tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2011-07-01T09:25:32-07:00 Opinion, research and treatment methods. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14431 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

For Clarice, incorporating nurturing touch into the life of her family was natural. Her young son, Elliot, enjoyed receiving massage on a regular basis. When he was 3 years old, Elliot developed sensory issues. He started to refuse touch of any kind; clothing, the feel of grass, the feel of any food that he had experienced before, the feel of warm or lukewarm water. His muscle tone began decreasing and by the time he was 3 1/2 years old, he had lost all of his language abilities (previously he was bilingual), refused all eye contact and was unable to stand for more than 30 minutes at a time. He would not eat or drink anything other than milk, eventually regressing to the point when he could not verbally communicate and refused to eat.

By Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT For Clarice, incorporating nurturing touch into the life of her family was natural. Her young son, Elliot, enjoyed receiving massage on a regular basis. When he was 3 years old, Elliot developed sensory issues. He started to refuse touch of any kind; clothing, the feel of grass, the feel of any food that he had experienced before, the feel of warm or lukewarm water. His muscle tone began decreasing and by the time he was 3 1/2 years old, he had lost all of his language abilities (previously he was bilingual), refused all eye contact and was unable to stand for more than 30 minutes at a time. He would not eat or drink anything other than milk, eventually regressing to the point when he could not verbally communicate and refused to eat. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14334 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

I had the great pleasure of attending the American Massage Therapy Association National Convention in Minneapolis this year, and hearing a panel discuss pediatric massage research. Among the presenters was Dr. Sean Phipps, a psychologist and researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. He presented a large study of massage and humor therapy in children undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT). Stem cell transplant is typically used to treat certain types of cancer and blood diseases. It is a rigorous procedure, with multiple medical risks to the patient.

By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS I had the great pleasure of attending the American Massage Therapy Association National Convention in Minneapolis this year, and hearing a panel discuss pediatric massage research. Among the presenters was Dr. Sean Phipps, a psychologist and researcher at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. He presented a large study of massage and humor therapy in children undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT). Stem cell transplant is typically used to treat certain types of cancer and blood diseases. It is a rigorous procedure, with multiple medical risks to the patient. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14327 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Around the age of 25, my doctor diagnosed me with a condition known as fibromyalgia (FM). Although I'd heard of FM, like most people (including my doctors at the time), I didn't know much about the condition.

By Debbie Roberts, LMT Around the age of 25, my doctor diagnosed me with a condition known as fibromyalgia (FM). Although I'd heard of FM, like most people (including my doctors at the time), I didn't know much about the condition. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14297 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

We see it all the time on sports channels. How do they do it? That golf swing is really a work of art. Requiring such a complex array of finely coordinated movements, it's no wonder a golfer's body is considered a ticking time bomb for acute injury or chronic pain.

By Erik Dalton, PhD We see it all the time on sports channels. How do they do it? That golf swing is really a work of art. Requiring such a complex array of finely coordinated movements, it's no wonder a golfer's body is considered a ticking time bomb for acute injury or chronic pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14296 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

This brief review of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management suggests that there are possible biomechanical, behavioural, as well as dietary strategies, that can commonly be helpful. IBS has been defined as abdominal pain, experienced more than once a month, associated with bloating and altered bowel habits. (Moore and Kennedy 2000) By definition, IBS is functional, that is, there is no infection or pathology associated with it. (Abrams et al 2002) It is more common in women than men, and is often associated with other chronic pelvic pain (CPP) symptoms. When IBS is chronic, core muscles (e.g. pelvic muscles) may become hyperalgesic with multiple trigger points. (Fall et al 2010)

By Leon Chaitow, ND, DO This brief review of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) management suggests that there are possible biomechanical, behavioural, as well as dietary strategies, that can commonly be helpful. IBS has been defined as abdominal pain, experienced more than once a month, associated with bloating and altered bowel habits. (Moore and Kennedy 2000) By definition, IBS is functional, that is, there is no infection or pathology associated with it. (Abrams et al 2002) It is more common in women than men, and is often associated with other chronic pelvic pain (CPP) symptoms. When IBS is chronic, core muscles (e.g. pelvic muscles) may become hyperalgesic with multiple trigger points. (Fall et al 2010) tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14199 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. As a result of this devastating disease, many women are susceptible to stress disorders. The National Cancer Institute states that as many as one in five women with breast cancer (22 percent) may have posttraumatic stress disorder over the course of their lifetime. Now, a group of German researchers recently published an article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health that shows that massage is effective in reducing stress in breast cancer patients.

By Editorial Staff According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. As a result of this devastating disease, many women are susceptible to stress disorders. The National Cancer Institute states that as many as one in five women with breast cancer (22 percent) may have posttraumatic stress disorder over the course of their lifetime. Now, a group of German researchers recently published an article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health that shows that massage is effective in reducing stress in breast cancer patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14196 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The quote, excerpted from an online article, made me think of the many challenges cancer patients confront daily: fear, embarrassment, anger, depression, loneliness, pain, sadness, terror and anxiety, to name just a few. In fact, referring to these emotions and feelings as mere "challenges" almost seems to minimize this terrifying ordeal because the experience goes much deeper; it rattles one's foundation.

By David Razo The quote, excerpted from an online article, made me think of the many challenges cancer patients confront daily: fear, embarrassment, anger, depression, loneliness, pain, sadness, terror and anxiety, to name just a few. In fact, referring to these emotions and feelings as mere "challenges" almost seems to minimize this terrifying ordeal because the experience goes much deeper; it rattles one's foundation. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14142 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

In oncology massage, we work with a diverse clientele, with wide-ranging clinical presentations. There are clients in survivorship, perhaps with lingering effects of cancer and cancer treatment in their bodies. There are clients in treatment, whose health can change from week to week, or hour to hour. There are clients at the end of life, whose body systems adapt gamely each day to shifting internal environments. And there are clients who are in the throes of diagnosis, in varying stages of health, navigating a barrage of information that we can only imagine, if we haven't been there ourselves.

By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS In oncology massage, we work with a diverse clientele, with wide-ranging clinical presentations. There are clients in survivorship, perhaps with lingering effects of cancer and cancer treatment in their bodies. There are clients in treatment, whose health can change from week to week, or hour to hour. There are clients at the end of life, whose body systems adapt gamely each day to shifting internal environments. And there are clients who are in the throes of diagnosis, in varying stages of health, navigating a barrage of information that we can only imagine, if we haven't been there ourselves. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14138 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

In January 2001, the first edition of Massage Today was released, and my first Speaking of Pathologies column was in the inaugural issue. It was an introduction to a new concept: readers could send me their interesting questions and challenges around pathology topics, and I would pull together some information for responses that might benefit the rest of the profession. Since that time I have written more than 50 columns on topics ranging from herpes simplex to bariatric surgery to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Most of the time, my articles were stimulated by your input; sometimes I had no direction from readers and simply pursued my own line of interest; this led to a series on neurological conditions including ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, about which I'm still getting letters several years later, and to a lively discussion about student clinics that established great connections with massage educators around the country.

By Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB In January 2001, the first edition of Massage Today was released, and my first Speaking of Pathologies column was in the inaugural issue. It was an introduction to a new concept: readers could send me their interesting questions and challenges around pathology topics, and I would pull together some information for responses that might benefit the rest of the profession. Since that time I have written more than 50 columns on topics ranging from herpes simplex to bariatric surgery to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Most of the time, my articles were stimulated by your input; sometimes I had no direction from readers and simply pursued my own line of interest; this led to a series on neurological conditions including ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries, about which I'm still getting letters several years later, and to a lively discussion about student clinics that established great connections with massage educators around the country. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14137 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

It was supposed to be a Sunday like any other Sunday: get up, go to the gym, do the shopping and chores, and enjoy the rest of the day with my son. Except on this June morning, I couldn't get out of bed. I put one foot down and the pain shot down from my knee to my toes. It was the same with the other leg. And both arms: pain, stiffness, swelling, and fire from elbows to fingers. All the connective tissues and articulations were inflamed. I recently had some dental work and thought that I was having an allergic reaction to the inlay. But that wasn't it at all.

By Elaine Stillerman, LMT It was supposed to be a Sunday like any other Sunday: get up, go to the gym, do the shopping and chores, and enjoy the rest of the day with my son. Except on this June morning, I couldn't get out of bed. I put one foot down and the pain shot down from my knee to my toes. It was the same with the other leg. And both arms: pain, stiffness, swelling, and fire from elbows to fingers. All the connective tissues and articulations were inflamed. I recently had some dental work and thought that I was having an allergic reaction to the inlay. But that wasn't it at all. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14108 2009-09-25T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-25T12:00:07-07:00

Massage for the Cure, hosted on Tuesday, September 15, benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and helps fund breast cancer screening and treatment initiatives across the country. One-hour therapeutic massages were offered at a discounted price of $35, with $10 from each massage directly benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliates. Additional donations were accepted, and all proceeds collected stay in the local community. Total additional donations are currently being calculated.

Editorial Staff Massage for the Cure, hosted on Tuesday, September 15, benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and helps fund breast cancer screening and treatment initiatives across the country. One-hour therapeutic massages were offered at a discounted price of $35, with $10 from each massage directly benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Affiliates. Additional donations were accepted, and all proceeds collected stay in the local community. Total additional donations are currently being calculated. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14101 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I am writing this in high summer, which is prime tick season. Consequently, in this installment, we will examine one of the most mysterious and frustrating conditions associated with summertime activities: Lyme disease. This comes about thanks to the comments of Joy Sablatura in response to my article about Sjogren's syndrome.

By Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB I am writing this in high summer, which is prime tick season. Consequently, in this installment, we will examine one of the most mysterious and frustrating conditions associated with summertime activities: Lyme disease. This comes about thanks to the comments of Joy Sablatura in response to my article about Sjogren's syndrome. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14092 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

In a recent study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB), researchers Jolie N. Haun, John Graham-Pole, and Brendan Shortley conclude that the use of massage therapy provides significant improvement both physically and psychologically in children with cancer and blood diseases. The following abstract was excerpted from the IJTMB, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2009).

Editorial Staff In a recent study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB), researchers Jolie N. Haun, John Graham-Pole, and Brendan Shortley conclude that the use of massage therapy provides significant improvement both physically and psychologically in children with cancer and blood diseases. The following abstract was excerpted from the IJTMB, Vol. 2, No. 2 (2009). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14083 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

For the first year since its inception in 2005, Massage Envy's Massage for the Cure will take place in nearly 600 clinics across the country with a goal of raising $500,000 in one day. Massage for the Cure is an annual massage therapy event benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

By Christie Bondurant For the first year since its inception in 2005, Massage Envy's Massage for the Cure will take place in nearly 600 clinics across the country with a goal of raising $500,000 in one day. Massage for the Cure is an annual massage therapy event benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14066 2009-08-17T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-17T12:00:07-07:00

Massage Envy hosts the one-day fundraiser event September 15, Massage for the Cure, which offers one-hour therapeutic massages for $35, to raise funds for the Dallas Fort Worth affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. $10 from each massage will be donated to the DFW affiliate to be used for breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in the DFW area.

Editorial Staff Massage Envy hosts the one-day fundraiser event September 15, Massage for the Cure, which offers one-hour therapeutic massages for $35, to raise funds for the Dallas Fort Worth affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. $10 from each massage will be donated to the DFW affiliate to be used for breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in the DFW area. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14053 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my clinical work with people who have cancer, and my classroom work with massage therapists, I am periodically faced with not knowing enough. We don't have a complete picture about how massage affects the body, and the research is still evolving into a solid base of evidence. We do know that our clients report symptom relief after massage, and that is enough for us to continue our work, but we don't know, for sure, how and why massage works to bring this about.

By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS In my clinical work with people who have cancer, and my classroom work with massage therapists, I am periodically faced with not knowing enough. We don't have a complete picture about how massage affects the body, and the research is still evolving into a solid base of evidence. We do know that our clients report symptom relief after massage, and that is enough for us to continue our work, but we don't know, for sure, how and why massage works to bring this about. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13975 2009-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Acne rosacea is a skin condition that affects mostly middle-aged, fair-skinned adults. It is most common among 30 to 60-year-olds. Although it is diagnosed in women slightly more often than in men, men tend to have it in a more severe form. Rosacea is very common; estimations suggest that about 14 million Americans may have it, although not always so severely that treatment is required.

By Ruth Werner, LMP, NCTMB Acne rosacea is a skin condition that affects mostly middle-aged, fair-skinned adults. It is most common among 30 to 60-year-olds. Although it is diagnosed in women slightly more often than in men, men tend to have it in a more severe form. Rosacea is very common; estimations suggest that about 14 million Americans may have it, although not always so severely that treatment is required. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13973 2009-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I worked for many months with a client while she was in cancer treatment, witnessing first-hand the effects of the treatment on her body. She was tired, in pain, nauseated, and losing weight rapidly from poor appetite. She came in one day complaining about neck pain. She had gone to a movie to try to forget (just for a couple of hours) about her cancer and the treatment, but her neck hurt so much she had to leave the movie early.

By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS I worked for many months with a client while she was in cancer treatment, witnessing first-hand the effects of the treatment on her body. She was tired, in pain, nauseated, and losing weight rapidly from poor appetite. She came in one day complaining about neck pain. She had gone to a movie to try to forget (just for a couple of hours) about her cancer and the treatment, but her neck hurt so much she had to leave the movie early. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13972 2009-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of my patients has a mother, who we will call "Helen," out of respect for privacy. She was in the hospital recently for heart surgery. At 87 years old she was in fine health, but she had been feeling a bit rundown. Nonetheless, her doctor recommended she go ahead with the surgery because she was "so healthy."

By Kenneth R. Koles, PhD, DSc, RAc, LMT; guest author for John Upledger, DO, OMM One of my patients has a mother, who we will call "Helen," out of respect for privacy. She was in the hospital recently for heart surgery. At 87 years old she was in fine health, but she had been feeling a bit rundown. Nonetheless, her doctor recommended she go ahead with the surgery because she was "so healthy." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13969 2009-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In part one of this series on hospice massage, I explored how massage eases the many dimensions of pain for the person suffering from a life-limiting illness. The value of massage therapy in pain management is an easy association to make. We feel confident in our role of easing pain and can point to concrete reasons why we know massage is beneficial. But what is our role in serving those who have entered the final stages of life? It's important to gain a broader perspective of the role of massage therapy in hospice care. We can start by understanding a few basics about the process and to recognize that the later stages of life are part of a continuum.

By Ann Catlin, LMT, NCTMB, OTR In part one of this series on hospice massage, I explored how massage eases the many dimensions of pain for the person suffering from a life-limiting illness. The value of massage therapy in pain management is an easy association to make. We feel confident in our role of easing pain and can point to concrete reasons why we know massage is beneficial. But what is our role in serving those who have entered the final stages of life? It's important to gain a broader perspective of the role of massage therapy in hospice care. We can start by understanding a few basics about the process and to recognize that the later stages of life are part of a continuum. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13966 2009-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The purpose of this two-part series is to raise our collective awareness as massage therapists of anaphylaxis progression, which potentially can be prevented by asking your clients a few simple questions. I am introducing Thomas Walsh, DDS, as the co-author of this article, as his perspective on anaphylaxis was most helpful in assisting me to understand the full scope of its progression.

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD The purpose of this two-part series is to raise our collective awareness as massage therapists of anaphylaxis progression, which potentially can be prevented by asking your clients a few simple questions. I am introducing Thomas Walsh, DDS, as the co-author of this article, as his perspective on anaphylaxis was most helpful in assisting me to understand the full scope of its progression.