Jennifer

The good weather that comes with summer time is well enjoyed and treasured in Canada since it is such a short season. Many clients who see me on a regular basis mention how much better their body and muscles feel during this time of year. Although the sun can be dangerous when overindulged, a lot of health benefits come from the sun.

The sun is a great source of vitamin D for the body. Vitamin D helps promote bone growth, may prevent certain illnesses like multiple sclerosis, and decreases inflammation. Sun exposure is also known to help fight depression and seasonal disorders affecting mood; so it’s no wonder some people feel happier and healthier in the summer sunshine. Those with insomnia may also find relief during the sunny days since sunlight is known to help give a better night’s sleep. The heat from the sun can also help along with regular massage therapy to fight away muscle aches more quickly since heat naturally relaxes muscles.

Remember that the sun is great for you in short lengths of exposure, but it can still be dangerous if you don’t take precautions. Over-exposure can lead to sunburns, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Always wear sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water when enjoying the summer sunshine.

Therapeutic Kinesiology taping is a special taping method that is non-restrictive and allows for full range of motion during an activity. What makes this tape special is that it is one hundred percent cotton, waterproof, elastic-like and the same thickness as skin. This type of taping has been used quite often in sports, but it can also be very beneficial to non-athletic individuals suffering anything from achy, tired muscles to chronic swelling. Depending on the application of the tape, it can help improve a variety of issues that a client may dealing with.

When the tape is applied for relaxation, it will increase circulation and decrease congestion of the tissues in the area it is applied to. With the sensation on the skin, it changes the interpretation of pain and therefore has a calming effect on the muscles. This type of application can be done for spasms, chronically tight muscles, or cramps.

When the application of tape is done for weak muscles, the tape aids in the contraction of a muscle while also helping to prevent injury at the end of joint range. It may help reduce muscle fatigue as it aids in the motion the muscle is responsible for. This type of application can be done for tendonitis or chronically injured muscles.

As a Therapist, I am continually trying to find different techniques that may be helpful, as well as, non-invasive and not painful for my client. The recent training I have taken on how to properly and effectively tape an individual in order to decrease pain, inflammation, and muscle tightness as well as how to support joints and muscles throughout an activity, will hopefully benefit individual clients throughout their day-to-day living between massage treatments. If you feel that Therapeutic Kinesiology taping might benefit you, ask about it at your next massage therapy treatment.