Context is powerful: Even light, mindful touch can significantly shift pain and proprioception, reminding us that how we work matters as much as what we do.
Sciatic nerve pain can indicate an underlying issue: Certain structures within its path in the lumbosacral, pelvic, and gluteal regions may compress or irritate the nerve.
Clients with fibromyalgia deserve our appreciation and respect, even though they might present some special challenges for practitioners.
Lessening lifelong chronic pain through bodywork can often require a lifestyle change for clients after the healing begins.
The holistic importance of massage therapy needs to be recognized as a key to relieving a client's pain.
Guiding clients toward discovering solutions for themselves is far more valuable than simply giving them the answers.
Encouraging the client to be part of the discovery process can help build the connection with the practitioner.
Finding a solution doesn't always come from knowledge. Sometimes, practitioners have to go a little deeper to find wisdom.
We can help clients understand that pain indicates protection rather than damage.
Handheld percussion massage tools can be an effective way for massage therapists to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of massage for themselves.
What happens with bones during a trauma is only one part of the picture. Sadly, the rest is often overlooked because you can't see it on a diagnostic image.
To protect the head when falling forward, one massively contracts the posterior muscles of the neck, which could lead to strain or injury in other areas.
Pudendal nerve pain can sometimes be misdiagnosed as sacroiliac joint strain. A careful intake and assessment can help draw out the details needed to prepare an appropriate treatment plan.
Forward head posture is the name given to a sagittal-plane postural distortion pattern in which the head is held forward. Here we'll explore causes and how the context of FHP can inform our massage therapy.
Shoulder pain and stiffness are common upper extremity complaints. Interestingly, recent research indicates mechanical impingement may not be the primary cause of pain in some cases. So what's the cause?
Author Douglas Nelson recounts working with a client suffering from an illness without a diagnosis and the stress that stemmed from the physical pain.
Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is one of the most common disorders affecting women post pregnancy.
Childbirth is a natural, joyous, and miraculous event, but sometimes with consequences for the mother's pelvic function. The aftereffects of delivery can lead to instability, pain, and all kinds of dysfunction to the pelvic area.
This is what I've learned since becoming a massage therapist, and how to deal with grief or loss after bonding with a client.
