Massage Professionals Article Archive

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

There is no better time to experience and share the benefits of bodywork than when a woman is pregnant. Pregnancy is typically accompanied by discomfort as tendons and skin are stretched, weight is gained, the structural alignment of the body changes, hormones rage, organs are constricted and pressure on various body structures mount.

Here are twelve reasons to consider adding pre-natal massage to your repertoire:

1. Elimination of waste: Massage helps the body eliminate waste products through the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This elimination combats waste-promoting fatigue, which gives the expectant mother a much-needed energy surge.

2. Blood pressure control: By aiding circulation, massage eases the load on the expectant mother's heart, keeping her blood pressure under control and minimizing varicosities. Normal blood pressure is a critical component of a healthy pregnancy.

3. Reduce muscle discomfort: Muscular discomforts, such as cramping, tightening, stiffness, sciatica tension and knots are typical during pregnancy. Massage's circulatory effect can minimize the increased pressure on weight-bearing joints.

4. Hormonal balancing: Massage has been proven to reduce stress hormone levels, which can relieve depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety are typical during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, new expectations and fears about parenting.

5. Headache and sinus relief: Perhaps due to the increased blood flow to mucus membranes that occurs with pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience headaches and sinus congestion. Appropriately stimulated acupressure points on the head and face can provide significant relief for these discomforts.

6. Edema reduction: By stimulating lymphatic drainage, massage can help the body accommodate and process the excessive water in a pregnant woman's tissues. Lower leg edema and swollen ankles are typical examples of excessive water build-up during pregnancy.

7. Fetus nourishment: Through massage's function to increase systemic blood circulation, an increase in oxygen and nutrients can reach the fetal cells. This results in better nourishment and a greater index of health for the unborn baby.

8. Increases flexibility: While pregnancy hormones relax tendons and ligaments to accommodate a growing belly, the addition of massage can relax the accompanying muscles. Muscle relaxation has many benefits to an expectant mother, including a decrease in muscular cramps and increased flexibility facilitating the birth process.

9. Body image transformation: The psychological impact of an expecting mother's changing body can be one of the most challenging parts of her pregnancy. The non-verbal communication of touch therapy can be vital to her emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image.

10. Sleep support: One of the perks massage offers is sleep enhancement, thanks to its soothing and relaxing effect. This dissolution of nervous tension facilitates deep and restful sleep, a luxury most pregnant women would do anything to achieve.

11. During labor: Appropriately applied massage during a birth can reduce low back pain and labor pain. Many midwives and birth doulas use varying massage techniques during labor and birth.

12. After birth: After the delivery, massage can help a fatigued woman recover quickly, encourage structural realignment, restore abdominal integrity, facilitate healing after a cesarean section, regain her strength, relieve strain from caring for the new baby and ease postpartum stress.

An August 2006 published study demonstrates that the regular administration of massage from 36 weeks of pregnancy until birth greatly reduced the mother's perception of labor pain, thus reducing the amount of anesthesia requested during labor.

Another study reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology evaluated massage's effect on pregnant women. Researchers found that a 20-minute massage, twice a week resulted in reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep, less back pain and fewer complications during labor.

Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman's body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways. Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, and also nurtures the new life growing within her. Habitual massage improves posture, muscle tone and flexibility, all of which train the body for labor. By helping the body cope with all of the imminent body changes occurring, regular bodywork, can cause an expectant mother to have a more positive pregnancy and labor experience.

Earn continuing education credit for this article contained in our Women & Massage - Menstruation Through Menopause series. Click here to enroll.

Recommended study: Prenatal Massage

References:

Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., KuhPrn, C. & Burman, I., Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20, 31-38, 1999.

Nabb MT, Kimber L, Haines A, McCourt C, A Feasibility study to investigate a programme of massage, controlled breathing and visualization, from 36 weeks of pregnancy until birth, Complement Ther Clin Pract, August, 2006.

www6.miami.edu/touch-research/Massage.htm, Pregnancy, Touch Research Institute, 2006.

www.pregnancytoday.com, The Art of Prenatal Massage, Kelly Lott, RMT, iParenting, LLC, 2004.

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

According to findings published in the August issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, more than fifty percent of the U.S. population is sensitive to one or more allergens. Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, found that 54.3% of individuals aged 6-59 years old demonstrated a positive allergic response to at least one of the ten most common allergens.

Symptoms
An allergic reaction to any given substance can be either local or systemic. Some typical local responses to allergens include:

• Swelling and itching of the nasal mucosa, including a stuffy or runny nose
• Eye redness, burning and itching
• Pain or fullness of the ears
• Various skin rashes
• Headaches

A systemic allergic response is called anaphylaxis. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, anaphylaxis can include:

• Bronchoconstriction
• Edema
• Hypotension
• Coma
• Death

Immunity and Allergy Link
The immune system is primarily responsible for someone’s susceptibility to allergies. The role of the immune system’s lymphocytes is to protect our bodies from invaders. To disarm a harmful substance, lymphocytes produce antibodies specific to the foreign invader it encounters. Allergies are the result of the immune system mistakenly tagging a normally benign substance as foreign and producing antibodies to that substance, triggering an allergic response.

Stress Weakens Immunity
Humans are constantly exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses, but are able to resist infection with the help of a strong immune system. It is a well-documented fact that stress lowers a person’s immunity. Most of us recognize feeling ‘run-down’ or ‘stressed-out’ as a product of not taking care of ourselves properly with enough sleep, proper nutrition, etc. From a physiological perspective, the stress and immune system relationship has many ties. Two examples are listed below:

• Stress increases the adrenal gland's production of cortisol, spurring the sympathetic nervous system to overproduce epinephrine and norepinephrine. An oversupply of these hormones reduces the immune system's effectiveness.

• Stress lowers the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a neurotransmitter that keeps air passageways open and prevents the brain from ordering an attack-the-allergens response.

How a Bodyworker can Help
A 2004 study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research demonstrated that regular and sustained massage sessions improve immune system function. This study concluded that the effects of long-term massage include reduced depression and hostility, as well as increased dopamine levels, serotonin values, natural killer cell number, and lymphocytes. In another study by Gail Ironson, M.D., regular massage treatments resulted in an increase in serotonin and natural killer cells. Serotonin and natural killer cells are often viewed as the first line of defense in the immune system. While these studies represent a narrow aspect of the human immune system, they do demonstrate massage therapy’s capability of supporting and improving immune system health and function.

Some specific techniques massage therapists can utilize to reduce the impact of a client’s stress level and strengthen their immunity to combat allergies are:

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Manual manipulation and draining of the lymph system directly supports immune system function, and can have a powerful effect in reducing a person’s allergic response.

Abdominal Massage – Manual manipulation of the abdomen contributes to a properly operating gastrointestinal system. Many schools of thought endorse gastrointestinal health as the foundation of the immune system.

Swedish Massage – Swedish massage techniques are well-reputed for encouraging relaxation and dissipating stress. These effects reduce the load on an immune system, rendering it more capable of optimum functioning.

Aromatherapy – While specific requirements must be met to safely practice with essential oils, using aromatherapy to strengthen immunity or reduce allergic symptoms can be of enormous therapeutic benefit. Three examples include:

1. Cedarwood oil is deeply relaxing to the bronchial area, slows down rapid breathing in asthma, calms allergic reactions and helps the chest muscles relax to open the lungs for more air.

2. Chamomile essential oil is particularly soothing and can help topically for allergic skin reactions.

3. While typically known as soothing and calming, lavender oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is useful for allergies by helping reduce stress and calming symptoms of an inflammatory allergic response.

With half of the U.S. population suffering from mild to severe allergies, the ability to support allergy-prone clients can add tremendous value to a massage therapist’s practice. By learning and incorporating the techniques listed above, bodyworkers can rightfully take their place in the world of allergy and immunology.

Suggested Study:
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Swedish Massage
Aromatherapy

References:

Hernandez-Reif M, Ironson G, Field T, et al, Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy, J Psychosomatic Research, July 2004.

www.allergymagazine.com, Scents that will Soothe your Allergies, PSP Communications, 2005.

www.healthy.net, More Than Half the U.S. Population is Sensitive to One or More Allergens, HealthyWorld Online, August 4, 2006.

www.healthy.net, Supporting the Immune System with Massage, Eileen Bristol, RMT, HealthWorld Online, 2006.

www.peacefulmind.com, Allergies, Peacefulmind.com, 2006.

www.prevention.com, Ease Stress to Relieve Allergies, Rick Ansorge, Eric Metcalf, and the editors of Prevention Health Books, Rodale, Inc. 2006.

www.wikipedia.com, Allergy, Wikipedia, 2006.

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

The explosion of research centering on the benefits offered by massage therapy clearly demonstrates the modality’s ability to reduce fatigue:

• As published in Alternative Therapies for Health and Medicine, hospital nursing and physician staff members were provided massage therapy, relaxation therapy and music therapy. All of these therapies significantly reduced anxiety, depression and fatigue as well as increased vigor.

• As published in the Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experienced a reduction in depressed mood, fatigue, anxiety and stress hormone (cortisol) levels immediately following massage therapy.

• As published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, massage therapy (as compared to transcutaneous electrical stimulation) improved sleep patterns and decreased pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and cortisol levels in adults with fibromyalgia.

• As published in the Journal of Nursing Research, acupressure followed by leg massage eases fatigue and depression in people with end-stage renal disease.

Acupressure for Fatigue
While there are just as many variations of fatigue as there are ways to help it, acupressure provides a solid theoretical basis and effective means for its treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine thoroughly chronicles and seeks to balance energy flow within the body’s meridians. This intricate system of healing has been thoroughly studied and relied upon by acupuncturists, but massage therapists performing acupressure can also utilize this vast pool of therapeutic information.

Traditional Chinese Medicine discovered that when performed excessively, certain activities strain the energetic balance in specific meridians. This strain can result in weakened immunity and fatigue. Administering acupressure to specific points along these meridians can correct the offending imbalance and increase the client’s energy.

According to Michael Reed Gach, PhD’s book, Acupressure’s Potent Points, the following activities can result in fatigue:

• Excessive standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the following points:

Bladder 23 – located approximately two-finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

Bladder 52 – located approximately four-finger widths lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebrae, on the quadratus lumborum muscle.

Kidney 27 – located in the depression on the lower border of the clavicle, approximately three finger widths lateral to the sternum.

Kidney 3 – located in the depression between the medial malleolus and tendo-calcaneus, level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

• Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, contributing to fatigue, anemia and digestive disorders. To restore these meridians, stimulate the following points:

Stomach 36 - located four finger breadths below the eye of the knee, one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, in the tibialis anterior muscle.

Spleen 6 – located four finger breadths directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia.

• Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can cause fatigue, respiration difficulties and elimination problems. To restore these meridians, stimulate the following points:

Large Intestine 4 – located in the web on the dorsum of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side. Note: This point is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Large Intestine 11 – When the elbow is flexed, in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease, midway between the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the biceps brachii tendon.

• Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, causing fatigue. Pressure or tapping on the following can restore balance in these meridians:

Conception Vessel 17 – located on the anterior midline, level with the fourth intercostal space, on the sternum.

Heart 3 to 7 – runs along the palmar aspect of the forearm, in a line from Heart 7 (the ulnar end of the transverse wrist crease, on the radial side of the tendon flexor carpi ulnaris), to Heart 3 (in the depression between the medial end of the transverse cubital crease and the medial epicondyle of the humerus).

• Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps, spasms and fatigue. To restore these meridians, stimulate the following points:

Liver 3 – located in the web on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones.

Gallbladder 34 – located in the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Asking the proper questions of a client during an intake interview can reveal excessive activities in their lifestyle that may be creating a fatigue-causing imbalance. For example, a client experiencing fatigue who sits at a computer all day likely has imbalances in the spleen, stomach, heart and small intestine meridians. Applying acupressure to the points most likely to balance these meridians could provide enormous therapeutic benefit. Massage therapists can take advantage of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s knowledge in a hands-on, healing manner to conquer the typical clinical struggle with fatigue.

References:

Field, T., Quintino, O., Henteleff, T., Wells-Keife, L., & Delvecchio-Feinberg, G., Job stress reduction therapies, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 1997.

Field, T, Sunshine, W., Hernandez-Reif, M., Quintino, O., Schanberg, S., Kuhn, C., & Burman, I. Chronic fatigue syndrome: Massage therapy effects on depression and somatic symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome, Journal of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 1997.

Gach, Michael Reed, PhD, “Acupressure’s Potent Points”, Bantam Books, 1990.
Liangyue, Deng, et al., “Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion”, Foreign Languages Press, Beijuing, 1987.

Rho, Yi-Ching, RN, Shiow-Luan Tsay, RN, PhD, Acupressure for Fatigue and Depression in End-Stage Renal Disease, Journal of Nursing Research, 2004.

Sunshine, W., Field, T., Schanberg, S., Quintino, O., Fierro, K., Kuhn, C., Burman, I., and Schanberg, S., Fibromyalgia benefits from massage therapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 1996.

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Health Forum, a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association on behalf of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), administers a bi-annual poll of hospitals across the United States regarding the programs they offer. The 2006 results of this survey demonstrate that the number of hospitals offering massage therapy has increased by more than 33 percent in a two-year span. As hospitals represent the epitome of allopathic medicine, this surge represents how alternative medicine, and specifically massage therapy, has been accepted into mainstream health care in the United States.

This survey discovered that massage therapy is among the most popular complementary and alternative medical therapies offered in hospitals. Of the 1,007 hospitals that responded to the survey, 82 percent offering complementary and alternative medicine include massage among their care options. Seventy-one percent of hospitals with massage therapy programs offer massage for patient stress management and comfort, while 67 percent claim the utilization of massage therapy for pain management. Fifty-two percent say they provide massage for cancer patients and 67 percent offer massage to their staff for stress management. According to the survey, hospitals also use massage therapy for:

• Improving mobility and movement (52 percent)
• Pregnancy (51 percent)
• Part of physical therapy regimen (50 percent)
• Hospice or end-of-life care (37 percent)
• Edema (33 percent)
• Infants (24 percent)
• Post-operative care (25 percent)
• Pre-operative care (17 percent)

The effectiveness of massage therapy in alleviating the symptoms of a number of medical conditions has been demonstrated in on-going research and clinical studies. Massage has been proven effective in boosting the body’s immune system, reducing blood pressure, alleviating post-operative pain, easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reducing chronic back pain. Recent studies have also associated massage therapy with substantial relief of symptoms in cancer patients, such as pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea, and depression.

The following four suggestions will help bodyworkers prepare for working within a hospital environment:

1. Learn an energetic modality. The medications and conditions belonging to many hospital patients place circulatory and deep tissue restrictions on bodywork. The Institute’s Healing Energy and Touch distance learning course is based on an energetic massage method developed for the ill and elderly. For additional guidance, consult the textbook Massage for the Hospital Patient and Medically Frail Client.

2. Become familiar with as many massage contraindications as possible. Since communicating with physicians is a must within a hospital setting, speaking intelligently about safety precautions will only improve the trust both the patient and physician have in your services. Additionally, knowing when to stop and provide a referral to a doctor helps you uphold the ‘do no harm’ oath. The Institute’s Deep Vein Thrombosis distance learning course is an excellent step along this path.

3. Study your client’s medications. Pharmaceutical drugs can significantly impact massage. Since a majority of hospital patients take medications, a handy reference tool such as the Pharmacology Guide for Massage Therapy can help you make educated choices for the ideal massage strokes based on a client’s medications.

4. Protect yourself emotionally. Some very intense situations can arise when working in a hospital setting. You may work with people who are very sick and have extreme depression. Read the article, The Four Steps of Energetic Separation for Bodyworkers to become familiar with maintaining boundaries when working with this population.

As the number of hospitals offering massage therapy increases, so does the opportunity for employment in these well-established institutions. The skills to succeed as a hospital massage therapist lay only in the concentrated effort to enhance one’s education. Whether consulting relevant articles, enrolling in continuing education courses or referencing a book or guide, the resources available to bodyworkers to help meet the increasing demand for hospital massage therapists are plentiful.

Recommended Study:
Healing Energy and Touch
Pharmacology for Massage
Deep Vein Thrombosis

References:

Engebretson, Julie, Studying the Benefits of Massage for Advanced Cancer Patients, Massage Today, May 2006.

Feather, Kathryn, Hospitals Starting to Recognize the Value of Massage Therapy, Massage Today, May 2006.

www.massagemag.com, Hospital-Based Massage Grows by 30 Percent,
Massage Magazine Inc., 2006.

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

The irritation and inflammation associated with this condition is typically caused by repeated tendon friction caused by excessive use of the thumb. Those at risk for developing a repetitive stress injury typically partake in the following:

• Awkward or unnatural body posture. Each joint in the body has a neutral position, where staying within its range of motion is least likely to cause injury. Any deviation from the neutral position puts increased strain on body tissues.
• Use of excessive force to perform a task. Examples of excessive force are pounding on piano keys or hammering harder than necessary to drive nails.
• Extended periods of static work. Static work requires muscular effort without movement taking place. Instead of the circulation created from movement, static work contracts muscles, preventing blood from reaching tissues to nourish cells and carry away waste products. Over time, this lack of circulation causes muscle tissue to lose its ability to repair microtraumas. Examples of static work include sitting at a desk for long hours, holding the arms overhead to paint a ceiling and repeated text messaging. This last example of static work is why de Quervain’s is becoming more commonly referred to as Blackberry Thumb.

Symptoms
Symptoms of de Quervain's include:

• Radial pain or soreness upon thumb or wrist movement from the thumb to the forearm. Pinching, grasping and similar movements may aggravate the pain.
• Pain when a fist is made.
• Swelling and tenderness at the base of the thumb and the radial side of the wrist.
• Feeling or hearing squeaking (crepitus) as the thumb’s tendon slides through its sheath.
• Numbness in the back of the thumb and index finger, caused by the swollen tendon rubbing on a nerve.
• A fluid-filled cyst in the same region as the swelling and pain.
• Difficulty moving the thumb and wrist during activities involving grasping or pinching.

In reference to de Quervain’s tendonitis, Alan Hedge, the director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, says "Eventually you get to the point where you won't be able to grip anything. Your ability to grip an object depends very much on the thumb -- the thumb is the most powerful of the digits, so when movement of the thumb becomes painful you can't hold on to things."

Specialized Test
While orthopedic diagnosis is outside a massage therapist’s scope of practice, being familiar with the Finkelstein test physicians use for de Quervain’s evaluation can be useful. Conduction of the Finkelstein test is done by asking the client to fold their thumb across the palm of the affected hand and then bend the fingers over the thumb. A person with de Quervain's will experience sharp pain when the wrist is bent toward the ulnar side. Feeling pain about three inches above the forearm may indicate a condition called intersection syndrome. This is similar to de Quervain's tenosynovitis, but affects a different area of the wrist and requires different treatment.

Treatment
Depending on the type of practitioner seen and the severity of the de Quervain’s, many treatment options exist. Typically, combinations of the following ten options are recruited:

1. Resting the thumb. This allows for microtrauma healing and inflammation recovery. Complete rest should last no longer than two to three days, because range of motion and muscle strength must be maintained.

2. Thermal Application. Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and inflammation or gentle heat to increase circulation.

3. Medicine. Taking an anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Injections. Corticosteroids may be injected into the area by a physician to lower inflammation and swelling. In some cases, local anesthetics may also be given by injection.

5. Splinting. Wearing a splint covering the wrist and thumb protects the area from aggravating activity.

6. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS involves the use of a patient-controlled portable device that sends mild electrical impulses through injured tissues via electrodes placed over the skin. It is reported to relieve pain in 75–80% of patients treated for repetitive motion disorders.

7. Surgery. Severe cases may require surgical intervention for nerve decompression, tendon release, and repair of loose or torn ligaments.

8. Acupuncture. Studies funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) since 1998 have found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain related to repetitive motion disorders.

9. Massage. Most effective for de Quervain’s are techniques found in sports massage, Swedish massage, shiatsu and neuromuscular therapy. Massage increases the circulation that stagnates in static injuries, increases the thumb and wrist’s range of motion and can breakdown scar tissue contributing to pain and numbness.

10. Physical Therapy. Rehabilitative exercises and stretches help speed recovery and prevent re-injury.

Prevention
Similar to most repetitive stress injuries, some suggestions for preventing de Quervain’s includes:

• Taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.
• Regularly engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises for the wrists and hands.
• Adopting an ergonomic work environment.
• Practicing proper wrist alignment and posture during all daily tasks.
• Avoiding repeated keystrokes with only one thumb (practice ambidexterity).

Technology
The burgeoning text messaging and video game markets are spawning millions of new de Quervain’s cases. As technology creates smaller devices for us to master, the accompanying repetitive motion injuries involve smaller, more specific locations. While computers are infamous for their propensity towards carpal tunnel syndrome, the miniaturization of products has coined the terms ‘Blackberry thumb’, ‘nintendonitis’ and ‘iPod finger’.

Entrepreneurs are recognizing this trend and using creativity to bring therapeutic massage to those who need it. Several Hyatt Regency Spas across the country are now offering Blackberry Thumb Massage for their guests. A hotel news release describes a session; “First, hands are warmed up with soothing rocks and an aroma hot towel. Next, kneading and compressions loosen muscles and warm oil is applied with firm strokes. The therapist then kneads and stretches deltoids, biceps, triceps, flexors and extensors, and uses an acupressure massage technique on hands and arms. The 30-minute treatment culminates with an aroma hot towel cleanse on each hand.'”

As of yet, there are no detailed statistics on how many people are suffering from this condition but doctors are reporting seeing a significant increase in de Quervain’s. The American Society of Hand Therapists has issued a consumer alert, warning users of small gadgets that heavy thumb use can lead to swelling of the sheath around the tendons in the thumb.

Being familiar with the terminology, symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention will aid massage therapists in recognizing this repetitive motion injury. While you may not wish to replicate the Hyatt’s ingenious approach to thumb pain, awareness of technology’s thumb tapping repercussions may spur you to create the ultimate in Blackberry Thumb bodywork relief.

Recommended Study:
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
Shiatsu Anma
Neuromuscular Therapy

References:

www.abcnews.go.com, Spa Offers Relief for Blackberry Thumb, Jonathan Silverstein, 12/22/05, ABC News Internet Ventures, 2006.

www.answers.com, Repetitive Motion Disorders, The Gale Group Inc., 2005.

www.blackberrycool.com, Hyatt Introduces Massage for Blackberry Thumb Sufferers, BlackBerry Cool, April 3, 2006.

www.ergocise.com, Pinpoint Your Pain, ergocise.com, 2006.

www.holisticmatters.net, New Technology Brings New Physical Issues, Gini Maddocks, holisticmatters.net, 2006.

www.innerwestmassage.com.au, Blackberry Thumb!, innerwestmassage.com.au, 2006.

www.mayoclinic.com, De Quervain's Tenosynovitis, Mayo Clinic Staff, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, April 4, 2006.

www.med.umich.edu, De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis, Pierre Rouzier, MD, McKesson Corporation, 2005.

By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

The last ten years has brought great advancements to the healthcare industry. Due to medical research’s undeniable and reproducible results, many allopathic physicians now study and recommend various complementary therapies to patients. The increased acceptance of integrated medicine will lead patients to receive a single, customized treatment employing more than one modality. Massage therapists and other health practitioners who wish to learn and practice multiple modalities will lead this evolution of healing.

Guiding Principles
The primary principles directing massage therapists is analogous to many other healthcare professions. Differing only in the tools used and the tissues affected, bodyworkers of all kinds – including chiropractors, acupuncturists, osteopaths and physical therapists – generally practice according to the following guiding principles:

• Enhance circulation
• Foster relaxation
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Decrease inflammation

Once these healthcare professionals all recognize these shared principles, then medical breakthroughs will follow.

Integration
When cleaning a dirty floor, the best results occur from a combined approach, consisting of dusting, mopping and maybe even waxing. In this example, simply vacuuming up any loose debris could be considered the bare minimum when it comes to actual cleanliness. Similar to solving any challenge, people suffering from a certain malady typically experience a quicker resolution when the challenge is approached from more than one perspective. It is this premise that the value of integrative medicine rests.

Topicals
Techniques such as effleurage, percussion, acupressure and neuromuscular therapy all increase circulation. Combining this style of work with an herbal topical preparation whose purpose is also to enhance circulation instantly magnifies the therapeutic aim of the treatment.

Many natural herbs contain circulation-enhancing properties. Aromatherapists and herbalists are just two of the professions familiar with the substances that can be used topically to create this effect. In addition to matching the client’s needs, there are several factors to consider when choosing the ideal topical preparation:

1. Skin sensitivity: Be aware of any skin sensitivity for your chosen product. Some ingredients may irritate the skin, while others may render it photosensitive.

2. Ease of use: Having a topical preparation already prepared and conveniently dispensable will save the therapist time and effort.

3. Residue presence: Applications that rub in completely, are greaseless and non-staining are preferable for both therapists and clients. These characteristics prevent interrupting the practitioner’s tactile maneuverability due to slippage, ruining clients’ clothing and making clients’ skin oily.

4. Balanced formula: While each herbal ingredient has unique therapeutic properties, striking the right balance is critical for optimal results. Excessive amounts of one herb may be overly stimulating, especially without the presence of a different herb to offset it.

Trusted Choice
Taking the above factors into consideration, the Institute has searched far and wide for the topical preparations educated massage professionals seek. Herbal Heat and Herbal Ice are two formulations derived from Ayurvedic medicine’s rich herbal knowledge base. Both of these topical preparations are in an easy-to-use gel form, do not leave any residue, are not oily and consist of expertly balanced formulas.

Herbal Heat is a blend of eucalyptus (an excellent carrier to enhance skin absorption), wintergreen (reduces inflammation), clove and ginger (both of which block pain signals and increase muscular circulation). Without causing skin discomfort typical of a topical promoting blood flow, this gel relaxes and warms muscles while effectively enhancing circulation.

Herbal Ice is a blend of menthol (a cooling agent), cinnamon (an invigorating agent) and tea tree oil (a tissue healing enhancement agent), to assist with the reduction of muscle inflammation. This particular formula is helpful to clients suffering from an inflammatory response or those enduring vigorous and deep massage.

Choosing the right topical products contributes to the motion towards integrative medicine. Using a gel such as Herbal Ice on a client who recently incurred a soft tissue injury will assist your efforts in reducing muscle inflammation and encouraging healing. Using Herbal Heat on a person with chronic muscular pain will magnify the effectiveness of your massage strokes to enhance blood circulation and reduce pain. Herbal Heat and Herbal Ice are just two examples of well-designed topical preparations ideal for incorporating into massage therapy.

Practitioners of various healing methods are discovering the value to their practice and clients when drawing on tools within their legal scope of practice, yet outside their normal routine. Combining the effectiveness of massage therapy with the knowledge of herbal topical applications will lead your work into the next realm of integrative medicine.

Recommended Study:

Fibromyalgia and Massage
Neuromuscular Therapy