Massage Professionals Update

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

Recognizing and Treating Lyme Disease

September 15th, 2009

Although Lyme disease was first identified in 1975, it is still classified as an emerging infectious disease. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere with the greatest number of reported cases in the Northeastern states, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin. Learn more about this disease and how complementary treatment can assist in healing from it.

What You Need to Know About Essential Oils and Cancer Treatment

September 11th, 2009

Many people with cancer turn to aromatherapy to help them as they receive radiation or chemotherapy. However, safely applying essential oils means avoiding their potential for negatively interacting with a client’s medical treatment.

Setting the Scalenes Straight

September 10th, 2009

Often bypassed due to their anatomical surroundings, the scalene muscles may be the source of upper body pain and numbness. Learn about four scalene-specific techniques that, when applied carefully, can bring clients great relief from these common problems.

Bodyworker’s Pathology Review: Folliculitis

September 9th, 2009

Although typically dismissed as a pimple, folliculitis has infectious potential. Learn more about the symptoms and different types of folliculitis, and find out how bodyworkers can properly address this skin condition.

Poison Ivy Precautions for Massage Therapists

August 18th, 2009

‘Tis the season for gardening, hiking and the eventual summertime bout of poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. It seems like a no-brainer for massage therapists when it comes to treating a client. The basic precaution of not touching the area of a visible rash does indeed apply. But should a massage therapist be cautious beyond the mere visible indications of some sort of contact dermatitis? And, if all precautions fail, how do you deal with that itchy rash?

An Interview with Luana Halpern: Giving to Breast Cancer Survivors

August 17th, 2009

Designed the way healing really should be, this wellness center for breast cancer survivors delivers. This interview with the founder of the You Can Thrive! program will remind massage therapists why they began studying integrative medicine in the first place.

Aiding Memory: Bodywork and Beyond

August 12th, 2009

Despite the repeatedly proven association between increased circulation and improved health, many neglect how this relationship also affects memory. With this in mind, there are many ways to support a person’s ability to retain and remember information.

Assessing Myoclonus in a Massage Setting

August 11th, 2009

Massage therapists may be the first to witness their clients’ myoclonic symptoms. Bodyworkers able to differentiate between muscle spasms, harmless twitches and pathological body jerks will know when to refer their clients for a neurological evaluation.

Petrissage Proven Effective for Athletes

July 15th, 2009

Although recognition of sports massage has been steadily growing, conclusive evidence of its benefits has been scant. However, a scientific contribution proves a popular sports massage technique is effective in enhancing an athlete’s performance and reducing muscle fatigue.

What Massage Therapists Should Know About Body Piercings

July 14th, 2009

Body piercings are common and may puncture many different areas of your client’s body. As such, learn about several piercing cautions bodyworkers should be aware of.