Massage Pathology Chronicles

Muscles together with the nerves gives as motion protect our internal organs and place our bones in position. They are responsible of posture, temperature of the body, pumping the blood and when something is going abnormal will give us pain to protect a muscle or a group of muscles. Pain probably is the best guard we have for not damaging the muscles, now is very common almost too epidemic proportions the use of pain killers, this analgesics not only camouflages the problem but also inhibits the body the ability of creating its own pain killers. The musculoskeletal structure is the area where the massage therapist should be very knowledgeable, since the main purpose of the massage is relaxing, cleansing and helping the muscles of the client to recover from stress, injury or fatigue. If the massage therapist observes during the assessment that something looks abnormal in the musculoskeletal structure, should work on it or referred to a health care provider.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathologies

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

Chapter 4 offers a much more involving experience than chapter three, with more therapeutic techniques thrown in and useful diagrams. From a sympathetic standpoint, this one was a little harder to digest. While the imagery was good, I think maybe it was a little too pronounced. If someone came to you with bow legs or bursitis protruding from their elbow through long sleeves, it’s likely you will be able to get a confession out of them. More subtle examples would be helpful, in my opinion. Even so, I feel the text descriptions and explanations are thorough enough to be able to, with a bit of imagination, identify some of the more common musculoskeletal ailments in their other forms.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Conditions, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

While reading Chapter 4 in the text book I learned about musculoskeletal pathologies. Some common pathologies are Kyphosis, and Lordosis. Kyphosis is when there is an over curve of the thoracic spine, causing a "hump" on the upper back, mild to moderate discomfort can come with this pathology. Lordosis is when there is an over curve of the lumbar spine, because of this hamstring problems can occur. When massaging both of these conditions make sure to make client comfortable, try different massaging positions such as sideline, or propped up. Another pathology is rheumatoid arthritis, which is a contraindicated condition.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathologies, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

Chapter 4 is an overview about the musculoskeletal system including assessment and commonly used medications. This chapter shows the structure and function of muscles, bones, and joints, how they work together, checking for range of movement, looking at gait, balance, and how to work with, identify, and avoid musculoskeletal related diseases so there is no further injury or pain to the client during the massage, while working with the client to achieve relaxation that can be healing for the client.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathology, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, 2nd edition, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

Chapter 5 Skeletal disorders, Spinal Deviations, Foot Deformities, Joint Disorders, Types of Arthritis, Muscular & Myofascial disorders and musculoskeletal injuries in this chapter of Musculoskeletal Pathologies were very informative. I will never remember all of them but it is a great chapter to be able to refer back to when needed. I liked the review of the muscles and bones along with the structure of a muscle. The risk factors for osteoporosis were interesting and good to know. In the DVD and the Chapter in the book I learned a lot in seeing the placement of screws and plates etc. in replacements surgeries. The diagrams of mild severe scolosis were good to know along with everything else in the chapter. It also lets you know how important the intake form for your client is. Your client may have some of these problems and you would not be aware of them unless you questioned them. Or you would maybe remember some of the pictures from the chapter and then question your client about them when you notice them if they did not mention it in your interview. I also like the traffic light reference icons thought out the Pathology book. Always cover yourself and ask you client to fill out the intake form and sign it so you do not get yourself into a possible law suit. Keep the communication open with you client at all times. Always check in to make sure they are ok if you are working with one of these potential problems listed in the chapter.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathologies, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

This chapter highlights the musculoskeletal system and pathologies of the system. One the disorders described is fibromyalgia. This is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects muscle and related connective tissue. The text also states that pain, joint stiffness and the presence of tender points or trigger points are involved (if 11 of 18 trigger points are painful, then this diagnosis is often made). Until about a year ago, I had no idea what fibromyalgia was. However, within that time, there have been numerous television commercials about this disorder and the medications that are available for treatment. It was therefore most enlightening to read that massage is currently the best treatment for this condition. I am curious as to whether massage therapy is reimbursed at the same rate as a prescription medication would be, since that is the case.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Conditions, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson. Within the course of Dr. Johnson.

Chapter 4 was important to me on a personal level, as my mother has extremely severe bunions, which causes her a great deal of discomfort. When I practice massage on her, she always has me work for a long time on her feet, as massage helps her with this pain. I usually do circular motions on the underside of the foot between the second and third toe, and she reports this alleviates some of the pain. Massage is very important to me because my mother has an extremely bad back, as well as bunions on her feet, so I want to help her in any way that I can with her issues.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Conditions Pathologies, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Muscles, like everything else in the body, take orders from the brain. When the brain wants action, it sends a message through the spinal cord and connected nerves to reach the muscle itself. That movement is regulated by signals from the nerves in the muscle, which provides a constant progress report. During various specific soft tissue manipulation techniques used in Massage Therapy, there is a massive increase in the number of messages sent to the brain by the nerves. This sudden deluge of information readjusts muscle tension, increasing their ability to work while preventing injuries. Massage Therapy can appease many muscle disorders. Muscle spasms, for example, can be eased by certain Massage Therapy techniques because the kneading and stretching of the muscle fibers encourages a relaxation response in the muscle spindle receptors that are maintaining the spasm. Stretching or pressure on tendons can further interrupt the spasm. Massage benefits are enormous, for optimal results massage can be done once a week.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathology Problems

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson.

Chapter 4– This chapter was about musculoskeletal pathologies. The chapter started with a muscular system overview. This was a really nice review, since there is a lot to know regarding this system. It included material about different muscle types, the difference between voluntary and involuntary, and the different functions (movement, stabilization etc). It even goes into how a muscle fiber contracts (figure 4-4 and page 101). The beginning of this chapter also reviews bones, joints, and a little about connective tissues. The chapter goes on to talk about musculoskeletal diseases. Pages 110-135 describe different types of diseases regarding this system. Similarly to the last chapter it briefly describes the issue and then follows up with how massage therapists should treat the issue (massage consideration). In the previous chapter, the pathologic skin was usually not touched. However, in this chapter most of conditions allow for the therapist to massage the affected area. However, if the pathology caused the patient pain the therapist was advised to keep this in mind when determining the treatment plan. The text usually recommended that the therapist ask the client how painful or sensitive the area is before they proceed. Often if there was extreme inflammation, massage was discouraged until some of the swelling subsided. One of the most interesting portions of this chapter was on page 119 (figure 4-34) regarding the different types of fractures. The diagram was very informational and will help me remember all the different types of fractures in the future. All of the pictures were once again very helpful in understanding the pathology being discussed.

Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathologies, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson.

Musculoskeletal pathologies are often accompanied by severe or persistent pain, decreased mobilization, or postural distortion. Information about such pathologies should be gained during an intake assessment. If clearance has not been given by a medical doctor, the client should first see a physician if such symptoms are present. The musculoskeletal system is directly affected by massage. Going into the field of Occupational Therapy, I feel that maintaining and increasing a person’s mobility and flexibility is vital to improving a person’s quality of life, especially in those individuals with musculoskeletal pathologies. In my personal opinion, the massage considerations in this chapter were especially descriptive and helpful- as massage directly affects this system and could easily harm rather than help the client.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathologies, Massage Occupational Therapy, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists

Review of Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists, by Salvo and Anderson.

Chapter 4 is review and discussion of the musculoskeletal system, assessment of the musculoskeletal system, and commonly used medications. This chapter emphasizes how muscles, bones, and joints are structured and function together, how to assess range of movement, gait, and balance, and identifying and working with or avoiding disorder or disease related to the musculoskeletal system.

Tags: Massage Therapy Pathology, Massage Pathology Chronicles, Massage Therapy Musculoskeletal Pathology, Mosby’s Pathology for Massage Therapists