World Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Day

Arthropathy, Immune, Musculoskeletal, , ,

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic progressive inflammatory rheumatic disease that predominantly affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. Symptoms include back pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in the spine.

AS affects about 1–2% of Australians. The disease usually appears between the ages of 15–40 years and is about 3 times more common in men than in women. The cause is unknown, genes are thought to play a role.

There is no cure, so treatment aims to manage pain, reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. Soft tissue mobilisation as part of massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain, prevent spinal deformation, and improve mobility and overall function.

As part of Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness Month we are offering 15% off remedial massage to all AS clients. Rebates available for all private health funds.

World Parkinson’s Day 2022

Musculoskeletal, Neurodegenerative Disorders

Today is World Parkinson’s Day. Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects 1 in every 308 Australians, PD has a higher incidence in men than in women and is more prevalent than most cancers, increasing threefold after the age of 65. PD is the most common major movement disorder in Australia.

Massage has been shown to help relieve muscle stiffness and reduce rigidity, spasms and tremors with measurable improvements in people living with Parkinson’s.

We’re donating $10 from every massage during the month of April to Parkinson’s Australia to help fund research into the cause, treatment and impacts of Parkinson’s. Visit our booking site https://theathletesguild.square.site/ to make an appointment today!

Global ALS/MND Awareness Day

Musculoskeletal, Neurodegenerative Disorders, ,

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a degenerative neurological condition. ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is the most common type of MND in adults affecting both upper (brain) & lower (spinal cord) motor neurons. MND affects 1 in every 11,434 Australians. Every day, 2 Australians are diagnosed & 2 die from the disease.

Muscle twitching, spasm, cramps, pain, stiff joints, swelling & coldness are all common in MND; massage therapy as part of a sub-acute care plan is very effective in alleviating these symptoms & improving the overall quality of life in MND patients.

Our therapist, Trent Renshaw is proud to be joining South Eastern Sydney Local Health District & Calvary Health Care Kogarah volunteers in providing massage to those living with MND & their carers.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Month

Musculoskeletal, ,

It’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Month. Fibromyalgia (FM) is the 2nd most common yet often misdiagnosed chronic musculoskeletal condition causing widespread joint and muscle pain, areas of tenderness or “trigger points” fatigue and cognitive disturbances or “fibro fog”

Symptoms of FM can range from mild to debilitating and vary from person-to-person. Common trigger points include neck, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. There is no cure. But taking time to destress, stretch and strengthen muscles can help ease your symptoms.

Massage as part of a self-care strategy has been shown to have immediate beneficial effects in reducing pain, anxiety and depression in patients with FM. Do yourself a favour and book a massage today!

Male systemic lupus erythematosus, an overlooked diagnosis

Immune, Men's Health, Musculoskeletal, ,

Today is World Lupus Day and we are raising lupus awareness for men. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which affects connective tissue is the most common type of lupus.

An estimated 1 out of 10 people living with lupus is male. Little is known about SLE in men as diagnosis is often overlooked. Symptoms include joint and muscle pain with men experiencing more peripheral neuropathy and arthritis than woman.

Massage is effective in relieving joint and muscle pain; improving quality of sleep and health-related quality of life in patients with SLE. We are here for men’s health. Take time for self-care and book a massage today!