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Medications and Massage Therapy: Eight Key Precautions

So, you have properly asked about what medications your client is on as part of your history.  And, you are likely aware that there are potential interactions between medications and massage treatments. In this blog post, let’s explore eight possible precautions and what to do when working with clients on medications. 1. Blood thinners: Clients taking … Read more

Guyon’s Canal Syndrome

Introduction: The median nerve travels through a soft-tissue tunnel at the base of the hand. Nerve entrapment within the tunnel constitutes the most common upper extremity nerve entrapment, which we all know as carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS). People experiencing neurological symptoms in the hand often immediately suspect CTS as the cause. However, the median nerve is not the … Read more

Exploring Tendon Disorders

Painful tendon disorders are highly prevalent today and are most often associated with chronic overuse. Numerous other factors can also lead to these conditions. In this installment we’ll take a look at crucial elements of tendon structure, function, and common causes of tendon pain so we can best help our clients. Tendon Structure and Function … Read more

Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Guide Assessment Questions

In the mid-1950s, Benjamin Bloom and his colleagues devised an organizational system for categorizing levels of learning and cognitive complexity. This system has been used extensively in curriculum development for all grade levels and in higher education. It has also more recently been modified and updated. The updated Bloom’s taxonomy model is precious for organizing … Read more

Biomechanics of Tendon and Ligament Tissue

Updated 01-24-24 While massage therapists may focus on muscles to treat pain and injuries, tendons and ligaments, and other vital soft tissues, significantly contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding tendon and ligament anatomy, their mechanics, and how they are injured is crucial for devising effective treatments. In this issue, we explore the essential aspects of tendon … Read more

Current Concepts in Patellofemoral Pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a term that describes generalized anterior knee pain around or under the patella. Overactivity and excessive mechanical load on the patellofemoral joint are the leading causes. There isn’t an apparent tissue dysfunction for the pain, but several factors may contribute to the discomfort felt during movement. Below we discuss key … Read more

The Motion Segment of the Lumbar Spine

Joint motion is usually described as a movement between two articulating bones. That is an accurate description of joint mechanics at most skeletal joints in the body. Spinal motion however is more complicated, as it involves multiple joints. It also includes many soft-tissues spanning those joints. In this issue we look at the complexities of … Read more

Clinical Relevance of Overpronation

If you’ve ever worked with competitive runners or others with active lifestyles, you’ve likely encountered the term overpronation (also called hyperpronation). Overpronation can be a challenging biomechanical pattern leading to multiple lower extremity disorders. It can also be an incidental finding that exists, but is not causing a person’s current pain complaint. The trick for clinical practitioners is … Read more

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