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Pathology for Massage Therapists
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Cancer
Definition: a malignant
growth or disease of the blood, connective tissue, bones, lymphatic system
Causes: Environmental
factors, diet, alcohol consumption, high fat diets, low fiber diets, free
radical damage
Signs/Symptoms: too
many to mention; bruising, enlarged lymph nodes, sores that do not heal,
weight loss, fatigue, low back pain, indigestion, lump or tumor under skin
Indications: Massage is ok for people with cancer. tension.
Contraindications:
It used to be thought that massage would spread cancer, but that notion is now
obsolete. Consult with
referring physician and client get permission from both. Refer to Naturopath
and/or acupuncturist for immune support, cleansing and nutritional counseling.
Links-
Cheryl Chapman is a
pioneer in massage for Cancer and Mastectomy.
Debra
Curtis - Breast Massage for Cancer classesMedicine Hands:
Massage for People
Living with Cancer: A Basic Training Course for Massage Practitioners and
Students, Bodyworkers, and Other Professional Touch Therapists by Gayle
MacDonald
Breast Massage and Cancer
Cancer and Massage
Facts - Tracy Walton
Bodywork for Cancer Patients
The Need for a Less-Demanding Approach - Massage and Bodywork Magazine
By Gayle MacDonald
Massage Therapy for Cancer
Susan G. Salvo
Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy
Cancer and Massage, The Courage to Touch Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Massage Reduces Cancer Symptoms- Massage Magazine
Aromatherapy and Massage Improve Sleep in Advanced Cancer Patients- Massage Magazine
Massage and Healing Touch Ease Cancer Symptoms- Massage Magazine
Massage Boosts Mood and Benefits Immune Function in Children with Leukemia- Massage Magazine
Annieappleseedproject.org
Steve Dunn's Alternative Cancer Treatment pages
Oncology: Bodywork for Cancer Patients The Need for a Less-Demanding Approach By Gayle MacDonald
Oncology: Cancer and Human Connection The Making of an Oncology Massage Therapist By Shirley Vanderbilt
Massage and the Cancer Patient The Courage of Touch
AMTA
online classes on cancer and massage
Give your comments and feedback about massage and cancer on
the blog!
Carpal Tunnel
Definition: Inflammation
in tendon sheaths in the carpal tunnel that compresses the median nerve
in the wrist (supplies sensation to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger
and half of ring finger)
Causes: Subluxation
of carpal bones, bone spurs, sustained wrist flexion, inflammatory arthritis,
water retention, tendinitis, repetitive stress syndrome, misalignment of
hands while performing repetitive tasks such as computer work, carpentry,
massage;
Other injuries to the neck, shoulder, wrist, may be present. Factors that
increase chances of getting carpal tunnel include menopause, pregnancy,
Raynaud's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus.
Signs/Symptoms: mild
numbness and faint tingling to excruciating pain and atrophy of the muscles
of the thumb; reduced fine motor skills, burning, tingling, numbness in
the thumb and 1st three fingers (never the little finger ); feels like
pins and needles, falling asleep, weakening of the thumb; symptoms often
worse at night or in the morning when circulation is reduced. Pain
may spread to forearm and shoulder; symptoms may be confused with thoracic
outlet syndrome or may be due to ulnar nerve entrapment in elbow. Tap on
wrist nerve to elicit symptoms. Diagnosis is through a nerve conduction
test.
Indications: Massage
is necessary to heal this condition. Check alignment of shoulder,
elbow and wrist. Release adhesions in forearm flexors, skin rolling.
Retinaculum release at wrist. Stretching, posture and ergonomics should
be addressed. Muscles involved are the Flexor Digitorum Superficialis,
Flexor Digitorum Profundus, Flexor Pollicis Longus and Pronator Quadratus
Contraindications:
Refer to physician for diagnosis to determine if it is neuritis or neuralgia.
Naturopath can recommend supplements such as B6 to reduce water retention
and other anti-inflammatory reactions and reduce oxalic acid consumption. Acupuncture
also recommended.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Prescription for Relief By Michael Young, NCTMB
Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neuromuscular Reprogramming for Rehab The Missing Link By Jocelyn Olivier
See also: clinical massage section
Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (Lww Massage Therapy & Bodywork Series) (Hardcover)
by James H. Clay, David M. Pounds
Clinical Massage
Therapy: Understanding, Assessing and Treating Over 70 Conditions (Paperback)
by Fiona Rattray (Author), Linda Ludwig (Author)
Travell & Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction:
The Trigger Point Manual (2-Volume Set) (Hardcover)
by David G. Simons, Janet G. Travell, Lois S. Simons, Barbara D. Cummings
Carbuncle
Definition: Mass
of connected boils
Causes: same as boils
Indications: Massage
ok, may assist healing
Contraindications:
Avoid inflamed area and direct pressure on carbuncle
Cerebral palsy
Definition: Group
of motor disorders
Causes: damage to
motor areas of brain; could be inutero, during birth or infancy; May be
due to mother having German measles, radiation: temporary oxygen deprivation
in birth or hydrocephalus in infancy
Signs/Symptoms: Appear
to be mentally retarded but are usually more capable than they appear;
Indications: massage for
relaxation
Contraindications:
Check with physician
Cerbrovascular Accidents (CVA/Stroke)
Definition: Damage
to the brain due to lack of oxygen.
Causes: Atherosclerosis,
embolisms (blood clot, air bubble, or debris from inflammation), intercerebral
hemorrhage( rupture of vessel in the pia matter or brain)
Signs/Symptoms: Weakness
or paralysis, headache, numbness, blurred or double vision, blurred speech,
confusion, dizziness, difficulty speaking or understanding; usually affecting
one side of the body. People at risk usually have high blood
pressure, smoke, high cholesterol, high alcohol consumption, obese, diabetes,
stress.
Indications: Massage
ok for recovery; stress reduction
Contraindications:
Work with physician : refer to appropriate health care practitioner for
diet and lifestyle modifications and treatment of underlying conditions.
May be on blood thinner medications. Acupuncture has assisted in recovery
of speech, motor function.
Massage Benefits Stroke Patients
Massage
Today - Pictures of results of using massage with stroke patients.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Definition: persistent
fatigue that does not resolve with bed rest.
Causes: may be linked
to Epstein-Barr virus, immune system problem, anemia, chronic mercury poisoning
from dental fillings, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, candida overgrowth,
sleep problems, poor nutrition, stress, poor nutrition.
Signs/Symptoms: aching
muscles and joints, anxiety , depression, fever, headaches, intestinal
problems, irritability, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, upper respiratory
infections that reoccur, sore throat, swollen glands, temporary memory
loss, sleep disturbances, fatigue.
Indications: Massage
to relieve stress and muscle pain.
Contraindications:
Fever. Check medications for possible contraindications; Refer to appropriate
health care practitioner for diet and lifestyle changes.
See also fibromyalgia
Clinical massage
for fibromyalgia
Digital Naturopath - Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
Syndrome: A Practitioner's Guide to Treatment
by Leon Chaitow
Chronic Pain
Cirrhosis of the liver
Definition: Degenerative
inflammatory disease that results in hardening and scarring of liver cells.
Causes: Excessive
alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, malnutrition and chronic inflammation.
Signs/Symptoms: Constipation
or diarrhea, fever, upset stomach, dull heavy ache in upper right quadrant
of abdomen, fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, enlarged liver,
vomiting, red palms, jaundice, anemia, bruising.
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction and detoxification
Contraindications:
Work with Physicians supervision in advanced stages
Colitis (ulcerative colitis)
Definition: Inflammation
of mucous membranes of large intestine and colon
Causes: May be stress
induced, poor eating habits, food allergies, bacteria.
Signs/Symptoms: diarrhea,
bleeding, diverticula formation, pain, gas, bloating, hardening of stools
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction; vibration over abdomen if allowed
Contraindications:
Chronic conditions need direct supervision of physician. Refer to appropriate
health care practitioner for diet, lifestyle, stress reduction and supplements.
Colon Cancer
Definition: malignant
tumor in colon
Causes: Poor diet
lacking in fiber and calcium, polyps, constipation, build up of toxins
Signs/Symptoms: Rectal
bleeding, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits
Indications: With
permission of client; assist in cleansing.
Contraindications:
Work with referral from appropriate health care practitioner. Refer
to Naturopath/Acupuncturist/Chiropractor for support. Caution if
colostomy bag present.
Congestive Heart Failure
Definition: Left
side of heart fails to function and pump blood effectively
Signs/Symptoms: fluid
accumulates in the lungs, labored breathing after even mild exertion, edema
in ankles and feet
Indications: May
assist in removing excess fluids
Contraindications:
Work with physician supervision; client may not be able to lay supine.
Conjunctivitis
Definition: Inflammation
of conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and wraps around to
cover most of the white of the eye
Causes: bacterial
infection, injury, allergies, exposure to irritants, viral (highly contagious)
Signs/Symptoms: eyes
swollen and blood shot, itchy and irritated, membrane filled with pus;
eyes often stick together after being shut for awhile
Indications:
Chamomile compresses, hot compresses
Contraindications:
Avoid affected area; May be highly contagious! Refer to physician
Constipation
Definition: Infrequent
and/or painful elimination of waste through the large bowel
Signs/Symptoms: slow
movement of bowels, hard, compacted dry stool, making elimination painful
Causes: Insufficient
fiber and fluid intake, inadequate exercise, muscle disorders, bowel diseases,
poor diet, iron supplements, drugs, pregnancy, metabolic disturbances
Signs/Symptoms: constipation
can lead to appendicitis, bad breath, depression, diverticulitis, fatigue,
headaches, indigestion, varicose veins
Indications: Massage
over abdomen to stimulate peristalsis: May be related to medication; Recommend
extra water intake
Contraindications:
Refer to appropriate health care practitioner for nutritional counseling.
If mass or obstruction present, refer immediately to physician.
Reflexology Eases Encopresis and Chronic Constipation
Contusion
Definition: internal bleeding
or hemorrhaging
Causes: trauma to soft tissue
or muscles
Signs/Symptoms: bruising,
pain; severe may have damage to periosteum of bone which could lead to
ossification of muscle tissue
Indications: follow general
treatment goals for stage of inflammation, ice compress, drainage in sub-acute
stage, reduce muscle guarding and spasm
Contraindications: Refer
to Physician if myositis ossificans is present
Contact Dermatitis
Definition: Inflammation
of the skin in response to contact with irritant
Causes: allergies
to chemicals, perfumes, cosmetics, plants
Signs/Symptoms: scaling,
flaking, thickening of skin, itching
Indications: Massage
Ok. Avoid any inflamed areas. Avoid use of scented oils or
lotions
Contraindications:
Make sure it is not a contagious irritant such as poison ivy or oak
Contractures
Definition: Permanent
contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
Causes: Spasm, paralysis,
fibrosis, or tissue ischemia, neurological damage, immobilization of area.
Signs/Symptoms: unable
to be stretched passively
Indications: Massage
to treat fibrosis and ischemia, lengthen muscles: Gentle stretching or
PNF stretching.
Contraindications:
Do Not stretch past resistance; When due to nerve damage contraindicated.
Convulsion
Definition: Involuntary
muscle spasms
Causes: Epilepsy,
eclampsia, meningitis, tetanus, poisoning, malnutrition, cervical disease,
toxemia, insufficient calcium in diet, food poisoning
Indications: N/A
Contraindications:
Refer to physician to determine cause
Corns/Calluses
Definition:
Overgrowth of skin usually on hands and feet
Causes: form in response
to repeated pressure or contact, bacterial infection, misalignment of foot,
improper diet with heavy intake of fats, sugars causing imbalances in acid/alkaline
balance
Indications:
look at posture and realign areas to reduce stress: castor oil
or epsom salt poultices
Contraindications:
Avoid any inflamed areas.
Crohn's Disease
Definition: Inflammation
and ulceration of the digestive tract usually chronic and long lasting
Causes: viral, bacteria,
stress, food allergies, free radical damage, lack of Vitamin C and/or E
Signs/Symptoms: chronic
diarrhea, pain in abdomen, fever, malabsorption, loss of energy, anemia,
headaches, vomiting, bowel obstructions
Indications: Massage
Ok; stress reduction and detoxification
Contraindications:
Work under supervision of Naturopath, Acupuncturist, Physician
There is some evidence that crohn's may be caused by a
pathogen called Mcobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis or MAP found in
meat and dairy herds. Treatment involves high doses of powerful anti-biotics
and probiotics to fight the effects of the anti-biotics killing all of the good
bacteria in the intestines. For more information see www.cdd.com.au
www.shafran.net/crohn/index.htm
www.crohnscureforkids.com
Restoring Your Digestive Health:
How the Guts and Glory Program Can Transfom Your Life (Paperback)
by Jordan Rubin, Joseph Brasco
Cystic fibrosis
Definition: genetic
disorder of a gene that gives instructions for a protein; affects exocrine
glands, pancreas, sweat glands, digestive and respiratory systems
Signs/Symptoms: chronic
wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, recurrent lung infections, malnutrition,
excessive salt in sweat glands
Indications: Massage
Ok; Loosen mucus in lungs with percussion
Contraindications:
Work with Physician, Naturopath, Acupuncturist; Caution - May be on steroids
Cystitis
Definition: Inflammation
of the bladder
Causes: infection of bacteria,
clamydia; Occurs more in women
Signs/Symptoms: urgency
of urination, painful burning urination, blood in urine
Indications: N/A
Contraindications: Refer
to Naturopath that uses homeopathic remedies and natural treatments such
as cranberry, colloidal silver, goldenseal, vitamin C; Refer to appropriate
health care provider.
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