Limassol Massage Cyprus – Facet Joint Syndrome overview
If you have regular, unexplained, episodes of sharp lower back or neck pain, or continuous, chronic neck and lower back aches, you could have facet joint syndrome, also known as facet joint dysfunction. Come in to Ravel Therapies at Limassol Massage in Ayia Phyla for a detailed assessment and treatment.
Our spine is made up of vertebrae which are cushioned from one another with spongy separations called discs, and attach to each other physically at joints known as facet joints. Facet joints are encased in a soft tissue capsule called a joint capsule which contains fluid within it, providing nutrition and lubrication to the joint.
Facet joints can develop dysfunction for a number of reasons. One common and well-known reason is osteoarthritis, where the bony surfaces of the joint degenerate, making it hard for the joint surfaces to slide against each other as they do normally when we bend and extend our spines.
Another very common cause of facet joint syndrome is the compressive forces put through the joint due to the tight and short muscles in our back and neck. The tight muscles usually come about from sustained and poor postural patterns, which create a vicious circle of joint dysfunction and further muscle tightness to protect the joints.
Assessment of Facet Joint Syndrome at Massage Limassol
At Ravel Massage Cyprus, we take a client history and carry out detailed assessments to identify the likely cause of your neck pain or lower back pain. Usually, facet joint pain can be reproduced by bending backwards (for the lower back) or looking up at the ceiling (for the neck). These movements compress the joints, and can refer pain into the buttocks and legs with lower back problems, and into the shoulders with neck problems.
Our orthopaedic massage therapist assesses your spine carefully, checking for the movement of each facet joint, and locating restrictions in your spine. A detailed visual assessment and movement dysfunction assessment are also carried out to understand your posture type and muscle imbalances, which may be causing the condition.
Facet Joint Dysfunction Treatment – Cyprus Massage Limassol
Our remedial massage therapist tailors your treatment plan to your specific condition and needs. Typically, facet joint conditions require a lot of joint mobilisation work to hydrate the joints, increase joint play, and bring nutrition to the joint surfaces. The mobilisation is done both passively (by the massage therapist, during the treatments), and actively (by the client, as part of their exercise rehabilitation).
Joint fixations must be addressed and released, which we do using gentle joint challenge techniques. These techniques are designed to allow the body to correct its own alignment with minimal intervention and force from the therapist. We do not carry out any high velocity manoeuvres, such as those performed by Chiropractors or Osteopaths.
The massage treatment will necessarily address the muscle imbalances in the body, releasing short and tight muscles, and taking the edge of tired, weak muscles. Exercise therapy is a key part of the rehabilitation process, where clients are instructed in postural education, and given exercises to stretch overactive muscles and strengthen weak muscles.
Visit Ravel Therapies Orthopaedic Massage Limassol
Ravel Therapies
Noe 3, Ayia Phyla
Limassol 3117
Cyprus [map]
Call : 97 783 383
Email : sunil@raveltherapies.com.cy
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Disclaimer : Please note that the contents of this article are the opinions of the author only, and do not constitute medical advice. If you have any symptoms of pain, please consider booking in with Ravel Therapies for a proper consultation.
