Showing posts with label Conditions and Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conditions and Diseases. Show all posts
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome And Massage Therapy
| In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Thoracic Outlet Syndrome responds very well to massage therapy and bodywork. What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? Though many people with this condition think they may have just "slept wrong" and awakened with a numb hand, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the name given to a group of painful nerve impingement conditions in which the nerve bundle to the arm (brachial plexus) is placed under abnormal pressure by the muscles in the front of the neck (scalenes), by the collar bone and first rib, or the pectoralis minor muscle in the upper chest/armpit area. The most common symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are pain and numbness in the arm and hand of the affected side; however, those who suffer from this condition may have only pain or only numbness. In some cases Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also encompass a dangerous restriction of blood flow. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases. What is the cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome? There are a number of causes for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome including whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Postural issues, especially a forward head posture like that maintained by office workers and computer users, can also trigger the onset of this syndrome. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also be the result of over stressing the muscles in the thoracic outlet area during exercise, or by impact injuries to the shoulder or upper chest area. Additionally, though it is rare, a "cervical rib" may be the blame for this condition. Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example, the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the scalene muscles and other muscle of the front of the neck. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release fascial adhesions in the area of the thoracic outlet and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the scalene muscles and other affected neck, chest, and shoulder muscles. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. Ortho-Bionomy is particularly effective when the nerves are being compressed by the clavicle (collar bone) and first rib. In addition to working on the scalene muscles and pectoralis minor muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles adjacent to, or opposing the scalenes or pectoralis minor to improve muscular balance. Treatment for postural issues may also be needed. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Other Treatments for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician: 1) Muscle Relaxer medications; 2) Anti-inflammatory medications; 3) Surgery Other Names for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome 1) Anterior Scalene Syndrome; 2) Costoclavicular Syndrome; 3) Pectoralis Minor Syndrome; 4) Thoracic Inlet Syndrome The information in this article has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Thoracic Outlet Syndrome that could require immediate medical intervention. |
| Author Resource:- Ben Crabtree is a Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist in San Antonio, Texas. His practice is dedicated to relieving pain through the use of several massage and bodywork techniques. See his site MassageByBen.com or his other articles. |
| Article From New Ezine Articles |
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Neuromuscular Therapy - What is it and what does it do?
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to help relax and calm people as well as offer physical healing. Neuromuscular therapy is used to relieve pain and specific problems a patient is experiencing. It is used to focus pressure on certain areas of skeletal muscle and can reduce pain and tension, but also help balance your posture and lengthen as well as strengthen tissues. These areas are often myofascial trigger points. Myofasical trigger points are hyperirritable spots located within skeletal muscle. These spots are associated with nodules of bands of muscle fibers. These nodules become small contracture knots and therefore cause pain to the patient. By focusing on these points with neuromuscular therapy, a massage therapist with the right training can help decrease the contractions and this help relieve the pain. It is a great therapy to assess, treat, and help prevent soft tissue injuries and thus relieve chronic pain. Neuromuscular therapy is often used by occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors, and those that practice osteopathic and physical medicine.
The technique of neuromuscular therapy (sometimes referred to as NMT) was developed by Dr. Stanley Leif and Boris Chaitow. Both were trained in chiropractics and naturopathy, which is a philosophy that seeks to improve health by focusing on the body’s innate ability to recover. They worked with Dewanchand Varma and Bernard MacFadden to help develop neuromuscular therapy in order to help patients suffering from soft tissue dysfunction. One part of neuromuscular therapy focuses on the fact that the body can heal itself. Stimulation from neuromuscular therapy can help hasten the natural healing process.
A neuromuscular therapist takes into account many aspects of the patient before beginning therapy. Things like age, stress, prior therapy, family history, diet, and nutrition will be looked at. By looking at the patient’s history and health, they can ascertain what type or how much therapy is needed. They may work with the patient’s primary physician if certain conditions exist. For example, if an elderly woman with a calcium deficient diet had hip or lower back pain; the therapist will need to watch for possible osteoporosis or hip fractures. They may need to alter their procedures to accommodate such patients. They will also look at posture distortion to see what other pains that can be causing.
The therapist will use their thumbs, fingers, and elbows as well as pressure bars during the massage. The pressure bars help release the muscular contractions. One good thing about neuromuscular therapy is it concentrates on placement much more than degree of pressure, so a good deal of pressure is not normally necessary.
Who can be helped by neuromuscular therapy? Anyone that suffers from chronic pain can be helped by neuromuscular massage. Whether you have chronic pain due to an occupational injury, a sports injury, or an automobile injury, if you suffer from chronic pain, you may want to give neuromuscular therapy a try. Others that respond well to neuromuscular therapy are those that suffer from sciatica, rotator cuff dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and even migraine headaches.
Source: Free Articles
About the Author
Annalisa Zisman, a proficient author and tutor, she is a leading practitioner for many massage courses. Annalisa specializes in Indian Head Massage, Thai Foot and Thai Herbal Compress Massage techniques.
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Massage Therapies for Arthritis: An Overview
Massage therapies for arthritis have been practised some thousands years old, but are still considered to be one of the most effective treatment for arthritis.
Arthritis is a kind of rheumatic disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Sometimes, the disease may create complications and affect other parts of the body like muscles and internal organs.
However, if administered properly, massage therapies for arthritis can effectively help improve joint movement and relax tense muscles. They also stimulate the flow of blood and nutrients to the skin and its underlying tissues. Let me give you an insight into how the massage therapies for arthritis work.
Massage therapies for arthritis involve manipulation of muscles, tendons and other soft tissues through rubbing, stroking, or putting pressure on the flesh with your hands. Massaging of muscles, tendons and soft tissues around the inflamed joint result in increased blood flow to and from the diseased joint. It also helps in enhanced lymphatic drainage around the treatment area.
Normally, the therapist asks you to remove some or all of your clothing and lie on a padded table with your body covered with a sheet or towel. The therapist uncovers only that part of your body, which would need to be massaged. The therapist then pours an oil or lotion on your skin and begins the massage therapy. You should inform your therapist if you have any skin allergies, before he uses any oil. During the therapy if you find that you are experiencing pain, ask the therapist to slow down. Rough rubbing and stroking are not recommended in massage therapies for arthritis.
Massage therapies for arthritis usually last from sixty to ninety minutes. However, undergoing just one session of therapy may give relief from pain on a short-term basis. In order to feel some real improvements, I personally recommend four to six sessions of massage therapy for arthritis each of which should be about a week apart.
At first, the massage therapist asks questions about your current physical condition, medical history and what should be your expectations from the treatment. Based on these, the therapist decides on the right treatment you require.
Normally, massage therapies for arthritis may cost somewhere between $30 and $125 per hour depending on your physical condition, medical history and the intensity of pain. However, some insurance companies cover the cost of such alternative treatments, but then, you must get it prescribed by a doctor.
The massage therapist may show you some techniques for massage, which you may use on yourself at home. However, some massage therapies for arthritis when done by the patient himself, are not as effective and relaxing. You should self-massage yourself only on those spots on your body where your hands can reach. For hard-to-reach places, you do need a partner to help you out. Always consult your therapist if you are trying out something new in your self-massage routine.
Overall, massage therapies for arthritis give excellent results in majority of the cases. They break the cycle of pain and stress that comes along with arthritis. Lastly, the relaxation they bring about is just great.
Source: Free Articles
Author: skleong
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