Pathology for Massage Therapists
G
Ganglion Cysts
Ruth Werner on Cysts
Gall Stones (cholelithiasis and cholecystitis)
Definition: crystallized
cholesterol combined with bile in the gall bladder may cause inflammation
of gall bladder
Causes: high fat
diet, improper digestion, toxic liver, hormonal changes as in pregnancy
or birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.
Signs/Symptoms: often
no symptoms until it moves to block the bile passageway; then nausea, vomiting,
pain in the upper right abdominal quadrant to right shoulder may occur
Indications: Castor
oil packs to relieve pain
Contraindications:
Refer to appropriate health care practitioner for immediate detoxification
and diet modification. Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.
Gastritis
Definition:
inflammation of the stomach
Causes: may be caused
by irritant such as alcohol, aspirin, sensitivity to food, stress (excess
stomach acid)
Signs/Symptoms: pain,
belching, nausea
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction
Contraindications:
Refer to appropriate health care practitioner for treatment and to rule
out more serious problems
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disorder
Definition: heart
burn due to malfunctioning esophageal spincter muscle that closes the esophagus
and prevents stomach acid from surging upward
Causes: hormonal
changes such as increased estrogens, hiatal hernia, excessive acidity due
to improper diet, stress, vertebral subluxation, improper or inadequate
digestion
Signs/Symptoms: burning
sensation in the stomach or chest
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction, Visceral manipulation.
Contraindications:
May have to be sitting up or with head higher than stomach to relieve symptoms.
Refer to appropriate health care provider for nutritional, diet and lifestyle
changes.
Genital Herpes
Definition: sexually
transmitted disease
Causes: virus; outbreaks
may be stress induced or related to intake of certain foods such as almonds,
barley, grains, chicken, chocolate, popcorn, corn, dairy products, meat,
nuts, peanuts.
Signs/Symptoms: may have
no symptoms; painful, fluid filled blisters that are highly infectious,
painful urination
Indications: Massage for
stress reduction
Contraindications:
follow strict hygiene care, highly contagious: avoid working points
around sacrum as it may trigger an eruption
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow
By Ben Benjamin, Ph
Gonorrhea
Definition: sexually
transmitted disease
Causes: bacteria
Signs/Symptoms: may
have no symptoms; painful urination and cloudy discharge
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction
Contraindications:
Follow strict hygiene care, highly contagious: Refer to Physician
Gout
Definition: type
of arthritis that affects the joint of the big toe, foot , ankle, fingers
Causes: too much
uric acid in the blood, tissues caused by lack of digestive enzyme called
uricase that oxidizes uric acid. Also may be related to intake of consumption
of alcohol, meat and lack of water.
Signs/Symptoms: redness,
swelling, extremely sensitive and painful joints; usually the big toe or
foot but may be other joints too. Definitive diagnosis is to test
fluid in joint.
Indications: Massage
for detoxification
Contraindications:
May not be able to touch inflamed area; work above. Refer for nutritional,
dietary and lifestyle changes.
Graves Disease -see
Hyperthyroidism
Guillain- Barre
Definition: inflammation
of peripheral nerves
Causes: viral, flu
shots, autoimmune disease, infections, surgery, Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Signs/Symptoms: rapid
onset of weakness, paralysis, tingling in hands and feet
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction; Sensation may be limited.
Contraindications:
Refer to appropriate health care provider.
Links- Guillain-Barre
Syndrome Foundation
