Ricky's blog: "Massage"

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Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness. Massage therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body. The soft tissues include muscle, skin, tendons and associated fascia, ligaments and joint capsules. Massage has many diverse physiological effects, which are primarily due to the therapist's hands moving over the body. The different movements can physically stretch muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia, encourage the circulation through the tissue, inhibit muscular spasms and be either sedating or stimulating to the nervous system. The therapeutic use of massage by a licensed massage therapist affects all the systems of the body - in particular, the muscular, circulatory, lymphatic (immune) and nervous systems. Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally, and spiritually. I strongly recommend that everyone have one regulary.

The benefits of massage. While you may be aware of the obvious benefits of massage (relaxation and tension release), you may not know that regular massage can help relieve muscle discomfort associated with work stresses, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes. Massagecan also greatly reduce the development of painful muscular patterning after an injury. When you receive a massage, your circulation is improved, and metabolic waste is removed from your muscles more efficiently. Your flexibility will increase, and many people report other important benefits such as better sleep, clearer thinking, and increased feelings of well-being. Massage does this in several ways. Through techniques which manipulate the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia), true changes can be achieved in body functioning. Massage also works at a more intangible, but no less important level: the level of energy. Whenever we receive massage, or any other touch therapy, there is an energy exchange. This energy exchange is sometimes even more important to our healing process than the mechanics of a treatment. Think about how a parent calms a crying baby by stroking the back, or how your hand instinctively presses on the pain when you accidentally bruise yourself. We all use touch to transmit positive, healing energy. This aspect of massage can be especially beneficial when we are feeling energy-depleted or negative about ourselves or our circumstances. The greatest benefits of massage are achieved when you receive massage on a regular basis. To reap these benefits, it is important to find a therapist whose methods work for you. You may try out several excellent therapists in order to find the one that is best for you. There are many massage modalities, and all of them work well for different people and different issues. If one is not for you, simply try another. You deserve the benefits massage brings to your life.

What are shin splints? The term "shin splints" has been widely used as a catch-all term referring to a collection of different conditions that cause leg pain. The term medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) better defines the injury and separates it from injuries such as stress fractures or compartment syndrome. MTSS is caused by chronic strain, overuse, and microtrauma of the soleus (calf) muscle at its origin on the shinbone (posteromedial tibia) or deep inflammation of the periosteum, which is the connective tissue that covers the bone, of the tibia beneath the posterior tibialis muscle (Fig., pg. 6). MTSS usually occurs in unconditioned people who begin a new running or jumping activity or conditioned runners who change or increase their speed or distance or change their type of shoe or running terrain. MTSS also affects individuals who have flat feet because the mechanics of the foot increase stress on the soleus muscle. MTSS or stress fracture? A patient with MTSS has pain at the inner portion of the tibia in the middle of the lower leg and in the surrounding soft tissue. A patient with a stress fracture feels pain around the upper outside portion of the tibia. With MTSS, pain usually disappears once the activity that causes the pain is reduced or stopped. With a stress fracture, however, the patient usually experiences pain that does not go away with rest. The pain often persists with walking and increases when walking up steps or during similar moderate activity. The patient often complains of pain at night. A "one-leg hop test" is a functional test often used to distinguish between MTSS and a stress fracture. A patient with MTSS can hop at least 10 times on the affected leg; however, a patient with a stress fracture cannot hop without severe pain. An x-ray sometimes show chronic cases of MTSS, where there is a mild thickening or an uneven edge at the end of the tibia in the back. X-rays are also often taken to rule out a stress fracture. However, x-rays may not show a fracture line or a healing stress fracture until several weeks after injury, so a bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used instead. How to treat MTSS To relieve the pain caused by MTSS, ice massage and Achilles tendon stretching are performed 3 to 4 times a day. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin are recommended to relieve inflammation and pain. Gentle stretching of the leg muscles that includes the calf, heel cord, and hamstring is essential before and after exercising to treat MTSS. Any anatomic foot variation, such as a pronated (a foot with a low arch) flat foot, should be corrected with a semirigid foot orthosis (shoe insert). Runners should use a running shoe that provides shock absorption and has a firm heel support. Gentle flexibility and strengthening exercises for the muscles involved should also be added to the workout. The key treatment for MTSS is rest from the activity that causes the pain. Once the pain has subsided, lessstressful exercise can begin. For example, for the first week, biking and swimming can be substituted for running. Then the patient can start training again at about half the previous level of intensity (half the distance or pace). The exercise intensity should be gradually increased to the desired level over 3 to 6 weeks. Recurrence of pain is a signal that the level of activity has been resumed too fast. Active individuals who have recurring MTSS need not stop exercising or running. They should first correct predisposing factors, such as wearing worn-out shoes, running on hard surfaces and pavement, or increasing training too quickly. If the pain does not subside with these changes and a reduction of activity, then a visit to their orthopaedist is warranted. Rarely, if the symptoms do not respond with long periods of rest, a patient may undergo surgery to release the soleus attachment to the tibia. Usually after surgery, the patient may walk as tolerated, and activity is gradually increased over the following 3 months. MTSS can be painful but is usually easily resolved. If you experience pain in your shin, thoroughly stretch before exercising, reduce your activity level, and check your shoe wear. If you run on a hard surface, find softer ground. Remember, exercising should be fun, not a painful experience. Steven K. Below, MD Columbus, Georgia Definition: Chronic Strain of the anterior and/or posterior tibialis muscles. (also may be anterior compartment syndrome or stress fractures of the tibia) Causes: overuse syndrome from repetitive stressful movements such as running or jogging. May be a result of imbalanced posture: poor arch support , poor flexibility of anterior and posterior compartments, posterior tibialis tendonitis, hypertonic anterior compartments from overuse. Misalignment of lower leg muscles, ankles, knees may cause microtears in the muscles with overuse (excessive pronation). Signs/Symptoms: pain, swelling and tenderness along the crest of the tibia, either posteriomedial or anteriolateral. Structures involved: interosseous membrane, tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior at the attachments to the tibia (which is the entire length of the muscle bellies as it attaches to the periosteum of the tibia. Treatment goals: relieve swelling, decrease muscle tension, prevent adhesions, lymphatic drainage Treatment Plan: Have stress fractures ruled out. Deep tissue technique to release the anterior compartment. Client laying supine, practitioner at side by lower leg. Place elbow on tibialis anterior just below knee. Have client bring toes up, foot up and step down with their heel as you glide deeply along the muscle, staying away from the bone. repeat to clear every inch of the muscles. Release gastocnemius/soleus. Balance pelvis - adductors, hip rotators, quads, hamstrings, psoas, rectus abdominus. Hydrotherapy: Ice, followed by stretching. Alternating ice/heat, ending in ice. Ice after activity. Stretch before and after activity. Other therapies: acupuncture, nutritional support from Naturopath, physical therapy, chiropractic.

Laws of NeuroMuscular Therapy The NeuroMuscular Therapist also operates under a system of laws known as Pfluger's Laws, which illustrate acute to chronic pain patterns and how pain is distributed throughout the body. The nervous system is designed to produce normal muscle tonus at 30 stimuli per second. If, due to trauma, the nervous system is suddenly innervating the damaged tissues at perhaps 75 stimuli per second, it must respond in a more creative homoeostatic way to distribute the pain. The first step, according to the Law of Unilaterality, states that "if a mild irritation is applied to one or more sensory nerves, the movement will take place usually on one side only and that side which is irritated." As an illustration, if I were involved in a motor vehicle accident, injure my left shoulder and decline treatment of any kind, then my left shoulder would probably be very tender within a matter of minutes. Assuming that I continue without treatment and to ease the pain, drink substantial amounts of alcohol and take a very hot shower, the next day not only would the initial injury site be in pain, but so would the equal and opposite side. This illustrates the second law, the Law of Symmetry that says, "if the stimulation is sufficiently increased the motor reaction is manifested not only to the irritated side but also in similar muscles on the opposite side of the body." From a practical perspective if I can treat the unaffected side, the injured, painful area can be addressed without initial direct application of NMT. Still by way of illustration, the following day, if I continue to resist proper treatment of my condition, the pain would now have travelled back and intensified at the original injury site with a lesser pain still present on the opposite shoulder. This describes the third law, the Law of Intensity that states "reflex movements are usually more intense on the side of irritation and at times the movements of the opposite side equal them in intensity but they are usually less pronounced." The fourth law, the Law of Radiation, states that "if the excitation continues to increase it is propagated upwards and reactions take place through centrifugal nerves coming from the cord segments higher up." In other words, the pain will radiate upward from the site of the original injury toward the brain and then, failing alleviation, will radiate outward, creating a general contraction of all the muscles in the body. This is a very profound and unsettling series of events. If left untreated, I would, in all likelihood, awaken one morning unable to move with intense headache pain, accompanied by a general contraction of all the muscles from head to toe. Not only would the nervous and musculoskeletal systems be adversely affected but so would all of the other systems in the body, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive and endocrine. This illustrates the fifth law, the Law of Generalisation that states "if the irritation becomes very intense it is propagated in the medulla oblongata, which becomes the focus from which the stimuli radiate to all parts of the cord causing a general contraction of all the muscles of the body." Unfortunately, if a patient arrives at this stage, they are often irritated by the seemingly do-nothing advice of the therapist. At this point, the best advice is to seek evaluation and treatment from a primary care physician and to RICE the body. Other integrative treatments that prove effective are to increase water consumption and to increase intake of vitamins, such as 1200 mcg of B-12 and 200 mg of B-6 per day in tablet form. NeuroMuscular Therapy, using as little as 2 grams of pressure, would be enough to significantly increase pain and further perpetuate muscle constrictions and trigger point referrals. Generally, within 48 to 72 hours, the patient's condition will have improved enough for healing body work to begin. Once NeuroMuscular Therapy has begun, treatment can literally "pull the plug" on pain by interrupting the source of abnormal stimulation. This decreases the electrical innervation to the muscles and viscera, therefore decreasing muscle spasms, ischemia and metabolic waste build-ups throughout the body. This has a cascading positive effect on the other systems in the body. It is critical to maintain consistent consumption of water (6-8 glasses/day), a good multivitamin and vitamins B-6 and B-12.

Aromatherapy....Jasmine Jasmine oil (jasminum grandiflorum or sambac or auriculatum) in Aromatherapy Introduction The Jasmine plant is known in south-east Asia as the queen of the night, mainly due to its rich night-time aroma. The oil is used extensively in soaps, cosmetics and perfumes. In western societies the aroma from the flowers was used centuries ago to ease childbirth. In Eastern societies the oil has been used to treat conditions of the liver such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. As we look at the uses of jasmine through history we see the oil has long been used as an aphrodisiac. We also see that it continues to be used in India for ceremonial purposes. The ancient Chinese used jasmine to freshen the air around sick beds, and as a head clearer, almost like smelling salts, particularly for inebriated guests. The Chinese also used jasmine tea frequently, and in Indonesia, jasmine is traditionally used as a garnish for food. Jasmine trees are well known to gardeners because of their rambling nature, that makes them very suited to for fence plants. This nature combined with the lovely aroma that the jasmine flowers give off makes them an ideal plant for the home garden. The jasmine tree is native to the area of south-east Asia, particularly the country of India. Both jasminum auriculatum and jasminum sambac are native to southern India. These two species seem to thrive in geographic locations which experience warm temperatures and above average levels of rainfall. By way of contrast, jasminum grandiflorum is native to northern Iran, Afghanistan, and Kashmir. It is this species that has been extensively cultivated around the world as it is hardy and copes with a range of climates. Jasmine is extensively cultivated in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, France, and India. These countries, apart from France, are the main producers of jasmine absolute in commercial quantities. Jasmine uses through history Jasmines fragrant flowers have been used for thousands of years as a personal grooming tool and also in various religious ceremonies. In India, jasmine is known as "Queen of the Night" this is because the aroma of the flower is stronger at night. Gardeners often make use of this property to create a lovely jasmine scene around outdoor living areas and near bedrooms. People in India also see the jasmine flower as a symbol of divine hope. The Chinese regard the jasmine flower as symbolizing the sweet nature of women. In particular some of the ancient Chinese emperors also went to great lengths to cultivate jasmine for the fragrance. Similar cultivation also occurred in the rulers palaces of Afghanistan, Iran and Nepal. The Moors are credited with bringing the jasmine plant to Europe when they introduced the plant to the Spanish in the late 15th century. In China, the flowers of the jasmine plant (j. grandiflorum) are apparently used as a treatment for hepatitis, for pain due to liver cirrhosis, and abdominal pain from dysentery. The Chinese also apparently use flowers from j. sambac for treating conjunctivitis, skin ulcers and abdominal pain from dysentery. History also records the use of jasmine as an aphrodisiac and as a sweetener of the air during childbirth. And of course, no discussion of the use of jasmine flowers and oil through history would be complete without mentioning the extensive use of dried jasmine flowers for making jasmine tea, which is still used today. Characteristics and extraction The Jasmine plant is a sturdy climbing evergreen shrub with bright green leaves. It can grow up to a height of around 20 feet (about 6 meters). Its flowers are beautifully scented, and are star shaped. When the flowers are picked at night, they tend to hold their scent for some time. Jasmine absolute is a dark orange viscous liquid, with an sweet, intense floral, warm rich aroma, with a tea-like undertone. The long-lasting quality of its aroma identify jasmine essential oil as a base note. Because jasmine oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant it is usually extracted using solvents. This extraction method can produce both a concrete and an absolute, with the essential oil being distilled from the absolute. Large volumes of the flower petals are required to obtain commercial quantities of the essential oil. This production requirement makes jasmine oil one of the more expensive essential oils. Chemistry The chemical composition of jasmine oil typically includes: benzyl benzoate, benzyl alcohol, linalool, farnesol, geraniol, nerol, terpineol (all alcohols), benzyl acetate, methyl anthranilate (esters), jasmone, indole (ketones) and eugenol (a phenol). The fragrance of the jasmine flower and jasmine oil is usually attributed to the constituents benzyl acetate, indole and jasmone. However, research indicates that the impact on the fragrance of picked jasmine flowers is less to do with indole and jasmone. It also appears that the concentration of linalool in the essential oil is around 10x that of the concentration of linalool in the naturally occurring flower. Uses in Aromatherapy Jasmine oil can be applied topically using massage, compresses, in a bath, or local skin application. As an inhalation, it is used by direct inhalation by placing a few drops on a tissue, a diffuser, or through steam inhalation. Aromatherapists generally indicate that the properties of jasmine oil include: Analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, cicatrisant, emollient, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative, and also as uterine tonic. As a result, Jasmine oil is used in aromatherapy in a number of ways, as follows. Nervous system As a hormone balancer, jasmine oil is one of the essential oils used in aromatherapy to help provide relieve nervous anxiety, restlessness, and depression, including post-natal depression. This essential oil is also considered to calm the nerves and warm the emotions, especially when applied with massage. Other uses in aromatherapy for jasmine oil at the emotional level include help develop an optimistic mood that can lead onto higher energy levels and vitality and improved confidence. Respiratory system Jasmine oil is used by aromatherapists to help regulate respiration through assisting the development of deeper breathing, calming spasms of the bronchi. It is also considered to be useful in helping to relieve lingering coughs and voice loss. Skin Care Jasmine oil has long been used as a luxurious skin tonic. It is used for all skin types, particularly for dry sensitive skins. In skin care, it is often blended with lavender and either mandarin or tangerine oils in a carrier oil as an aid or promoter of skin cell growth and skin elasticity. However, it appears that too much jasmine oil can have a negative effect on skin, so we note that it should be used in small quantities and preferably, under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist. Reproductive system Care Jasmine oil is sometimes recommended by aromatherapists for massage use during childbirth. The massage is usually performed on the abdominal and lower back areas in the early stages of labor. The intention is to help relieve the pain of labor and to assist the strength of the contractions during labor. Some aromatherapists also consider that the use of jasmine oil may help the expulsion of the placenta after child-birth and also in post-natal recovery. Jasmine oil is also used sometimes in aromatherapy to alleviate spasms of the uterus and to assist with bringing on a delayed menstrual cycle or to relieve the pain from dysmenorrhea. Some literature cautions against the use of jasmine oil during pregnancy, other than as a massage during childbirth. Some scientific research on Jasmine oil Shrivastav P., et al., Suppression of puerpereal lactation using jasmine flowers Aust. NZ Journal of Obstet Gynaecol. (1988). No. 28, pp 68-71. Frosh, P.J., et al., Further important sensitizers in patients sensitive to fragrances Contact Dermatitis Nov. 2002 Vol 47,. P 249. Safety notes While jasmine oil is considered to non-irritating, non- sensitizing, non-phototoxic, there is some reports of allergenic reactions to jasmine oil. In addition, some aromatherapists note that the use of jasmine oil is not recommended during pregnancy.

Hot Stone Massage An ancient healing art used in many cultures for centuries. Today, heated stone massage is becoming more and more popular. Its an application of thermo therapy and hydrotherapy. Heated stones are used to enhance a nurturing head to toe deep tissue massage. As stones glide over the muscles, tensions melt away. Penetrating heat radiates into muscles melting away stress, fatigue and anxiety. The combination of heat and presure promote deep relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, causing the brain to produce endorphins. This is also a wonderful form of grounding for the body. When we are grounded, we can become more aware and sensitive to our bodys physical and emotional needs and dis-ease

Frozen Shoulder Pathology The greatest range of motion of any joint in the body occurs in the glenohumeral joint. While freedom of movement is necessary in performing various actions of the shoulder, there is increased potential for soft-tissue injury. Without stabilization from the bony structures of the joint, much of the structural support must come from soft-tissue support. Thus, muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint capsule make up the primary support for this joint. The joint capsule's fundamental role is in restricting excess motion. However, because there is such a great range of motion in the shoulder joint, the capsule must be able to allow a wide range of movement before it restricts that motion. The glenohumeral joint capsule is looser than many other joint capsules in the body in order to accommodate this greater range of motion. The pathology in adhesive capsulitis develops when a portion of the capsule (usually the underside) adheres to itself and prevents full movement. The joint capsule is richly innervated, so when the adhesions pull on the capsular tissues, it is very painful. There are two categories of adhesive capsulitis: primary and secondary. In primary capsulitis, there is no easily apparent cause for the condition. It is frustrating for many health-care providers because they aren't able to identify what created the problem and help the patient/client better understand why it happened. It is difficult to avoid the aggravating factors of the condition without understanding what triggered the problem. What can make primary capsulitis more challenging is that, in some cases, there seems to be a correlation between significant emotional trauma and the development of adhesive capsulitis. While there is not a clear cause/effect relationship, this correlation can lead some health-care practitioners to presume the condition is primarily psychological in nature. However, the seriousness of the problem should not be minimized simply because a structural or mechanical cause cannot be found. In this case, the capsular adhesion occurs as a result of some other pathology. For example, in the glenohumeral joint, secondary capsulitis will often develop as a result of rotator-cuff tears, arthritis, bicipital tendinosis (an abnormal condition of the tendon when no inflammatory cells are present), shoulder trauma, surgery or other problems. There appears to be a process of fibrosis that is initiated by these other conditions. Consequently, the individual is usually limiting motion in the shoulder at the same time that fibrous proliferation is occurring. As a result, the fold on the underside of the joint capsule never gets fully elongated, and the fibrous proliferation causes the two sides of the fold to adhere to each other. A vicious cycle then follows. The adhesion causes pain and limitation to movement, thus worsening the problem. Another possible cause of secondary capsulitis is the presence of myofascial trigger points. There is an indication that trigger-point activity in the subscapularis muscle can set off a cascade of adhesion in the capsule. This may result from irritation of the attachment site of the subscapularis, which is very close to the joint capsule. Local inflammation at the attachment site will then cause fibrous adhesion in the capsule. Adhesive capsulitis can be a stubborn condition and last for many months. In fact, it is not unusual for the problem to last 18 months or more. The severity of the problem and its recuperation time depend upon how early in its development it can be halted. The problem is often divided into three different stages: Freezing: Onset is usually between 10 and 36 weeks. This stage is characterized by a gradual decrease in range of motion and an increase of pain. Frozen: This period occurs between four and 12 months after initial onset. Motion is likely to remain limited though a gradual decrease in pain may be occur. Thawing: This period is characterized by a gradual return of range of motion and decreased pain. This stage may be as short as several months, but it is not uncommon for it to last for years. Assessment and evaluation Adhesive capsulitis is commonly evaluated through client history and physical examination. The condition affects women more often than men, and occurs more frequently in women age 45-65. A detailed client history is important to establish any characteristic patterns that indicate either a primary or secondary capsulitis. The most prominent symptoms are pain and loss of range of motion. Dysfunctional biomechanics and motion compensations. An important approach to distinguishing adhesive capsulitis from similar shoulder problems is to evaluate the way in which motion is restricted at the shoulder joint. Most synovial joints of the body are enclosed in a joint capsule. When there is pathology, there is a characteristic pattern to the range-of-motion limitation in that joint. The pattern of limitation is unique to each joint. In the glenohumeral joint, the capsular pattern is for motion to be limited first in external rotation, then in abduction, and finally in medial rotation. To understand how to apply the concept of the capsular pattern, lets look at a common shoulder complaint where the client has trouble bringing the arm up in abduction . A person with this motion restriction could have adhesive capsulitis; however, if the client has no problem externally rotating the shoulder from a neutral position with the arm at the side. Because the capsular pattern indicates that motion restriction will first be observed in external rotation, it is unlikely this person has a capsular pathology. However, other conditions, such as sub-acromial impingement, calcific tendonitis or bursitis, are all likely to produce restriction in abduction. Assuming this problem to be adhesive capsulitis can lead to faulty methods of addressing the problem. This underscores the importance of a thorough assessment, and diagnosis from a physician. In addition to active and passive range-of-motion evaluations, a special orthopedic test for measuring functional range of motion in the shoulder, called the Apley scratch test , is useful. In this procedure, the shoulder of the arm being held overhead is in abduction and external rotation while the shoulder of the lowered arm is in adduction and internal rotation (with a slight degree of extension). You should have the client perform this test with both sides in the upper and lower positions to compare the available range on each side. Massage techniques Techniques that encourage relaxation of the muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle are a mainstay for massage approaches. Simple techniques, such as effleurage and broad cross-fiber sweeping strokes, are useful. Because the muscles often become fibrous and shortened due to the limited range of motion in the shoulder, restoring their proper movement is an important aspect of addressing this problem. When muscles are unable to move through their full range of motion, restoring proper movement can be challenging. In this case, active engagement techniques work well for the pectoralis major, which often becomes restricted in adhesive capsulitis. The client is instructed to hold an isometric contraction (horizontal adduction) in the pectoralis major and then slowly let it go. As the client releases the contraction, the practitioner performs a longitudinal stripping technique on the pectoralis major fibers. Myofascial trigger points in muscles such as the subscapularis may also play a role in the perpetuation of capsular adhesion. These trigger points can be treated with static compression methods or compression with active movement. During compression with active movement, the practitioner maintains pressure on the trigger point while the client moves through as much of the range of motion as possible (internal and external shoulder rotation). Another goal for the massage therapist is to encourage elongation of the adhered capsular tissues. This is accomplished with various stretching procedures. However, do not expect results to come quickly. In addition to - or in conjunction with - massage techniques, stretching methods should emphasize the motions of external rotation and abduction, and will get the best results when performed slowly to stretch the adhered tissues. For example, with a passive stretch in lateral rotation, the client is taken just to the point where discomfort starts and then held there . While in this position, the client is encouraged to breathe deeply and relax the shoulder as much as possible. After holding the stretch for 20 seconds or more, the client is slowly brought back to the neutral position. The procedure can be repeated several times. Conclusion Adhesive capsulitis can be debilitating and cause long-term impairment. Proper treatment can mean the difference between a several-months-long disability or one of several years. Even with therapeutic results, this condition may require a long rehabilitation. As a result, the client may get depressed about the lack of improvement in his/her condition. Positive statements regarding even small amounts of improvement will go a long way toward encouraging active participation in the rehabilitation process. This is also where your knowledge of the condition will be highly valuable, as your clients attempt to learn more about their own bodies and what they can do to return to optimum health.

Benefits of Chair Massage Workplace/Chair Massage Workplace Massage or Chair Massage One of the main contributors to our everyday stress is our workplace. 70% of workers surveyed by a national survey stated that their job is very stressful. Stress is the #1 cause of disability. It costs employers billions of dollars a year on lost productivity and healthcare costs. (You can learn more about stress in our section on stress management.) Since workplace is stressful, it seems commonsense to provide some means of stress relief at the workplace. More and more employers are recognizing that a regular massage can reduce the physical and mental effects of stress, thus reducing burnout and stress related diseases. "More and more companies offer massage therapy not only as a perk, but also to increase their employees' productivity and morale," said E. Houston LeBrun, president-elect of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). "You get immediate results the employees experience stress reduction and greater satisfaction with their jobs." Indeed, studies have shown that massage improves bottom line of employers. A study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami found that after five weeks, a group of 26 employees who had twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office fared better than a control group of 24 employees who were just told to close their eyes and relax. The massaged group experienced reduced stress and improved performance, while the control group did not. Using electroencephalograms (EEG), researchers measured alpha and beta waves in both groups, and found massage recipients to be more alert. Stress hormones in the saliva of the massaged group were lower than in the control group. The massaged workers completed math problems in half the time as normal and with half the errors they had before they were massaged. The math skills of the control group did not improve. The massage recipients also said they were less fatigued and more clear-headed. Every year, more companies are heeding the call. There are no statistics on the number of companies that offer massage therapy onsite, but those that have offered it include law firms, hospitals, manufacturers and major corporations, such as Boeing, Apple Computer, PepsiCo, Sony Music and United Airlines. Most companies contract with massage therapists who schedule appointments with employees during breaks. The recipient is seated in a specially designed chair which allows the therapist to work on the back, neck, shoulders and arms addressing the common problem areas of today's workers. There is no oil used and the worker is fully clothed. The massage session usually lasts 10- 15 minutes, the time for a coffee break. Benefits of therapeutic massage: relieves physical problems associated with repetitive tasks Helps balance the effects of stress in our lives thus reducing tension headaches, reducing anxiety level and restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being. Therapeutic massage helps balance the effects of stress in our lives, and avoid stress related disease and dysfunction by: Triggers the Relaxation Response Relaxes tense muscles Reduces anxiety level Normalizes blocked energy flow Improves immune system functioning Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being Massage therapy is very beneficial to those who have special challenges such as a serious, debilitating injury, a stroke, a neuromuscular disease, or fibromyalgia to name a few.

Benefits of Massage Therapy The Benefits of Massage: Is Bodywork Right For Me? Massage provides relief to people of all agesfrom infants to seniorsand from all walks of lifethe weekend or competitive athlete to the home gardener or overstressed, overworked executive. Treating the Body Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has been proven beneficial in treating cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, low back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, post-operative surgery, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation, and depression, to name just a few. Heres why: Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the bodys natural ability to heal itself. Massage has many physiological effects, such as: Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. Stimulating the lymph system, the bodys natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles. Reducing spasms and cramping. Increasing joint flexibility. Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level. Releasing endorphins, the bodys natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain. Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred. Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain. Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication. Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion. Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays. Its important to note that there are some conditions where massage is not recommended. For example, massage is contraindicated in people with: Certain forms of cancer Phlebitis Some cardiac problems Some skin conditions Infectious diseases Your practitioner should ask you about your specific health conditions and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are a good idea. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctors permission before providing services. Treating the Spirit Massage also provides another therapeutic component largely absent in todays world: tactile stimulation, or, more simply, touch. In 1986, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami published groundbreaking research on the effects of massage on premature babies. The preterm babies who received massage therapy showed 47% greater weight gain and six-day shorter hospital stays than the infants who were not receiving massage. But is this study evidence of what loving touch can do spiritually, or rather what massage can do on a physiological level? Regardless, babies are not the only benefactors. Many adults have reported cathartic experiences on the massage table. As a therapist carefully unwinds a clients stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding the taut, pent-up emotions that one doesnt always have time to process in the middle of the day. And the feeling of being touched in a safe, caring, compassionate manner can be a very powerful experience, reminding the client that she or he is not alone in the world. As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it's beneficial to body and soul.