Low Back Pain Study finds Massage Therapy is More Effective than Conventional Treatments

According to this WebMD story a recent study shows massage therapy to be a more effective treatment than traditional therapies.

The study randomly assigned 400 adults with moderate-to-severe low back pain lasting for at least three months to either weekly relaxation massage sessions, weekly deep tissue massage sessions specifically focused on the lower back and hips, or usual care.  After 10 weeks, participants in both massage groups reported reduced pain and improved function compared to those in the usual care group.

Participants reported benefiting from both relaxation massage as well as site specific deep tissue massage.  The researchers can’t explain this but I would guess that any form of positive touch encourages relaxation and reduces pain.

“I think this trial is good news in the sense that it suggests that massage is a useful option that helps some substantial fraction of these patients,” says study researcher Richard A. Deyo, MD, a professor in the department of family medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.

One physician who was interviewed for this article spoke of the importance of exercise in combination with massage therapy.

“Certainly, it’s not going to hurt,” says Fredrick P. Wilson, DO, director of the Cleveland Clinic Solon Center for Spine Health, in Ohio.  “But it’s a short-term improvement, and it’s certainly not a fix,” says Wilson, who reviewed the study for WebMD but was not involved in the research.

“When we see patients, we push them toward active exercise rather than passive natural therapy kind of a thing. If they can have stronger core strength to support their spine, they’re going to be better off in the long run. So we’re trying to fix, rather than ease, their pain,” Wilson says.

Stronger core strength to support the spine.  I like the sound of that.  What can massage, or better yet the combination of movement + massage do for you?  Call Anne today and she will happily customize a movement + massage program just for you!

Council Crest Hike this Sunday June 19th!

 

We are headed to Council Crest this Sunday (Father’s Day) June 19th.  Join us for this almost 6 mile hike to Portland’s highest point.  We will meet at the Marquam trail off  Terwilliger at 9 am.  Here’s what portlandhikers.org has to say about this trail:

Winding its way through a patchwork of city parks and green spaces, the Marquam Trail stretches over five miles through peaceful, secluded forests in Southwest Portland. As part of the city’s 40-Mile Loop trail system it connects the Terwilliger Trail in the south with the Wildwood Trail to the north.

This will be my first time hiking this trail.  To get to the trail head I plan on following the directions on the Portland Hiker’s Field Guide:

From SW Terwilliger and Sam Jackson Park Rd (by Duniway Park) drive 1.4 miles south on Terwilliger to the trailhead. From Terwilliger and Capitol Hwy drive north 1.0 miles to the trailhead. There are small parking areas on either side of Terwilliger just south of the trailhead.

If you are interested in riding with me from the southeast please call or text me by Saturday night 503-705-4762.

 

Thanks Lisa for these photos!

 

Room for one more person in tonight’s Pilates class in Sellwood

Never tried Pilates before?  Don’t know your roll up from your roll over?  Join Anne tonight June 15th at 6:30 pm and see what Pilates is all about. Learn how to strengthen your core, improve your posture, and keep your back pain free.

This is a mat class based on Joe’s basic 25 exercises, performed either lying on the floor, sitting or standing.  In this work you use your own body weight so no equipment necessary – however we often incorporate foam rollers, small balls and Swiss balls.  Your first class is complimentary.  Space is limited to five people.

Call Anne to reserve your spot 503-705-4762.

Stand Up Paddle Two for One Rental – One Week Only!

Gorge Performance is offering a two fer deal on a Stand Up Paddle rental this week only!

For $35 you get two boards, paddles and PFD’s for the day. No expiration on the certificate but you must rent the board Monday thru Thursday.  You can even walk the board down to Willamette Park to put in – just north of the shop.

I have no affiliation with the board shop other than I like these guys, they are just across the river on Macadam, and they took our group out for a fun lesson last summer on the Willamette (see photos).  Our group had loads of fun and you really get a full body workout – abs, legs, back, arms.  I think of this more like kayaking than surfing.  Plus the balance element – excellent for core strength!  We tried SUP in Hawaii this February but I was less successful at catching waves.  I prefer the relatively flat Willamette.

I would love to do another group paddle this summer – I’m thinking July or August so keep your eyes peeled here, or contact me if you are interested.  503-705-4762

Health Salon Number Two – Weight Loss! July 29th

Are you constantly dieting but not seeing the results you want?  Pre or perimenopausal and experiencing a sluggish metabolism?  Looking for a few tips to get the scale moving in the right direction?  Curious about an anti-inflammatory diet?

Join us Friday July 29th at 6 pm for a weight loss discussion with Dr Nicole Yezman N.D., LAc.

“Extra weight on the body is due to inflammation,” says Dr. Yezman.  “The first step is to figure out the root cause.”

Dr. Yezman will talk about why we carry extra weight, and offer simple and effective ways to get rid of your excess lbs. in a safe and healthy way.  Discussion starts at 6pm Friday night, light snacks & refreshments provided.

  • What: Weight Loss Health Salon
  • Where: Fluid’s Sellwood Studio 7916 S.E. 19th
  • When: Friday July 29th at 6 pm
  • Why: learn simple and effective weight loss strategies, meet some of your Fluid family
  • Who: you and your guest
  • $10 per person – or two people for $15

Space limited to ten people and her last health salon sold out.  Call 503-729-3617 or email: drnicyez@clinicofnaturalhealth.com to reserve your spot.