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By Megan Cornish, Myotherapist Lymphatic drainage is becoming increasingly popular within the wellness world in recent years but what actually is it? If you are well versed in beauty trends and massage techniques you may have already come across this term but if not we are here to catch you up to speed!  Lymphatic drainage is a process that actually occurs naturally by our lymphatic system in our bodies. Our lymphatic system is composed of lymphatic vessels, organs, nodes and lymphoid tissue and It’s responsible for the processing and return of leaked fluid/ waste back into our bloodstream to help maintain balance within our bodies. So where does massage come in? MLD, Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a light massage technique where the therapist encourages the lymph or fluid to be processed quicker. This technique is used in the cases where there may be excess lymph in the system needing to be drained. Cases like this will present to us as swelling, a tightness or full feeling in the skin or heaviness in the limb/ affected region. So if this sounds like you, MLD is worth a try! MLD can be done by a qualified myotherapist or remedial massage therapist, hey hey, that's us! As part of our training we have learnt how to provide successful lymphatic drainage treatments and create treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. If you feel like Lymphatic drainage is something that may be helpful to you or you would simply like to try it out for yourself, book in for a consultation today! By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Muscle cramps, often referred to as muscle spasms, are sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. They can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly experienced in the legs, particularly the calf muscles. The exact cause of muscle cramps can vary, but several factors contribute to their occurrence.  What could be causing my cramping muscles? Dehydration: One of the most common causes of muscle cramps is dehydration. When your body lacks adequate fluids, electrolyte imbalances can occur. This disrupts the normal electrical signals that regulate muscle contractions, leading to cramping. Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium play a crucial role in muscle function. An imbalance in these electrolytes, often due to poor diet or medical conditions, can lead to muscle cramps. Overexertion: Exercising intensely or for extended periods can lead to muscle fatigue. As muscles become fatigued, they are more prone to cramping due to reduced control and coordination. Poor Blood Circulation: Insufficient blood flow to the muscles can result in oxygen and nutrient deprivation. This lack of resources can trigger muscle cramps, especially during prolonged periods of immobility. Neuromuscular Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as nerve compression or diseases like ALS or multiple sclerosis, can disrupt the signals sent from the brain to the muscles, causing cramps. Medications: Some medications, particularly diuretics, can lead to imbalances in electrolytes or dehydration, which may trigger muscle cramps as a side effect. Age: As people age, they may become more susceptible to muscle cramps due to a natural loss of muscle mass and decreased flexibility. Poor Stretching: Inadequate stretching before physical activity can increase the risk of muscle cramps, as it doesn't allow the muscles to prepare for the increased demand placed on them. Inadequate Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium can increase the likelihood of muscle cramps. To prevent muscle cramps, it's important to maintain proper hydration, ensure a balanced diet, incorporate regular stretching into your routine, and avoid overexertion. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including muscle function and relaxation. It can contribute to recovery and pain relief in several ways.  Magnesium aids in: Muscle Relaxation: Magnesium helps muscles relax by regulating the balance of calcium and magnesium within muscle cells. This can reduce muscle cramps, spasms, and tension, which are often associated with pain and discomfort. Inflammation Reduction: Magnesium may have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can contribute to pain and delay the healing process. By reducing inflammation, magnesium can help alleviate pain and promote faster recovery. Nerve Function: Magnesium is important for nerve function, and it can help calm overexcited nerves that may contribute to pain. Proper nerve function is essential for transmitting signals and managing pain sensations. Energy Production: Magnesium is a co-factor in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary source of energy. Adequate magnesium levels can help improve energy production, which is crucial for recovery after physical activity and injury. Blood Flow: Magnesium supports healthy blood circulation. Improved circulation can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, helping the body recover more quickly. Stress Reduction: Stress can contribute to pain and hinder the body's recovery process. Magnesium can help regulate the body's stress response, potentially reducing stress-related pain. Bone Health: Magnesium is important for bone health and can contribute to the repair of bone tissue. If your pain is related to bone injuries or conditions like osteoporosis, magnesium can play a role in recovery. It's important to note that while magnesium can be beneficial for recovery and pain relief, it's not a standalone solution. You should maintain a balanced diet that includes magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. You can also consider magnesium supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional if you have a magnesium deficiency. However, it's essential not to exceed recommended daily doses as excessive magnesium intake can have adverse effects. If you are experiencing chronic or severe pain, or if your pain is the result of an injury, it's advisable to book an appointment with your Myotherapist to help with a personalised treatment plan for pain management and recovery. Magnesium supplementation should be part of a broader approach to recovery and pain management and should be spoken with a healthcare professional before taking. |
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