Muscle of the Month: Iliopsoas

Image via Wikipedia

The Iliopsoas is a muscle group consisting of the Iliacus and the Psoas Major and Psoas Minor. Located deep in the front of the hip these muscle are responsible for lifting the leg (hip flexion) and with the leg in a fixed position they flex the trunk. When this muscle group is tight and becomes hyper-tonic, it is thought to be the underlying culprit of many peoples’ low back pain. Extended hours leaning forward at desk work and/or driving can contribute to distorted posture or even lower crossed syndrome. An anterior pelvic tilt and a positive Thomas Test point to a  body with tight iliopsoas muscle.

Disarming the Stress Bomb, Stress Tip of the Week

Image via Wikipedia

How do you overcome stress?

Many people turn to hobbies and exercise to reduce stress levels.  Physical exertion is a great way to relieve excess stress.  However, we all know that running around the block or weeding your flower bed isn’t always appropriate OR available.  How can you reduce stress at these times in midst of the tension?

Try these easy remedies:

1) Breathe. Breath is vital.  We often forget to breathe when we are tense. If you are sitting at a computer, try this quick and easy move.

Put your arms out at your sides and make a thumbs up. Then, rotate your arms by pointing thumbs behind you and gently reach back. Hold for three deep breaths– breathe all the way in and all the way out.

2) Cool Down.  Literally.

Grab an ice pack to cool things down.  Keep a small soft gel ice pack on hand in a freezer (or make a small one with ice cubes in a freezer storage bag).  Chill out by placing your cold-pack on your stress center. In general, women tend to hold their stress in the back of the neck, men in the low back.

News– FL Massage License Renewal August 31, 2011

Lynn Hupp, Executive director of the Fl State Massage Therapy Association put this news out Aug. 11 and I thought I’d pass it along to help licensees get their renewal done faster.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LICENSE RENEWALAccording to the DOH, only 25% of LMTs in Florida have renewed their license! Every Florida LMT must renew their license by midnight, August 31, 2011. You are encouraged to renew online and to renew as soon as possible. If you renew by mail and wait until the last minute it could be 3-4 weeks before you receive the new license in the mail. Online renewal will allow you to print a confirmation of renewal until your license is received. The system will allow licensees who do not know their User ID and Password to log in after answering several specific validation questions.
When renewing online, licensees will receive a Confirmation of License Renewal before logging out of the system. Online renewals are fast — under 10 minutes to complete — and are processed immediately, with the license status being updated online within ten business days. Licensees who need assistance with using the online renewal system or who have other questions about their renewal can contact the customer contact center at 850-488-0595

New 2011 Licensees  

Also, it is good to know, the FL BOMT made an announcement to individuals that received initial license AFTER April 2, 2011. These newly licensed MT’s do not need Continuing Education for this renewal period. Any hours they have taken prior to September 1, 2011 WILL NOT count towards their renewal in 2013…hours must be taken between September 1, 2011 and August 31, 2013.

Yet, in my humble opinion, if you find any local, excellent and affordable classes now, go for it!

A truly good education, is an investment you will never regret. 

Muscle of the Month: Rectus Femoris

(L. straight + femur) This muscle of the quadriceps group follows a straight line down the front of the thigh originating from the anterior spine of the pelvis and attaches to the tibial tuberosity via the patellar tendon. The rectus femoris is the only quad to cross both the hip and knee joint making  it a  hip flexor as well as a knee extensor muscle. This muscle is vital to knee joint stability in walking and running. It  is most susceptible to blows or trauma because of its location front and center of the thigh. Other common sports injuries include: “Jumper’s knee” and partial tears.

Give your back a rest: Stand UP!

Via: Medical Billing And Coding

Adventures in Bee Keeping

One of my many hobbies away from the office is beekeeping.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to be offering apitherapy in the therapy room.  It might be a trifle counterproductive for most folks. 

Take a look at some of the photos we have of the most recent hive inspection.  A friend who is a bee professional was gracious enough to come over and help with the first official inspection!

Adventures in Bee Keeping, a set on Flickr.

Take a look at some really amazing critters at work! Looks like they need a massage, eh?

Massage Therapy at the Pensacola Pink Ribbon Tournament

Pensacola Pink Ribbon Tournament, a set on Flickr.

We had a great time volunteering out at the Pink Ribbon Tournament this past weekend. Take a look at a few of the photos I brought home! Thanks to the wonderful therapists who came out to share their talents!

Wordless Wednesday

Benefits of Massage

* Increases Blood Circulation and Lymph Flow

* Reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

* Reduces Stress and Tension

* Relieves Chronic and Temporary Pain

* Improves Flexibility

* Increases Levels off Serotonin, Protecting Against Depression

* Increases Endorphins, the Body’s Natural Painkillers

* Strengthens the Immune System

* Premature Infants Gain Weight Faster When Massaged

* Prevents Sports Injuries And Increases Athletic Performance

* Helps Relieve Tension, Sinus And Migraine Headaches

* Alleviates Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Asthma, Bronchitis, Arthritis and more

Wordless Wednesday: New Office