July 2004 [Volume 3, Issue 7]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
Low Back Pain: Not Just for Adults Anymore
Although back pain is usually thought of as an "adult" problem, evidence suggests that back pain is becoming an increasing problem in children and teenagers.
A
recent study shows that a variety of factors can lead to this condition
in schoolchildren. Researchers sent a questionnaire to the teachers of
more than 10,000 Israeli schoolchildren in 1st through 6th grade. The
questionnaire examined factors such as average student and backpack weight,
whether there were on-campus facilities to store backpacks, the relationship
between classroom chair and desk height to student height, seating arrangements,
and the amount of physical activity.
Results: Between 30 percent and 54 percent of students carried bags containing 15 percent or more of the student's body weight. Almost 15 percent of 1st graders and 20 percent of 6th graders sat in chairs of "inappropriate" height. In 74 percent of the classes, students sat with their side facing the instructor; in another 35 percent of classes, students sat with their backs to the teacher. Thirty percent of the schools did not have storage facilities for backpacks; 48 percent of the schools reported no organized play activity during recess. And another 6 percent made no provision for any physical activity during recess.
Remember, massage therapy isn't just for adults, either. If your child suffers from low back pain, a massage therapist can help. For more information on the benefits of massage therapy for back pain, visit www.massagetoday.com.
Reference: Limon S, Valinsky LJ, Ben-Shalom Y. Children at risk. Risk factors for low back pain in the elementary school environment. Spine, March 15, 2004;29(6):697-702.
Discover Five-Element Shiatsu
In
traditional shiatsu, practitioners apply pressure to specific points on
the body to help release energy imbalances, which, in turn, facilitates
healing.
Similar in theory, Five-element shiatsu incorporates the five-element theory of traditional Chinese medicine in which the meridians on the body correspond to specific elements -- Wood, Earth, Fire, Water, and Metal -- and are the foundation for the balance of ying and yang. When one or more of these elements is out of balance, sickness and/or emotional imbalance can occur.
Practitioners of five-element shiatsu apply pressure along the meridians in order to release energy blockages and help restore balance to the body and enhance the body's ability to heal itself.
For more information on Five-Element Shiatsu and other massage techniques, visit www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt.
This Month's Massage Q & A
Question: What techniques can I use for very difficult scar tissue? I have a few clients that have deep scar tissue in their shoulders; it builds up in one shoulder and causes head or eye aches when pressure is applied. I have never been able to break up this kind of scar tissue even with extremely deep pressure. Is there is another modality I can recommend to them?
Answer: I can tell you first hand that deep scar tissue, piecing through muscle fibers and leaving a trail, is a great challenge. Techniques that would help treat this condition include rolfing, structural integration, myofascial release, and Tuina; however, practitioners should be highly skilled in their craft.
Question: I had gastrointestinal bypass surgery one month ago. I'm suffering from back pain and constipation. My doctors have recommended massage, but are there any risks involved for a person in my position?
Answer: Massage and bodywork can help ease your pain and discomfort from back pain and constipation. Because your doctor is aware of your history and your current condition, I do not see any potential risks from receiving massage treatment. I recommend you begin with a gentle massage, even if it feels too light. After your first massage, evaluate your response then you and your massage therapist can make any necessary adjustments. I hope you begin to feel better!
Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. The forum is located online at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.
This edition of To Your Health is co-sponsored by:
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