Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that affects the nervous system. Nerve axons are covered with myelin. Myelin is an insulating layer that surrounds the nerve axon and speeds up nerve conduction.
Multiple Sclerosis begins with an inflammatory process resulting in a loss of the myelin sheath. This process is known as demyelination. “Scar tissue, known as sclerotic plaques, develops at the site of demyelination. These plaques cause a slowing, disruption or blockage of the nerve transmission.”[1]Over time, these disruptions can become worse and permanent depending on the location and the size of the lesion.
There are several types of Multiple Sclerosis. The different types are based on the progression of the disease. There are five different types of Multiple Sclerosis. From the mildest form to the most severe they are labeled as follows: Benign, Attack-Remitting, Benign or mild Attack-Remitting, Chronic Progressive Attack-Remitting and Acute Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
“The causes of Multiple Sclerosis are unclear, although it is thought that many factors interact in a specific way to result in the disease process.”[2] There are four main factors that appear to be involved in the cause of Multiple Sclerosis. They are genetics, environmental, viral and immunological. Some factors that seem to exacerbate the disease include: deficiencies in several nutrients including zinc, vitamins B6 and B12 and essential fatty acids, amalgam fillings, food allergies and stressful events. At this time there is no known cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
How can Therapeutic Massage help?
There are many symptoms involved at various times during the different types of Multiple Sclerosis. They include fatigue, weakness, spasticity (tight or contracted musculature), inefficient movement patterns (tremors, altered gait), paresthesia and mood swings. A person with Multiple Sclerosis may also suffer with other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis and stress. It is important to again recognize that symptoms can change from treatment to treatment. Therapeutic Massage can reduce and help with the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
Relaxation Techniques and Therapeutic Advanced Techniques are indicated for treatment of this disease. The goals of the therapist include: decrease sympathetic nervous system firing and promote relaxation, avoid inducing fatigue (avoid prolonged deep work) and providing a caring and supportive environment.
For more information on Multiple Sclerosis and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
[1] Rattray, Fiona and Ludwig, Linda. 2005. Clinical Massage Therapy: Assessing and Treating over 70 Conditions. Ontario. Canada. Talus Incorporated.
[2] Shapiro, Randall, T, 1994. Symptom Management of Multiple Sclerosis. New York: Demos Publications.
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Temporomadibular Joint Disfunction
What is TMJ Disfunction?
Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction commonly referred to as TMJ, is a condition affecting the temporomandibular joint. The associated muscles, the associated structures and the joint itself can be involved in this disorder. The temporomandibular joint is located where the mandible (jawbone) meets the temporal bone of the cranium.
There are many possible causes for TMJ including stress, imbalances in the muscles of mastication (chewing), cranial bone misalignment, postural disfunction, joint pathology and trauma. “Three components must be present for TMJ disfunction to occur: predisposition, tissue alteration and stress.”[1] “Predisposition can be intrinsic-the genetic development of muscles, ligaments and bones-or extrinsic-trauma to the neck, face or jaw. Tissue alteration can occur to the skeletal, dental and neuromuscular structures. Malocclusion, tooth loss, cranial bone misalignment, hypermobility, postural disfunction, spasm, ischemia, and trigger points are examples of tissue alteration. Stress results in increased tone of the muscles of mastication due to jaw clenching, bruxism (tooth grinding during sleep), or habits such as gum chewing.”[2]
Common symptoms include a popping or clicking sound at the TMJ. This symptom by itself is not a sole indicator of TMJ disfunction. In some individuals this sound is a perfectly normal joint sound. Other symptoms include tenderness or pain and limited range of motion (opening of the mouth). Several tests should be conducted including Range of Motion Testing for the cervical spine and TMJ. A full range of motion testing should be conducted including passive, active free and active resisted isometric testing. Observations of either a “C” wobble or and “S” wobble will be observed with disfunction during active free testing. A “C” wobble indicates a capsular source while an “S” wobble indicates a muscular source.
Orthopedic tests for TMJ disfunction including the Three Knuckle Test should be conducted. The client attempts to place the knuckles from the middle three fingers of their non-dominant hand in their mouth. This test can identify a lack of range of motion indicating TMJ disfunction.
How can Therapeutic Massage help?
Therapeutic Massage is an effective treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction. Relaxation Techniques, Therapeutic Advanced Techniques to the muscles of mastication and Trigger Point Therapy are all indicated for treatment of this disorder. Advance Therapeutic Techniques are also indicated for all the compensating musculature and associated structures. Therapeutic Massage can help eliminate pain, remove adhesion, re-align scar tissue and increase range of motion. Therapeutic Massage techniques can effectively address all three components of TMJ returning the client to normal health.
For more information on Temporomandibular Joint Disfunction and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
[1] Gelb, Harold. 1985. Clinical Management of Head, Neck and TMJ Pain and Disfunctiion,2nd Ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company
[2] Magee, David J. 1992. Orthopedic Physical Assessment. 2nd Ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders company
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Frozen Shoulder
What is Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder is a condition of restricted range of motion of the shoulder. Pain and lack of passive and active range of motion, in abduction (lifting your arm to the side away from your body) and external rotation are the main indicators of Frozen Shoulder.
Frozen shoulder can have several different causes. Frozen shoulder can be defined as either a primary or secondary condition. Primary Frozen Shoulder is idiopathic (unknown origin). Secondary Frozen Shoulder is brought on by a pre-existing condition such as an impingement syndrome, subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff tendonitis or tears, dislocations and inflammatory synovitis. Frozen Shoulder can also be caused by trigger points in the rotator cuff muscles (primarily in the subscapularis muscle), postural disfunction and disuse. People with systemic diseases such as diabetes are more likely to develop frozen shoulder, especially those who are insulin dependent and have had diabetes for longer than 10 years.
There are three phases during the Frozen Shoulder condition. They are labeled as the three main stages of injury: acute (freezing phase), sub-acute (frozen phase) and chronic (thawing or resolution phase).
Symptoms can range during different phases of the condition. During the acute phase, pain is the most common symptom. During sleep, the client will have great difficulty lying on the affected side. The acute and sub-acute phases blend together resulting in both pain and stiffness. The pain will begin to diminish and stiffness becomes the primary symptom. The stiffness will be experienced as diminished range of motion in abduction, external and internal rotation, resulting as pain at the end ranges. During the chronic phase, pain will begin to lessen and range of motion will begin to return. “Although frozen shoulder is often said to resolve spontaneously in two years, several studies have shown that people can remain symptomatic for as long as five to ten years”.[1]
How can Therapeutic Massage help?
Therapeutic Massage is an effective treatment for Frozen Shoulder. Relaxation techniques, Trigger Point Therapy and Advanced Therapeutic Techniques to the muscles of the rotator cuff and associated musculature are all indicated for treatment of Frozen Shoulder. Therapeutic Massage can help eliminate pain, remove adhesion, re-align scar tissue and increase range of motion. Therapeutic Massage techniques can effectively address all three stages of this condition minimizing the symptoms and eventually returning the client to normal health.
For more information on Frozen Shoulder and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
[1] Souza, Thomas. 1994. Sports Injuries of the Shoulder: Conservative Management. New York: Churchill Livingstone.
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia located on the plantar (bottom) surface of the foot. The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue attaching the heel bone to the front of the foot. “This condition occurs due to overuse and stress on the plantar fascia, which can result in tissue fatigue and microtearing at the calcaneal attachments.”[1] . The plantar fascia acts as an important support system to the medial longitudinal arch. The medial longitudinal arch runs from the back of the foot-the heel, to the front of the foot-the area posterior to the big toe. It acts like a bowstring to support the arch.
Plantar Fasciitis can affect athletes of any age, but is usually a condition affecting persons over the age of 40. There are several causes for Plantar Fasciitis including: poor biomechanics-over pronation and supination (pronation occurs when the foot rolls inward and supination occurs when the foots rolls outward), hypertonic (tight and shortened) calf muscles and footwear that is either too flexible or to stiff. Excessive weight gain due to pregnancy or obesity can also play a role in Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis occurs slowly and gradually over time with repeated use. There is usually no previous injury or trauma associated with this condition as it is an overuse injury. The fibers of the fascia begin to tear away from the calcaneus (heal bone). If the condition progresses to the chronic phase, adhesions, chronic inflammation and scar tissue formation can also develop. If the condition reaches a chronic state, the healing process can be very slow. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include mild to severe pain when getting out of bed and first putting weight on the affected foot. The pain may diminish after a short period of activity, but usually returns after long periods of activity.
How can Therapeutic Massage help?
Therapeutic Massage is an effective treatment for Plantar Fasciitis. The condition is assessed as either acute or chronic. Treatment in the acute stage is designed to reduce any inflammation, decrease sympathetic nervous system firing and pain in the affected area. Treatment of the proximal compensating muscles and structures is indicated. Advanced Therapeutic Techniques are used to address these areas. Rest and ice are indicated during this phase of the condition. Treatment in the chronic stage includes more aggressive Advanced Therapeutic Techniques to the compensating structures and the directly affected muscles and structures. Therapeutic Massage can reduce pain, re-align scar tissue, remove adhesions, increase range of motion and help return the client back to peak health.
For more information on Plantar Fasciitis and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
[1] Rattray, Fiona and Ludwig, Linda. 2005. Clinical Massage Therapy: Assessing and Treating over 70 Conditions. Ontario. Canada. Talus Incorporated.
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Strains
A Strain is an overstretched injury to a musculotendinous unit. This unit includes the muscle, the tendons and the junction of the tendon to muscle and to bone tissue. Tendons are composed of connective tissue having some vascularization (blood supply). They are not muscle tissue, but are the connection between muscle and bone.
Their composition is basically the same as ligaments, however tendons are inelastic and ligaments are elastic and connect bone to bone. It should be noted that a Strain injury usually occurs with a Sprain injury. However, a Strain does not always involve a Sprain injury.
The acute stage usually lasts from one to five days depending on the severity of the injury. During this stage of injury redness, heat, swelling, pain and immobility are observed. Therapeutic Massage uses several Advanced Therapeutic Techniques to reduce all of the above listed symptoms. The goal at this stage is to decrease the swelling while increasing the flow of nutrients to the area as well as maintaining range of motion to joints proximal (above the injury).
During the sub-acute stage many of the same Advanced Techniques are used and the goals are similar. More emphasis is put on increasing the range of motion and joint mobility of the affected joints. The directly affected muscles can be treated at this stage.
During the chronic stage of injury some of the same Advanced Techniques in the sub-acute stage are used. Other Advanced Techniques are added at this stage to further increase range of motion and joint mobility and to begin increasing the strength of the affected muscles.
While treating a Strain injury, is important not to remove the splinting mechanism of directly affected muscles as this mechanism is designed to protect the area (during the acute stage of injury). Splinting is the contraction of a muscle to protect an injured area of the body.
Therapeutic Massage is an effective treatment for strain injuries. Relaxation techniques, Advanced Therapeutic Techniques treating the affected/associated muscles and structures and Trigger Point Therapy are all indicated for treatment of this type of injury. Therapeutic Massage can help eliminate pain, remove adhesion, re-align scar tissue and increase range of motion. Therapeutic Massage techniques can effectively address all three stages of a Strain injury, returning the client to normal health.
For more information on Strain injuries and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
Therapeutic Massage: Effective Treatment for Sprains
What is a Sprain?
A Sprain is an overstretched injury to a ligament. Ligaments are composed of flexible non-contractile connective tissue. They are not muscle tissue. Ligaments connect bone to bone and are usually named for the bones they connect. It should be noted that a Strain injury is usually involved with a Sprain injury. A Strain involved tendons which attach muscle to bone.
As a Sprain usually involves a Strain injury, muscles and tendons are treated as well to reduce hypertonicity (tightness). Strains will be addressed in another article. It is important not to remove the splinting mechanism of directly affected muscles as this mechanism is designed to protect the area (during the acute stage of injury). Splinting is the contraction of a muscle to protect an injured area of the body.
A Sprain injury is assessed as acute (1-5 days), sub-acute (5-14 days) or chronic (14 days or until the injury has healed). The sub-acute stage can be divided into early and late stages.
How can Therapeutic Massage help?
Therapeutic Massage is an effective treatment for a Sprain injury. Relaxation techniques, Trigger Point Therapy and Advanced Therapeutic Techniques treating the associated/affected musculature and the associated/affected structures are all indicated for treatment of a Sprain injury. Therapeutic Massage can help eliminate pain, remove adhesion, re-align scar tissue and increase range of motion. Therapeutic Massage Techniques can effectively address all three stages of this condition minimizing the symptoms and eventually returning the client to normal health.
For more information on Sprain injuries and Therapeutic Massage treatment protocols, please contact me at kevin.totalhealthtsm@gmail.com.
