Gentle Techniques for the Jaw and TMJ

Til Luchau’s article is the last in latest of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork. It was enlightening! He suggested MANY possible culprits to temporomandibular dysfunction and two (Fly Landing (a person’s proprioceptive abilities can be enhanced by an especially light touch) and Horseshoe Grip) possible techniques for therapists to try!

Putting the Squeeze on Morton’s Neuroma

Whitney Lowe’s article in latest edition of ABMP’s Massage and Bodywork was, as usual, very informative. First, he differentiated between Morton’s Foot and Morton’s Neuroma. Then, he stressed that Neuroma is, in this case, a misnomer; it is, in fact, a compression of branches (the plantar digital nerves) of the sciatic nerve. He then stressed that, like plenty of conditions, it can be helped by eliminating some everyday habits. Lastly, he stressed that nerves do NOT like to be stretched, so a therapist should stretch the soft tissue around the compression site!

Massage and multiple sclerosis

The latest edition of International Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork revealed findings of a study by many PTs and doctors. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, immune-mediated, chronic condition that manifests itself by the following signs and symptoms: fatigue, pain, spasticity, other sensorimotor changes, and cognitive changes. The study showed significant improvement (in 24 of 28 females that completed the massage therapy session and outcome assessments) in the Modified Fatigue Index Scale, MOS Pain Effects Scale, Mental Health Inventory, and Health Status Questionnaire. Massage therapy was thereby found to be a safe and beneficial intervention for management of fatigue and pain (helped by, and because of, the mental health statuses) in people with multiple sclerosis.