Sep
5
2023
Baby massage ameliorates neonatal jaundice in full-term newborn infants
Chen, J., Sadakata, M. , Ishida, M. , Sekizuka, N. , Sayama, M.
Neonatal jaundice is a common physiological problem affecting over half of all full term and most preterm infants. Thus, newborn infants must be monitored for signs of hyperbilirubinemia to prevent acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. Evidence exists supporting the benefits of baby massage as a form of mild hand to skin contact, to increase neonatal physical and mental development. In the present study, the effects of gentle baby massage on neonatal jaundice in full term newborn infants were evaluated by a controlled clinical trial. The inclusion criteria of newborn neonates were as follows: (1) gestational age of 37 ~ 41 weeks, (2) birth weight of 2,800 ~ 3,600 g, (3) Apgar score at birth of 8 ~ 10, and (4) being a healthy neonate without neonatal asphyxia and hemolytic condition. Breastfed newborns without phototherapy were included: 20 in the massage group and 22 in the control group. We found the mean stool frequency of the massaged infants on day 1 and day 2 (4.6 and 4.3) was significantly higher than that of the control group (3.3 and 2.6) (p < 0.05). The transcutaneous bilirubin levels on the second to fifth day and serum total bilirubin levels on fourth day were significantly decreased in the massage group, compared to the control group. In conclusion, baby massage at an early stage after birth could reduce neonatal bilirubin levels. We suggest baby massage is beneficial for ameliorating neonatal jaundice.
Sep
5
2023
The relationship between hip abductor muscle strength and iliotibial band tightness in individuals with low back pain
Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010, 18:1doi:10.1186/1746-1340-18-1
Background
Shortening of the iliotibial band (ITB) has been considered to be associated with low back pain (LBP). It is theorized that ITB tightness in individuals with LBP is a compensatory mechanism following hip abductor muscle weakness. However, no study has clinically examined this theory. The purpose of this study was to investigate the muscle imbalance of hip abductor muscle weakness and ITB tightness in subjects with LBP.
Methods
A total of 300 subjects with and without LBP between the ages of 20 and 60 participated in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were categorized in three groups: LBP with ITB tightness (n = 100), LBP without ITB tightness (n = 100) and no LBP (n = 100). Hip abductor muscle strength was measured in all subjects.
Results
Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with the body mass index (BMI) as the covariate revealed significant difference in hip abductor strength between three groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed no significant difference in hip abductor muscle strength between the LBP subjects with and without ITB tightness (P = 0.59). However, subjects with no LBP had significantly stronger hip abductor muscle strength compared to subjects with LBP with ITB tightness (P < 0.001) and those with LBP without ITB tightness (P < 0.001). Conclusion The relationship between ITB tightness and hip abductor weakness in patients with LBP is not supported as assumed in theory. More clinical studies are needed to assess the theory of muscle imbalance of hip abductor weakness and ITB tightness in LBP. In conclusion, the results of this study, in contrast with presented theory, revealed no significant difference in hip abductor strength between subjects with LBP with and without ITB tightness. However, our data indicated that both LBP subjects with ITB tightness and those without ITB tightness have significantly lower hip abductor muscle strength compared with subjects without LBP. It seems that in clinical evidence, ITB tightness might not be due to a compensatory mechanism following hip abductor weakness in subjects with LBP. More clinical studies are needed to assess the stated hypothesis regarding the theory of muscle imbalance between hip abductor muscle weakness and ITB tightness in patients with LBP. Clinical implications The results of this study could be beneficial to clinicians when prescribing therapeutic exercises for patients with ITB tightness, particularly those with LBP. http://www.chiroandosteo.com/content/18/1/1
Sep
5
2023
A second edition of the definitive resource for all those wanting to use massage therapy to treat pain and injury conditions. Available from: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/book/whitney.htm
Whitney Lowe approached orthopedic massage as a broad spectrum of techniques and approaches to treat soft-tissue dysfunction. And this is the main objective of this book to present symptoms of soft-tissue dysfunction and injuries, the cause and the treatment.
Fully updated and revised Orthopedic Massage has been written for those interested in understanding and applying massage as an intervention for soft-tissue disorders. Recent research into the physiological effects of massage has strengthened the justification for its use in the treatment of soft-tissue pain and injury conditions.
Orthopedic soft-tissue problems are common among the general population, whether from sports, occupational activities, or chronic pain. This text presents a comprehensive and in-depth look at the physiological nature of these conditions and the massage treatments most effective for their relief. A particular contribution this text makes is its validation for the role of massage in treating orthopedic conditions.
In the field of orthopedics the successful repair of soft-tissue damage is often a crucial factor in effective rehabilitation. However, most of those who are trained in the use of massage therapy techniques have little opportunity to learn about the orthopedic issues involved. Orthopedic Massage aims to help the clinician understand the relationship between the soft tissues to which they apply their techniques and the overall orthopedic disorder affecting their clients. Although written chiefly for massage practitioners, the lessons it teaches are relevant to any practitioner who is concerned with the treatment of soft-tissue injuries.
Available from: http://www.terrarosa.com.au/book/whitney.htm
Sep
5
2023
AUSTRALIAN cancer experts have supported a study by the American Institutes of Health which found massage therapy may have immediate benefits on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer.
The Cancer Council of New South Wales said scientific research had shown that massage could reduce pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea as well as improving sleep, quality of life and mental clarity and alertness.
The council’s Professor Jim Bishop said massage therapy could benefit the physical, emotional and mental state of people at all stages of cancer.
“Many people with cancer wonder whether any complementary therapies can help them. Massage and other gentle bodywork techniques that focus on the positive effects of human touch are very popular complementary therapies,” Professor Bishop said.
“Instead of being used to work out knots, detoxify the body, or increase one’s range of motion, massage may become a way to lower anxiety and pain, improve energy, or decrease nausea.
“It is a way to feel more loved and helps to re-establish a connection with oneself and others. It may ease the discomfort of a medical procedure or help pass the time while waiting for a consultation with the doctor.
“Some benefits people have described from receiving massage include feeling whole again, being able to share feelings in an informal setting, re-establishing a positive body image and rebuilding hope.”
Nepean Hospital oncologist Dr Georgette Danyal said different types of massage could be administered to cancer patients.
“There has been a lot of work that has been done on the introduction of massage therapies as part of the service for cancer patients,” Dr Danyal said.
“Just general massage therapy is recommended where appropriate as a relaxation strategy. A lot of cancer patients are quite anxious when they’re undergoing treatment or just after they’ve been diagnosed, so sometimes gentle massage is done to help a lot with relaxation for these patients.
“If patients have had breast cancer and they’ve had their lymph nodes removed they are at risk of developing lymphoedema and if they do develop it then we do a very specialised lymphatic massage.
“Lymphatic massage will basically assist in stimulating lymphatic drainage in the system and that will assist in reduction of a swollen oedema – they will be able to feel relief from their discomfort.
“Another effect of the massage is relaxation too because it is a very gentle type of massage – a lot of the patients that come to see us after lymphatic massage say they feel so calm and relaxed.”
Dr Danyal said frequency of treatment varied from patient to patient.
“Some patients go weekly to have [massage therapy] done and they feel that by doing it weekly it helps and it is frequent enough but it does vary,” she said.
“Cost of course is a big issue with it as well because a lot of the patients that come in are not in a financial position to be able to access this service at a reasonable cost.”
Professor Bishop said while massage therapy had proved beneficial, it was most successful when administered in conjunction with conventional medicines.
http://www.consultmagazine.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=337389
Sep
5
2023
The use of complementary methods (CMs) is widespread and increasing in the United States. Most literature on CM use among cancer survivors focuses on the treatment period, whereas only a few studies address use further along the cancer continuum.
This study analyzed the prevalence and the medical and demographic associations of CM use among cancer survivors surveyed 10 to 24 months after diagnosis. The study’s sample-4139 survivors of 1 of 10 adult cancers-was selected from stratified random samples provided by statewide cancer registries and surveyed by mail and telephone. Three logistic regression models examined associations between medical and demographic factors and CM use among survivors of sex-specific and non-sex-specific cancers.
The results showed that of the 19 CMs included in the survey, the CMs most frequently reported were: prayer/spiritual practice (61.4%), relaxation (44.3%), faith/spiritual healing (42.4%), nutritional supplements/vitamins (40.1%), meditation (15%), religious counseling (11.3%), massage (11.2%), and support groups (9.7%).
Among these 19 CMs, the least prevalent were hypnosis (0.4%), biofeedback therapy (1.0%), and acupuncture/acupressure (1.2%). Survivors more likely to use CMs were female, younger, white, higher income, and more educated.
Gansler T, Kaw C, Crammer C, Smith T. A population-based study of prevalence of complementary methods use by cancer survivors: a report from the American Cancer Society’s studies of cancer survivors. Cancer. 2008 Aug 4.
