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Assessment

Mastering Client History for Treatment Success

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Introduction The client history stands as the cornerstone of effective clinical assessment and treatment success. The HOPRS framework (History, Observation, Palpation, Range-of-Motion and Resistance Testing, and Special Tests) strategically positions history first because it provides the foundation for all subsequent evaluation. Treatment failures stem directly from insufficient investigation during initial history-taking, leading to unnecessary client … Read more

The Slump Test

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Introduction Physical examination provides crucial insights for locating potential nerve pathology, even when advanced diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies prove inconclusive. The slump test stands out as one of the most effective methods for evaluating nerve compression and tension pathologies. This comprehensive neurodynamic test, first described by Australian physiotherapist Geoffrey Maitland, helps identify neural … Read more

Clinical Reasoning: Think Before You Treat

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Introduction Massage therapy’s role in treating musculoskeletal pain continues to expand beyond its traditional wellness and relaxation foundations. As more healthcare providers recognize massage therapy as a viable treatment option for pain and injury conditions, the demand for therapists with advanced clinical skills grows. At the heart of this evolution lies a critical yet often … Read more

Using Neurodynamics to Enhance Client Care

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Introducing Neurodynamics Neurodynamics is a field that focuses on the essential mobility of the nervous system. It gained attention in rehabilitation practice from the contributions of pioneers such as David Butler and Michael Shacklock. The neurodynamic framework provides massage therapists a powerful lens to view and address pain and injury conditions. This approach focuses on … Read more

Valgus and Varus Alignments in the Lower Extremity

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Introduction As massage therapists, we must recognize postural and positional alignment issues that are crucial for effective treatment. Among the key concepts in postural assessment are the principles of valgus and varus alignments. Yet, they are frequently misunderstood. These terms describe specific deviations in bony segments that can significantly impact a client’s biomechanics, pain patterns, … Read more

Reconsidering Hip and Lateral Thigh Pain

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A recent interesting case reveals how lateral hip and thigh pain can easily be misinterpreted and ascribed to other causes. A client, who I will call Steve, was experiencing lateral hip pain around the greater trochanter of the femur. Some pain was extending into the lateral thigh region as a deep aching sensation. One practitioner … Read more

The Accuracy of Sacroiliac Joint Evaluation Tests

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Learn about some of the difficulties in sacroiliac joint evaluation tests, and the issues with common procedures used to identify sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a complex anatomical structure. It is the joint where the weight of the upper body, borne by the skeletal elements, is transferred to the lower extremities and … Read more

The Manual Resistive Test

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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 … Read more

The Crucial Importance of Learning Assessment

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In this issue we are taking a fresh look at what assessment actually is and how best to learn this often underappreciated element of advanced massage treatment. I’ve written a good bit on this topic over the years because it is so important. Unfortunately, to some it is intimidating, and thus avoided or excluded in … Read more

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