recovery plan and communicate better with their healthcare providers.

3. Collaborating with Healthcare Providers: Armed with this knowledge, patients can actively collaborate with their massage therapists or other healthcare providers to develop a tailored treatment plan. They can request exercises or therapeutic strategies that complement the hands-on work during massage sessions, making recovery more efficient.

4. Engaging in Holistic Recovery: Instead of relying solely on passive treatments like massage, patients should adopt a more holistic approach by incorporating physical activity into their recovery. Understanding that exercise-induced hypoalgesia can help reduce pain encourages patients to combine both exercise and therapy for more comprehensive pain management.

5. Seeking Preventative Care: Patients can be proactive by using these exercises as preventative measures to manage or avoid future flare-ups of chronic pain. By consistently practicing flexibility and strengthening exercises, they may improve overall mobility and reduce the likelihood of pain recurrence.

Overall, by combining regular physical activity with massage therapy, patients can take charge of their recovery, making it more effective and sustainable in the long term.

Link to article:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2147/JPR.S274134?needAccess=true

https://naturalpointtherapy.janeapp.com/locations/natural-point-therapy/book #/staff_member/25

Massage Therapy is the assessment and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body. Manual techniques are used within treatment to decrease and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is....

06/16/2024

Hello again, everyone! Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there.

If you have been in a recent motor vehicle accident and have an open claim with ICBC, this post is for you.

Not a lot of people are aware of this, but when you get into a motor vehicle accident, you are automatically eligible for a range of health care services. For Registered Massage Therapy, you are automatically given 12 sessions. For kinesiologists, psychologists, clinical counsellors, and acupuncturists, you are also entitled to 12 sessions each. Additionally, you get 25 sessions for physiotherapists and chiropractors respectively.
I was very surprised myself with everything ICBC offers. So if you have been in a recent motor vehicle accident or know someone who has, please share this with them so that they can take full advantage of what ICBC offers. It’s what our insurance premiums go towards.

Thank you, and stay tuned for more posts! (If there is a relevant topic you would like me to write about please mention it in the comments section and I will do my best to write about it).


https://naturalpointtherapy.janeapp.com/ #/staff_member/25