Jan
20
2012
Dr. Joe Muscolino is a chiropractor in private practice and has been a massage therapy educator for 25 years. He explains and teaches these techniques simply, clearly, and thoroughly! This DVD is a must for all manual therapists: massage therapists, structural integration practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, chiropractic and osteopathic physicians.
Joint mobilization is an extremely powerful and effective technique, and should be added to your tool box of treatment techniques. For clients who present with specific segmental spinal hypomobilities, it is the only treatment technique available to massage therapists that can remedy their condition.
Now available at: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/dvd/joint_mobilization_back.htm
Jan
20
2012
“The Dynamic Body textbook seeks to reflect current understanding and knowledge from innovators and leaders in biomechanics, fascial anatomy, functional movement, and manipulative therapy. Their work has invoked a renewed passion for an integrated clinical model that reinforces the inherent partnership of human structure and function. Working closely with individuals of this caliber over the years has been my reward.” Erik Dalton
Now available at: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/dvd/mat/dynamic_body.htm
Authors:
Erik Dalton . . . with 16 of the biggest names in manual therapy:
- Judith Aston
- Craig Liebenson
- Art Riggs
- Til Luchau
- Aaron Mattes
- Robert Schleip
- Gil Hedley
- Tom Myers
- Divo G. Muller
- Serge Gracovetsky
- Robert Irvin
- James Waslaski
- Jerry Hesch
- Aline Newton
- Adjo Zorn
- Kai Hodeck
Full Colour 400 pages
“We’re excited to have the innovative work of so many renowned practitioners within one book,” says Erik Dalton, “This is one of the few books to present a global model for blending past, present and future therapeutic approaches across multiple disciplines.”
With Dynamic Body, Dalton hopes clinicians will be encouraged to consider a more holistic approach to rehabilitation, one that incorporates knowledge from a broad spectrum of sources.
“Humans are not simple machines, and choosing a single approach to assessment and treatment can hinder our ability to best meet each client’s needs,” Dalton says. “What we must keep in mind is that the torso, pelvis, legs, and arms never act alone, but always in harmony with the rest of the body.”
Inside Dynamic Body, readers will discover each author’s unique perspective on structure and functional movement, along with intriguing insights on topics ranging from pain and sacral torsion to fascia and self-care.
Now available at: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/dvd/mat/dynamic_body.htm
Jan
20
2012
J Sport Rehabil. 2011 Dec 30. [Epub ahead of print]
Deep Friction Massage for the Treatment of Tendinopathy: A systematic review of a classic treatment in the face of a new paradigm of understanding.
Source
Physical Therapy Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To assess the efficacy of deep friction massage (DFM) in the treatment of tendinopathy through systematic review of the research literature.
CONTEXT:
Anecdotal evidence supports the efficacy of DFM for the treatment of tendinopathy. An advanced understanding of the etiopathogenesis of tendinopathy and the resultant paradigm shift away from an active inflammatory model has taken place since the popularization of the DFM technique by Cyriax for the treatment of “tendinitis.” However, increasing mechanical load to the tendinopathic tissue as well as reducing pathologic fibrinogenesis and crosslinking during the healing process via transverse massage offers a plausible explanation for observed responses in light of the contemporary understanding of tendinopathy. EVIDENCE ACQUSITION: We surveyed research papers in all languages by searching Pubmed, Scopus, Pedro, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Library using the terms deep friction massage, deep tissue massage, deep transverse massage, Cyriax, soft tissue mobilization, soft tissue mobilisation, cross friction massage, transverse friction massage. We included four randomized comparison trials (RCT); three at the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and one supraspinatous outlet tendinopathy, two non-randomized comparison trials; both receiving DFM at the ECRB, and three prospective non-comparison trials; supraspinatus, ECRB and achilles tendons. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were assessed based upon PEDro and CEBM rating scales (Table 1).
RESULTS:
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS:
The heterogeneity of dependent measures did not allow for Meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION:
The varied location, study design, etiopathogenesis and outcome tools used to examine the efficacy of DFM make a unified conclusion tenuous. There is some evidence of benefit at the elbow in combination with a Mills manipulation, as well as for supraspinatous tendinopathy in the presence of outlet impingement and along with joint mobilization. The examination of DFM as a single modality of treatment in comparison to other methods and control has not been undertaken and therefore its isolated efficacy has not been established.
Jan
20
2012
A new study from University of Vermont studied the role played by nonspecialized connective tissues in chronic non-specific low back pain. In a recent ultrasound study, human subjects with chronic low back pain had altered connective tissue structure compared to human subjects without low back pain, suggesting the presence of inflammation and/or fibrosis in the low back pain subjects. Mechanical input in the form of static tissue stretch has been shown in vitro and in vivo to have anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. To better understand the pathophysiology of lumbar nonspecialized connective tissue as well as potential mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of tissue stretch, the scientists including Dr. Helen Langevin, developed a carrageenan-induced inflammation model in the low back of a rodent.
The authors showed induction of inflammation in the lumbar connective tissues resulted in altered gait, increased mechanical sensitivity of the tissues of the low back, and local macrophage infiltration. Mechanical input was then applied to this model as in vivo tissue stretch for 10 minutes twice a day for 12 days. In vivo tissue stretch mitigated the inflammation-induced changes leading to restored stride length and intrastep distance, decreased mechanical sensitivity of the back and reduced macrophage expression in the nonspecialized connective tissues of the low back.
This study highlights the need for further investigation into the contribution of connective tissue to low back pain and the need for a better understanding of how interventions involving mechanical stretch could provide maximal therapeutic benefit. This tissue stretch research is relevant to body-based treatments such as yoga or massage, and to some stretch techniques used with physical therapy.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22238664
Dec
3
2011
Muscle Energy Techniques: A Practical Guide for Physical Therapists
John Gibbon’s new book Muscle Energy Techniques is a must for practicing, professional or student manual therapists, providing one of the most up-to-date and in-depth insights into this increasingly popular technique. Muscle energy techniques (METs) are a form of osteopathic manipulative diagnosis and treatment in which the patient’s muscles are actively used on request, from a precisely controlled position.
Muscle Energy Techniques: A Practical Guide for Physical Therapists is relevant for anyone with an interest in manual therapy, and particularly those looking to expand and hone their skills. The book covers such topics as the theory of muscle energy techniques, muscle imbalances, core muscle relationships, and specific testing for muscle weakness. METs are unique in their application, as the patient provides the initial effort and the practitioner simply helps facilitate the process. The primary force is from the contraction of the patient’s muscles, which is then utilised to assist and correct the musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Available from: http://terrarosa.com.au/book/muscle_energy_technique.html
Dec
3
2011
Massage Therapist Practice: Start. Sustain. Succeed.
By Donald Q. Dillon
Massage Therapist Practice offers practical insight and experience for the practitioner working with other practitioners, wishing to generate secondary sources of income or preparing to retire and sell her/his practice. A comprehensive picture is painted of the massage profession’s past, present challenges and future opportunities, and an entire chapter is included particularly for the entry-level practitioner.
Available from: http://terrarosa.com.au/book/massage_therapist_practice.htm
Dec
3
2011
Neuroimage. 2011 Nov 10. [Epub ahead of print]
Pleasant human touch is represented in pregenual anterior cingulate cortex.
Lindgren L, Westling G, Brulin C, Lehtipalo S, Andersson M, Nyberg L.
Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Sweden; Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Umeå University Hospital, Sweden.
Abstract
Touch massage (TM) is a form of pleasant touch stimulation used as treatment in clinical settings and found to improve well-being and decrease anxiety, stress, and pain. Emotional responses reported during and after TM have been studied, but the underlying mechanisms are still largely unexplored. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) to test the hypothesis that the combination of human touch (i.e. skin-to-skin contact) with movement is eliciting a specific response in brain areas coding for pleasant sensations. The design included four different touch conditions; human touch with or without movement and rubber glove with or without movement. Force (2.5N) and velocity (1.5cm/s) were held constant across conditions. The pleasantness of the four different touch stimulations was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS-scale) and human touch was rated as most pleasant, particularly in combination with movement. The fMRI results revealed that TM stimulation most strongly activated the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC). These results are consistent with findings showing pgACC activation during various rewarding pleasant stimulations. This area is also known to be activated by both opioid analgesia and placebo. Together with these prior results, our finding furthers the understanding of the basis for positive TM treatment effects.
Dec
3
2011
The Role of Massage in Scar Management: A Literature Review.
Shin TM, Bordeaux JS.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center and School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Dermatol Surg. 2011 Nov 7. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02201.x.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Many surgeons recommend postoperative scar massage to improve aesthetic outcome, although scar massage regimens vary greatly.
OBJECTIVE:
To review the regimens and efficacy of scar massage.
METHODS:
PubMed was searched using the following key words: “massage” in combination with “scar,” or “linear,” “hypertrophic,” “keloid,” “diasta*,” “atrophic.” Information on study type, scar type, number of patients, scar location, time to onset of massage therapy, treatment protocol, treatment duration, outcomes measured, and response to treatment was tabulated.
RESULTS:
Ten publications including 144 patients who received scar massage were examined in this review. Time to treatment onset ranged from after suture removal to longer than 2 years. Treatment protocols ranged from 10 minutes twice daily to 30 minutes twice weekly. Treatment duration varied from one treatment to 6 months. Overall, 65 patients (45.7%) experienced clinical improvement based on Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale score, Vancouver Scar Scale score, range of motion, pruritus, pain, mood, depression, or anxiety. Of 30 surgical scars treated with massage, 27 (90%) had improved appearance or Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale score.
CONCLUSIONS:
The evidence for the use of scar massage is weak, regimens used are varied, and outcomes measured are neither standardized nor reliably objective, although its efficacy appears to be greater in postsurgical scars than traumatic or postburn scars. Although scar massage is anecdotally effective, there is scarce scientific data in the literature to support it.
Dec
3
2011
J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Nov 29. [Epub ahead of print]
Potential beneficial effects of whole-body vibration for muscle recovery following exercise.
Kosar AC, Putland J, Candow DG.
Source
Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4S 0A2.
Abstract
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an emerging strategy used by athletes and exercising individuals to potentially accelerate muscle recovery. WBV elicits involuntary muscle stretch reflex contractions leading to increased motor unit recruitment and synchronization of synergist muscles which may lead to greater training adaptations over time. Intense exercise training, especially eccentric muscle contractions, will inevitably lead to muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which may interfere with the maintenance of a planned training program. WBV before and after exercise is showing promising for attenuating muscle soreness and may be considered as an adjunct to traditional therapies (i.e. massage, cryotherapy) to accelerate muscle recovery.
Dec
3
2011
Man Ther. 2011 Oct;16(5):487-94. Epub 2011 May 12.
Physiological and clinical changes after therapeutic massage of the neck and shoulders.
Sefton JM, Yarar C, Carpenter DM, Berry JW.
Source
Neuromechanics Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5323, USA. jmsefton@auburn.edu
Abstract
Little is known regarding the physiological and clinical effects of therapeutic massage (TM) even though it is often prescribed for musculoskeletal complaints such as chronic neck pain. This study investigated the influence of a standardized clinical neck/shoulder TM intervention on physiological measures assessing α-motoneurone pool excitability, muscle activity; and the clinical measure of range of motion (ROM) compared to a light touch and control intervention. Flexor carpi radialis (FCR) α-motoneurone pool excitability (Hoffmann reflex), electromyography (EMG) signal amplitude of the upper trapezius during maximal muscle activity, and cervical ROM were used to assess possible physiological changes and clinical effects of TM. Sixteen healthy adults participated in three, 20 min interventions: control (C), light touch (LT) and therapeutic massage (TM). Analysis of Covariance indicated a decrease in FCR α-motoneurone pool excitability after TM, compared to both the LT (p = 0.0003) or C (p = 0.0007) interventions. EMG signal amplitude decreased after TM by 13% (p < 0.0001), when compared to the control, and 12% (p < 0.0001) as compared to LT intervention. The TM intervention produced increases in cervical ROM in all directions assessed: flexion (p < 0.0001), lateral flexion (p < 0.0001), extension (p < 0.0001), and rotation (p < 0.0001). TM of the neck/shoulders reduced the α-motoneurone pool excitability of the flexor carpi radialis after TM, but not after the LT or C interventions. Moreover, decreases in the normalized EMG amplitude during MVIC of the upper trapezius muscle; and increases in cervical ROM in all directions assessed occurred after TM, but not after the LT or C interventions.