Muscle Aches

Everyone knows that there is no such thing as "smooth sailing". Problems will always come up at some point, and when it comes to today's active and demanding lifestyle, muscle aches serve as a huge obstacle. Many of us enjoy a way of life that has a quick pace, centres on convenience and thrives on variety; muscle aches will definitely prevent you from continuing with that way of life and become a frustrating thing to contend with.

Before we continue, three clear distinctions should be made between muscle aches and muscle spasms. Muscle aches, also called "myalgia", will be felt at the onset or immediately after any kind of physical activity, while muscle spasms are spurts of pain that happen sometime after activity. Also, muscle aches provide constant discomfort; in contrast, spasms typically subside after several moments. Lastly, muscle aches involve multiple muscles and also affect the connections between muscles and the tissues within close proximity. Spasms, on the other hand, are concentrated on a specific area of the body.

What causes muscle aches? The obvious triggers lie in physical exertion and outside forces. If you ask too much of your body (for example, exercise without proper stretching or consideration for your limited capabilities), or if you subject it to excessive stress, you're bound to be sidelined by the pain stemming from muscle aches. Additionally, injuries such as sprains can cause muscle aches, especially if not addressed early on.

Like most human dysfunctions, muscle aches can also be brought about by a handful of medical problems. Fibromyalgia; lupus; dermatomyositis; thyroid disease; rheumatoid arthritis; infections like dengue, flu, malaria and polio; and potassium/calcium deficiency are just some of the frequently named triggers. Components of the medications used to treat high cholesterol and blood pressure levels are also said to contribute to muscle aches.

The first thing you should do if you feel any muscle aches is to stop exercising or doing any kind of physical exertion. Using ice packs and analgesic creams will relieve the pain, while rest and relaxation are going to help your body recuperate. Massage (see below), epsom salt baths/soaks and natural oils are other alternatives to consider. If you have any of the health problems mentioned above, it's best to consult with your doctor and notify him/her of the muscle aches you're having, especially if they've been occurring for an extended time period.

These days, most people look at massage treatments as a luxury. They often forget the benefits that massage therapy has for your mind and body! The Crows Nest Complementary Health Centre recognises the importance of massage treatments for individuals who need relief from the discomfort caused by muscle aches. The Centre has massage therapists with varying backgrounds and professional experience:

• Steve Hockings, who places his roots in martial arts, has been working at the Centre for the past 15 years and specializes in four kinds of massage: lymphatic drainage therapy, Zen shiatsu, remedial massage and myofascial release;
• Fiona Larcombe is influenced by her travels around Asia, and combines traditional massage techniques and modern methods for those suffering from muscle aches;
• Nicholas Peel has been with the Centre for four years and gained knowledge and experience through work with sports-related injuries and at the Sydney Domestic Terminal's health spa.

Are you suffering from severe muscle aches? Let our massage therapists at The Crows Nest Complementary Health Centre help you! Ring up 02 9964 9722 or e-mail Reception for any questions on muscle aches and to set an appointment. If you want to do a walk-in and see what we do with your own eyes, the Centre is at Suite 208, 3 Bruce St. corner Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, Sydney.