Whitney Lowe’s article (from last edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork) was chocked full of information about this condition! The posterior tibialis is one of the most important lower extremity stabilizing muscles; one can see why after the author’s reinforcement of where it is (originates at superior portion of tibia and extends across the span of the bottom of the foot and even has branches that insert into most of the foot bones). It is the deepest of the posterior leg compartment; therefore it’s hard for us therapists to palpate. The tendon is the largest and most anteriorly situated of the three tendons that encompass the medial ankle and extend through the tarsal tunnel; again, one can see why this it is a major support for the longitudinal arch. After stopping any activity that obviously aggravates the condition, the team will, or should, prescribe physical modalities that help reduce biomechanical load and reduce stress on the muscle-tendon unit; then, probably strengthening the muscle is advised!
Still from my latest edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork (what can I say-there was a lot of good reading material in it!), Christy Cael did a very thorough job with the patellofemoral-joint-anatomy reminder! The knee has two joints: the hinging tibiofemoral and gliding patellofemoral. I loved reviewing her description of patellar tracking, which is: ideal positioning of the patella relative to the femoral groove throughout the full range; the complex joints of the knee means, of course, that many other structures and situations lead into patellar tracking! She even stated that soft-tissue manipulation may have limited impact on more prominent postural deviations in the lower extremities, but it does positively affect optimal mobility and balanced tension in the associated retinaculum and muscles surrounding the knee!
From my latest ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, results of a study were published. In a randomized controlled trial, researchers theorized about the effects of full-body massage on adults with knee osteoarthritis; this was then published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. Trial participants were in three groups: massage, active control (light-touch), and usual care. The first two groups received 60 minutes of protocolized whole-body massage or light touch in eight weekly treatments; then, they were randomized to either biweekly interventions or usual care to week 52. The usual care group maintained treatment up to week 24. Since the researchers observed improvement in the massage group’s symptoms at week 8 versus the light-touch and usual care groups but no significant improvement at week 52, they concluded that massage is a good short-term treatment with few adverse effects!
As usual, Christy Cael’s article in my second-to-last (yup-this is the last one from that edition!) edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork was timely! She reminded us therapists that the trapezius is a likely suspect for pain, being that it is a stabilizer (it has many underutilized fibers because of that!) and main mover. She concluded by reminding us of techniques to help relieve said pain!!
Ian Harvey’s article, still from last edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork, was so very relevant to us therapists! Really stemming from Shiatsu, the “mother hand” is the therapist’s hand that is not really working; it’s the stabilizer. It can stabilize the nervous system (either way) and it can shift the patient’s focus!
Jimmy Gialelis’s, LMT BCTMB article, from Institute for Integrative Health Care’s article was substantative of us LMTs that ALMOST anybody can receive massage healthfully! He defines it, broadly he reinforced, as: its features are elevated blood sugar levels and a failure to produce or utilize insulin; also, it has several varieties and causes. Three main benefits of massage for people with diabetes are: 1. increased circulation of blood, which allows for cells’ intake of glucose to improve and utilize insulin, 2. relaxation, which will relieve stresses and calm the nervous system, and 3. positive myofascial effects, which include increased mobility and tissue elasticity. A study published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice Journal in February, 2017 indicated foot massage for people with diabetes improved balance, functional mobility, and Functional Reach Test values. It also recommended common rehabilitation programs for people with diabetes to include foot massage!
From Institute for Integrative Health Care’s most recent newsletter, Jimmy Gialelis’s, LMT, BCTMB, article covered a lot! He reviewed the anatomy of the hip and pelvic region, which has 28 muscles facilitating movement of the trunk and limbs that attach onto the os coxa (hip or pelvic) bones. This does not include the pelvic floor musculature that also aids in the function of the internal anatomy of the hip region. Massage therapy can help treat these 4 common hip conditions: 1. sacroiliac joint dysfunction 2. piriformis syndrome 3. trochanteric bursitis, and 4. hip pointer, which is a contusion or acute trauma to the iliac crest that creates an avulsion tear of the oblique musculature at their ox coxa attachments. Point tenderness, swelling, and contralateral pain are good indicators of hip pointers. Current pain science research identifies the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles as focal points for hip pain.
