Pathology for Massage Therapists
N
Neoplasm
Definition: a mass
of new abnormal tissue; usually a malignant tumor
Causes: see cancer
Signs/Symptoms: lump
or thickening of tissue
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction and elimination of toxins
Contraindications:
Avoid direct pressure on area or use caution with clients and physicians
ok. Refer to appropriate health care practitioner for treatment.
Nephritis
Definition: inflammation
of the kidney
Causes: damage from
exposure to chemicals, poisons, toxins, bacterial or viral infection, chronic
diseases such as diabetes or lupus
Signs/Symptoms: fever,
chills, back pain, abdominal pain, fluid retention
Indications: Massage
to remove toxins, increase circulation
Contraindications:
Watch for drug interactions; Refer to appropriate health care practitioner.
Neuralgia
Definition: nerve
pain along the path of a peripheral sensory nerve without inflammation
Causes: trauma, injury,
stress, nerve impingement or pressure on a nerve due to poor circulation,
muscle spasm, arthritis, or poorly healed fracture
Signs/Symptoms: shooting
and throbbing pain, tingling, numbness, paresthesia, no signs of inflammation,
cold extremities due to reduction in circulation, peripheral nerve impingement,
radiating pain following dermatomes, muscle spasms, weakness
Common types: Trigeminal
neuralgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, intercostal neuralgia, Bell's Palsy
Indications: Massage to
relieve pain and stress; traction to relieve pressure on nerve; realignment
as needed throughout body.
Contraindications:
Refer for diagnostic procedures if persistent and unrelievable
Neuritis
Definition: inflammation
of a nerve
Interstitial Neuritis: inflammation
of the connective tissue of the nerve trunk characterized by dull, aching
pain that follows the path of the nerve
Parenchymatous neuritis:
inflammation of the internal nerve structure the axon and myelin
Causes: trauma, injury,
stress, infection
Signs/Symptoms: pain,
referred pain, redness along nerve, burning pain, paresthesia and pain
when stretched, paralysis possible in parenchymatous, muscle spasm
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction and pain relief; ice/heat as per stage of symptoms.
Reduce inflammation. Relieve impingement.
Common types: Brachial plexus,
carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, trigeminal neuritis, ulnar neuritis
Contraindications:
Refer for diagnostic procedures if persistent and unrelievable; Acute neuritis
is contraindicated for massage, no stretching.
Nyctalopia
Definition: night
blindness
Causes: stress, eyestrain,
nutritional deficiencies
Signs/Symptoms: unable
to see well in faint light or darkness
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction; Eye exercises
Contraindications:
Refer to Bates Vision specialist
