Archive | Articles

Learn about new research indicating that the standard guidelines for cryotherapy may need to be reconsidered.   Introduction Practitioners frequently get asked whether to use heat or cold for soft-tissue pain and injury problems. Of course, the correct answer is always that it depends on the nature of the client’s condition. But what are the […]

An overview of the structural and mechanical issues often causing anterior knee pain, and how to identify and address these issues with massage.   Introduction How many times have you heard someone say “Oh my aching knees?” It happens with frequency among athletic populations, but just as frequently plagues individuals who are not highly active. […]

An explanation of the Axis of Rotation pertaining to the body and how it enhances understanding of muscle action in our clinical practices.   Each day we move our limbs through thousands of movement patterns without considering the fascinating mechanics that make this movement even possible. Our movement is accomplished via muscle contraction, which, by […]

Massage is great for many soft-tissue pathologies. However, sometimes various conditions exist that seem like a common pathology, but then don’t respond to the treatment. In some cases an undiscovered problem may exist. In this issue we’ll take a look at the synovial plica, a cause of knee pain that can easily mimic other common […]

A look at the hallux valgus deformity, also known as the bunion, as well as the key biomechanical causes and potential treatment strategies. What is hallux valgus? No doubt you’ve seen one, or perhaps many, clients with hallux valgus. Some may not know this common postural deformity by its technical name, but instead refer to […]

Many of our clients come in with chronic, aching muscular pain. The natural reaction is to attempt to relieve their pain, often through deep pressure massage applications. However, there are certain conditions in which performing deeper levels of treatment is contraindicated and can actually make the condition worse. Compartment syndromes fall into this category and […]

An explanation of labral tears, the mechanisms and complications involved, and how to decide if massage would be beneficial to incorporate in treatment. Introduction There are many instances in the clinic in which a common clinical situation requires practitioners understand an orthopedic pathology in order to determine if massage would be an appropriate treatment. Justin’s […]

A look at Radial Tunnel Syndrome, a condition often mistaken for lateral epicondylitis, its pathology and how to effectively assess and treat it. Introduction Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is one of the most prevalent upper extremity overuse conditions. Originally perceived as an inflammatory condition of tendon fiber tearing, it is now […]

A description of Charcot Marie-Tooth disease, a systemic nerve condition often mistaken for local nerve compression problems, and how to assess and treat it. Introduction The longer you stay in practice, the more likely it is that you will encounter a wide array of compromised health conditions that your clients present with. Sometimes a case […]

A review of the Manual Resistive Test, one of the most important aspects of a physical examination, and its range of uses in identifying soft-tissue pathologies. Introduction Physical examination remains one of the most valuable aspects of assessing the integrity of soft-tissues. While high-tech diagnostic studies can be helpful for examining the structure of various […]