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Pathology for Massage Therapists
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Raynaud's disease
Definition: circulatory
disease in the hands and feet with sensitivity to cold
Causes: stress, side
effect of some drugs, muscle tightness and compression syndromes
Signs/Symptoms: fingers
deprived of oxygen turn blue or white, damage may occur to nails
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction and relieve any compressed areas
Contraindications:
Gangrene may occur in extreme cases; Refer to appropriate health care practitioner.
Web resources: Raynaud's
foundation
Wayne
State University
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Definition: Sympathetic
Nervous System Disorder
Causes: Trauma, injury,
stress
Signs/Symptoms: burning
pain, swelling, osteoporsis, skin changes, muscle spasm, joint tenderness,
vasoconstriction and dilation, usually in hand or foot but can be other
places, may lead to weakness and atrophy
Indications: Massage for
stress reduction and relieve spasms. Check postural alignment.
Contraindications: Refer
to appropriate health care practitioner
Links-
UW
Orthopedic Physicians
Working with clients who have Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy by Ruth Werner
Repetitive Stress Syndrome
Defintion: a combination
of conditions which include tendonitis, tenosynovitis, neuralgia, and neuritis
Causes: overuse,
poor nutrition, stress
Signs/Symptoms: burning
pain, tingling, increased pain with movement, numbness, swelling, inflammation,
weakness, reduced mobility, reduced motor ability
Indications: Get
clear diagnosis. Reduce inflammation, reduce adhesions, reduce joint stiffness
and pain, minimize atrophy
Contraindications:
Check for steroid medications
Restless Leg Syndrome
Definition: uncontrollable
urge to move legs usually occurring at night
Causes: Unknown;
possible causes are drug reaction, brain chemistry imbalance, iron deficiency,
pregnancy, neuropathy, improper diet, lack of exercise
Signs/Symptoms: nocturnal
leg cramping, muscle tightness, urge to move due to uncomfortable sensations,
symptoms may worsen with relaxation, burning feet, fibromyalgia, sleep
problems
Indications: Massage
to relieve tightness in legs, triggerpoint therapy, stretching program
Contraindications:
Relaxation may worsen condition in some cases. Refer to appropriate health
care practitioner for nutritional support and treatment. Possible medications
for treatment include sinemet, valium, percodan, percocet.
Links - Wemove.org
Rheumatoid Arthritis - see arthritis
Ringworm
Definition: fungal
infection of the skin
Causes: fungus
Signs/Symptoms: scaly,
crusty cracking of the skin
Indications: do not
use oil or lotion as fungus thrive in moist areas
Contraindications:
No oil or lotion; Refer to appropriate health care practitioner
Rosacea
Definition: chronic
skin disorder of the forehead, face and chin
Causes: unknown;
may be related to alcohol consumption, poor digestion, dehydration, nutritional
deficiencies, stress
Signs/Symptoms: capillaries
become dilated causing blotchy areas with pimples, skin may be sensitive
to touch
Indications: Massage
for stress reduction and removal of toxins and to stimulate digestion
Contraindications:
None; Refer to appropriate health care practitioner.
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