Massage News Update - August 2009
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Dear Bodyworkers,
Recently, Massage Magazine from US released a free digital edition of its magazine, it has great articles on the future & opportunity with interviews with more than 60 top therapists. Read it all here http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/digital/MASSMAG_ISS-TRENDS-FREE_2009/
I particular like the comments by Whitney Lowe (FYI, Whitney will be in Sydney next year for AAMT conference, see upcoming events): "What tends to happen right now, is a proliferation of all different techniques that are slight modification of things that have been around. Somebody puts a slight twist on it and puts their name on it. .. A lot of therapists got hooked into that, they have accumulate a laundry list of techniques on their business cards. But the average consumer doesn't know (and care). People would be better served in a few methods rather than spreading too thin and not getting something in depth." And how true is that..
For more serious research articles, the abstracts for the presentation in the forthcoming Fascia Congress in Amsterdam is available for free viewing here: http://www.fasciacongress.org/2009/abstracts.htm
Great news! Art Riggs, author of best selling Deep Tissue Massage Manual & DVD, has confirmed that he will be visiting Sydney and NZ next year. He will share his experiences in classes. So check it in our upcoming events news.
We are on Facebook add us as a friend, or join it for fun or networking with other bodyworkers. Click here for our page http://www.facebook.com/people/Terra-Rosa/100000072901570
We got a range of new products: there's a great new DVD on Thai Massage by Richard Gold. The new edition of Orthopedic Massage book by Whitney Lowe and a bunch of new DVDs on stretching and exercises by Nick Tumminello. Also check out a new neck support REAL EaSE!
This newsletter brings you what's happening in the latest research and news on massage related issues. We sell massage videos and books so the advert is at the end of this page. Archive of our past news can be found at http://www.massage-research.com/blog/ You can search for and comment on articles. We don't just sell DVDs, we provide you with the latest information. Happy reading and stay healthy… from us at www.terrarosa.com.au
Inside this issue:
The benefits of Abdominal Massage
The
culture of massage therapy: Valued elements and the role of comfort, contact,
connection and caring
Influence of the Temporomandibular Joint on Range of Motion of the Hip Joint
Strength training exercise may help treat tennis elbow
Muscle Rubs: Use For Pain Is Questionable
The effect of manual treatment on rounded-shoulder posture, and associated muscle strength
Also Inside this issue:
The benefits of Abdominal Massage
Trail results have highlighted the benefit of abdominal massage in the management of constipation - a common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the latest study, reporting in the International Journal of Nursing Studies, 60 people with constipation were split into two groups and given a combination of laxatives and abdominal massage, or were given laxatives alone for eight weeks.
The massage consisted of very gentle strokes with light pressure. The hands and abdomen were massaged (8 and 7 min respectively) using a systematic movement pattern to stimulate tactile receptors in the skin. The massage started with the participants taking a deep breath to enhance relaxation. Then the back of the hand, fingers, and palm were massaged with strokes and circular movements. The abdomen was massaged with longitudinal and transverse strokes and circular movements in the direction of the colon. The systematic movement pattern is important as the recognition contributes to a feeling of safety that will enhance the relaxation.
This study demonstrates that abdominal massage decreases severity of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with constipation and abdominal pain syndrome, and increase number of bowel movements. And abdominal massage did not lead to a decrease in laxative intake, which indicates that abdominal massage could be seen as a complement to laxative use rather than a replacement.
Abdominal massage has been recommended for the relief of constipation and there is renewed interest in this technique in the palliative care setting and MS literature. There is little evidence to support its use in practice.
The culture of massage therapy: Valued
elements and the role of comfort, contact, connection and caring
A study was conducted by researchers in New Zealand to explore the
attributes of the therapy encounter valued by repeat users of health-related
massage therapy. The study was published recently in Complementary Therapies in
Medicine Journal.
A qualitative design with telephone focus group methodology was used. A total of 19 repeat users of massage therapy participated in three telephone focus groups where audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted. Telephone focus group with massage clients from a range of provincial and urban regions in New Zealand. Main outcome measures: Summary of reported themes of the massage experience. Data were thematically analysed using the general inductive approach.
Their survey showed that there are six valued elements of the massage encounter (time for care and personal attention, engaging and competent therapist, trust partnership, holism and empowerment, effective touch and enhancing relaxation), four modulators (comfort, contact, connection and caring) and two themes relating to adding experiential value (enjoyment, escapism) characterize the massage therapy culture.
The authors concluded that the culture of massage therapy care incorporates a number of characteristics that are congruent with the complementary and alternative medicine approach to health. In addition, massage specific factors were identified. The humanistic aspects of the therapy encounter valued by clients offer insight into the growing use of massage therapy and the success of massage therapy outcomes.
Influence of the Temporomandibular Joint on Range of Motion of the Hip Joint
“Influence of the temporomandibular joint on range of motion of the hip joint in patients with complex regional pain syndrome” was conducted by researchers at Hanover Medical School in Hanover, Germany.
The study evaluated if patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) would have an increase in range of motion (ROM) after myofascial release and a similar ROM decrease after jaw clenching, whereas in healthy subjects these effects would be minimal or nonexistent. Two groups were tested: patients with CRPS and a control group. Hip range of motion (ROM) was measured at three time points as follows: baseline, after myofascial release of the temporomandibular joint and after jaw clenching for 90 seconds. Total score and pain reported for the last four weeks were significantly different between the two groups.
The authors concluded that temporomandibular joint dysfunction plays an important role in the restriction of hip motion experienced by patients with CRPS, which indicated a connectedness between these 2 regions of the body.
Strength training exercise may help treat tennis elbow
People with pain in the elbow or forearm from playing sports or just from common everyday activities, might be able to use a simple bar and strengthening exercise to alleviate pain, say researchers who are presenting their study results at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting in Keystone, Colorado, July 9th-12th.
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a common condition effecting nearly three percent of the general population, not just those who play tennis. “Our study illustrated that a novel exercise, using an inexpensive rubber bar, may provide a practical and effective means of adding isolated wrist strengthening exercises to a treatment plan,” said lead author Timothy F. Tyler, PT, ATC, Clinical Research Associate, of the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in New York City.
The study randomized 21 patients with tennis elbow into two groups. Both received the wrist extensor stretching, ultrasound, cross-friction massage, heat and ice for treatment. The eccentric training group performed isolated eccentric wrist extensor strengthening using the rubber bar (Flexbar, Akron OH) while the standard treatment group performed isotonic wrist strengthening exercises. Three sets of 15 repetitions were performed daily as part of a home program with intensity increased progressively during the treatment period. A variety of pain and movement scales were utilized to determine progress. Patients using the rubber bar had vastly better results on all scales, especially related to strength. In fact, given the consistently poor outcomes for patients in the standard treatment group, it was deemed appropriate to terminate the randomization with 21 of the intended 30 patients having already completed the study.
“Compared to other treatments for tennis elbow such as cortisone injections or topical nitric oxide which require direct medical supervision and often side effects, this treatment is not only cost effective but dosage is not limited by the patient having to come to a clinic,” said Tyler.
Muscle Rubs: Use For Pain Is Questionable
There is not enough evidence to support using gels and creams containing rubefacients for chronic and acute pain, according to a systematic review by Cochrane Researchers. Rubefacients cause irritation and reddening of the skin, due to increased blood flow. The review focused on formulations containing salicylates, which are widely prescribed or sold over the counter as topical treatments for sports injuries and muscle pain.
At present, due to a lack of high quality evidence, we can’t say exactly how effective rubefacients are for acute injuries and there are certainly other more effective treatments which could be prescribed for use in chronic conditions like osteoarthritis,” says lead researcher Andrew Moore, of the Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics at the University of Oxford in the UK.
There are over a million prescriptions each year for rubefacient gels and creams such as Movelat. As with Movelat, the rubefacient compounds in many of these products are salicylates, which, while they are related to aspirin, may not work in the same way, especially when applied to the skin. They are referred to as “counter-irritants” because it is thought that they offset localised pain through local skin irritation.
The review analysed data from 16 trials for acute and chronic pain, which together included 1,276 people. Only salicylates were studied and trials were generally small. Results from four studies showed topical salicylates performed better than placebos against acute pain, but excluding lower quality studies meant the results were not statistically significant. When used for chronic conditions, salicylates performed better than placebos. However, only one in six patients with chronic pain benefited substantially from using the muscle rubs compared to one in three using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
“Larger and higher quality controlled trials of topical rubefacients are needed to establish whether these treatments really work. We also need more studies on other rubefacients as we were only able to assess the effectiveness of the salicylate formulations in this review,” says Moore. “But it is important to remember that not all analgesic gels or creams are the same, and for others there is very good evidence of effectiveness. Those will be dealt with in other reviews presently being finalised.”
The effect of manual treatment on rounded-shoulder posture, and associated muscle strength
A relationship between pectoralis minor muscle tightness and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) has been suggested, but evidence demonstrating that treatment aimed at the pectoralis minor affects posture or muscle function such as lower trapezius strength remains lacking.
In this study, a randomized, blinded, controlled study of the 56 shoulders of 28 healthy participants, the experimental treatment consisting of pectoralis minor soft tissue mobilization and self-stretching significantly reduced RSP compared to the pre-treatment baseline and the control treatment of placebo touch and pectoralis major self-stretching. RSP remained significantly reduced 2 weeks after the single treatment. Both control and experimental treatments resulted in increased lower trapezius strength with no significant difference in LTS noted between treatments. This study demonstrated that soft tissue mobilization and self-stretching of the pectoralis minor can significantly reduce RSP.
The authors suggested possible clinical relevance:
• Soft tissue mobilization and stretching of the pectoralis minor muscle can reduce rounded shoulder posture.
• Soft tissue mobilization and stretching of the pectoralis minor muscle is no more effective than passive touch and pectoralis major stretching in increasing lower trapezius muscle strength.
• The 2.5 cm threshold for the supine measure of rounded shoulder posture may not detect dysfunction.
Reference: The effects of manual treatment on rounded-shoulder posture, and associated muscle strength. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (Available online 26 June 2009). Christopher Kevin Wong, Denise Coleman, Vincent diPersia, Judi Song, Dennis Wright.
Massage for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review
Another systematic review was published recently in the highly respected Spine journal with the objective to assess the effects of massage therapy for nonspecific low back pain. The authors searched through scientific literature from their beginning to May 2008. The studies had to be randomized or quasi-randomized trials investigating the use of any type of massage as a treatment for nonspecific low back pain.
The authors found thirteen randomized trials. Eight had a high risk and 5 had a low risk of bias. Massage was compared to sham treatment in 2 studies that showed that massage was superior for pain and function on both short- and long-term follow-ups. In 8 studies, massage was compared to other active treatments. They showed that massage was similar to exercises, and massage was superior to joint mobilization, relaxation therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and self-care education. One study showed that reflexology on the feet had no effect on pain and functioning. The beneficial effects of massage in patients with chronic low back pain lasted at least 1 year after the end of the treatment. Two studies compared 2 different techniques of massage. One concluded that acupuncture massage produces better results than classic (Swedish) massage and another concluded that Thai massage produces similar results to classic (Swedish) massage.
The authors concluded that massage might be beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic nonspecific low back pain, especially when combined with exercises and education.
And strange enough statement that "the evidence suggests that acupuncture massage is more effective than classic massage, but this need confirmation". And as always the usual "More studies are needed to confirm these conclusions, to assess the impact of massage on return-to-work, and to determine cost-effectiveness of massage as an intervention for low back pain."
This kind of review is really useless, because: firstly massage is regarded as a treatment like taking a pill or injection. Secondly this review does not help us to understand how massage can help in lower back pain. Randomised clinical trial require similar massage protocol to be performed on every patient. Real treatment of course is more personal. And you can't say Thai or acupuncture massage is superior than "classic" massage.
Lomi Lomi Workshop with Carrie Rowell :
North Curl Curl, Sydney, 24-27 September 2009,
Byron Bay, September 14-17 2009
New Plymouth, New Zealand ,October 9-11 2009
AAMT approved for 20 CPE points. http://www.terrarosa.com.au/articles/lomi.htm
Massage Therapy Week 6-12 September. 2009.
The 2nd International Fascia Research Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 27-30 September 2009. http://www.fasciacongress.org/2009/
AMT National Conference, 24-25 October 2009, Novotel Brighton Le Sands,
Sydney. We will be there, give us a visit. More info:
http://www.amt-ltd.org.au/
World Massage Conference, 12-17 November 2009.
AAMT National Conference, 21-13 May 2010, Sydney with Whitney Lowe as Keynote. http://www.aamt.com.au/page.php?pgname=Conf10Announce
Art Riggs' Deep Tissue Massage Workshop. Sydney & New Zealand, October 2010. Class size is limited. To register your interest, email: terrarosa@gmail.com. The preliminary schedule is:
Sydney:
Fundamentals of Touch: 8, 9, 10 October 2010
Integrated Deep Tissue Massage I: 13, 14, 15
October 2010
Integrated Deep Tissue Massage II:
6, 7, 8 November 2010
New Zealand:
Fundamentals of Touch: 22,23,24 October 2010
New stock is in and our dollar is back on track again. So now Bodyreading DVD and all others have been reduced to more affordable price. Check them out
http://www.terrarosa.com.au/dvd/bodyread.htm
FLOAT ON A CLOUD WITHIN 30 SECONDS! Contoured headrest to let you relax your neck, head & shoulder. The REAL-EaSE is the most advanced and comfortable neck support available today. The product is so unique that it has a U.S. patent. Imagine surrendering the weight of your head into a massage therapist’s healing hands, while the muscles in your neck, shoulders and face completely relax. This is just what the REAL-EaSE can accomplish for you. Find out more
Learn the ancient art of Thai Massage with master instructor, Richard Gold. This beautifully filmed DVD features over 3 hours of instruction and over 170 detailed techniques. Each technique is clearly demonstrated showing proper alignment, positioning and proper body mechanics so that pressure can be applied effectively and effortlessly. This DVD includes traditional Thai stretches, work on the Sen energy lines plus abdominal massage. Mastering Thai Massage is one of the most comprehensive programs available!
This DVD is the most comprehensive collection of Self Joint Mobilizations. Discover how safely and effectively incorporate Toe, Ankle, Hip, Thoracic Spine and Shoulder self mobilizations with clients and athletes of all levels. This DVD is unlike any other and promises to deliver some of the powerful techniques you have ever seen.
This DVD presents a comprehensive collection of Self Myofascial techniques assembled for trainers and therapists. Discover how to stretch the myofascial lines and incorporate self myofascial release to relieve tension, improve ROM and increase strength. New techniques, tips and tricks, program design and common mistakes are discussed.
The only one of its kind, this two volume series shows you how to incorporate creative warm-up progressions with clients and athletes of all levels. Discover how to design and implement seamlessly integrated warm-up sequences that will save time and improve performance. Each DVD discusses common warm up mistakes and display’s brand new, never before seen progressions and variations.
Myoskeletal Alignment for the Lower Back, Hip & Leg Pain
We are proud to bring you the new 6 volume DVD set by Erik Dalton. This six volume 'Spinal Engine' DVD series based on ground breaking research developed by Dr. Serge Gracovetsky. His discovery that the spine is the engine driving the legs has dramatically altered the view of body movement and opened exciting new clinical avenues for assessing and treating chronic pain syndromes. The 6 DVD set includes: 1. Myoskeletal Mechanic 2. Fixing Kinetic Kinks 3. Bone & Belly Work 4. Sacroiliac Syndromes 5. Toning the Core & Pelvic Floor 6. Unlocking Lumbars. Now available as 3 installment payment!
Yoga Therapy for Back Pain includes 13 routines to help restore proper function to the entire back. These safe and gentle exercises increase mobility and reduce pain. This beautifully filmed DVD features five 15 minute & five 30 minute routines for the upper back, sciatic pain, bulging disk and sacro-iliac joint pain. Each condition is addressed separately, so you will get the proper care for your condition. Whatever the level of your pain, or if you just want to strengthen your back, this DVD has the safe and appropriate therapy for you!
Yoga Flow: Saraswati River Tradition
Another great Yoga DVD from Real Bodywork. Explore the power and fluidity of yoga with this inspiring practice. This DVD features 8 yoga routines, ranging from 24 minutes to 75 minutes, each with a varying degree of difficulty. Unite breath and movement as Zyrka leads you through the sequences with her clear and soothing guidance. This intermediate practice introduces both dynamic flowing yoga sequences, plus the option to explore more traditional yoga practices such as yogic breathing (pranayama), using toning during practice (surya yoga), and guided meditation (yoga nidra).
Professional Make-up Techniques
Start your dream career as a makeup artist. Professional Hollywood makeup artist, Melvone Farrell, shows you how to provide the latest looks being sought by clients, whether they are brides-to-be or models on a glamour shoot. In these new Professional Makeup Techniques DVD series, Melvone — who has international media and film experience spanning 20 years — demonstrates how to provide natural day makeup, sophisticated evening looks, and amped-up glamour straight from the catwalks of Paris and Milan. Each DVD in the series focuses on a different ethnicity — Black, Caucasian, and Asian — so you can provide services to the full array of beautiful women.
The Ultimate Thai Massage Video
Learn authentic Thai massage with Dr. Anthony James, CMT, ND, MDAM. This series of DVD include basic and advanced mat techniques, basic and advanced table techniques. Each DVD shows a step-by-step demonstration of a complete routine on the mat and tables. Includes overviews of different styles, Chakras, Ayurveda anatomy and more.
Orthopedic Massage 2009 2nd Edition by Whitney Lowe
Fully updated and revised Orthopedic Massage has been written for those interested in understanding and applying massage as an intervention for soft-tissue disorders. Full colour. 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. The definitive resource for all those wanting to use massage therapy to treat pain and injury conditions. Whitney Lowe approached orthopedic massage as a broad spectrum of techniques and approaches to treat soft-tissue dysfunction.
A Massage Therapist's Guide to Treating Headaches and Neck Pain by Leon Chaitow & Sandy Fritz
This is a practical guide for the massage therapist to assist them in identifying appropriate massage treatment for those experiencing headaches and neck pain. The book describes the most common headache types and causes for neck pain that can be effectively addressed with therapeutic massage and associated methods easily incorporated into massage. Assessment procedures are provided both to identify appropriate treatment and to alert the massage therapist to more serious conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms and require a referral for further diagnosis and treatment. Protocols for treatment using massage and other soft tissue methods are provided. Incorporates a DVD demonstrating the palpation and treatment methods.
The Anatomy of Pilates by Paul Massey
This book shows what actually happens to the body’s muscles and joints during Pilates exercises. Each two-page spread features detailed anatomical illustrations of an exercise (with muscle actions highlighted in red), a detailed description of the exercise and its objectives, the particular breathing pattern to be used, a list of the specific muscles being worked, visualization techniques, complementary exercises, and more. The Anatomy of Pilates is an accessible, authoritative guide for current and prospective teachers of Pilates, practitioners at all skill levels, physical therapists, and other health professionals.
You've got the book, now decorate your room with these 8 posters, designed to align with the second edition of the book, are intended as a visual reference to the myofascial meridians discussed in Anatomy Trains. The set of posters illustrate the bones, muscles and joints described in the book The Anatomy Trains on the basis of "train" lines, tracks and stations. Each poster focuses on one "train" line and features full-colour illustrations, line drawings to clarify and tables summarising the tracks and stations for each line. Measuring 12 by 17 inches (30 by 43 cm), these laminated posters make a valuable addition to the walls of manual and movement therapists’ studios, for refreshing their memory about connected anatomy or to show clients why work in one area will be effective in another.
By Australian Author Michael Clarke. Hojo undo means 'supplemental training equipment' for traditional martial artists. This book comprehensively details how to construct and use the most popular martial arts training tools of Okinawa. The value of hojo undo is that the strength building exercises are linked to the motion of the fighting techniques of karate; this is the kind of information many practitioners need to have in order to make sense of where karate's devastating power comes from. This book shows you how to construct and use the most common martial arts training tools, First book in over twenty years to systematically present these traditional power
The Soothing Art of Baby Massage by Roma Turner, Susie Nanayakkara
This highly illustrated book is filled with step-by-step photographs to guide you through a massage from preparation and basic movements to a full-body massage sequence, with detailed advice on massage for mothers before and after childbirth, and healing techniques for common infant ailments, and sequences for older children. It shows how to give babies a soothing massage to help with relaxation and sleep. This book demonstrates a number of different techniques which are effective with most babies. Originally published in 1996, this is the last of the stock. Every book is personally signed by the author. Also a great gift for new parents.