From the latest ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, Erik Dalton, PhD’s article reminded us all the small “stuff” in the human body makes the big “stuff” happen! He discussed and described neuro- and bio- mechanics of the sternoclavicular joint, movement map (the small “stuff”!) issues; then, he demonstrated fixation techniques for impingements of the joint!
This article, from International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Vol. II No. 3 (2018), relayed findings from a study at a clinical massage spa in the U.S. Midwest, 21 women with persistent pain and mobility limitations 3-18 months after surgery. An intervention group received 16 myofascial sessions over 8 weeks on the affected breast, chest, and shoulder areas. A control group received 16 relaxation sessions over 8 weeks that avoided those areas. Participants completed a validated questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study; it asked about pain, mobility, and quality of life, and they reported on these outcomes: change in self-reported pain, self-reported mobility, and 3 quality-of-life questions. At baseline, both sets were similar in demographic and medical characteristics, pain and mobility ratings, and quality-of-life ratings. The intervention group had more favorable changes in pain, mobility, and general health. All participants reported that receiving massage treatments was a positive experience.
Whitney Lowe’s article, from ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, was informative in a complicated-because-it-is kinda way! First, he told that the term is actually not universally recognized. Then, he discussed two primary causes of the condition. Lastly, he talked of treatments for therapists, one of which, retraining the patient’s gait, will probably help the advancement of it!
Still from my July/August edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork (yes-I need to start on my September/October edition!), Erik Dalton, PhD’s article was quite common-sensical. Soft tissue or other injuries or conditions impact the nervous system, which remembers and continues to impact the body. He ends with “Remember, your brain is like an overprotective mother; it decides how much activation to allow, and it always errs on the side of caution. The brain can activate or inhibit muscle tone and balance depending on what it determines to be the safest course. We are wired for survival. Your brain is designed to protect you and, when functioning properly, knows when too much or too little of a good thing is just right for you.” Now, to start reading that next edition I spoke of!
Still getting through my July/August (yes-on August 31st!) edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, and Whitney Lowe’s article was a good one! He differentiated again the differences between these 2 connective tissues; then he stressed that these differences impact injuries and treatment. Also, he relayed that recent research has shown that common injuries (specifically, tendonitis and tenosynovitis) may happen because of inflammation AND other reasons!
Joseph E. Muscolino, DC’s article, from July/August edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, was, I believe, very thorough! From defining, treating the underlying cause, the effect, and soft-tissue manipulation to stretching, using bolsters to stretch and treat, adding in stretch from the extremities, lateral flexion-break tables, and joint mobilization, he delineated the therapist’s scope quite positively!
From the July/August edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, Christy Cael’s article was a reminder to therapists! Joints in the body are levers; therefore, the forces, axes, and resistance contribute to injury, and therapists should consider that when determining a treatment plan!!
