What’s this bump on the back of my heel and why does it hurt so much? This is sometimes called a pump bump and is caused by several key mechanical factors. Let’s take a look… The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It has to be this strong because of […]
The human hand is critical to our daily activities, especially as massage practitioners. Yet, rarely do we stop and consider what an engineering marvel the hand actually is. The human hand is capable of fine precision movements as well as generating large forces during grasping activities. The skeletal structure of the hand and fingers is […]
One of the more common nerve entrapment problems affecting the lower extremity is Morton’s neuroma. The term, neuroma, is a bit of a misnomer because this condition generally does not involve a true neuroma, which is essentially a nerve cyst or tumor, and instead involves nerve impingement in the forefoot region. In most cases it […]
Nerve compression is a recognized cause of soft-tissue pain and disability for many. Nerve compression syndromes, and especially upper extremity nerve disorders, came to the forefront in the last few decades as a result of increasing injuries among those whose occupations require repetitive activities. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most well-known of the upper […]
Pain on the bottom surface of the foot can be a debilitating condition; in cases, persisting for several years. The most common cause of plantar foot pain is plantar fasciitis. Pain on the underside of the foot that is aggravated with activity is often diagnosed as plantar fasciitis. Yet in some cases this pain persists […]
Introduction There are numerous nerve compression syndromes that cause significant pain or dysfunction in the upper extremity. Massage therapists often decry the limited focus on the neurological system in their basic education. Yet neurological sensation is a foundational and critical component of every client’s experience. This post explores long thoracic nerve compression, which can go […]
Borstad, J., & Woeste, C. (2015). The role of sensitization in musculoskeletal shoulder pain. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 19(4), 251–7. For many years the primary pain models suggested that pain was an indicator of tissue damage or injury. If pain was felt in the body, it meant that some tissue damage or dysfunction existed […]
When describing postural alignment issues there are two terms that many people get mixed up and consequently miss their biomechanical significance. The terms of valgus and varus refer to alignment of bony segments. Some mistakenly state they are defined by angulations at the knee. However valgus and varus angulations can occur in numerous locations. Let’s […]
More people than ever before are using massage for a wide variety of ailments, especially back pain. Low back pain is one of the most challenging medical conditions as it is still very difficult to make a direct cause between many low back pain complaints and specific tissue pathology. Massage can be of great benefit […]
Research Update: Rannisto, S., Okuloff, A., Uitti, J., Paananen, M., Rannisto, P.-H., Malmivaara, A., & Karppinen, J. (2015). LLD is associated with low back pain among those who must stand while working. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 16(1), 110. Low back pain is a pervasive problem that plagues a huge percentage of the population. Researchers and clinicians […]
