Tag Archives | massage

Clarifying the Effects of Topical Analgesics

Helping client’s manage pain is an important role for soft-tissue therapists. Consequently, many look to adjunctive treatments or products for assistance in this pursuit. Some of the most common adjunctive treatments used by massage practitioners and recommended to clients are topical analgesics. Analgesics are substances or agents that relieve pain without causing a loss of […]

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Long Thoracic Nerve Compression

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 […]

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The role of sensitization in musculoskeletal shoulder pain.

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 […]

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hallux-valgus

Valgus, Varus, Vargus… What is It?

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 […]

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Miserable Malalignment Syndrome

The November/December issue of Massage and Bodywork magazine concludes the two-part series I wrote on miserable malalignment syndrome (MMS) (click here to view the article). To recap, MMS involves a series of interrelated biomechanical dysfunctions throughout the lower extremity kinetic chain including: a broad pelvis, a large Q angle, femoral anteversion along with a squinting […]

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cauda-equina

Recognizing Cauda Equina Syndrome

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 […]

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Low Back Pain and Leg Length Discrepancy

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 […]

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nutation

Understanding Sacroiliac Movement

In most joints principles of movement and joint function are relatively easy to picture and understand. However, in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, mechanics and function are more complex. Yet, it is still important to comprehend how the joint works in order to accurately evaluate function or pathological problems. There is very little motion that occurs […]

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