Massage Professionals Update

The latest news, articles and information related to massage therapy and techniques.

Crossing Over from Symptom Relief Into Holistic Healing

April 27th, 2010

By asking about physical woes and attempting to deliver symptom relief, many massage therapists practice just like allopathic doctors do. However, bodyworkers are in an ideal position to go beyond mere symptom relief by adding a holistic healing dimension to their work.

Pathology Review: Can You Identify That Rash?

April 2nd, 2010

If a client came in with a rash, would you know what to do? Would you recognize it as contagious or infectious? Do you know the difference between hives and poison ivy? Read on to learn about identifying the most common rashes and when massage therapy is contraindicated.

Arthritis Alert for Bodyworkers: Caution With Avascular Necrosis

March 31st, 2010

Although the pain and inflammation of arthritis can generally be helped with massage therapy, various types of bodywork can actually hurt someone with avascular necrosis, a serious condition that can lead to arthritis.

Four Tips to Help Prevent Back Injury Reoccurrence

March 30th, 2010

On top of being able to help relieve a client’s back pain, find out some suggestions that massage therapists can offer on how to prevent it from happening again.

Educating Clients About the Perils of High Heels

March 29th, 2010

Despite defining the fashion industry for decades, high heels can be problematic for people who wear them. Learn why high heels are the cause of many chronic pain ailments.

Oxytocin: The Hormone of Peace and Trust

March 1st, 2010

We live in a stressful world. In our culture, high levels of stress tend to be the norm and even thought beneficial by some. In other parts of the world, inner peace and calm have been valued for centuries, and only recently have the practices of tai chi, yoga and meditation been explored in Western culture. As massage therapists, one of our objectives could be seen as the promotion of increasing calm and reducing stress in our clients. Read on to find out how massage, the hormone oxytocin and the reduction of stress are intertwined.

What Massage Therapists Should Know About the Q Angle

February 24th, 2010

Although massage therapists typically don’t measure the Q angle, it’s important to understand its definition, normal range and potential implications.

A Refresher on Pernicious Anemia for Bodyworkers

February 23rd, 2010

People can live with anemia for years before being diagnosed and consequently receiving treatment. If bodyworkers can recognize a potential case of pernicious anemia, a swift referral can prompt an evaluation – and potentially get clients the help they need.

Medicine for the Heart: Massage and Music

January 29th, 2010

After finding out one has to have surgery, anxiety about postoperative pain ranks high among the stressors. Indeed, the anxiety itself is believed to increase pain levels and may be a contributor to postoperative distress. Heart surgery ranks high in patient apprehension, but massage and music therapies have been shown to lessen anxiety and reduce the need for pain medication.

Using Massage Therapy to Help Psoriatic Arthritis

January 28th, 2010

Before a client with psoriatic arthritis comes to you seeking relief, make sure you know about this condition and understand when massage might aggravate it.