Skip to content

Science-Backed Reasons to Indulge in Pilates

This time-and-task driven world has led many people to suffer from aches and pains caused by stress. Add in long hours spent behind the desk and the increased risk for illnesses is also imminent. Statistics show that in Australia alone, 4 million people are suffering from back problems. Unfortunately, I’m one of them.

My quest for pain relief has led me to the doors of a Pilates studio. Today, I can confidently say that I can pick up a book that fell on the floor without a grimace on my face.

But of course, this is not the only benefit I get from Pilates. There is so much more to it and I’m here to tell you why indulging in Pilates is the next best thing that you can do for yourself.

1. Better Core Strength

I didn’t realize how weak my core muscles were until I started doing Pilates. Performing Pilates moves like thrusters, glute bridges and mountain climbers has greatly helped me improve my core strength. These moves did wonders in making my lower back muscles, abs and obliques stronger.

The best thing about Pilates is that it engages your mind and your core so you are more likely to move the right muscles given the right focus.

2. Relief from Pain

The bonus of core-strengthening moves that Pilates exposes me to is relief from my lower back pain. Now I completely understand why there is such a thing as Pilates for rehabilitation. This comes as no surprise knowing that Pilates is a low-impact exercise which translates to lowered risk for injuries.

People who have problems with joint pain, back pain and other minor injuries can largely benefit from performing Pilates on a regular basis. Just make sure to consult your doctor before starting.

3. Improved Flexibility

Fitness enthusiasts say that performing static and dynamic stretching exercises can help improve flexibility. The good news is that Pilates also offers these types of stretching exercises.

The result is improved flexibility of the hamstrings, hips, front, sides and back muscles. Besides, whenever I perform Pilates stretches at a Carlton North clinical pilates studio, I also notice my body’s range of motion getting better each time.

4. Greater Muscle Endurance

Performing the mat exercises of modern Pilates has been found by experts to be helpful in improving abdominal muscular endurance. Since this discipline engages the hips, lower back and abdomen, the muscles are elongated thus improving their endurance and elasticity as well. This translates to better quality of life especially for busy women like me.

5. Superior Brain Function

Performing Pilates for years has also made me better not just physically. This workout also has a positive impact on my brain because it improved my ability to focus and concentrate.

This makes achieving balance and proper posture so much possible for me. Years of doing Pilates has led me to become more productive at work because I have also become better at concentrating. Not to mention my improved mental clarity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

I could go on and on just to let you know how beneficial Pilates is for me. I’ve realized that becoming healthier does not always entail lifting heavyweight barbells.

It feels great to know that I currently achieved this physique just by doing low-impact Pilates exercises. I encourage those who have read this post to also try Pilates. Try it and you will be amazed at its benefits!

Health | Jasmine Mena |

Skin Clinic Microdermabrasion Helped with my Acne Scars

I’ve always been self-conscious of the acne scars I’ve had since high school. With a history of acne on both sides of my parents, there was no way of dodging that particular bullet. Once I started earning my own money however, I made the decision to undergo microdermabrasion. I never regretted that decision.

What is it?

Microdermabrasion is a process where the skin is slightly buffed by very fine crystals. It’s like a facial scrub but a very gentle one that slowly scuffs away at the outermost layer of the skin.

I’m no dermatologist but I understand that the process makes it easier for the new skin to come to the top, at the same time peeling off the old skin containing the acne scars. It’s an accepted and safe skin procedure in Australia and I’ve known several women who had it before me.

Does it hurt?

Compared to laser hair removal – which I also had – I can honestly say that microdermabrasion doesn’t register on the pain scale. There’s really just slight pressure on the face as the tool glides over.

The whole process can take an hour but it’s really just a time to relax. Since the process is non-invasive, there’s really no need to prep the night before. There was a simple consultation before the process was started.

I was told to avoid the sun and delay waxing a week before the procedure which I was happy to do – especially since I had microdermabrasion during the winter. I noticed however that even though the sun is mild, the doctor had me put on moisturizer and sunscreen to protect my skin.

Other than those things – not much had to be done for after-care purposes! Of course, that’s me and others may need to use additional products on their skin, depending on the findings of the doctor.

What happened after microdermabrasion?

Again, I’m comparing microdermabrasion with laser hair removal and microdermabrasion needs zero recovery time. With laser hair removal, I experienced a few days of swelling and irritation and had to be very careful putting on my clothes because it can hurt. Microdermabrasion doesn’t have that effect and I noticed the positive effects immediately after the treatment.

How often should the sessions be?

My acne scars were practically gone by my fifth session, but I’m not stopping yet. My go to Hoppers Crossing skin clinic has been very friendly and I’ve decided to undergo treatment once every few months to keep my skin looking fresh. Sure – the acne scars are barely noticeable anymore, but I like what microdermabrasion does for my skin.

I would often leave the clinic feeling refreshed with a complexion that just glows. I have very soft skin now and my pores have shrunk to a flattering size. My mom is even thinking of taking microdermabrasion, too after seeing how it worked so well for me!

So what did microdermabrasion did for me? Aside from the disappearance of my acne scars, I also noted that my fine wrinkles started to disappear. Facial lines became shallower and any skin discoloration I had started to even out.

I didn’t have good skin to begin with so the improvements were really noticeable! The blackheads also went away and my skin wasn’t as oily as before. With the noticeable positive changes, I started to invest in better skin care products to make sure the microdermabrasion doesn’t go to waste.

So how much does it cost?

I guess the only downside to microdermabrasion is the fact that it isn’t covered by insurance. I had to set aside money for it with each session but it’s worth it! The good news is that since each session is around two to three weeks apart, I had the chance to budget accordingly.

So was microdermabrasion the right decision? Yes, definitely. As someone who had to live with acne scars for most of my adult life, this simple procedure gave me a level of confidence I didn’t know I had!

Skin Care | Jasmine Mena |

Ergonomics at Work – How to Reduce Body Pain from Sitting All Day

I always thought that body pain after arriving from work is perfectly natural. After all, I spent all day sitting down and working at the computer – hence locking my muscles in place and reducing my flexibility.

As it turns out however, this doesn’t have to be the case at all. With just a few simple changes in my life, I can reduce office-related pain and enjoy myself after coming back home.

Ergonomic Chairs

Gone are the days when furniture was made specifically for petty reasons. I’ve found that if you throw aesthetics out the window and simply focus on ergonomics, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable office experience.

Ergonomic chairs are specially built to work with the natural posture of the body, which means that there’s no awkward positions while sitting behind the desk. I found that the cost of ergonomic chairs isn’t that much different from regular office chairs – and the cost is more than worth it.

Get a Ball

If you don’t want the added expense of buying an ergonomic chair, you can always purchase a stability ball to help with your core muscles and balance. These balls are typically cheaper and they’re the kind that can be brought home during the weekends.

I found that using a stability ball instead of a chair helps me exercise my core even as I type on the PC. From personal experience, it’s not advisable to use the ball all through the day, but it’s an excellent way to break the monotony of work.

Get Standing Desks

You know what they say – sitting is the new smoking. This is why it’s often a good idea to stand on your feet for a few hours at a time while at work. I’ve found that standing helps me better stretch out my legs and get rid of the kinks around my shoulders.

Fortunately, there are furniture today that can be adjusted so that you can still work whether standing or sitting. Take a look at some of the best sit stand desks in Australia and find one that best fits your height.

Do Some Stretching

Another important reminder is to take routine breaks for stretching. I found that even just 5 minutes of stretching in the middle of the day can work wonders for my body. It boosts my blood flow, makes me more alert, and gives me a fresher look at work.

It’s actually more effective than coffee once I think about it. I prefer to do standing Yoga poses, but the decision is really up to you. Stretching moves, by themselves, can be instinctive so that you’ll be extending body parts that feel cramped.

Skip the Coffee – Go For Water

Staying hydrated throughout the day is very important for blood circulation and muscle development. I find that coffee just makes things more difficult since it’s actually a diuretic. This means that the coffee prompts me to urinate water.

By switching to water, there’s honest hydration happening and I can get the circulation I need. As an added tip – try keeping a large water bottle and marking how much to drink and at what time. This will guarantee that you’ll get enough water throughout the day.

After Care Efforts

Finally, don’t forget that what you do after work also contributes to how you feel. As for me, I like to exercise during the weekends as well to boost my immune system, flexibility, and blood circulation. A relaxing bath and the occasional massage can also go a long way in helping me recover after a particularly bad time at work.

Of course, those are just some of the things I practice to reduce office-related pain. I’ve found that what works changes from one person to the next, so I’d advise that you try different methods to see which one fits you best.

Health | Jasmine Mena |

4 Things You May Not Know About Myotherapy

Most of the things we know about myotherapy come from our concept of massage. I also had a lot of misconceptions about this type of therapy. It is a good thing that I now have friends from a Melbourne myotherapy clinic who have given me a better understanding of myotherapy. Here are 4 things you may not know about myotherapy:

1. Myotherapy is NOT the Same as Massage 

This is perhaps the most common misconception that people have about myotherapy. I really cannot blame them. After all, the words “myo” and “therapy” do suggest to therapies involving the muscles. And this is what massage is all about.

Massage involves the manual or physical manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. These can include the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The main purpose of massage therapy is to enhance overall health and wellbeing.

On the other hand, myotherapy is more focused in the management of musculoskeletal pain as well as other associated conditions. A myotherapist can use massage therapy as one of the modalities of treatment. There are other treatment techniques that a myotherapist can use. Here is the most interesting part. These techniques are backed by scientific evidence.

2. Myotherapy is a Complete Healthcare Profession 

This is one of the most surprising things I learned about myotherapy. A myotherapist functions more like a doctor, a physical therapist, or any other member of the healthcare profession. They have an extensive knowledge of musculoskeletal dysfunction, especially pain.

A myotherapist uses only evidence-based techniques in the assessment of soft tissue problems. This gives him a clear idea of the most appropriate diagnosis. He can then formulate a plan of care that includes goal-directed treatments.

Myotherapists are not only concerned about your musculoskeletal pain experience. They also want you to recover. And if ever there is a loss of function in one of your body parts, they will also help you in the rehabilitation of those body parts.

3. There are Many Myotherapy Treatment Techniques 

I already mentioned that massage is one of the treatments that a myotherapist can provide. There are others as well. For example, there is dry needling. For the uninitiated, you might think that this is a fancy term for Chinese acupuncture. While they may be similar, dry needling has a more scientific basis for its application. You will never hear a myotherapist talk about Chi and energy flows. What you will hear are nerves.

There are also electrotherapies. These can include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and muscle stimulation. These therapies deliver very precise electric currents to the muscles. They may sound dangerous. However, they do work, especially in the management of pain.

Myotherapists also rely on thermal therapies. They use hot packs to relieve muscle stiffness and pain. When it comes to acute pain with swelling and inflammation, they turn to ice packs. This may seem easy enough. However, one has to understand the importance of timing. Only a myotherapist will know when to use either cold packs or hot compresses and when not to use them.

4. Myotherapy is a Good Adjunct to Conventional Treatments 

I have to emphasise this. Myotherapy can never replace contemporary medicine. However, it can be a wonderful complement to other therapies. I would like you to understand that pain can be brought about by different health conditions.

A myotherapist can only help you in terms of musculoskeletal pain and associated disorders. Unfortunately, when we are in pain, other organ systems get affected, too. That is why a myotherapist will always collaborate with other healthcare professionals. This is the only way they can help the patient. They have to work as a team and work within the confines of their areas of expertise.

In general, myotherapy can help in the management of headaches, back pain, neck pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. It can also help in the treatment of fibromyalgia, tension, and stress.

I hope I have enlightened you somehow about what myotherapy is. I would recommend trying this therapy if you have musculoskeletal pain. It is the only way you can appreciate what it truly is.

Health | Jasmine Mena |

3 Ways Office Cleaning Can Help Businesses Improve Employee Health and Productivity

Successful business organisations have one thing in common. They have a very productive workforce. We believe that there are many factors that can affect the ability of employees to perform their expected job responsibilities.

One of which is ensuring that they are healthy. This is where commercial cleaning companies can be very beneficial. They can help businesses improve the health of their employees, guaranteeing their productivity. Here are 3 ways how commercial office cleaning can help.

Safeguards the Health of Everyone

The office can be a good place for germs to grow. Sick employees who still report to work or who do not know that they already have an infection can spread their disease-causing germs in the office. When they talk, sneeze, or cough, many of these germs can get airborne and land on surfaces.

These germs can land on tables, chairs, railings, door knobs, telephones, and other items in the office. If one employee touches these surfaces and puts his or her hands in his or her mouth, then it is possible that this person can get infected as well.

Traditional office cleaning will not be able to clean all of the surfaces where these microorganisms can hide. They can proliferate in ventilation systems and hard-to-reach areas.

Our commercial cleaning services can safeguard the health of your employees by making sure that everything gets cleaned. We make sure to clean hard-to-reach areas and sections that ordinary office cleaning does not address.

If we can clean all of these surfaces, then we can get rid of almost all the different germs that can make your employees sick. It would be impossible to get rid of these germs 100 per cent.

However, you can always feel more confident that your employees will not be getting sick more often. This can help improve their productivity.

Ensures the Reliability of Office Equipment

Very few businesses today operate without the need for any machine or equipment. An office will always have a computer or some other form of encoding machine.

There are also electronic office appliances like photocopiers and paper shredders. We understand the importance of these machines and equipment in the success of your business as an organisation. It also makes the work of your employees a lot easier, making them more productive.

We can almost imagine how your employees will feel if they use defective or malfunctioning equipment. It can complicate their work. Instead of being able to accomplish many things, they will have to do it the long way.

Commercial cleaners can help you ensure the optimum working condition of your office equipment. While we are not technicians, we do know the role of dirt and dust in the correct functioning of these machines.

Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside these equipment. They can affect the performance of the machines and make life difficult for your employees. Our task is to make sure that these machines and gadgets are free of dirt, dust, and debris. This way, you can ensure the productivity of your employees.

Contributes to the Reduction of Distractions

If you hire a commercial cleaning company, you can expect them to tidy up the workplace. Not only will this improve the overall aesthetics of your office. It can also improve overall workflow. You can also minimise distractions that can make your employees lose focus on what they are doing.

For example, you may have not noticed that offensive smell coming from the office pantry. Or perhaps the rotting garbage in some of the trash cans of the office. Distractions are not only visual.

They can also be tactile, auditory, and olfactory. Employees can smell something nasty. They can feel dust or dirt falling on their skin. They can hear the irritating sound coming from a dust-filled machine. These are enough to divert the attention of your employees from their work. This can have a negative impact on their productivity.

Commercial cleaners can help you address these issues. We can help your office reduce the number of distractions by cleaning everything. This will help your employees have more focus and concentration on their tasks.

There are many ways an office cleaning company can help businesses safeguard the health and productivity of their employees. The 3 ways we shared with you are what we think to be the most important ones.

Health | Jasmine Mena |

Why Exercise Bikes Are Good Fitness Investment

Empowered women juggle both work and domestic life. Some are able to strike a good balance, while others still struggle with time management. With so many tasks at hand, so little time is left for exercise. Thankfully, with today’s wide choices of exercise equipment and even mobile apps, you can now exercise in a jiffy. And of all that I’ve tried, I’d confidently recommend exercise bikes as good fitness investment.

Targets Stomach Fat

We all have fats all over our body and the most stubborn to eliminate is the visceral fat, which is a part of the stomach fat found deep inside the torso. Fortunately, stationary exercise bikes are the perfect tool to make you lose body fats and enhance your cardiovascular fitness so you can say goodbye to your stomach fat permanently. When you cycle, not only will you burn unwanted fats, you also avoid a host of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and even stroke.

Encourages Serious Dieting

Overall fat loss is impossible without dietary changes. With exercise bikes, you become even more motivated to feed on low-calorie diet because of the visible results you experience in about 2 weeks of regular workout. I personally believe that because of the cycling intensity and regularity, it becomes easier to sweat and burn the calories you’ve consumed in a day. The psychological effect of seeing the fruits of your labor only furthers your motivation to cycle all the way to your desired body weight and shape.

Allows Regular Workout Sessions

One of the reasons why modern women can’t maintain the workout plan they have started is the lack of time. I can very well attest to this and the thought of having to travel to the gym or any other fitness center already tires me. Investing in a good exercise bike makes it convenient to work out twice a day, everyday. After all, in effective overall fat loss, consistency rules over intensity. A medium-intensity cardiovascular exercise of at least 300 minutes in a week is needed. When you can, you need to spread this requirement over 5 days, instead of 7 to allow your body enough recovery time. And investing in a stationary bike can offer you the opportunity to practice distributed exercise sessions. You can cycle or spin at home, in comfortable house clothes and regardless of the weather conditions. You even save logistics costs, therefore contributing to better health and bigger savings.

Firms Muscles and Strengthens Stamina

When I experienced exercising through stationary bikes, I realized anyone can pedal his way to fitness. Cycling does not simply burn fats, but also builds muscles, improves breathing, and strengthens your stamina. This works fine for me as my goal is not to be slim, but fit. Frail bodies won’t make me or anyone productive. More so, considered as an aerobic exercise, biking naturally enhances a person’s breathing and cardio fitness. Unlike other cardio options (e.g., running, wall climbing, swimming, etc) stationary bike exercises are known for their minimal joint impacts. In other words, it’s relatively safer, perfect for beginners.

Saves Money

We already settled that stationary bikes are good investments for they save the owners logistic costs, gym membership fees, and trainer fees. Not to mention, they also save you possible costs incurred on medicine and hospitalization should you become sick. But to truly save on exercising, you need to buy quality equipment, lest you constantly spend on repair and replacement. There are many top rated exercise bikes in Australia, fortunately.

To help make sound decisions, the basic stationary bike types include upright bikes (which enable users to stand up while pedaling), recumbent bikes (offer a relaxing way to cycle and better back support), and dual-action bikes (with movable handle bars that move the upper body, not just the legs). Other options include folding bikes that allow free-standing exercises and interactive bikes that use virtual programs you can follow. Talk to an expert and listen to your body, then you’ll better assess what kind of stationary bike you need.

These benefits, however, will be for nothing if you don’t enjoy cycling to begin with. I suggest you try cycling, spinning, and interactive bike programs in a center for one to three sessions first, then you decide.

Health | Jasmine Mena |

8 Things You Need to Know to Colour your Hair

ombreOne way to create a dazzling personality is by adding colour to your hair. Whether you are going to do it yourself or just simply go to a salon like Rakis on Collins – best hair colour in Melbourne VIC or any other reputable hair salon anywhere else in Australia or all over the world, giving your hair a more vibrant colour should not be at all difficult.

Hair Colouring

The art of colouring the hair has been performed by man ever since he discovered natural dyes. Before, it was more of a protection. The plant-based dye afforded some layer of protection against the harmful rays of the sun, although modern science tends to believe that it is more of anecdotal at best. Nonetheless, modern understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human hair has unequivocally created deeper appreciation for the art of hair dyeing or hair colouring. And as all things modern and new, there are clearly certain things to know before dyeing your hair.

Research Well

Depending on what you want done on your hair, it is always best to read through tons of resources first. If you only need to cover a patch of grey hair, then by all means do it yourself. If not, go to the hair salon. Choose a shade of colour that will look best in you. If you are wondering which among L’Oreal or Revlon or Clairol or any other big name hair colouring product you should choose, try logging onto their website and read through a variety of forums. You will learn a thing or two. Once you have made your choice, order online or you can just go to your nearest beauty products retail shop to get one.

Prepare your Hair

It is imperative that you thoroughly clean your hair before applying anything. Dirt, dust, and debris can adversely affect the bonding of the dye onto your hair. If you apply dye on dirty hair, there will be some sections of the hair that will not be coloured. However, hair experts recommend washing your hair at least 24 hours before applying the hair dye. This is to make sure that there is natural oil in your hair to help facilitate the absorption of the dye.

Always Read Instructions

Many individuals never bother to read the manufacturer’s instructions of the products they bought. As you are going to use this on your hair it is very important to read the package insert and follow it to the letter. Even if this is not your first time dyeing your hair, there may be some additional information that might prove crucial in the success of your hair colouring endeavour.

Prepare Materials

It is very important to get all of the things you will ever need in dyeing your hair organized. It simply makes no sense applying the hair dye and then running off to one part of the house because you simply forgot something. For dyeing your hair you need to prepare Vaseline, hair clips, plastic gloves, big safety pin, an old towel, wide-toothed comb, and a damp rag to be used in wiping spills. Hair experts recommend wearing button-down shirt instead of tees. Wear one that is no longer used. This is a lot easier to remove later on once you finish with the hair dyeing.

Prepare the Area

Whether you will use a permanent dye or a semi-permanent one, you still need to protect the area where you are going to perform the hair colouring. Cover your floor with newspapers. Never attempt to colour your hair on your carpet. If you really have to, make sure to cover your carpet first to protect it from accidental spills.

Always Test First

Before applying the hair dye on your hair, you need to test it first on a few strands of your hair. This is especially true for first-time users as well as when using an entirely different kind of shade from previously applications.

Colour your Hair

Apply Vaseline on your hairline to keep away the dye. You simply do not want any of that ink to be running down your face. Follow the directions in creating a colour mixture. Use the wide-toothed comb to separate your hair into small manageable sections. Apply the hair dye on these small sections of hair. Make sure to start at the roots of your hair and work your way out and down. Pile up finished sections of hair with clips so they don’t interfere with the colouring of the other sections. Let the dye sit for the recommended length of time as per package directions.

Finishing it Up

After letting the dye be absorbed by your hair, you will then need to apply the hair conditioner that came with your hair dye kit. Most hair experts advise against washing the hair immediately, recommending waiting a full 24 to 48 hours before washing. This is believed to help in the complete absorption of the dye to the hair shafts.

Now, if this sounds too complex for you, there is always a hair salon nearby who can give your hair the colour that you require.

Beauty | Jasmine Mena |

Bringing Back Mobility by Managing Hip Pain

hip pain
The hip is that part of the body that absorbs a lot of repetitive motion as well as extensive amounts of wear and tear. It is composed of the body’s largest ball-and-socket joint that connects your lower extremities to the rest of the body. Without this structure, you simply lose the ability to carry your own upper body weight.

In some cases, the cartilage of the hip joints can get damaged because of repetitive motion and wear and tear. The tendons and muscles that surround the joint can also be damaged because of overuse or muscle fatigue. The bone itself can get fractured when you have a bad fall. All of these can lead to significant hip pain.

While medical management of hip pain will call for the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers as well as other types of analgesic medications depending on the severity of the pain experienced, some would prefer consulting the services of physiotherapists like those at the Top Middle Park physiotherapy clinic establishments to give them not only relief from pain but, more importantly, the ability to perform their activities of daily living that had been severely hampered by their immobility.

Causes of Hip Pain 

While hip pain may originate from a variety of disease conditions, the more common causes of hip pain include arthritis, injuries, pinched nerves, and cancer, although other causes may also contribute to the development of pain in the hip.

All forms of arthritis that develops at or within the area of the hip joint can produce significant amounts of gnawing pain. Fracture of the hip bone will produce an excruciating type of pain while bursitis, inguinal hernia, tendinitis, dislocation, and sprains and strains will produce varying degrees of moderate to severe hip pain.

No matter what the cause, the end result will always be immobility and loss of function in the hip joint. Technically, this translates to problems in walking, running, or even standing as the stress on the hip joint will only aggravate the pain being experienced.

General Approach to the Management of Hip Pain 

Pain management has always been symptomatic. The primary concern of health professionals is in the alleviation of the pain experience and not necessarily the cause of the pain. This is because no amount of intervention directed towards the cause will even be sufficient if the patient is in extreme pain. This is why pain must be controlled first before doctors and other healthcare professionals can begin to work on the cause.

Pharmacologic Management 

Depending on the severity of the pain, analgesics may be prescribed in varying doses. For severe pain, narcotic analgesics as well as tranquilizers may be administered just to calm the patient and relieve him of his symptoms. For mild to moderate pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can be given as well as aspirin and acetaminophen.

Physical Therapy as Management 

Physical therapy has been proven to be effective in alleviating some form of hip pain, especially those that are of mild to moderate intensity. The physiotherapist’s job is to minimize the inflammation that is present within the hip joint itself or in the muscles and tendons that surround the hip joint.

The physical therapist uses a variety of physiotherapeutic interventions that will release the pressure off sore muscles and un-pinch some of the nerves that may have been inadvertently squeezed by abnormal muscle contractions or even a misaligned disk. The application of hot and cold compresses has been known to be effective in reducing swelling and inflammation and in alleviating the painful experience to some degree.

Gentle and purposeful exercises of the hips performed for the patient by a professional physical therapist can help return the optimal functionality of the muscle groups in the hips. This significantly improves the ability of the individual to perform his activities of daily living because his hip’s range of motion is no longer greatly impeded by pain and joint immobility.

hip pain 2Other physical therapy interventions for hip pain can include trigger point therapy, otherwise known as dry needling which is similar in principle to the Chinese acupuncture treatment, massage, and careful manipulation of the joint and its surrounding structure. Joint manipulation coupled with directed or remedial massage is something that physical therapists are well known for. The aim is to carefully manipulate the hip joint to release joint capsules that may have been pinched. The result is greater flexibility and less pain.

If the pain is not severe, the physical therapist can teach a patient to perform hip stretches as well as squats in order to strengthen the hip muscles.

The management of hip pain can be as varied as its causes. However, it is important to understand that pain needs to be managed right away in order to allow the return of optimum functionality and joint mobility.

Health | Jasmine Mena |

Expert Tips On How To Apply Concealer

Expert Tips On How To Apply Concealer
A growing number of folks today are into make-up. Yet, in spite of the enormous popularity of make-up, many learn that they do not have knowledge of straightforward make-up tricks that will ensure they have a fantastic appearance for the entire day. Consider, for instance, concealer; there are a lot of girls who do not understand the right way to implement it so it doesn’t only hide imperfections but also emphasizes the face.

There are actually appropriate techniques in order they can execute the job of making you seem fantastic in using these products. Take a look at the following suggestions.

For people who would like to know the best way to use concealer correctly, professional make-up artists now are combined in backing the triangle system for under the eyes. Not only can those dark under-eye circles decline, but this may also emphasize the cheeks to produce a more natural appearance. Lots of girls generally do their concealer in a half moon shape, and that only actually makes the concealer look like glowing under-eye patche

Allow the concealer and powder “bake” for 5 to 10 minutes should you would like the brightness to continue so much longer. After that time that is baking, with fan brush or a soft fluffy, lightly brush away excess powder.

Make use of a color corrector if a pimple rather reddish, in the event you are hiding it. Green concealer is an ideal foundation; dab it on using a tiny concealer brush, or only a Qtip, then allow the colour sit there for a bit before using a concealer that closely matches your skin tone. Be sure to blend the concealer across the blemish so that it does not look like a patch, and place it with finishing powder or a great setting.

Ensure that your wand doesn’t have additional goop in regards to applying mascara. Some professional makeup artists urge dabbing the point of the wand on a facial tissue to eliminate additional merchandise before ultimately using mascara in a zigzag movement through your lashes to stop goopy lashes. The zigzag movement will help separate the lashes for a fuller appearance

Read Also: 5 Ways To Decode Back Pain

Beauty | Jasmine Mena | | Leave a comment

5 Ways To Decode Back Pain

The occurrence of lower back pain in majority of people is a common phenomenon due to varieties of reasons. Individuals spend lot of time sitting and working. It can have a huge impact on the spinal cord causing long term pain. The problem is also the reason for affecting the lumbar spine of the body and the discs between the vertebrae. Diagnosis of the lower back pain is very important to treat the issue before it paralyzes the whole body. Bony lumbar spine is designed in such a manner that vertebrae can provide rock solid support and also helps to prevent the spinal cord from getting injured. There are many issues that are related to the pain and some of them are mentioned below:

  • The first symptom is the pain that transmits through the arm and the leg:

Reason: poor posture is one of the primary causes that can do more harm than good to the people. In modern times, individuals tend to sit for longer hours in their offices and work on computer systems. As a result the muscles across the spines become weak leading to an increase of the pressure on the spinal cord. The degeneration of the disc follows leading to the occurrence of the radiating pain. Discs act as cushions that provide seamless movement of the vertebrae bodies. Wear and tear would cause sharp pain that will impede the normal movement.

Treatment: As far as treatment is concerned, rectifying the posture is extremely essential for the long term health benefits and relief from pain. You can buy a good quality chair that can provide relief to the spinal cord. Another mode of treatment is to do exercises that tend to strengthen the spinal cord by many notches. One can lie on back and push the head in the downward position to elongate the spine and make it more durable.

  • The second symptom is the rise of the sudden shooting pain in the lower back or the neck:

If the primary cause of the pain is not identified, it will lead to the occurrence of similar symptoms on a regular basis. The symptomatic pain can radiate through the limbs and also cause tingling sensation to a great extent. Patient might feel that thousands of needles are piercing through the body. During various instances, you might realize that the leg or hand with pain is heavier as compared to the limb which is not affected.

Treatment:

One the problem is identified, it is important to undertake the treatment. Do not sit in a particular position for a long time because the lumbar spine would malfunction. Increased pressure reduces the blood supply and causes enormous pain. In between sittings, stand up and walk to get immediate relief. Frequent breaks would go a long way in providing impeccable results to the users. As in the first case, spinal cord exercises should be carried out on a regular basis by the patient.

  • One of the most important symptoms is the change in the way you walk along:

If the style of walking changes, it might signal that the disc is affected and requires immediate attention. If the problem is ignored it can snow ball into a major chronic issue that would be impossible to treat with medicines. Generally the change in the walking pattern is accompanied by severe muscle weakness leading to more problems in the long run. Due to pain, the body weight is shifted towards the left on the spinal cord. Foot drop is another condition that will force you to drag the feet and it arises due to back pain.

Mode of treatment:

It is vital to contact the doctor as fast as possible if there is a different sensation in the legs along with motor weakness. One should also make sure that the symptoms are not neglected. Even walking difficulty without back pain is a reminder that the trouble is round the corner and action should be taken instantly.

  • Headache followed by dizziness

Majority of people around the world use electronic gadgets such as mobile phones and tabs. While handling the devices, they continue to sit in various positions for a very long time. It is considered as one of the chief causes of lower back pain. Pinning the phone during multi tasking puts enormous pressure on the spine and causes pain over a long period of time. Dizziness can also occur due to lower blood pressure and disorders arising in the inner ear.

Treatment: If you are feeling pain visit a physiotherapist who can rectify the problem and provide long term relief.

  • Rise in Upper back pain

The problem occurs due to poor posture of the body and chronic muscle tension. Sitting in front of the computer causes the problem. Moreover, muscular irritation and joint dysfunction can also prove to be a huge nemesis for the patient

Treatment: Diagnosis under expert medical supervision is required to treat the symptoms.

Read Also: Expert Tips On How To Apply Concealer

Health | Jasmine Mena |