AROMATHERAPY

Considerations before Aromatherapy

Questions to ask yourself and tell your therapist as there may be essential oils we need to avoid.

  • Are you on any antidepressants? 

  • Are you going into surgery within the next 7 days that requires anesthesia?

  • Are you on any diabetic medication?

  • Are you on Blood pressure medication?

  • Please make us aware if you are pregnant and how far along.

  • Any known allergies? Please recognize that currently I use coconut oil as a carrier oil.

Consider your goals before treatment

  • What are your goals?

  • Decrease swelling?

  • Cold and flu symptoms?

  • Relaxation?

  • Decrease muscle pain?

Considerations during treatment

Please make your therapist aware of any of the following throughout the entirety of treatment if it occurs.

  • burning

  • itching

  • tingling

  • overwhelming scents

Some of the oils used depending on request or conditions

Lavender oil:

Lavender is widely used to treat skin irritations and as a calmative. Its traditional general uses are: Burns, insomnia, SNS over firing (promotes relaxation), eczema, psoriasis, scarring and stretch marks.

Eucalyptus:

Traditional general uses: Can be used to aid breathing in cough and cold season, a decrease in foul scent commonly used with a diffuser, bug repellent, decrease swelling and decrease symptoms of respiratory and sinus infections. Eucalyptus can be used throughout the massage to help clear sinuses. The Scent is fresh, sharp, fruity, earthly and clean. 

Peppermint:

Peppermint oil is one of the most used essential oils today. Traditional general uses: Digestive aid to soothe nausea and vomiting, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral, used for pain relief. Uses in massage can include pain relief, headaches, mitigating nausea through inhalation, rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. The scent is sharp, cold, minty and harsh. Cannot be used on paediatric patients.

Roman Chamomile:

Traditional General uses: frequently used in infant products to promote calm and sleep, diffused to combat insomnia, decreases stress when inhaled, has been used to ease the symptoms of adhd, anxiety, depression and restlessness. Uses in massage include Relaxation, decreased anxiety, insomnia. The scent is warm, sweet, herbaceous and slightly woody. Please note any allergies to daisies, ragweed, or marigold as you may be more likely to be allergic to chamomile.

 

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Children

When we think of children, we often think that they are resilient and flexible, that they bounce back quickly from injury, and are less inclined to stressors. However, in today’s society, children are just as prone to lifestyle stressors. Peer and/or family pressure, school pressure, excessive use of technology, and of course sports and/or activity can all contribute to the stresses our children experience. 

Children are just as prone to muscle strain, overuse and injury. They are growing, building muscle, experiencing injuries, and potentially suffering mental and/or emotional stressors, just as an adult would experience. Most children however, don’t have the opportunity or time to rest and relax.

Massage Therapy can be a comforting non-invasive and gentle way to help reduce stress, reduce muscle tension and help with healing from injury. Massage can offer a multitude of benefits for children, promoting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Massage can help alleviate physical discomfort and promote relaxation. It can ease muscle tension, soothe growing pains, and improve circulation, contributing to better overall health. It can aid in the development of body awareness and proprioception, helping children understand their bodies and how they move.

Beyond the physical advantages, massage can have a profound impact on a child's emotional state. It can reduce stress and anxiety, providing a safe and nurturing space for them to unwind. This may improve sleep patterns and enhance their mood and emotional resilience.

For children with sensory processing challenges or certain developmental conditions, massage can offer therapeutic benefits. It can help regulate sensory input, improve focus, and foster a sense of calm.

Additionally, massage can be a wonderful way for parents and caregivers to bond with their children. The loving touch and close interaction during massage sessions can strengthen the parent-child relationship, fostering trust and security.

In conclusion, massage therapy for children can be a powerful tool for their overall well-being. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, it can aid in their growth and development while providing a comforting and enjoyable experience. However, it is essential to consult with a paediatrician or a qualified massage therapist before initiating any massage techniques on a child.

 

The Triceps Muscle

The triceps, or triceps brachii (Latin for three headed muscle of the arm) is a large muscle on the back of the upper arm. It originates from the infraglenoid tubercle (a small groove located on the lateral part of the scapula, below the glenoid cavity. It inserts into the olecranon process of the ulna bone (inside of the elbow) and just to be clear, it is the origin of the LONG head of the triceps. (Remember that the triceps has three heads!)

The entire triceps muscle is innervated via the radial nerve which passes through the radial groove. Out of all the muscles in the body, especially the shoulder muscles, the triceps brachii is often ignored and forgotten in a shoulder stretching routine.

It is an important muscle to rehabilitate and to prevent injury because functionally it holds the humerus bone in place and extends the arm. Also, since the long head attaches at the scapula, it serves a role in stabilization and adduction of the arm at the shoulder.

It is often the long head that adds to shoulder problems because of its origin at the lateral part of the scapula. When this particular muscle is tight it affects extension and adduction of the arm at the shoulder joint.

A study showed that at 0 degrees shoulder elevation, the long head generates a significantly higher muscle force and muscle activation than the lateral and medial heads. But at 90, 135 and 180 degrees shoulder elevation, the medial head showed a significantly higher muscle force than the long and lateral heads.

Each head of the triceps brachii has a different pattern of force and activity during different shoulder elevations. The long head contributes to elbow extension more at shoulder elevation and the medial head takes over at 90 degrees and above of shoulder elevation.

So when a person experiences shoulder pain it can quite possibly be the triceps muscle because it crosses the shoulder joint and it is often seen as an arm and elbow muscle.

We know that the long head originates on the lateral part of the scapula, but the medial and lateral heads can indirectly contribute to mobility restrictions from fascial connections, which means that shoulder pain maybe connected to tricep pain near the shoulder, particularly from the long head of the triceps.

Regular stretching of the triceps muscle is recommended along with strengthening exercises. You can stretch the triceps muscle in several ways targeting the long head fires and the lateral fibres. The lateral fibres are often tight and prevent the arm from moving straight down and close to the ear. If a person has difficulty doing this they need to stretch the lateral fibres first.

Below are some good triceps stretches: