Hello All!

I hope you had the opportunity to welcome the New Year with family and friends. Wouldn’t it be awesome to gain some normality in 2022? Despite the evolving pandemic saga, I believe we shall get better with adapting.

Close Contact Businesses

Since 3rd December last year, Body Dynamics has been operating under the Ministry of Health guidelines. Additionally, the government has legislated and mandated double vaccinations for all health professionals in close contact with clients. As a result, your therapist is fully vaccinated and has received a booster as well.

Abiding With Legislation

However, you may be interested to know, Body Dynamics is categorically a “Designated Health Service” provider thereby, subjected to Code 103 0f the Health Order. Hence, it is exempted from requiring viewing and verifying vaccine passes. Therefore, no display of the “vaccination certificates” sign as an entry requirement to the clinic. Instead, a two-person limit and the QR signs will be visible.

Risk Management Plan

By now, we’ve been well-informed of how highly infectious the Omicron variant is. To curb its transmission, Body Dynamics employs the following measures to keep the therapeutic environment as safe a possible for all clients during treatments:

(a) Vaccination Status
All clients booking an appointment will voluntarily disclose for scheduling purposes. Your response is confidential and will be respected.

(b) QR Code
Please scan when you arrive at the clinic.

(c) Masks
Worn during treatment to reduce the risk of transmissions.
Clients who cannot wear one due to health or other valid reasons (risk assessment on a case by case basis) will be required to have received an exemption from the Ministry of Health.

(d) Hand Sanitation Gel. Soap and Water.
Readily available at the clinic entrance and in the clients’ toilet.

(e) Ventilation
A bright, well-appointed and generous sized treatment room with cross-ventilation on opposite walls ensure fresh flow of air exchange. (A large window and three panels sliding/stacking doors)
Besides, the number of appointments is limited (for the day) and is well-spaced at 45 mins – 60 mins intervals to allow for airing, disinfecting, and changing linens.

(f) Disinfectant
Ethanol/Alcohol-based will be applied to all work areas, apparatus, benches, door handles, faucets and phone screen between each appointment.

(g) Social Distancing
What to do should you arrive early for your appointment? You may like to wait in your car. Alternatively, you may wish to sit comfortably in the garden courtyard to enjoy some fresh air or under cover in peaceful surroundings if you prefer.

(h) Sickness
What to do should you feel unwell? Please refrain from or reschedule your appointments in two/three weeks. Please self isolate should you develop Covid symptoms, tested positive, or have close contact with Covid positive persons.

(i) How to recognize Delta/Omicron symptoms?
The common symptoms include fever, tiredness, dry coughs and loss of smell and taste. Less common symptoms are aches and pains, headaches, sore throats, red or irritated eyes, diarrhoea, skin rash/dis- coloration of fingers and toes.

(j) Added to the above plan, health practitioners like myself wash our hands often with soap and water between all appointments. Further, you may noticed us using a hand sanitizer gel during treatment to help to prevent the spread of the Omicron/viruses/bacteria.

Finally, Body Dynamics re-opens on Friday, the 28th January. Do get your bookings in prior to secure the best dates for your requirements. (Some clients are already off the mark!) Until then, keep safe and enjoy a well-deserved summer holiday!

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A client came to my practice because of constant issues with tightness around their neck (feelings of constriction when tears filled in their eyes) and abdominal regions.

They had difficulties taking deep breaths, vocal pitch control and voice projection as well. However, their consultations with the ear, nose and throat specialists and all diagnostic examinations revealed no underlying structural or pathological causes.

Should this scenario depict a condition that you experience, a registered massage therapist would likely chat with you about your vagus nerve. Vagus is Latin means wandering because it’s the longest of the cranial nerves which transverse past the head and neck to your body’s chest and abdominal regions. This nerve also innervates the muscles of your throat and the voice box too.

The Vagus nerve is also known as the pneumogastric nerve. It has mixed functions. It sent sensory messages such as taste to the brain (afferent). Besides, it relays messages from the brain to the neck, heart and lungs. In addition, the digestive tract and other organs, rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system).

This nerve is known to over-react with some people, causing a drop in heart rate and blood pressure resulting in fainting (vasovagal syncope). It can also be dampened by C and D PTSD, stress, anxiety and trauma resulting in a low vagal tone.

However, some means by which it can be stimulated are neuromodulation with a mild electrical pulse, acupuncture, reflexology and effective massage therapy. Your massage therapist would empower you with self – manage strategies by educating you on breathing techniques, mind-body relaxation techniques, yoga, laughing, humming, chanting and cold therapy (cryotherapy) to impact your vagal tone.

You may be interested in further reading:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6697069/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6718640/

The Vagus Nerve
The longest cranial nerve is the Vagus Nerve

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The Why may foot pain relate to arches?

Our feet is the foundation of our bodies. The functions of the Medial Longitudinal, Lateral Longitudinal and Transverse Arches of our feet is the weight distribution, balance, propulsion and ambulation. As our body weight transfer through the soles, mainly the heels and toes, our arches flattened slightly.

Types Of Foot Arches

Some of us are blessed with normal ones, while others are affected by either a low arches (Pes planus) or less common high arches (Pes cavus). Inevitably, both sets of arches present their unique set of challenges.

Massage Therapy

High arches are more rigid and commonly cause foot pain, sending people to seek relief at my practice. Upon weight bearing, a pronounced rounded hollow in the feet” sole is visible, and it rolls outward away from the body (supination/inversion) Hence, the concentration of our body’s weight at the heels and balls of the feet is excessive.

Causes Of High Arches

Apart from genetics, neurological and medical conditions are responsible, such as Strokes, Cerebral Palsy, Polio and Spinal Bifida to name a few.

Problems Linked To High Arches

It negatively impacts our bodies because of low shock absorption in exercising, running, jumping and walking. Therefore, we experience stress on our joints and certain muscle are overused. Also, it causes pain at the bottom of our feet, outer ankles, calves, knees and lower back.

Some of my clients reported feeling a pebble in their shoes, Further claims were tingling and numbness of their toes and a sharp burning at the balls of their feet. These are signs of metatarsalgia associated with high arches. Others experience pain at their soles with indications of Plantar Fasciitis. Moreover, hammer toes are present as the middle joints of toes are bended. Besides, high arches are accompanied by instability of the foot. We are prone to injuries, falls and sprains.

Managing High Arches

Includes working on the muscles and joints to re-condition and maintain optimal leg and foot functions, foot exercises and insoles (orthotics) may be require to support, protect, cushion and correct our feet to align with our ankles, knees, and hips. They also improve how we walk (gait), stand and weigh distribution across our feet.

Your massage therapist would refer yo to a qualified podiatrist for postural assessment and custom fit orthotics to prevent long-term complications.

# Massage Invercargill # Painful feet

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Taping for multi - purpose such as to prevent injuries, support a joint/movements, pain management or even to reduce swelling and improve Lymph flow.
Clinical Taping to promote lymph flow

Sometimes my colleagues and I encounter public members using the term “massage therapist” and “masseuse” interchangeably. That indicates the job description between the two professions is vague at best.

Depending on your reason for massage therapy such a pain or recovery post-surgical procedures, you would naturally seek a trained massage therapist to address your specific condition.

With all respect, “masseuse” is generally an alternative title used in New Zealand to describe another legal profession altogether. However, both domains (massage therapy and masseuse services) indeed include “touch” as a therapeutic modality. Certainly, the “masseuse” industry is a long, practising profession. It employs trade-specific techniques not used by mainstream massage therapists to address a fundamental need.

On the other hand, “massage therapy” exists since antiquity, used by the ancient civilizations to promote, healing and wellness. This discipline is enacted by legislation and registration in countries like Australia, Canada, America and the United Kingdom. Hence, massage therapists are regulated and the industry protected.

In Aotearoa, this profession’s governance is lacking, even though “massage therapists” earned their qualifications through formal learning and must past exams. Adding to this complex issue, registration with the professional body is voluntary. As a result, such could be the likely cause of the profession’s misconstrued public identity.

Accordingly, registered therapists comply with mandatory professional development (at their cost: time away from their practices and funding their training away from home, prior to the Covid – 19 pandemic) to maintain their registration. Furthermore, liability insurances are taken up to cover professional practices, an annual cost is incurred for registration with the professional body and a professional code is abiding.

Clearly, massage therapists and masseuses operate in different spheres. Unlike some of my colleagues, “no sensual services” were ever proposed to me at any given time. Perhaps a registered therapist implies professionalism? Instead, some colleagues experienced inappropriate proposals frequently, such as the offending “happy ending” question. Equally, it’s awkward for an unknowing client who fails to differentiate between a massage therapist and a masseuse.

For that reason, massage therapists like myself have taken up the challenge of educating and changing public perception. I hope to shine a light in the right direction for a clearer picture of both professions.

https://www.massagemag.com/massage-titles-matter-why-we-dont-

# registered massage therapists # massage therapists vs masseuse services

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Ushering the New Year with fireworks!
Ushering in the New Year. Roll on 2021!

I wish all readers, wonderful clients, and potential clients good health and a stealth fast faith that we will win the fight against Covid virus! With a global effort from scientists, virologists, epidemiologists and strong leaders blessed with incredible minds, how wouldn’t we? Besides, vaccines are now being rolled out for those most vulnerable in the communities.

No matter how often the virus mutates, or the strains that appear on our shores, I believe we will overcome. As it is, we do exceptionally well in our common effort as a diverse little nation, from our businesses to our communities, from our homes and down to every person adhering to the health ministry guidelines.

Although last year has brought about unprecedented challenges and heartaches on so many levels, it has also brought about many positive discoveries and changes in our lives and priorities. I discovered just how awesome and supportive my neighbours across the street were. Lucky old me!

Even though as ironic as it may sound from a health professional, I realised I need to change my schedules to accommodate me for self-care! Much as I enjoy my job, the late Toni Morrison (Nobel prize winner) sums up how I feel, “Passion is never enough, neither is the skill”.

I hope we go forth in 2021 with newfound truths that matter to each of us, living healthier, happier and fulfilled lives.

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burst

Body Dynamics is closed on the 23rd December and reopen on the 20th of January 2021.

What a year in 2020! It has brought about unexpected events and changes in the way we conduct our lives. Because of Covid -19 pandemic, many of us have endured unprecedented challenges personally and professionally. Businesses were affected, as well.

Therefore, I would like to extend a sincere “Thank You” to all my clients. I appreciated your support of my small local business. As I’m a registered massage therapist, as such, you have been in good and safe hands.

I’m looking forward to providing high-quality massage treatment for you next year. Furthermore, I’m hoping our public health remains stable and our nation shows signs of economic recovery in 2021.

We all deserve to celebrate joyful reunions with our families. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! I’m sending best wishes your way!

Suannie

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Nowadays, a plethora of information on any topic is available on the internet. So, there’s a tendency to occupy the driver seat concerning one’s health. This initiative is largely positive. However, there is a catch 22 . Inevitably, the downside is self – diagnoses of sorts.

Recently, a client came for therapy. They had pain and discomfort at their hands and forearm. Then, they query if Carpal Tunnel Syndrome might be the cause. That stirred me up with amusing thoughts. How wonderful, everybody is winning the “Walking Encyclopedias” award!

Nevertheless, ascertaining the cause is vital. Its paramount for treatment. Off my cuffs there are a number of orthopaedic tests and assessments which helps.

Testings and Assessments

  • Phalen Test
  • Compression Test
  • Tinsel’s Test
  • Finkelstein Test
  • Grip Test
  • Reviewing symptoms
  • Visual Assessment of the Thenar and hypothenar muscles
  • Nerve Compression Velocity Test

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

When the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist.

Symptoms

  • Altered Sensations in the hands and fingers
  • Stiffness at wrists and fingers in the morning
  • Pain in the hands travelling down to the wrist, forearm and shoulders
  • Prickly
  • Pins and Needles
  • Numbness
  • Burning
  • Weak grip and clumsiness with handling objects

Management

  • Conservative, with steroid injections
  • Medication for pain
  • Splintting
  • Avoid aggravating repetitive and heavy hand/wrist movements
  • Massaage therapy and Stretching helps in the early stages

The client tested negative to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in this case.

# Carpal Tunnel Syndrome # Massage Therapy and CTS

For further reading at your leisure:

https://www.southerncross.co.nz/group/medical-library/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-symptoms-causes-surgery

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Body Dynamic is a proud supporter

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A 10%, $528.00, was donated from all bookings for massages. I would like to thank all my lovely clients for their kind support. I wouldn’t be able to do this without you. We are all heroes, playing a part in supporting such a worthy cause.

Support the Breast Cancer Foundation, NZ.

Anyone can support the Breast Cancer Foundation, during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Regardless of how insignificant you may think you are. Truth is, yes, you can! We all have the power to make a positive impact. Body Dynamics is a proud and staunch supporter. I hope to see your bookings for next October already!

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On Friday, 30th October, I was at Mitre 10, Invercargill. I was with another volunteer at this collection center. Initially, I had some apprehension. Because firstly, men primarily gravitate to this hardware store and secondly, Breast Cancer is perceived to affect women only. For those reasons, I wasnt expecting our collection can to sound off its “Ca-Ching” like a cash register from bygone days.

Well, I could not be further off course as I witnessed just as many men as women came through the door. Being the start of the Spring season, I spied trolley loads of compost, plants and seedlings left the store in quick successions.

The People Of Southland

The women donated mainly coins. For the most part, dollar notes of different denominations made their way from wallets to our collection pool. Surprisely, men outnumbered women in donating. Pensioners were equally generous.

Although some people were busy, I am grateful they took the time to stop at our station to donate and exchanged pleasantries. In contrast, others in their unhurried pace donated, conversed, laughed and shared personal stories. However, we were hopeful for those in their fight against Breast Cancer.

This Street Appeal, for the Breast Cancer Foundation, left me with the impression how warm-spirited, down to earth, friendly and generous Southlanders are. Certainly, I am proud of our togetherness in support of a worthy cause. Without any doubts in my mind, we are all heroes for the day!

Allocation Of Collected Fund

72% is spent on research, education and raising awareness, supporting women, reserves to sustain long-term project. 14% for admin and another 14% for fundraising.

A Great Cause To Support

Suppose you have some spare time, would you considered volunteering for the Cancer Foundation Street Appeal next year? You would not regret the experience, I didn’t!

# The Breast Cancer Foundation # Street Appeal Volunteer Experience

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