tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2009-04-01T09:25:32-07:00 Research, treatment and patient care. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14442 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Although "creep" is an engineering term, it also applies to human tissue...the lumbopelvis in particular. Spinal and sacroiliac ligaments, joint capsules, facet cartilages and especially intervertebral discs are viscoelastic and are somewhat similar to silly putty. Leave a ball of putty on a table overnight and by the next morning it's deformed into a flattened pancake. So be it with humans. We're taller in the morning than at bedtime, primarily due to disc and fascio-ligamentous deformation that occurs throughout the day. Of course, silly putty is much creepier than discs, fascia or ligaments but, in time, gravity will deform and sometimes strain all these materials.

By Erik Dalton, PhD Although "creep" is an engineering term, it also applies to human tissue...the lumbopelvis in particular. Spinal and sacroiliac ligaments, joint capsules, facet cartilages and especially intervertebral discs are viscoelastic and are somewhat similar to silly putty. Leave a ball of putty on a table overnight and by the next morning it's deformed into a flattened pancake. So be it with humans. We're taller in the morning than at bedtime, primarily due to disc and fascio-ligamentous deformation that occurs throughout the day. Of course, silly putty is much creepier than discs, fascia or ligaments but, in time, gravity will deform and sometimes strain all these materials. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14430 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

I just returned from attending an incredible seminar sponsored by Performance Health. Manual therapy participants included industry leaders and pioneers from the fields of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and Massage. Many of the participants had multiple certifications, such as chiropractors that also had degrees in physical therapy and personal training That was followed the very next week by teaching a seminar in Drogheda Ireland, just outside Dublin, to an international group of manual therapists.

By James Waslaski I just returned from attending an incredible seminar sponsored by Performance Health. Manual therapy participants included industry leaders and pioneers from the fields of Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, and Massage. Many of the participants had multiple certifications, such as chiropractors that also had degrees in physical therapy and personal training That was followed the very next week by teaching a seminar in Drogheda Ireland, just outside Dublin, to an international group of manual therapists. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14414 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Knowing the specific pain patterns of each muscle gives you many advantages over your competition and allows you to most effectively apply your specialized skills. This knowledge allows you to efficiently assess, educate and design treatment plans tailored to your patient's complaints.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB Knowing the specific pain patterns of each muscle gives you many advantages over your competition and allows you to most effectively apply your specialized skills. This knowledge allows you to efficiently assess, educate and design treatment plans tailored to your patient's complaints. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14412 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Much has been written about loss of flexibility and range of motion due to fascial contractures, trigger points, spasmodic muscles and the like, with less emphasis on the neurology that may be initiating these soft tissue changes. Here are some thoughts on how injuries to joint capsules and spinal ligaments can reflexively spasm neighboring tissues leading to decompensation, altered movement patterns and pain-spasm-pain cycles.

By Erik Dalton, PhD Much has been written about loss of flexibility and range of motion due to fascial contractures, trigger points, spasmodic muscles and the like, with less emphasis on the neurology that may be initiating these soft tissue changes. Here are some thoughts on how injuries to joint capsules and spinal ligaments can reflexively spasm neighboring tissues leading to decompensation, altered movement patterns and pain-spasm-pain cycles. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14379 2011-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Pain in the lateral hip, thigh, and leg can cause serious, sometimes debilitating discomfort. These complaints are often diagnosed as an inflammatory joint problem such as trochanteric bursitis. Yet, the problem may revolve around dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles and not be bursitis at all. When the hip abductor muscles are the root of the problem, massage therapy is an exceptional way to bring your clients relief and get them back to full activity levels.

By Whitney Lowe, LMT Pain in the lateral hip, thigh, and leg can cause serious, sometimes debilitating discomfort. These complaints are often diagnosed as an inflammatory joint problem such as trochanteric bursitis. Yet, the problem may revolve around dysfunction in the hip abductor muscles and not be bursitis at all. When the hip abductor muscles are the root of the problem, massage therapy is an exceptional way to bring your clients relief and get them back to full activity levels. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14371 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

It's astonishing the money and time many elite and "weekend-warrior" cyclists devote to retrofitting racing bikes to conform to their bodies rather than first restoring function to the most critical piece of racing equipment: the rider's body. When muscle imbalances, faulty movement patterns and joint fixations distort the body's bony framework, the cyclist is led on a never-ending journey searching for that perfect bike fit.

By Erik Dalton, PhD It's astonishing the money and time many elite and "weekend-warrior" cyclists devote to retrofitting racing bikes to conform to their bodies rather than first restoring function to the most critical piece of racing equipment: the rider's body. When muscle imbalances, faulty movement patterns and joint fixations distort the body's bony framework, the cyclist is led on a never-ending journey searching for that perfect bike fit. 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-14209 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

The human hand is critical to our daily activities, especially as massage practitioners. Yet, rarely do we stop and consider what an engineering marvel the hand actually is. The human hand is capable of fine precision movements, as well as generating large forces during grasping activities. The skeletal structure of the hand and fingers is a set of rigid bones. Consequently, it takes great muscular control to perform the fine movements of the hand. Without this highly specialized level of control, we would have serious challenges performing all kinds of activities from simply grasping an object to the detailed motor control required to play a musical instrument or perform surgery.

By Whitney Lowe, LMT The human hand is critical to our daily activities, especially as massage practitioners. Yet, rarely do we stop and consider what an engineering marvel the hand actually is. The human hand is capable of fine precision movements, as well as generating large forces during grasping activities. The skeletal structure of the hand and fingers is a set of rigid bones. Consequently, it takes great muscular control to perform the fine movements of the hand. Without this highly specialized level of control, we would have serious challenges performing all kinds of activities from simply grasping an object to the detailed motor control required to play a musical instrument or perform surgery. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14119 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Structurally oriented therapists are keenly aware of the crucial role proper iliosacral alignment plays in preventing compensatory low back and SI joint pain. During the 10-step screening evaluation, therapists usually compare anatomical landmarks such as anterior and posterior superior iliac spines and iliac crests. A commonly observed pattern reveals an anterior/inferior right rotated ilium accompanied by a high left posterior rotated ilium.

By Erik Dalton, PhD Structurally oriented therapists are keenly aware of the crucial role proper iliosacral alignment plays in preventing compensatory low back and SI joint pain. During the 10-step screening evaluation, therapists usually compare anatomical landmarks such as anterior and posterior superior iliac spines and iliac crests. A commonly observed pattern reveals an anterior/inferior right rotated ilium accompanied by a high left posterior rotated ilium. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14093 2009-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

While I was lecturing at the Florida State Massage Therapy Association convention, some therapists asked about the causes of pain on the dorsal side of the base of the thumb (carpometacarpal joint) and the adjacent web space between the thumb and finger. While there are many reasons for pain in this region, this article will discuss the role of referred pain from trigger points in the brachialis muscle and methods for treating it with massage.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB While I was lecturing at the Florida State Massage Therapy Association convention, some therapists asked about the causes of pain on the dorsal side of the base of the thumb (carpometacarpal joint) and the adjacent web space between the thumb and finger. While there are many reasons for pain in this region, this article will discuss the role of referred pain from trigger points in the brachialis muscle and methods for treating it with massage. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14047 2009-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

The iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is typically regarded as an overuse injury common in runners and cyclists. Lately, this controversial condition has gained greater attention due to recent articles that include my "IT-Band Friction Fallacy?"; Mark Charrette's "Lateral Knee Pain and Orthotic Support" and Whitney Lowe's "New Perspectives on ITB Friction Syndrome".

By Erik Dalton, PhD The iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is typically regarded as an overuse injury common in runners and cyclists. Lately, this controversial condition has gained greater attention due to recent articles that include my "IT-Band Friction Fallacy?"; Mark Charrette's "Lateral Knee Pain and Orthotic Support" and Whitney Lowe's "New Perspectives on ITB Friction Syndrome". tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14033 2009-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

The forearms and hands are the most important tools used in massage therapy. Preventing the development of career-ending conditions, such as Dupuytren's contracture, is a critical, yet often overlooked, step in self-care. When these muscles are neglected, consequences can range from nagging, aching arms, wrists or hands, to debilitating chronic pain.

By Judith DeLany, LMT The forearms and hands are the most important tools used in massage therapy. Preventing the development of career-ending conditions, such as Dupuytren's contracture, is a critical, yet often overlooked, step in self-care. When these muscles are neglected, consequences can range from nagging, aching arms, wrists or hands, to debilitating chronic pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13950 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Weekly, I receive inquiries from massage therapists and potential clients asking for help with the pain they are experiencing from surgical scar tissue and adhesions. Scar tissue and adhesions can be effectively released. The following case study is one such example.

By Don McCann, MA, LMT Weekly, I receive inquiries from massage therapists and potential clients asking for help with the pain they are experiencing from surgical scar tissue and adhesions. Scar tissue and adhesions can be effectively released. The following case study is one such example. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13948 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Take a look through any of the popular trade publications in our field and you will find a wealth of advertising for courses that are teaching you new techniques. The extravagant claims for methods that provide "permanent pain relief" or "immediate results in one or two treatments" can certainly pique your interest and make you think this is something you must have. Clearly, learning new techniques is a great way to retain enhanced skills and abilities as well as provide more ways to address client problems. However, the emphasis on techniques can be misleading when you are working with rehabilitative massage approaches because technique is only a small piece of the puzzle. Clinical success in treating pain and injury conditions requires a much more comprehensive approach and that is what orthopedic massage is all about.

By Whitney Lowe, LMT Take a look through any of the popular trade publications in our field and you will find a wealth of advertising for courses that are teaching you new techniques. The extravagant claims for methods that provide "permanent pain relief" or "immediate results in one or two treatments" can certainly pique your interest and make you think this is something you must have. Clearly, learning new techniques is a great way to retain enhanced skills and abilities as well as provide more ways to address client problems. However, the emphasis on techniques can be misleading when you are working with rehabilitative massage approaches because technique is only a small piece of the puzzle. Clinical success in treating pain and injury conditions requires a much more comprehensive approach and that is what orthopedic massage is all about. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13947 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Each week, I treat several clients who complain of "low back pain." For many patients, however, the primary cause of their pain is not the lower back but the gluteus medius muscle. No matter what kind of massage practice you have, a great deal of your success will depend on how quickly you are able to determine the origin of a patient's complaint and your ability to produce measurable results. This article will review some ways to identify when the gluteus medius muscle is responsible for causing pain.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB Each week, I treat several clients who complain of "low back pain." For many patients, however, the primary cause of their pain is not the lower back but the gluteus medius muscle. No matter what kind of massage practice you have, a great deal of your success will depend on how quickly you are able to determine the origin of a patient's complaint and your ability to produce measurable results. This article will review some ways to identify when the gluteus medius muscle is responsible for causing pain. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13945 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of spending a few days at a residential hospice in Washington, D.C. called Joseph's House; I was there to conduct a workshop for the staff. While I was there to teach, in the process I learned so much about dying with dignity. You see, Joseph's House takes in and cares for homeless men and women with terminal illness. Witnessing the impact of touch on the lives of these men and women was profound and has stayed with me ever since. Anxiety was eased, relationships were deepened and spirits were lifted for those receiving the touch and those giving it. I recall gently massaging the legs and arms of a young man who, it was believed, was only days away from dying. As I watched him fully receive my touch with a look of peace, I felt blessed to be doing this humble work. Those who entered the doors of Joseph's House were given the gift of living well with dignity in their final days.

By Ann Catlin, LMT, NCTMB, OTR A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of spending a few days at a residential hospice in Washington, D.C. called Joseph's House; I was there to conduct a workshop for the staff. While I was there to teach, in the process I learned so much about dying with dignity. You see, Joseph's House takes in and cares for homeless men and women with terminal illness. Witnessing the impact of touch on the lives of these men and women was profound and has stayed with me ever since. Anxiety was eased, relationships were deepened and spirits were lifted for those receiving the touch and those giving it. I recall gently massaging the legs and arms of a young man who, it was believed, was only days away from dying. As I watched him fully receive my touch with a look of peace, I felt blessed to be doing this humble work. Those who entered the doors of Joseph's House were given the gift of living well with dignity in their final days. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13944 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

For clients who have injuries in several different locations, it's fine to have them come more often. In some cases, I've given daily treatments to individuals with injuries to the neck, thorax, low back, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows. For example, on the first day I would work on the neck, thorax and low back. On the second day, I would treat the shoulders and elbows along with some very light, brief work on the back and neck. On the third day, I would focus on the knees and ankles, adding a light massage on the shoulders and arms. On the fourth day, I would start all over again -- thereby giving the person a few days of rest on each body part. I've done this a number of times with people who are only in town for a few weeks at a time.

By Ben Benjamin, PhD For clients who have injuries in several different locations, it's fine to have them come more often. In some cases, I've given daily treatments to individuals with injuries to the neck, thorax, low back, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows. For example, on the first day I would work on the neck, thorax and low back. On the second day, I would treat the shoulders and elbows along with some very light, brief work on the back and neck. On the third day, I would focus on the knees and ankles, adding a light massage on the shoulders and arms. On the fourth day, I would start all over again -- thereby giving the person a few days of rest on each body part. I've done this a number of times with people who are only in town for a few weeks at a time. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-13942 2009-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

New Jersey's largest massage therapy school, the Institute for Therapeutic Massage (ITM), has partnered with the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) to create the nation's first Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) oncology massage certification program. Classes began nearly two years ago in May 2007 with the first class graduating on May 31, 2008. This year-long program includes classes in anatomy and physiology, oncology, pathology (general and oncology), general, hospital-based, and palliative-care massage. Graduates of this program are experiencing great success in obtaining positions as massage therapists in local hospitals serving the cancer population.

By James Zazeski, AOSMT, NCTMB New Jersey's largest massage therapy school, the Institute for Therapeutic Massage (ITM), has partnered with the Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (ICAM) to create the nation's first Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) oncology massage certification program. Classes began nearly two years ago in May 2007 with the first class graduating on May 31, 2008. This year-long program includes classes in anatomy and physiology, oncology, pathology (general and oncology), general, hospital-based, and palliative-care massage. Graduates of this program are experiencing great success in obtaining positions as massage therapists in local hospitals serving the cancer population.