Men’s Health Month & World Scleroderma Day

Autoimmune Diseases, Men's Health, ,
It’s Men’s Health Month & today is World Scleroderma Day so we are going to shine a light on scleroderma in men. Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the connective tissue beneath the skin and surrounding internal organs causing scarring and thickening of the tissue.
SSc usually presents between 30-50 years of age and although it is less common in men than women, men have a more severe expression of the disease including internal organ-based complications and higher mortality with significantly reduced survival at 5 and 10 years after onset.
Massage, as part of a multimodal approach to scleroderma treatment, helps to increase blood circulation, manage pain and could potentially delay the worsening of symptoms.

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.

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!