Hay fever & Sinus Symptoms: How Myotherapy can help
If you suffer from hay fever or sinus issues, you’re probably very familiar with the discomfort that spring (or indeed any time of year if you live in Melbourne!) allergies can cause. From stuffy noses, itchy eyes and constant pressure in your sinuses, it can make you feel pretty miserable. One of the common drivers of these symptoms is inflammation. This is where lymphatic drainage techniques from your myotherapist can be a game changer.
What causes hay fever and sinus inflammation?
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is triggered when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, dust or pet dander. This overreaction leads to an inflammatory response in the body, particularly in your sinus cavities. The result is congestion, headaches and sometimes even jaw or neck discomfort. If you’re dealing with these symptoms regularly, managing the associated inflammation can be a key part of getting relief.
How lymphatic drainage helps
Lymphatic drainage techniques are gentle, rhythmic massage techniques that encourage the flow of lymphatic fluid throughout your body. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in your immune system and helps to filter waste products and excess fluid. When this system is sluggish or overloaded (common during allergy flare ups), it can contribute to the build up of inflammation and the associated hay fever symptoms you feel.
By working on the areas around your face, neck and upper chest, lymphatic drainage can help reduce the local inflammation and sinus congestion. These techniques can help relieve the pressure you feel in your sinuses and even help you breathe more easily.
Not only does this technique improve lymphatic drainage, but it also helps to stimulate you body’s natural detoxification processes, and supports the function of the immune system.
Myotherapy for jaw and neck pain
If you’ve also been experience tightness in jaw and neck with your hay fever symptoms, you’re not alone. Many people with hay fever or sinusitis notice increased muscle tension in these areas. The constant congestion, mouth breathing and even sneezing can put extra strain through the muscles and joints of the neck and jaw.
Myotherapy can help ease this discomfort not only with lymphatic drainage techniques, but also with other hands on techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, joint mobilisations and soft tissue release. Addressing the symptoms in your neck and jaw can help improve your overall wellbeing, as well as helping to ease headaches and tension that can also linger with your sinus issues.
Self care tips for managing hay fever symptoms
While lymphatic drainage and other myotherapy techniques can significantly improve your symptoms, there are a few things you can do at home to complement your treatment.
Stay hydrated
Use a humidifier
Nasal irrigation
Practice deep breathing
Gentle face massage
If allergies are a regular part of your life, it’s important to take steps to manage the inflammation that contributes to your symptoms. Lymphatic drainage massage is a safe and effective way to reduce that inflammation and improve your overall wellbeing. Coupled with other myotherapy techniques to address any neck and jaw stiffness, you’ll find that you can breathe a little easier - literally!
So if seasonal or year-round allergies are weighing you down, talk to your myotherapist about how myotherapy can help to bring you some relief.