Guest Blogger: Patti McQuinn, Massage Therapist, Luna Massage Therapy She is a provider for many insurance companies such as Aetna, Premera and Regence, plus auto accidents and Workman's Comprehension (L&I) claims.

Repetitive stress injury. It's a term you usually hear associated with wrist and hand problems of computer users. It's defined as damage to tendons, nerves and other soft tissues that is caused by repeated performance of a limited number of physical movements and is characterized by numbness, pain, and a weakening of muscles. As a construction worker, I think, you are more prone to a repetitive stress injury that an office worker. Think about that you do on a daily basis. You do the same motions over and over again, you might be dealing with machinery that causes you to brace against the vibrations, you might be needing to sustain an awkward position for an extended about of time, and you are more than likely lifting heavy items all the time. Who wouldn't feel achy after all that?

To give you an idea of how your job can affect you, I have an interesting story. I started seeing a client the day after his visit to the ER. A very healthy guy in his early 40s was having a heart attack, or so he thought. Turns out, after having all the testing and EKGs done, he has a very healthy heart. How does that happen?

He does dry wall. He was constantly spreading plaster using a trowel, sanding and troweling again. That motion, over time, caused tendonitis in his arm and upper chest muscles. When muscles become overly stressed, they let him know by giving him pain. Most times, that pain would have stayed in the area of the tendonitis but in this it cause a Trigger Point. Trigger points are spots on muscles that act like a light switch. When aggravated, they get turned on. Once on, it sends pain to a different location. In the case of my client, it caused pain in his chest and then down his arm. This mimicked a heart attack because my client was left handed and used that arm more. It could have just as easily been his right chest and arm with the pain.

Repetitive stress injuries can be prevented and minimized. You can start your day with a stretching routine. This will help you get your muscles warmed up for the work day ahead. I have heard that many companies are adding this into the daily routine of their crews and have been seeing positive results. During your day, you can take frequent small breaks. This will help break up the holding pattern you've been keeping your muscles in during the work day. After work, it's good to add more stretching and

even yoga, this will keep the muscles moving in different ways that they do during the work day breaking up the repetitive cycle. Then, there's massage therapy.

Massage therapy will help work the soreness out of the muscles as well as reduce cramping and muscle spasms. It will help keep your muscles more flexible and less prone to injury. There are massage techniques that will reduce the effects of tendonitis and reduce the possibility of repetitive stress injuries. Massage can increase circulation and oxygen supply to muscles which can help reduce recovery time if you do have an injury.

About the Author

  Patti McQuinn, Massage Therapist, Luna Massage Therapy

I have been a massage therapist since graduation from Seattle Massage School with honors in 1999. I have worked in a variety of massage clinics as a massage therapist and have learned from each one. While working with a chiropractor, I had the opportunity to really see how massage can help the healing process and just how well it works in conjunction with other therapy modalities.

I have helped people of all walks of life heal from their injuries: be it whiplash or other car accident related injuries, work injuries, or repetitive stress injuries from sports and even computer work. Thought my practice is more injury treatment based, my techniques is a mixture of relaxation and treatment with a little Trigger Point Therapy thrown in for good measure.

I'm a provider for many insurance companies such as Aetna, Premera and Regence, plus auto accidents and Workman's Comprehension (L&I) claims. If you have any question about massage or insurance coverage, please call and I will gladly look into your coverage for you.

If you would like more information about me and my massage practice, check out my website. I also use online scheduling so you can schedule at an time and get reminders for your appointment, just follow the Schedule Now button on any page on the website. Luna Massage Therapy

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