Institute for Integrative Healthcare Studies

The Art and Science of Palpation

Editors — 2009-11-10T10:25:49-05:00

While seasoned massage therapists may take their sense of touch for granted, those newer to the profession quickly learn that palpating human tissue is no simple task. In addition to thoroughly comprehending anatomical structure, 13 exercises are suggested to help therapists recognize the tangible differences between body parts.

Shingles: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Editors — 2009-11-09T13:58:55-05:00

If you have ever had shingles, or know someone who has gotten it, you will understand just how painful and uncomfortable it can be. Most massage therapists will not see an active case in their office, as the discomfort is so great that a person can experience excruciating pain merely from the weight of light clothing or even just a breeze blowing across his or her body. Discover how massage can help as a preventative therapy, reducing the severity and extent of symptoms, as well as learn about some home remedies that can be of great benefit.

A Massage Therapist's Guide for a Hyperextended Knee

Editors — 2009-11-05T10:28:42-05:00

Bodyworkers are better able to help their clients with a hyperextended knee when they understand which muscles to focus on and what activities could aggravate the problem further.

Shiatsu for Boosting Fertility

Editors — 2009-11-03T10:50:52-05:00

Discover why Shiatsu is a viable addition or alternative to Western medicine's infertility treatment.

Appendicitis Review for Bodyworkers

Editors — 2009-10-19T11:19:41-05:00

Appendicitis is an urgent situation where every minute counts. Reviewing its signs best prepares massage therapists to recognize this emergency.

Four Ways Massage Therapy Helps Sinusitis Sufferers

Editors — 2009-10-16T15:54:57-05:00

Discover four different techniques that massage therapists can utilize to help decrease the pain, pressure and congestion characteristic of chronic sinusitis.

Why Bodyworkers Must Know About Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Editors — 2009-10-15T11:32:21-05:00

A breast self-exam is insufficient for detecting inflammatory breast cancer. Since most people are unaware of its symptoms, massage therapists who recognize a potential case of inflammatory breast cancer may make a life-saving referral to an affected client.

Editor's Note: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about this important event by visiting: http://www.nbcam.org/

When Clients Mix Drugs and Supplements Without Supervision

Editors — 2009-10-02T14:18:09-05:00

A recent study revealed how many people dangerously mix incompatible drugs and supplements. By keeping an eye out for six of the most common risky combinations, massage therapists can direct clients toward the guidance that could potentially save their lives.

Techniques for Releasing the Pronator Teres

Editors — 2009-10-01T10:08:32-05:00

Although this muscle is buried in the forearm musculature, repetitive motion injuries often cause pronator teres hypertonicity. By applying specific techniques to the pronator teres, bodyworkers can stop it from compressing the median nerve, thus relieving a great deal of suffering.

The Rewards of Working With the Developmentally Disabled

Editors — 2009-09-29T10:18:37-05:00

Whether in private practice or in a multi-therapist setting, the clients we most often see are relatively healthy. They are able to ask for and consent to receiving massage therapy. But there is a much underserved population, those who must have their everyday needs taken care of by others, and are classified by society as developmentally disabled. Learn how the simple act of compassionate and caring touch helps those who can't help themselves.

Heads Up for Bodyworkers: Gluten Sensitivity on the Rise

Editors — 2009-09-28T10:19:09-05:00

More and more people are finding that gluten-containing foods are responsible for their health complaints. Practitioners who know the signs of gluten sensitivity can guide potentially affected clients to get help - and will be better aware of how they can avoid aggravating this common problem.

Recognizing and Treating Lyme Disease

Editors — 2009-09-15T15:42:35-05:00

Although Lyme disease was first identified in 1975, it is still classified as an emerging infectious disease. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere with the greatest number of reported cases in the Northeastern states, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn more about this disease and how complementary treatment can assist in healing from it.

What You Need to Know About Essential Oils and Cancer Treatment

Editors — 2009-09-11T12:19:57-05:00

Many people with cancer turn to aromatherapy to help them as they receive radiation or chemotherapy. However, safely applying essential oils means avoiding their potential for negatively interacting with a client's medical treatment.

Setting the Scalenes Straight

Editors — 2009-09-10T14:53:04-05:00

Often bypassed due to their anatomical surroundings, the scalene muscles may be the source of upper body pain and numbness. Learn about four scalene-specific techniques that, when applied carefully, can bring clients great relief from these common problems.

Bodyworker's Pathology Review: Folliculitis

Editors — 2009-09-09T10:51:13-05:00

Although typically dismissed as a pimple, folliculitis has infectious potential. Learn more about the symptoms and different types of folliculitis, and find out how bodyworkers can properly address this skin condition.