tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2012-01-01T09:25:32-07:00 Drug-free patient care, techniques and research. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14400 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) is committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service. As part of its continuing goal and commitment to the industry, MTF is pleased to announce that it will publish a new research project synopsis, with a reference to the original article, right here at MassageToday.com. This month, we are pleased to report on an exciting MTF-funded study that examined the potential effectiveness of massage on stress levels and quality of life in brain tumor patients.

By Massage Therapy Foundation Contributor The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) is committed to advancing the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education and community service. As part of its continuing goal and commitment to the industry, MTF is pleased to announce that it will publish a new research project synopsis, with a reference to the original article, right here at MassageToday.com. This month, we are pleased to report on an exciting MTF-funded study that examined the potential effectiveness of massage on stress levels and quality of life in brain tumor patients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14399 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Those readers familiar with my column will know that my articles typically deal with pain and injury conditions. This month, I'm excited to address a very different type of ailment, Parkinson's disease (PD), and a type of exercise therapy that can dramatically reduce the symptoms of this disorder. Seeing the effectiveness of this work with clients has been a wonderful surprise and a great learning experience, as well as being deeply gratifying.

By Ben Benjamin, PhD Those readers familiar with my column will know that my articles typically deal with pain and injury conditions. This month, I'm excited to address a very different type of ailment, Parkinson's disease (PD), and a type of exercise therapy that can dramatically reduce the symptoms of this disorder. Seeing the effectiveness of this work with clients has been a wonderful surprise and a great learning experience, as well as being deeply gratifying. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14398 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Eva Herr is a medical intuitive. She is the author of Agape, The Intent of the Soul, columnist for Dannion Brinkley's magazine Kinetics, has an Internet radio talk show and she speaks and teaches on the many levels of consciousness. Medical intuition has grown rapidly in the last few years and many believe that it will play an important role in the future of medicine. She agreed to share some of her insights with Massage Today readers.

By Rita Woods, LMT Eva Herr is a medical intuitive. She is the author of Agape, The Intent of the Soul, columnist for Dannion Brinkley's magazine Kinetics, has an Internet radio talk show and she speaks and teaches on the many levels of consciousness. Medical intuition has grown rapidly in the last few years and many believe that it will play an important role in the future of medicine. She agreed to share some of her insights with Massage Today readers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14382 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

There is so much we can do to keep our brains healthy, I had to create a part two to share the wealth of the information I came across when researching this topic, including such diverse activities as volunteerism, the study of foreign languages, working with essential oils and meditation. While each of these separately do not have a lot in common, research now shows us that they can help the brain to function at optimal levels.

By Sharon Puszko, PhD, LMT There is so much we can do to keep our brains healthy, I had to create a part two to share the wealth of the information I came across when researching this topic, including such diverse activities as volunteerism, the study of foreign languages, working with essential oils and meditation. While each of these separately do not have a lot in common, research now shows us that they can help the brain to function at optimal levels. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14370 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my past article "Chasing the Pain", I reported that pain (especially leg pain) may be the result of medications your clients are taking. A thorough medical intake questionnaire that includes medications is imperative for customizing and evaluating your massage plan for each client. Identifying the cause of pain and plan of treatment involves more than subjective and objective observations.

By Rita Woods, LMT In my past article "Chasing the Pain", I reported that pain (especially leg pain) may be the result of medications your clients are taking. A thorough medical intake questionnaire that includes medications is imperative for customizing and evaluating your massage plan for each client. Identifying the cause of pain and plan of treatment involves more than subjective and objective observations. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14365 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The squat is one of seven fundamental movement patterns that were essential to human survival in primitive times. The other six are: lunging, bending, rotating, pushing, pulling, and walking/running. The quality with which an individual executed each movement dictated their physical capacity and ability to survive. Even today, all of the movements we do are a combination of these seven fundamental movements.

By Ben Benjamin, PhD and Chris White The squat is one of seven fundamental movement patterns that were essential to human survival in primitive times. The other six are: lunging, bending, rotating, pushing, pulling, and walking/running. The quality with which an individual executed each movement dictated their physical capacity and ability to survive. Even today, all of the movements we do are a combination of these seven fundamental movements. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14356 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Orthopedic massage is a highly effective system for addressing soft-tissue pain and injury complaints. What makes this approach so effective with a wide variety of movement system disorders is the fact that it is a comprehensive treatment approach and not just a massage technique. In the mid-1990s, I proposed a model for an orthopedic massage system that included four primary components. These four components are: 1) orthopedic assessment, 2) matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment, 3) using a variety of treatment approaches, and 4) appropriate use of the rehabilitation protocol. It is this fourth and final component of the system (the rehabilitation protocol) that requires some additional explanation, as it is a comprehensive topic on its own.

By Whitney Lowe, LMT Orthopedic massage is a highly effective system for addressing soft-tissue pain and injury complaints. What makes this approach so effective with a wide variety of movement system disorders is the fact that it is a comprehensive treatment approach and not just a massage technique. In the mid-1990s, I proposed a model for an orthopedic massage system that included four primary components. These four components are: 1) orthopedic assessment, 2) matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment, 3) using a variety of treatment approaches, and 4) appropriate use of the rehabilitation protocol. It is this fourth and final component of the system (the rehabilitation protocol) that requires some additional explanation, as it is a comprehensive topic on its own. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14335 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Did you know that holding a warm cup of coffee can foster a sense of trust in another person? Touching is an important part of interacting with our environment and people. Research suggests that touch, including temperature sensations can subconsciously affect our impressions of others, the decisions we make and even our behavior.

By Rita Woods, LMT Did you know that holding a warm cup of coffee can foster a sense of trust in another person? Touching is an important part of interacting with our environment and people. Research suggests that touch, including temperature sensations can subconsciously affect our impressions of others, the decisions we make and even our behavior. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14332 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

A recent study, reported on in the New York Times, determined that a single session of Swedish massage produces beneficial biologic effects on neuroendocrine and immune function in healthy adults.

By Christie Bondurant A recent study, reported on in the New York Times, determined that a single session of Swedish massage produces beneficial biologic effects on neuroendocrine and immune function in healthy adults. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14331 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Being a massage therapist, I am aware of how my body sometimes feels, in terms of muscle soreness, fatigue, illness or general aches and pains, since all of these symptoms can affect my ability to work. Recently, after an extended period of traveling in which I became quite sleep deprived, I began to focus on the other aspects of our health: the mental component of it. After all, without our brain functioning properly, none of our muscles would function properly, either. Information on keeping our brain healthy has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, as advances in medical equipment have helped scientists learn more about how this mysterious organ works. Recent research has demonstrated that one's exercise, diet, sleep, and career can impact the health of one's brain. There is also growing consensus in the medical community that certain choices about exercise and diet can impact the likelihood of being challenged with memory problems and Alzheimer's disease.

By Sharon Puszko, PhD, LMT Being a massage therapist, I am aware of how my body sometimes feels, in terms of muscle soreness, fatigue, illness or general aches and pains, since all of these symptoms can affect my ability to work. Recently, after an extended period of traveling in which I became quite sleep deprived, I began to focus on the other aspects of our health: the mental component of it. After all, without our brain functioning properly, none of our muscles would function properly, either. Information on keeping our brain healthy has increased dramatically over the past 10 years, as advances in medical equipment have helped scientists learn more about how this mysterious organ works. Recent research has demonstrated that one's exercise, diet, sleep, and career can impact the health of one's brain. There is also growing consensus in the medical community that certain choices about exercise and diet can impact the likelihood of being challenged with memory problems and Alzheimer's disease. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14328 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops in response to a traumatic event. The event often includes physical and/or psychological harm to an individual or a loved one. Triggers of PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or man-made disasters, accidents, or military combat. Post-traumatic stress is the inability to dissociate the trauma from the past and live without fear of the future. Evidence demonstrates that massage therapy eases suffering caused by this disorder and assists in the recovery process.

By Dixie Wall, Contributing Editor Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops in response to a traumatic event. The event often includes physical and/or psychological harm to an individual or a loved one. Triggers of PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or man-made disasters, accidents, or military combat. Post-traumatic stress is the inability to dissociate the trauma from the past and live without fear of the future. Evidence demonstrates that massage therapy eases suffering caused by this disorder and assists in the recovery process. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14319 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my role as a personal trainer and long-time competitive athlete, I have often been asked about dietary supplements: "which ones should I take; how much, and for how long?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Like all else health and wellness related, it will be a matter of meeting specific, individualized needs in the present circumstances.

By Teresa M. Matthews, LMT, CPT In my role as a personal trainer and long-time competitive athlete, I have often been asked about dietary supplements: "which ones should I take; how much, and for how long?" Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Like all else health and wellness related, it will be a matter of meeting specific, individualized needs in the present circumstances. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14304 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Cholesterol lowering drugs are one of the most widely prescribed medications. Statins, the class of cholesterol lowering drugs are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In short, they suppress the enzymes the liver needs to produce cholesterol naturally. The body makes its own cholesterol which is important for many bodily functions including lubricating the joints. Some people are genetically predisposed to over produce their own cholesterol and some people lack dietary discretion and consume foods high in cholesterol. High cholesterol is viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease which has prompted the prolific use of drugs intended to lower it.

By Rita Woods, LMT Cholesterol lowering drugs are one of the most widely prescribed medications. Statins, the class of cholesterol lowering drugs are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In short, they suppress the enzymes the liver needs to produce cholesterol naturally. The body makes its own cholesterol which is important for many bodily functions including lubricating the joints. Some people are genetically predisposed to over produce their own cholesterol and some people lack dietary discretion and consume foods high in cholesterol. High cholesterol is viewed as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease which has prompted the prolific use of drugs intended to lower it. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14303 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

The New York Times recently cited a 2008 report which showed that birth rates for women over 40 years of age rose 4 percent over the previous year and a 2009 survey indicated that 14 percent of people in their prime childbearing years decided to delay becoming pregnant due to the economic recession. For some of these women, this decision may have dire consequences on future pregnancies.

By Elaine Stillerman, LMT The New York Times recently cited a 2008 report which showed that birth rates for women over 40 years of age rose 4 percent over the previous year and a 2009 survey indicated that 14 percent of people in their prime childbearing years decided to delay becoming pregnant due to the economic recession. For some of these women, this decision may have dire consequences on future pregnancies. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14298 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Whether brought on by a long day in the office, strenuous yard work, or a day of chasing kids around the water park, the "end of the day" physical exhaustion associated with demanding activity is naturally expected. A good meal, hot shower and well-deserved sleep usually serve to recharge, revitalize and re-boot the system for another meaningful day.

By Judith DeLany, LMT Whether brought on by a long day in the office, strenuous yard work, or a day of chasing kids around the water park, the "end of the day" physical exhaustion associated with demanding activity is naturally expected. A good meal, hot shower and well-deserved sleep usually serve to recharge, revitalize and re-boot the system for another meaningful day. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14290 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

During a recent session with a regular client of mine, we ended up having a conversation about feet. I cannot remember how the topic came up - maybe he was having particularly bad pain in his feet that day - but we ended up discussing what kind of shoes we wear the majority of the time.

By Sharon Puszko, PhD, LMT During a recent session with a regular client of mine, we ended up having a conversation about feet. I cannot remember how the topic came up - maybe he was having particularly bad pain in his feet that day - but we ended up discussing what kind of shoes we wear the majority of the time. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14277 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

We live our lives based on what we believe about the world, people and ourselves. Many of our deeply held beliefs were established when we were children and have remained in our subconscious mind silently directing our choices and determining our life patterns. Beliefs are established by combining what we think is true with what we feel is true and accepting that as certainty.

By Rita Woods, LMT We live our lives based on what we believe about the world, people and ourselves. Many of our deeply held beliefs were established when we were children and have remained in our subconscious mind silently directing our choices and determining our life patterns. Beliefs are established by combining what we think is true with what we feel is true and accepting that as certainty. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14276 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

In May, I attended one of my favorite conferences of all time: "The Oncology Massage Healing Summit". The setting was fabulous. The Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota hosted the conference, and a planning committee of members of the Society for Oncology Massage put it together.

By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS In May, I attended one of my favorite conferences of all time: "The Oncology Massage Healing Summit". The setting was fabulous. The Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota hosted the conference, and a planning committee of members of the Society for Oncology Massage put it together. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14274 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

You've heard the term "wake-up call". All too often we hear our friends or relatives say they have had a "wake-up call" after they have experienced some sort of serious health condition. I heard this comment after someone I know had a heart attack.

By Teresa M. Matthews, LMT, CPT You've heard the term "wake-up call". All too often we hear our friends or relatives say they have had a "wake-up call" after they have experienced some sort of serious health condition. I heard this comment after someone I know had a heart attack. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14250 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

As busy massage therapists, we consistently put a physical demand on our bodies to perform. Specific self-care exercises for our line of work that are easily incorporated into our unique daily routines can be hard to come by.

By Paul Lewis, RMT As busy massage therapists, we consistently put a physical demand on our bodies to perform. Specific self-care exercises for our line of work that are easily incorporated into our unique daily routines can be hard to come by. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14236 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

In my last article, I shared with you some scientific experiments that support the existence of an energy field that exists throughout all of the known universe. A web, if you will, that connects all things together. Furthermore, it has been documented that we have the ability to interact with this field of energy through our thoughts and emotions. In fact, we interact through this field of energy whether we are aware of it or not. In this article, I will share some insights from pioneers in the field of transformative thinking about how changing your mind changes your life. I'm literally talking about brain waves. Everything that we do, think or feel elicits a specific brainwave pattern. On the flip side of this, a dominant brainwave pattern will also elicit certain thoughts and feelings. The ultimate goal is to develop self-mastery over these patterns so that you may choose rather than react.

By Rita Woods, LMT In my last article, I shared with you some scientific experiments that support the existence of an energy field that exists throughout all of the known universe. A web, if you will, that connects all things together. Furthermore, it has been documented that we have the ability to interact with this field of energy through our thoughts and emotions. In fact, we interact through this field of energy whether we are aware of it or not. In this article, I will share some insights from pioneers in the field of transformative thinking about how changing your mind changes your life. I'm literally talking about brain waves. Everything that we do, think or feel elicits a specific brainwave pattern. On the flip side of this, a dominant brainwave pattern will also elicit certain thoughts and feelings. The ultimate goal is to develop self-mastery over these patterns so that you may choose rather than react. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14181 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Now is a great time to really look at our lives. Only we can value our life (our body) and make it the best (healthiest) it can be. As we do, looking our best will be a bonus since outer beauty is a reflection of our inner health and all change comes from within.

By Teresa M. Matthews, LMT, CPT Now is a great time to really look at our lives. Only we can value our life (our body) and make it the best (healthiest) it can be. As we do, looking our best will be a bonus since outer beauty is a reflection of our inner health and all change comes from within. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14158 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Our clients come to us to achieve a state of wellbeing, part of which includes receiving massage in a safe, healthy environment. In massage school, we were taught the importance of keeping our office, table and linens clean and sanitary. We were introduced to the list of universal precautions and made aware of our responsibility to keep ourselves and our clients free of communicable disease. But what about the toxins that are found in commonly used commercial cleaning products? Are our best efforts to keep a clean environment also creating side effects that are a health hazard?

By Shellie Enteen, RA, BA, LMBT Our clients come to us to achieve a state of wellbeing, part of which includes receiving massage in a safe, healthy environment. In massage school, we were taught the importance of keeping our office, table and linens clean and sanitary. We were introduced to the list of universal precautions and made aware of our responsibility to keep ourselves and our clients free of communicable disease. But what about the toxins that are found in commonly used commercial cleaning products? Are our best efforts to keep a clean environment also creating side effects that are a health hazard? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14139 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever started a workout program and then found something that got in the way? Or even reached your goal then quit the routine? This year is going to be different, and here is help for you to stick with your resolution.

By Teresa M. Matthews, LMT, CPT Have you ever started a workout program and then found something that got in the way? Or even reached your goal then quit the routine? This year is going to be different, and here is help for you to stick with your resolution. 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-14129 2009-11-03T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-03T12:00:07-07:00

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is proud to announce significant media and public attention to massage therapy through its National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW) October 25-31. During the week, AMTA media relations’ efforts put massage therapy and AMTA members in front of consumers more than 100 million times. This included a posting about the week and the NMTAW logo on one of the large electronic signs in the heart of Times Square in New York City. The same image and information also were posted on the large Fashion Show Mall sign in Las Vegas, NV.

Editorial Staff The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is proud to announce significant media and public attention to massage therapy through its National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (NMTAW) October 25-31. During the week, AMTA media relations’ efforts put massage therapy and AMTA members in front of consumers more than 100 million times. This included a posting about the week and the NMTAW logo on one of the large electronic signs in the heart of Times Square in New York City. The same image and information also were posted on the large Fashion Show Mall sign in Las Vegas, NV. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14115 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections.

By Dale G. Alexander, LMT, MA, PhD There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14105 2009-09-22T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-22T12:00:07-07:00

Thanks to the people at Massage Envy, another benefit can be added to the list of many that already exist for massage therapy. Massage Envy is teaming up with the Burlington Northern Railroad to sponsor a United Way fundraising campaign.

Editorial Staff Thanks to the people at Massage Envy, another benefit can be added to the list of many that already exist for massage therapy. Massage Envy is teaming up with the Burlington Northern Railroad to sponsor a United Way fundraising campaign. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14090 2009-09-16T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-16T12:00:07-07:00

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) will offer a complimentary webinar to all massage therapists on how to keep their practices safe and sanitary during this cold and flu season. For ABMP members, the webinar will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. (MDT); for non-members the webinar will be posted on ABMP's public site by Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Editorial Staff Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) will offer a complimentary webinar to all massage therapists on how to keep their practices safe and sanitary during this cold and flu season. For ABMP members, the webinar will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. (MDT); for non-members the webinar will be posted on ABMP's public site by Wednesday, Sept. 30. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14077 2009-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

Summertime is coming to a close. Hope your summer was super! Mine was fabulous, but fall really is my favorite season. On with the show. There is serious business going on that will affect everyone, especially alternative health care providers. First the good news: The U.S. House of Representatives is considering HR 646, which would allow acupuncture to be covered by Medicare. This is probably a very positive step. But why isn’t massage part of that bill? Where are our lobbyists and our associations on this?

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCTMB Summertime is coming to a close. Hope your summer was super! Mine was fabulous, but fall really is my favorite season. On with the show. There is serious business going on that will affect everyone, especially alternative health care providers. First the good news: The U.S. House of Representatives is considering HR 646, which would allow acupuncture to be covered by Medicare. This is probably a very positive step. But why isn’t massage part of that bill? Where are our lobbyists and our associations on this?