Humans have a wide variety of tissues that comprise the human body. Most people associate massage therapy with the treatment of contractile tissues (tissues that can perform a contraction) which are muscles and tendons. Other tissues that do not have the ability to contract are referred to as non-contractile. A skilled massage therapist should be …
Massage and Energy
Traditional massage practitioners, and most of the Western medical community, cringe (or laugh) when they see the word energy associated with anything other than their electric bill. Fear not. The intention of this article is not to sway you from your current methodology to quit your practice and chant for 8 hours per day. Even …
Choosing The Best Continuing Education
In the early winter of 2004 I received an invitation to train in the ancient bodywork modality of Tuina in China. After searching for and then researching “Tuina” through Google I was more than intrigued (‘Tuina’ or ‘Tui Na’ is Chinese manual bodywork therapy and a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine). However, my immediate desire …
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Part 3)
A variety of techniques performed by a properly trained massage therapist can alleviate the symptoms of CTS without an invasive and painful treatment method. The fascia, muscles, tendons, and retinaculum can all be manually manipulated over the course of several sessions to naturally allow the space within the carpal tunnel to increase in size, thus …
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Part 2)
Many sufferers of CTS elect for surgery as a treatment for their condition… expecting a permanent solution. Unfortunately, a high percentage of surgical procedures fail. The procedure usually entails removing the excess volume of the overworked tendons at the wrist to allow for more space in between the structures. In theory this process seems perfectly …
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Part 1)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition where the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This compression leads to paresthesia (“pins and needles”), neuralgia (“electrical/shooting pain”), and weakness in the hand. The ‘Tunnel’ is the space in between all of the tendons, nerves, and blood vessels at the base of the hand, just past …
More Than Rubbing Muscles
Picture the water of a flowing stream in the mountains; the water is clear and pristine. Now picture a bog or swamp in the Everglades; the ‘water’ is murky, diluted, and loaded with bacteria. This analogy is a direct correlation as to the inside of the human body. The average person’s body is comprised of …
Massage With Purpose
Properly trained massage therapists are not just taught a series of techniques to make a client ‘feel good’. Fundamental principles of bodywork should be used to enhance proper function and promote internal wellness while simultaneously providing relaxation. Several factors including depth of pressure, speed, and directions of strokes are all calculated for specific purposes. Techniques …