Living with lipoedema is not an easy task. As a chronic condition, it has daily challenges, but a tailored self-care routine can help manage pain, improve mobility and other symptoms while enhancing your quality of life. Here are some daily self-care tips for managing lipoedema symptoms.

MLD Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) with its gentle, specialised techniques help move lymph fluid retained by the adipose tissue while improving circulation and reducing swelling and discomfort. 
• Seek for a certified therapist who treats you better. She/he can teach you self-massage techniques for home daily use.

Dry Brushing

It is pretty used as a home remedy for low grade aesthetic cellulitis. On the other hand, it can help lipoedema patients, too, because it stimulates lymphatic and vascular flow. You can add it your daily routine before or after a bath.

 Compression Therapy

• Wearing compression garments like stockings, sleeves, or shorts to reduce swelling, support affected areas,  improve lymphatic drainage, and blood flow. 
• Compression garments can give you support during exercise, daily activities, and sometimes even at night (when recommended).
• Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider or lipoedema therapist for best results.

Exercise

• Regular movement helps maintain joint and overall mobility and health; improves lymphatic and blood circulation; and supports your general well-being. 
• You can start with low-impact activities such as:
  • Walking
  • Swimming or water aerobics (water supports limbs and reduces joint strain)
  • Cycling
  • Dance, yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi
• Start with activities you enjoy, and gradually increase intensity. Talk to your lipoedema therapist to create a tailored exercise routine.
• While exercising, listen to your body to avoid injury.
• Wearing compression while exercising can further support lymphatic flow and reduce discomfort.

Get rid of pain

• Exercise and stretch every day, it liberates endorphins which are your own pain relievers. Do it at least 30m per day.
• If dealing with too much pain, over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers may help manage pain or discomfort. Consult your GP for appropriate options.

Skin and Nail Care

• Keep your skin clean and moisturised to prevent irritation and infection.
• Avoid Tight Clothing. It reduces the risk of skin irritation and helps lymphatic flow.

Proper nutrition and Hydration

• Anti-Inflammatory Diets are the best option for lipoedema patients .  Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, seeds, nuts and healthy fats.
• Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks and products, and refined products/carbs. They produce inflammation.
• Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to support your lymphatic system and overall health.

Weight Management

• While lipoedema fat is resistant to traditional weight loss methods, managing non-lipoedema fat and inflammation can help alleviate symptoms.
• Vibration plates can help with exercising. 
• Work with a knowledgeable nutritionist, exercise coach and lipoedema therapist for best results.

Mind your mental health

• Join Support Groups
• Connecting with others who have lipoedema can provide emotional support and practical advice.
• Find ways to manage your stress triggers; for example: practice yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing. 
• Start psychological therapy. It´ll help you to deal with stress, anxiety, body image and self esteem. 
• These techniques can help reduce anxiety, improving your overall well-being.

Educate Yourself and Your Support Network

• Stay Informed on latest news about lipoedema and how to deal with it.
• Understanding your condition empowers you to make informed choices. 
• Share information with family and friends to create a safety network.

Seek for professional advice and treatment

• Work with Lipoedema specialists.
• Regularly consult healthcare providers experienced in lipoedema for tailored advice and treatment updates. 
• Visiting your lipoedema certified therapist for MLD and to create a tailored home treatment.

A final word

Integrating these self-care tips/strategies into your daily routine can help you manage pain, reduce swelling,  maintain mobility, and empower you to live well with this condition. Lipoedema is just a condition, how you respond to it is your decision.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877822002095

https://www.lipedema.net/vitamins-supplements.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9710418/

https://lipoedema.co.uk/about-lipoedema/

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/lipoedema

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoedema/

The post Living with Lipoedema: Daily Self-Care Tips appeared first on Perea Clinic.

 What is TMJ disorder?

Firstly, TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint which basically is your jaw. TMJ disorder is an umbrella term to describe a dysfunction or a condition which may have a negative impact on the function of the TMJ. It is suggested that approximately 75% of adults are experiencing one or more symptoms of the TMJ at some point in their life so it is quite common. 

Jaw pain: What causes TMJ disorder?

Some of the most common causes of the TMJ disorder are:

1.Developmental issues of the TMJ such as underdevelopment or overdevelopment of the structure forming the TMJ.

2.TMJ disc disorders. TMJ disc is a structure that sits in the TMJ space providing cushioning and allowing for smooth TMJ movement.

3.Previous traumas to the TMJ such as:

• Fractions of one or more bones that form the TMJ, 

• Dislocations or subluxations,

• Forceful compression.

4.Inflammatory conditions which may affect the TMJ such as:

• Capsulitis – an inflammation of the joint capsule.

• Synovitis – an inflammation of the fluid within the joint.

• Osteoarthritis of TMJ.

5.Local muscle tension around the jaw.

Jaw pain: What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

If you are experiencing the TMJ disorder, you can expect to feel one or several of the following:

• Aching pain in or around your ear.
• Aching facial pain.
• Difficulty chewing or talking.
• Pain while chewing.
• Difficulties opening and closing your mouth.
• Clicking of the jaw.
• Locking of the jaw.
• Pain in or around one or both sides of your jaw.
• Tinnitus, which is ringing in one or both of your ears.

What is Lymph-buccal massage?

Lymph-Buccal Massage was designed to enhance beauty and relieve pain and tension in the jaw, face, and neck. Ideal for those with puffiness, sinus issues, inflammation, facial tension, teeth clenching, TMJ, or undergoing orthodontic treatments. This massage blends Buccal Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Jaw Mobilization, and Myofascial Release. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of lymphatic massage and get rid of pain while improving muscle tone and facial mobility.

What to expect during a Buccal massage treatment?

Firstly, your therapist will conduct the subjective assessment which involves her asking a few questions regarding your presenting complaint. Once your therapist gathered enough information, she will then decide if buccal massage is a safe treatment modality for you. Once this has been established, it is very likely that you will be laid on your back and your therapist will be treating your face and neck using a unique-developed treatment that will give you relieve from pain and enhance your general wellbeing.

How can lymph-buccal massage help with TMJ disorder?

Your therapist might be able to help you to further understand the cause of your TMJ disorder if you have not been given one yet. According to a study by S. Blood, TMJ disorder can also be correlated with other areas of the body such as fluid dynamics, fascia, respiratory and cardiovascular systems and more, hence, lymph-buccal massage might be exactly what you are looking for to help you to manage jaw pain. Other benefits are:

• Jaw & Tension Relief: Specifically designed for those with jaw tension, TMJ (Temporomandibular Disorder), or who are prone to stress-related tension. This treatment alleviates pain and discomfort while improving overall relaxation.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: Sculpted cheeks, a defined jawline, and a lifted, rejuvenated facial appearance.

• Detox & Circulation Boost: Improves lymphatic and blood circulation, reducing puffiness, and promoting a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
• Relaxation & Mood Enhancement: Promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mood through targeted muscle relaxation and facial toning.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://uobrep.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10547/623359/Banton_repository%20version.pdf?sequence=1 

https://www.aafp.org/dam/brand/aafp/pubs/afp/issues/2007/1115/p1477.pdf 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tarun-Goswami-3/publication/24147487_Temporomandibular_Joint_Disorders_Treatments_and_Biomechanics/links/00b7d52d012f0dc4c2000000/Temporomandibular-Joint-Disorders-Treatments-and-Biomechanics.pdf 

The post How Can Lymph-buccal massage Help with TMJ Disorder? appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Firstly, why do we feel pain? The simple answer is: To Protect You!

We could just end this article right there, put a big ‘full stop’ and all go home. That would give an answer to the question but it would still leave us scratching our heads and still asking, ‘but why do we feel pain and how does the body process it?’

Ultimately, your body tells you that you are in pain because it is telling you that something is wrong, and you need to do something about it. In fact, you can go to this web-site to avail pain-relieving products.

What is wrong? You have been exposed to a dangerous stimulus, for example fire, a damage has occurred for example a broken bone or an injured or stressed muscle.

You can think of how the body processes pain as a cycle of Stimulation; Transmission; Recognition and Localisation; and Awareness.

Lower back, neck, shoulder and knee pain

The biology of pain

Several things can stimulate specific nerve endings in the body. As examples, out of accidents you can seek help from injury claims lawyers in Pikesville to claim compensation.Pain can also be caused out of injury, inflammation, an impact, a stress or chemicals. These nerves transmit this stimulation to your brain, via your spinal cord, for processing. The specific part of the brain where this stimulus is processed is called the Thalamus.

Your brain performs two vital functions. Firstly, it tells your conscious mind that something is wrong in the part of your body where the stimulus originated, and it transmits that a message back to that part of your body. This all happens very quickly, and in many cases, it is a matter of microseconds and feels immediate.

These two actions that your Thalamus performs helps to achieve two things. It alerts your mind to the presence of a ‘bad’ stimulus with a hurting effect, and it identifies and localises the location of these on your body. This way you know that you are hurting and you know where you are hurting. Your body also has other complimentary nerves and mechanisms to help you identify the type of stimulus.

It will detect whether or not it is due to the cold or heat, or if it is due to blunt trauma, incorrectly positioned or inappropriately stretched muscle, or if it is due to one of many other causes. These nerve endings are pervasive in your body and are just about everywhere you can think of.

Why does pain last longer than the initial stimulus?

The brief answer to this question is that it is a combination of two things. It is a protection mechanism that alerts you to something that is hurting you and as long that hurting stimulus persists you continue to feel pain. If people are looking for attorneys for metal in baby food, and the pain caused due to it , they can get them from clicking on their official site.

Another reason that you can continue to feel pain even after there isn´t hurting stimulus, is that so long as these nerves are stimulated, they will continue to transmit information to the brain, which will continue to recognise the stimulus as pain and localise it. Finally, your brain will continue to make your conscious mind and body aware of the location of the pain.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

The post How The Body Processes Pain – the underlying biology appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Spring is among us and summer is near, it is the perfect time to take care of your garden. Gardening isn’t an extreme sport, but  it can still cause injuries to your spine, joints or muscles. There are some tips to avoid injuries and improve your posture while gardening.

What is good posture?

Probably, when you were a child, a grown up (mom or dad) told you to stand up straight , that´s why, today, you may think that a straight position is a good posture. However, your spine is not straight and nor should be.  Human evolution gives us a functionally curved spine. For this reason, keeping  the natural curves of your spine while working (or any activity you like, for example gardening) is one of the keys to avoid back or neck pain. For medical emergencies that require financial assistance, victims can trust lenders such as the one on this site.

What happens if you have poor posture while gardening

The royal society for the prevention of accidents (RoSPA) states 300,000 people including children are seriously hurt when gardening and require hospital treatment per year. Some of the Injuries to the musculoskeletal system can include:

•  Strains
•  Sprains
• Bursitis
• Disc bulges.
• Sciatica

Besides poor posture can cause other symptoms including:

•  Constipation
• Shallow breathing (which can lead to anxiety and panic attacks)
• Tension headaches
• Memory problems

Tips to prevent injuries while Gardening 

General plan

1.Set yourself a plan, not everything needs to be done on the first day. Your garden should be thought of as a marathon; it’s a slow process rather than a sprint. Spread tasks out over a number of days or even weekends if needed.

2.Alternate  jobs. The body should not be kept in one position for too long, for example, crouching down weeding so changing between jobs will help keep the body moving and prevent irritation.

3.Use the correct tools. Some tools are designed for specific jobs. Tony MacFarlene from Appliance Hunter is the one to approach to ask gardening tools advice. This is not just to benefit the garden but also to benefit the user. These will help prevent injuries.

4.Make sure you stay hydrated. It is important to keep the body working in an efficient manner. During hotter days you need to take more drink breaks because on hot days you lose more fluid through sweat.

The human performance resource centre (HPRC) has stated that ‘even minimal dehydration can increase strain on the cardiovascular system. This can compromise exercise performance which can, in turn, increase the chance of injury.

Take care of your posture 

5.Know your limits. Using your knees and tensing your core without twisting will reduce the chance of injury.

Musculoskeletal injuries result in the largest number of days taken off work. The Office of National Statistics found that 30.8 million days had been lost this way. But it is easy to get compensation for the heavy injury with the help of the lawyers from the slip and fall law firm who will ensure that the right amount is received. 

6.Stretch  before and after gardening. When you are physically active your body needs to be warmed up correctly. When you stretch before the activity your muscles increase the amount of blood flow and are able to contract when required. As a result, your muscles will work correctly, and you will prevent injuries. Stretching after is also advised to loosen tight muscles that have been working hard whilst gardening.

7.To move your torso forward, hinge from your hips. This way, you won’t round your spine or over extend your arms, (use this position when bending over, reaching something or pruning, etc.).

8.Use your legs to lift things (specially heavy ones )while maintaining your back straight and shoulders relaxed.

9.To carry loads, keep your sides balanced (equalased loads). You can also alternate between your dominant and less dominant side when doing repetitive motions.

10.Keep your tools close to your body and lean from your center. For example, feel that the tool is being moved by your center, rather than just your arms. Lean the weight of your whole body into your scissors (or any other toll), rather than just your foot.

Although removing snow from your property on your own can produce fairly good results, snow removal services offered by professionals guarantee the best possible outcome. They can help you clear your property without leaving a trace of snow behind.

In short, following these tips and having good posture leads to a healthy spine. This will help you alleviate many of the annoying symptoms you may have after gardening for long periods of time, as well as make you stronger and healthier throughout your entire body.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!

We are always happy to help.

The post How to prevent Gardening injuries appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Breast engorgement is a painful and pretty common condition among new moms. But don´t worry! There are things you can do to relieve pain and all symptoms at home. Treating this condition is important because- if you don´t,-your breasts can become infected (mastitis). In this blog, I  tell you what breast engorgement is; its most important characteristics, how to treat it and why is it different from mastitis. Let´s begin…

what is Breast Engorgement?

Breast engorgement is when your breast/s are tender, swollen and painful  because they are full of milk. It is due to milk production (more than needed) and the rise in blood supply to your breasts. It helps your body make breast milk for your baby, but it can cause severe engorgement.

When is most common to have breast engorgement?

It is most common some days or weeks after having your baby because your milk supply is still adjusting to your baby’s needs. However, it might happen as long as you breast feed.

Why do I have breast engorgement?

The most common reasons are:

• when your milk is “coming in” after giving birth.
• skipping nursing sessions.
• when you change the schedule of breast feeding (e.g. returning to work or when your baby starts sleeping more hours).
• skipping or forget to pump when you’re not with your baby.
• milk overproduction.
• diet changes (when your baby starts eating solids, etc.).

How long do engorged breasts last?

Each body and breastfeeding experience are different. So, some women experience engorgement for a shorter period, while others may have it longer. The duration of engorgement  depends on different factors, for example, breastfeeding or pumping frequency and effectiveness (empty breasts) can help relieve engorgement and reduce its duration.

How can I relieve breast engorgement?

Some treatments that you can do at home to get relieve are:

1. warm compresses
2. breast massage
3. ensuring good latch and positioning during breastfeeding

Here  you can find some types of massages that can help you to get relieve from engorgement and mastitis (early stage).

Take into account that as your body adjusts to your baby’s feeding patterns, milk supply will regulate, engorgement  improves or you will get rid of it.

Is breast engorgement serious?

It is not serious, but if it is not treated, it can turn into mastitis witch is an affection and that needs medical treatment.

What is the difference between engorged breast and mastitis?

The  symptoms that both breast engorgement and mastitis share are:

• full and hard breast
• tender breast
• pain (less pain in engorged breast)

However,  engorged breast get relieve after pumping or feeding your baby. On the other hand, symptoms of mastitis also include:

• Painful breast/s (you may feel a painful lump).
• Angry, red, hot area in your breast/s.
• fever/chills
• Fatigue (severe in some cases)
• Body aches
• Pumping or feeding doesn´t give you relieve.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/engorgement-vs-mastitis

my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24306-breast-engorgementhttps

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829

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What is an ultrasound therapy?

Ultrasound therapy is also called therapeutic ultrasound or focused ultrasound. It is a noninvasive treatment. But, how it works? it uses sound waves to penetrate soft tissues, in order to increase blood flow. This  helps to:

• relieve pain
• improve circulation
• promote tissue healing
• improve mobility
• reduce dependence on pain medication

Therapist use it to treat

• injuries
• muscle spasms
• chronic pain
• etc.

How can ultrasound therapy be used?

Different studies have shown that ultrasound therapy can be used and works as:

1. a non-invasive option to treat certain chronic pain conditions (best on early stages). t is also used as 
2. an alternative treatment option 
3.  a complement to surgery for tissue healing, etc.

What conditions are treated with ultrasound therapy?

There are a lot of condition are a currently being treated with this technique; on the other hand, many researches are taking place in order to add more conditions to this treatment. Next I´ll show you the current conditions treated, most of them related with pain:

• chronic pain (e.g. back pain)
• neck pain
• spasms
• myofascial pain syndrome
• “wear and tear” /bone arthritis/osteoarthritis
• bone cancer (painful)
• fractures
• nerve pain
• pain related to tumors (non-cancerous)
• tendinitis
• bursitis

Does ultrasound therapy reduce inflammation?

No, it doesn´t.  Studies (made with this specific purpose) showed that there no anti-inflammatory effect. Ultrasound induces the degranulation of mast cells (link), as a result, mast cell´s chemicals are released (arachidonic acid and more) which work as pro-inflammatory agents more than anti-inflammatory ones.

on the other hand, you should not worry about it, because, even though it produces inflammation, this response is essential for the effective and faster repair of tissues after an injury, surgery or trauma. In other words, it doesn´t reduce inflammation, but it reduces pain and promotes wound healing and tissue repair.

Is ultrasound therapy evidence based?

Yes, it is. There are previous and current studies related to the different uses and benefits that this type therapy has.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-ultrasound-therapy-2564506

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Therapeutic_Ultrasound

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499904/#:~:text=Mast%20cells%20are%20found%20in,mediators%20into%20the%20extracellular%20space.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/degranulation

The post Healing Through Sound Waves: Ultrasound Therapy Explained appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Pain? Who should you choose, a chiropractor, an osteopath or a physiotherapist? There is no doubt, all have a place. Also, they share the same goal. What is it? It is simple: to get you out of pain! But what is the difference between them? In this blog, I want to share with you what they do, but also, their differences; so then you can decide who best suits your needs. Let ‘s take a look…

What does a Chiropractor do?

Chiropractic is a complementary and unconventional medical treatment in which your chiropractor uses her/his hands to manipulate mainly your spine in order relieve pain.

A chiropractor believes that the function of the spine is pivotal to your health. In addition, if the spine is properly aligned, the body can start to heal itself. And clearly, because the spine houses the central nervous system, it makes sense that it should play a prominent role in your general well being.

Benefits of having an aligned spine:

• the central nervous system is the channel through which signals are sent throughout the body. In essence, by keeping this channel clear the body can work optimally. And in turn, can restore itself to good health. 
• Good posture
•  A  fully functional spine helps bolster both your neurological and your musculoskeletal system.

To keep in mind…

And the practice has a long history. It dates back to the late 19th Century. It’s continued use gives it a certain amount of credence. It is a licensed profession. However, Chiropractors are not medically trained.

What does an osteopath do?

An osteopath takes  global view of the body, taking an holistic approach of your general wellbeing. Osteopaths believe that all body systems are interrelated and dependent on each other. So having an holistic approach can give you the best results. 

The stem of the word ‘osteo’ means ‘relating to the bones’. At the heart of the treatment is a belief that by manipulating the structure of the body (the bones), your osteopath can help to restore your body’s proper function.

Osteopathy facts

Osteopathy also has a long history. It too dates back to the late 19th Century. For many years, the practice was considered to be very much out of the mainstream. However, recently it has achieved greater recognition. In fact, it gained formal recognition from parliament in 1993 through the Osteopaths Act.

The practice is now highly regulated too. Individual practitioners are well trained and are governed by the General Osteopathic Council within the UK.

What does a Physiotherapist do?

A physiotherapist is a trained healthcare professionals. She/he is an expert in the musculoskeletal system and movement who focuses on helping you to maintain, improve, or restore your physical function and mobility. 

Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to treating a wide range of conditions and injuries, primarily through physical methods such as exercise, manual therapy, and other non-invasive techniques. They also educate patients about their condition, help them develop strategies for self-management, and promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent future issues.

Why should I visit a physiotherapist?

• Pain relieve
• Rehabilitation ( crucial role in helping patients recover from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. This includes restoring muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall mobility.
• Improve body functions and general wellbeing.
• Injury prevention
• Chronic conditions managing

Physiotherapy is included on medical treatment, it is commonly prescribed for conditions related to

•  musculoskeletal pain, 
• sports injuries, 
• neurological disorders, 
• cardiovascular conditions, 
• respiratory problems, 
• and many other health issues. 

Remember that your treatment plan will be tailored according to your needs, always taking into account to promote your healing, recovery, and improved overall well-being.

In conclusion

• These practices are considered to be manual therapies.
• They have an excellent reputation for helping to deal with issues of chronic pain. 
• People use them to treat issues such as back, neck or other joint pains.
• All remark the importance of the spine.

On the other hand, Osteopathy and physiotherapy are broader in scope. That’s because they take into account the body as an integrated unit. As such, it is able to tackle a wider range of conditions.

All forms of treatment have value. You should look for what works best for you where you are treated better.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington.

For more information or contact an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chiropractic/#:~:text=Chiropractic%20is%20a%20treatment%20where,not%20a%20conventional%20medical%20treatment.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteopathy/what-happens/

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Nowadays, you hear a lot the words “Buccal massage”, but you might be wondering what that is. For that reason, in this blog, I would like to answer the most common questions people  have about it. I can start telling you it is not a new trend; in fact, it has been used for many years as part of the treatment of different types of facial medical conditions like temporomandibular jaw disorders, bruxism or some neurological condition that cause paralysis of some muscles of the face). Let´s go deeper…

 What is buccal massage?

A buccal massage,  also called inner facial or intraoral massage is a type of treatment targeting the muscles of the face but from the inside of the mouth. Trained therapists perform it. They can be beauty therapists as well as musculoskeletal specialists such as physiotherapists or osteopaths. 

Buccal massages are not a new trend and have been used for many years to help treat many different medical conditions. It derives from a type of treatment called myofascial release. The fascial system is a layer of connective tissue that attaches your muscles to your skin and the rest of your body. It is found all over the body. When muscles get tight they can pull on this fascia layer and cause tension in nearby areas. Myofascial release aims to release this layer and the surrounding muscles to ease tension. Buccal massage works similarly as it targets the fascia and muscles inside your mouth. 

What is the purpose of buccal massage?

Similarly to myofascial treatment, a buccal massage aims to relax the facial and oral muscles. The head and neck alone contain 68 muscles and many of them attach and blend and cross near and around the mouth, jaw and the back of the throat. Doing the massage on the inside of the mouth helps access some muscles of the jaw and mouth that you can’t get to or touch from the outside.  

Usually used for medical purposes, a buccal massage can help treat conditions such as temporomandibular jaw disorders (jaw pain, clicking or locking), bruxism (teeth grinding) or even Bell’s palsy (neurological condition causing a paralysis of some muscles of the face).  

Is a buccal massage the same as a facial massage?

A buccal massage is actually very different from a facial massage or even a facial sculpting massage. The buccal massage can be used for medical purposes and addresses the fascia and muscles of the head, neck and mouth as well as the lymphatic system which is your body’s immune system. 

 A facial massage is usually a relaxing treatment done by beauticians usually after having applied skincare products. It helps smooth out the skin and promote circulation and absorption of the products applied.

 A facial sculpting massage is also done by beauty therapists and is used to improve the circulation and drainage around the face. Some people find their face looks more sculpted and less puffy after treatment. 

 What are the benefits of a buccal facial?

 A buccal massage is usually used to treat conditions such as headaches, temporomandibular joint disorders or teeth grinding. It can also be used for puffiness, water retention or sinus drainage issues. The massage  is performed inside the mouth and helps relieve muscle tension and increase drainage around the head and neck. 

 The benefits of a buccal massage include some reduction in muscle tension, reduction in headaches or migraines or jaw pain, less puffiness of the face and a stimulation of your lymphatic system. 

Does buccal face massage work?

 You may have also heard of buccal massage over magazines or social media as many celebrities are also adding this to their beauty routine. Many people find that after a few sessions of buccal or intraoral massage their face looks less puffy, the jaw and cheeks more defined and sculpted and even sometimes the wrinkles look less visible. 

It is always recommended that for better results a series of a few sessions will bring you more benefits. Your therapist will be able to advise you on the best course of action depending on your needs and goals. If you are planning on getting a buccal massage for issues like jaw pain, teeth grinding or clenching or for muscle tension, it is likely your therapist will recommend a few sessions to also address the muscles on your face and neck as they will likely contribute to the symptoms. 

 For optimal results after sessions of buccal massage, the professional might also give you some lifestyle advice to help prevent those issues and pain or even to amplify the results. Those can range from dietary advice to jaw and neck exercises.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3242647/ 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Annie-Medeiros/publication/340496271_Manual_Therapy_in_the_Treatment_of_Myofascial_Pain_Related_to_Temporomandibular_Disorders_A_Systematic_Review/links/5f42f19c299bf13404ebded8/Manual-Therapy-in-the-Treatment-of-Myofascial-Pain-Related-to-Temporomandibular-Disorders-A-Systematic-Review.pdf

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What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a part of osteopathy. Osteopathy is an allied health care profession whose aim is to help people to understand their problem, promote function in an ever changing environment and improve the quality of life by gentle manipulation and mobilisation of muscles and joints. 

According to Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy (SCCO) cranial osteopathy “is not different to osteopathy, it is the name given to a subtle and refined approach to osteopathy that follows all the principles of osteopathy, and it is used throughout the body not just in the head. The name cranial osteopathy simply refers to the fact that it includes structures inside the head”.

However, the area where cranial osteopathy does differ is the application of the treatment techniques. It is suggested that cranial osteopaths have a very well-developed touch sensitivity which allows osteopaths to diagnose and treat the body by gently feeling for natural movement of the body tissue and its fluids without much movement of the hands.

What is trigeminal neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a sudden pain in your face which can be distributed in one or more pathways of the trigeminal nerve. Trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve which is located in your head. It allows you to feel different sensations in your face such as pain, changes in temperature and pressure. Also, it innervates some of the jaw muscles which helps you to chew, talk and make some facial expressions.

What causes trigeminal neuralgia?

The exact cause of the trigeminal neuralgia is still unknown. However, most of the time it is associated with direct trauma or compression of the trigeminal nerve. This could be caused by:

• Physical damage to the nerve.
• Abnormal bone growth.
• Tumours.
• Multiple sclerosis.
• Family history of blood vessel formation.
• Other conditions which may affect the nerve.

What are the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia?

Symptom of the trigeminal neuralgia is sudden, sharp, intense pain felt in one side of your face, jaw, teeth or gums. The intensity of pain may vary between individuals and they are episodic. An episode can last between a few seconds to several minutes and it may happen from few to hundreds of times in a day. There are several external triggers which may trigger the symptoms. Those are:

• Rubbing the face.
• Shaving.
• Brushing the teeth.
• Putting on makeup.
• Eating or drinking.
• Talking.

Remission period varies too. It may be from several months to a few years, however, it has been observed that the remission period reduced with time.

What to expect during the cranial osteopathy treatment?

During the cranial osteopathy treatment, you will be asked several questions about your presenting condition. This helps your osteopath understand your complaint better and determine if cranial osteopathy is a safe treatment for you. After that you will most likely be laid on your back and your osteopath will be treating your head and spine. The osteopath will use a very well refined, gentle touch of the hands barely moving them with the aim to have your body relaxed as much as possible.

How can cranial osteopathy help trigeminal neuralgia?

To date, there is no research which could be referred to when determining whether cranial osteopathy can help with trigeminal neuralgia. Overall, as it is mentioned above, cranial osteopathy follows the same principles of osteopathy, hence, if you tried different treatment approaches and still cannot find the one that gives you the most relief, we would recommend you to try cranial osteopathy as this therapy could help you to manage the symptoms.

For further information or contact an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191151/pdf/2014-1207.pdf 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andrew-Ferguson-16/publication/222394190_A_review_of_the_physiology_of_cranial_osteopathy/links/6043bf0292851c077f210aa5/A-review-of-the-physiology-of-cranial-osteopathy.pdf 

https://uobrep.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10547/623359/Banton_repository%20version.pdf?sequence=1

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What is Fibromyalgia?

It is a condition where a person affected is experiencing widespread pain in his/her body. It is suggested that approximately 2%-4% of the population is experiencing fibromyalgia. 

What causes fibromyalgia?

It is unclear what causes fibromyalgia. However, some associations are made to an experience of a significant trauma, illness or disease, and a loss of a loved one. 

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

The main symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain all over the body. Also, a person can experience severe tiredness, inability to concentrate, headaches or migraines, and depression and anxiety. It is worth noting that one person might not experience all of the symptoms and that the severity of the symptoms vary significantly from person to person.

What is cranial osteopathy?

Osteopathy in general is recongnised as an allied health care profession in the UK. Cranial osteopathy is a branch which osteopaths can specialise in if and when they desire. Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy share the same principles and objectives which are to promote recovery, improve the quality of life and manage pain. However, there are some differences which are important to note. Firstly, Cranial osteopaths have a very well-developed sense of touch which they rely on when developing a working hypothesis and delivering the treatment. And secondly, the treatment is very gentle and relaxed in  comparison to ‘normal’ osteopathy as manipulations and movement of the body is reduced to bare minimum.

How does cranial osteopathy work?

By utilising a well-developed sense of touch, cranial osteopaths are able to feel for muscle tension, restricted joint movement or bodily fluid flow just by placing their hands on the appropriate areas of the body. The areas examined are usually the head, spine and sacrum, which is the lowest part of your back.

Help with Fibromyalgia: What to expect during the treatment?

During your appointment with a cranial osteopath you will be asked some questions about your presentation firstly. This is very important for the osteopath when it comes to developing a physical examination plan. After questioning is complete, a physical examination will take place where your osteopath will make some observations and have a feel of certain areas of your body. Once this stage is complete, your osteopath will discuss the findings with you and suggest an appropriate treatment plan which will be delivered only with your consent.

How can cranial osteopathy help with fibromyalgia?

Unfortunately, when it comes to cranial osteopathy, the evidence suggesting its effectiveness or ineffectiveness is lacking at the moment. However, there is some evidence suggesting that osteopathic treatment in general can help with managing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, because there is evidence suggesting that osteopathic treatment can help with fibromyalgia and is effective in management of the condition, we think that cranial osteopathy might also be helpful. In our opinion, the patients with fibromyalgia would not want to experience strong pressure and lots of movement of the body as it might cause further discomfort. With cranial osteopathy this is not the case as treatment is gentle and very relaxing, hence, we would encourage you to try it as it might just be the missing puzzle in your recovery.

For further information or contact an osteopath visit: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/home/

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://uobrep.openrepository.com/bitstream/handle/10547/623359/Banton_repository%20version.pdf?sequence=1 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ed314313016244d3e6317cd/t/612215c74025626ddd3f8ca1/1629623751432/Fibromyalgia.pdf 

https://www.painphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=NzEyOA==&journal=130

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