Services

Trigger Point Therapy

Through acute or chronic overload, zones develop within our muscle fibres that undergo pathological changes. This leads to muscle dysfunction and muscle hardening, which can cause pain – often even in distant regions of the body. The cause lies in so-called myofascial trigger points. Targeted trigger point therapy can sustainably resolve these pathological changes in the musculature.

What are trigger points? Trigger points are tightly localised, highly sensitive spots within a tense muscle strand. They often feel like small knots and respond to pressure with radiating pain. A trigger point in the shoulder area can, for example, cause headaches or discomfort in the arm – meaning the actual cause is often overlooked.

How does the treatment work? After a brief case history, the affected trigger points are treated through targeted manual pressure. Through a combination of static pressure, ischaemic compression and gentle stretching, the cramped muscle fibre is brought to relaxation. Circulation improves, metabolic by-products are removed and the pain subsides.

When is trigger point therapy useful? Trigger point therapy is a particularly effective method for chronic complaints that could not be sufficiently relieved with classic massage. It is also worthwhile for occupational postural problems, sports injuries or unclear radiating pain.

You can find more about trigger point therapy and how to book an appointment on the detailed Trigger Points Page.

Classic Massage in Zurich

The „art of touch“, as massage is also known, is one of those forms of treatment that give people strength and vitality. Classic massage – also known as Swedish massage – is among the best-researched and most effective manual therapies and is used specifically to release tension, promote circulation and provide lasting relief from muscular complaints.

The techniques

Classic massage comprises effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion) and vibration. These techniques act on the musculature and superficial tissue layers and are individually tailored to your body and your complaints.

The effects:

• Improved circulation in the musculature
• Stimulation of the metabolism and removal of metabolic by-products
• Loosening, stretching and relaxation of hardened musculature
• Pain relief through improved oxygen supply
• Calming effect on the nervous system
• Stress reduction and improved sleep quality

Classic massage as prevention

For one-sided strain caused by occupation or posture, classic massage is an excellent preventive measure – it counteracts the chronification of complaints and preserves mobility in the long term.

Pregnancy Massage in Zurich

A pregnancy massage can help to strengthen well-being, release tension and relieve complaints through various manual techniques. The treatment is offered from the 12th week of pregnancy and can be carried out until the end of the pregnancy.

What exactly is a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful experiences a woman can have. For around 40 weeks, the body is busy nurturing a new human life – a process that involves certain physical changes which may, under some circumstances, lead to complaints. These can include:

• Back pain
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Water retention
• Constipation

Pregnancy massage offers expectant mothers the opportunity to support the body during this special time and to relax both mother and unborn child. It is a special form of massage that combines various techniques: elements of lymphatic drainage, classic massage, trigger point treatment and traditional Chinese medicine all come together in pregnancy massage. Throughout, the individual needs of the pregnant woman are taken into account.

Why is pregnancy massage used?

Massage therapy has a positive effect on expectant mothers, regardless of whether they suffer from pregnancy-related complaints or not. The holistic relaxation brought about by pregnancy massage promotes recovery. The fatigue and stress a pregnant woman may experience are significantly reduced, especially in the second and third trimesters.

In addition, the treatment is a good way for expectant mothers to connect with their body and feel comfortable in their own skin. This way, the mother-to-be can not only cope with the physical changes that come with pregnancy, but also face the birth with greater calm.

When and how is the pregnancy massage carried out?

The treatment is offered from the 12th week of pregnancy and, in the case of a normal pregnancy, can be carried out until the end of the pregnancy. Because the hormones released during pregnancy loosen the body’s tissue, the ligaments and joints lose stability. For this reason, a stable, safe and comfortable position for the pregnant woman is very important, which is why pregnancy massage is usually carried out in a side-lying position.

During the treatment, the entire body can be massaged: depending on the symptoms, different massage techniques are applied.

What benefits does pregnancy massage offer?

Many complaints that arise during this special time can be relieved through various manual therapies. A pregnancy massage can reduce back and neck pain occurring in the second and third trimesters. Among other things, blood flow to the muscles and connective tissue is stimulated, releasing tension. For water retention or digestive problems, foot reflexology provides relief. But even expectant mothers who are spared all these complaints benefit from pregnancy massage: the treatment relaxes the pregnant woman and thereby ensures well-being for both mother and unborn child. The benefits of pregnancy massage are detailed below:

Musculoskeletal system

Body tissue loosens due to hormonal changes. As a result, the stability of the spine and pelvic structure is reduced, which not infrequently leads to pain in the symphysis or the sacroiliac joint. This is because the body tries to compensate for this instability with increased muscle effort. The result: painful tension. The increasing bust size can also trigger tension in the shoulder-neck area or tension headaches.

Targeted treatment of the affected regions raises awareness of poor posture and reduces muscle pain. The massage also helps to prevent the complaints from becoming chronic.

Gastrointestinal tract

Pregnant women are often affected by constipation, heartburn and bloating. This is due to the relaxed smooth muscles throughout the body. Pregnancy massage not only improves circulation but also stimulates the metabolism. Foot reflexology is particularly suitable for constipation, as it stimulates digestion. The reflex zones for the uterus, as well as the acupuncture points LR3 and BL67, are left out as a precaution. However, even with targeted massage of these points, they would only have a labour-inducing effect in the case of latent readiness for labour.

Cardiovascular system

During pregnancy, blood volume increases, as does the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels of the pelvis. The peripheral blood vessels are also relaxed during this time. This results in slowed blood circulation, which the pregnant woman notices particularly in the legs. This is problematic because it can lead to varicose veins, spider veins and leg oedema.

Here, too, pregnancy massage provides relief: during the treatment, the expectant mother is placed in a special position, and the additional lymphatic drainage can prevent oedema or reduce existing ones. Furthermore, a massage improves blood and lymph circulation, which offers the following benefits:

• Reduction of water retention
• Prevention of varicose veins
• Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (pregnancy-related)

Skin

During this special time, a woman’s oestrogen level reaches its highest values. Since this hormone relaxes the connective tissue, the risk of tears in the tissue increases. Pregnancy massage nourishes the skin and may help prevent skin tears.

Respiration

Especially towards the end of pregnancy, the lungs have less space due to the growing uterus. The ribcage expands to the side and can lead to tension in the intercostal muscles. In addition, as the baby grows, it takes up more and more space in the expectant mother’s abdomen. This can compress the diaphragm and make breathing somewhat more difficult. With the help of massage therapy, blood and lymph circulation is stimulated. This promotes the oxygen supply to cells and tissue. Targeted massage techniques between the ribs provide additional relief.

When should a pregnant woman avoid a pregnancy massage?

Pregnancy massage offers expectant mothers both physical and psychological benefits. In some cases, however, a pregnancy massage is contraindicated. These include, for example:

• Bleeding
• Premature labour
• Inflammation
• Fungal infections and other pathogens
• Thrombosis with risk of embolism
• And in all generally contraindicated conditions where a normal massage should also be urgently avoided, such as severe heart failure, tumours, lymphangitis, heart attack, etc.

It is recommended that you discuss the therapy with your gynaecologist before beginning treatment.

Pregnancy Massage in Zurich – Book an appointment

I would be glad to accompany you through this special time. Book your appointment now at my practice at Asylstrasse 77 in Zurich – I look forward to seeing you!

Foot Reflexology in Zurich

Foot reflexology (FRZM) is a naturopathic method based on the assumption that certain areas or points of the foot are connected via so-called „reflex pathways“ to other, sometimes distant areas of the body – above all to the internal organs. The focus here is not solely on the symptoms: the holistic approach also takes into account the background against which the complaints arose.

How does foot reflexology work?

Through targeted pressure on specific zones of the foot, the corresponding areas of the body are influenced reflexively. Reflexology works with the body’s self-healing powers and thereby achieves, in a natural way, a rebalancing of disturbed bodily functions. It has a relaxing effect, promotes circulation and harmonises the entire autonomic nervous system.

Course of treatment

After a brief case history, the individual reflex zones are worked on with targeted thumb and finger techniques. Sensitive or altered zones provide indications of corresponding areas of complaint in the body.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Zurich

Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, decongesting technique that promotes the drainage of lymphatic fluid through rhythmic movements on the skin. Unlike classic massage, it does not work into the deeper layers – on the contrary: with particularly light pressure and circular movements, the superficial lymphatic system is activated.

Course of treatment

First, the central lymph nodes are stimulated with gentle circles to prepare the drainage. The therapist then works along the lymphatic vessels into the affected area. Through this systematic treatment, you achieve a continuous decongestion of the affected region, a noticeable reduction in pain and improved mobility.

What is important after the treatment?

To maintain the treatment result, bandaging or compression stockings are recommended depending on the indication. This way, the treatment result lasts longer and the lymphatic system receives additional support.

When should lymphatic drainage be avoided?

In cases of acute inflammation, acute thrombosis, severe heart failure or certain cancers, lymphatic drainage is not indicated.

CMD Treatment in Zurich

CMD is a common functional disorder of the masticatory system. A jaw that is tense due to stress, for example, is characterised not only by pain but also, among other things, by teeth grinding. Targeted massage of the masticatory muscles promises relief.

Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD): from identifying the cause to therapy

As the name suggests, CMD describes a malfunction (dysfunction) involving the skull (cranium) and lower jaw (mandible). In practice, it can lead to impairment of the teeth, masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joints and the neurophysiological control of the masticatory system. The condition also has an adverse effect on the general health of those affected. In Switzerland, an estimated 15 percent of adults suffer from a disorder of the masticatory function requiring treatment.

Possible causes and effects of CMD on the body

In short, tension in the masticatory, head and/or facial muscles is responsible for the development of masticatory dysfunction. Potential triggers include emotional strain or general psycho-emotional stress, occlusion disorders (misalignment of the teeth), poorly fitted dentures – including implants and dental prostheses – as well as tooth abrasion, meaning severe wear of the teeth. Often, however, it is an interplay of several factors.

The complex symptoms are due to the great influence of the masticatory muscles on the rest of the body. When tension arises here, pain in the temporomandibular joints, teeth, head, neck, face and throughout the entire musculoskeletal system is not long in coming. An important note: teeth grinding is both a symptom and a risk factor for CMD.

A disturbed masticatory function and its consequences

When the masticatory function is impaired, the muscles involved react with tension or hyperactivity in an attempt to compensate. Specifically, this manifests on the side of the disorder as a pulling apart, and on the opposite side as a „compression“ of the temporomandibular joint – which frequently triggers ringing in the ears.

Other possible accompanying symptoms of CMD:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Dizziness
• Voice disorders
• A feeling of pressure behind the eyes
• Tinnitus and earache
• Emotional stress
• Tension and pain in the neck, shoulders and back

Craniomandibular dysfunction: what you should know about diagnosis

Those affected should consult their doctor promptly to prevent the complaints from worsening. A dentist will draw on a clinical, instrumental and manual functional analysis. If a blockage of the temporomandibular joint is suspected, an MRI provides further insight. Since CMD often arises from an interplay of several factors, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial – between dentist, medical masseur, physiotherapist, orthopaedist and, if necessary, psychologist or ENT specialist.

Treatment options for CMD

Depending on the cause, various measures may be considered. The dentist will usually fit an individually adjusted bite splint to release neuromuscular tension. As an accompanying measure, medical massage acts specifically on the masticatory muscles and relieves the overarching pain throughout the body. The following techniques are used:

• Kneading massage with circular movements on the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint
• Friction massage with gentle pressure on the lower jaw muscle (M. masseter)
• Stretching temporomandibular joint massage to relieve the joint

Acting as quickly as possible is important, as an untreated CMD can lead to permanent damage to the temporomandibular joints.

Self-help measures for CMD

Careful self-observation helps to identify triggers: When does the jaw become particularly tense? When does teeth grinding occur? Targeted relaxation exercises, progressive muscle relaxation and stress reduction in everyday life effectively support the therapy.

CMD Treatment in Zurich – Book an appointment

Do you suffer from jaw pain, teeth grinding or the secondary complaints of craniomandibular dysfunction? Book your appointment now at my practice at Asylstrasse 77 in Zurich. I look forward to seeing you!