Mauka Massage Therapy

05/22/2024

Looking forward to working with my community 🙏

05/16/2024

Trigger Points - Foot Drop 🦶
Foot drop, commonly observed after neurological damage such as a stroke, is characterized by the inability to properly lift the foot and toes during walking, increasing the risk of falls. This condition can be exacerbated by trigger points in the Tibialis Anterior muscle, which can severely impair the muscle's ability to facilitate foot dorsiflexion.
Characteristics of Foot Drop Trigger Point Pain:
- Impairs dorsiflexion, leading to "foot slap" and tripping.
- Often mistaken for gout or turf-toe due to similar pain symptoms.
Anatomy of the Tibialis Anterior:
- Originates from the lateral condyle and lateral tibia surface.
- Inserts at the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal base.
Functionality:
- Dorsiflexes and inverts foot, crucial for a normal walking gait.
- Prevents toe dragging during the swing phase of walking.
Common Indications:
- Trouble lifting toes off the ground.
- "Steppage" gait to prevent toe tripping.
- Muscle atrophy and strength loss in severe cases.
Causes:
- Secondary to CNS disorders like MS or peripheral nerve damage.
- Chronic overuse in activities that engage dorsiflexion heavily (hiking or climbing).
Advice for Patients:
- Perform tibialis anterior-specific stretches to maintain muscle length.
- Use a pressure tool for self-massage to alleviate tightness.
- Modify lifestyle factors to reduce symptoms, like decreasing strain activities.
Trigger Point Therapy Techniques:
- Sustained pressure on trigger points using thumbs or tools.
- Muscle Energy Techniques to strengthen and improve muscle tension.
- Positional Release to gently alleviate tension without pain.
- Dry Needling for deep tissue recovery and pain relief.
Practitioners seeking professional development opportunities, who want to learn more about our online CEU courses, please give us a call at 1-800-741-5716. 🤳
For an in-depth guide on Tibialis Anterior's role in managing foot drop and detailed therapy techniques, visit our blog. 👇
https://nielasher.com/.../trigger-point-therapy-foot-drop

05/01/2024

Perspective from Massage Therapists🙏

Should you remove all of your clothes? Is it bad practice to fall asleep during a treatment? What about engaging in conversation?

04/25/2024

Give some of these poses a shot if you are having sciatica issues. Do this in addition to a massage which can help in the relief of your pain from sciaticia.

A pain in the butt, low back, hips or back of the legs may be sciatica. Our sciatic nerves — we have two of them, one for each leg — run from our lower ...

04/25/2024

To those of you that have had a massage with me I would really appreciate your reviews with Google. Mahalo in advance❤️🫶🙏

Post a review to our profile on Google

04/19/2024

Trigger Points - Serratus Posterior Inferior Muscle 💪

The Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle, located deep in the lower back, is crucial for stabilizing the lower ribs and aiding torso movements. This often overlooked muscle supports proper respiratory mechanics and lower back stability but is susceptible to trigger points that cause chronic pain. These trigger points can produce a deep, aching pain that radiates across the back and into the chest, often mistaken for kidney or spinal issues.

Characteristics of Serratus Posterior Inferior Trigger Point Pain:

- Causes persistent lower back ache, often mistaken for other organ pains.
- Pain radiates across the back and through the chest.

Anatomy of the Serratus Posterior Inferior:

- Lies deep in the lower back, under the rhomboid and trapezius muscles.
- Stabilizes the lower four ribs during movement.

Functionality:

- Facilitates movement and stabilization of the lower ribs.
- Supports lower back during torso rotation and bending.

Common Indications:

- Aching pain in the low back, especially when twisting or reaching overhead.
- Pain worsens with prolonged standing or walking.

Causes:

- Triggered by improper lifting and prolonged overhead reaching.
- Exacerbated by unsupportive seating and poor sleeping surfaces.

Advice for Patients:

- Avoid repetitive overhead activities and improper lifting techniques.
- Use supportive seating and mattresses to reduce strain.

Trigger Point Therapy Techniques:

- Manual pressure and massage to release muscle knots.
- Stretches and strengthening exercises for muscle balance.
- Heat therapy to relax tight muscles and increase blood flow.

Image credit: Lotus Publishing

For comprehensive strategies on managing Serratus Posterior Inferior trigger points and improving lower back health, visit our blog. 👇

https://nielasher.com/.../trigger-point-treatment...

04/17/2024

04/11/2024

I’m so excited about my new space in Golden, CO at Reflections Salon & Studios!!!❤️😍

04/11/2024

FROM MAUI TO THE MOUNTAINS
Gail DiMeo, a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) since 1996, brings the essence of Maui to the Rocky Mountains. Inspired by her upbringing on the island, Gail’s practice embodies the beauty of nature and the healing power of touch.

With over two decades of experience, Gail offers personalized sessions tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you seek relaxation, pain relief, or rejuvenation, experience transformation, where the spirit of Maui meets the majesty of the Rockies.