For patients with cancer, such as those battling malignant mesothelioma, reflexology is said to have numerous benefits. Used as a complementary therapy along with conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, proponents of reflexology note that the treatment goes a long way in addressing such issues as pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting. Especially upon the mesothelioma prognosis, these individuals are in dire need of therapeutic relief from the side effects mentioned.

            So how does a foot rub help eliminate the unpleasant effects of cancer? Simply put, reflexology involves applying pressure to and stretching the hands and feet in order to trigger responses in other parts of the body. Experts theorize that the pressure sends a calming message from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, where it signals the body to adjust its tension level, therefore creating a feeling of overall relaxation, increasing blood supply, and bringing organs to an optimal level of functioning. Others say the success of reflexology relates to the “gate control” theory of pain relief, which theorizes that pain is a subjective experience created by an individual’s brain. The notion that factors like mood or stress can also affect the experience of pain enters into play here. Hence, reflexology can reduce pain by relieving stress and anxiety.

            Though there is no steadfast scientific evidence that reflexology offers an cure for cancers like mesothelioma or any other disease, numerous studies have shown that this complementary therapy improves quality of life for many cancer patients, even if just for a short time, hence, its inclusion in many complementary and palliative care programs at cancer hospitals nationwide.

A 2000 study at the School of Nursing at East Carolina University, for example, involved 23 breast and lung cancer patients who noted “a significant decrease” in anxiety with the use of reflexology treatment. This, wrote the professionals that authored the study, “has important implications for nursing practice as both professionals and lay people can be taught reflexology.

“Reflexology is a simple technique for human touch which can be performed anywhere, requires no special equipment, is non-invasive and does not interfere with patients’ privacy,” the study continues.

            Indeed, many medical professionals have suggested that caregivers for cancer patients take time to learn reflexology so that they can use it when necessary to help those for whom they are caring find relief from the pain and stress associated with the disease. Furthermore, noted study leader Dr. Nancy Stephenson, in the case of those caring for spouses or other family members, “the therapy provides a way for partners to get involved in their loved one’s care at a time when they may feel there is nothing they can do to help.”

Sources:

University of Minnesota, http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/reflexology/how-does-reflexology-work

American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Reflexology.asp

Dosing, Cancer, and Reflexology (Kunz), http://www.reflexology-research.com/dosing.html

Stretching with a vapor spray is cold (let your patient know before applying) and is really a distraction the actual work, which is the passive or active stretching techniques accomplishing the necessary work to treat the muscles involved in treatment. A therapist treating patients must have hands on to accurately assess and determine the course of treatment for the patient. Palpating muscles with various techniques such as pincer grip will allow the therapist to determine the location of active or latent trigger points. Detailed documentation of the initial exam will aid in the course of treatment for the trigger point therapy.

First the patient must be put at ease and comfortable so the therapist can accurately be able to assess postural deviations. Looking at the length of arms verses the pelvis can determine ergonomics within the patients environment that can cause muscle pain and dysfunction. Looking at the length between the corner of the mouth and the corner of the eyes can determine abnormal body lengths that will cause pains. This can also give the therapist clues as to how the patient will walk, sit or stand.

Additional postural anaylsis can be determined by having the patient sit on a level seat and looking direct on the spinal cord of the patient. Looking for distortions or abnormal lengths in the sagital or mid planes of the body. Having the patient lean forward and determine if their is scoliosis or deviations of the spine. The therapist can then use piano filler to pad the stool to level our the pelvis and correct any postural deviations in the spine with the patient leans forward. By correcting the postural deviations and allowing the muscles to lengthen or shorten to the at rest lengths muscle pain on an ongoing basis can be averted.

When the patient has been put at ease additional pain referral charts and graphs can be used to get the patient to accurately tell the therapist where the pain has been occuring in the body as to determine the best course of treatment.

An introduction to Myofascial Pain Therapy. This tape is one in a series of six that work through the entire body in an effort to teach trigger point therapy. This first tape in the series covers Basic concepts and definitions Evaluation of the patient Mechanical perpetuating factors and Ergonomics.  As I start of this journey I look forward to sharing with you tips and tricks of the trade to reduce or eliminate pain in the muscles of the body.  Myofascial Pain Syndromes the basic understanding presented by Janet G Travell, M.D. and written, produced, and directed by Ben Daitz, M.D.

For additional reference you can consult the Myofascial pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual Vols 1 and 2 By Janet Travell, M.D. and David G. Simons, M.D. which as I write this blog entry is in its second printing.

Section 140 of this document defines what is NOT in the scope of practice for a massage therapist. Some of which actually improaches on what is specifically stated in the scope of practice for a massage therapist in the state of Florida. Such as Colonic Hydrotherapy. It also has others in which many therapist in Florida do offer because it is allowed by our scope of practice currently in Florida. Ear Candling, Ultrasound, Electrotherapy, Qi Gong, Ta Chi Ch’uan, Exercise stretching muscles and Biofeedback.

Just some of the issues that should be taken up by individuals, students, LMTS, instructors, establishment owners, and clients.  You can visit www.mtbok.org for additional information.

Each chapter in the state is unqiue and ours is no exception. Lots of great things are on the horizon from information on the Board of Massage and Continuing education credits to the yearly State Convention in July. I spent two days covering all the things that a treasurer should know at the local chapter level to conducting business on the state level. Boy, let me tell you there is a lot of information to take in a very short amount of time.

Our next local chapter meeting in Feb will be for nomination of awards for people that exemplified and excelled at service to the FSMTA. We look forward to seeing who wins in a run off of nominations. Our next meeting CEU provider is covering MLD which should also be exciting.

Greg

Ultrasound is usually applied between 4 to 6 sessions to see measurable improvement in movement and range of motion in a joint such as the shoulder or glenohumeral joint. Simply due to the fact that the SITS muscle group along with all the tendons and ligaments that make up the shoulder joint.

Ultrasound along with massage therapy make a great way to speed recovery from injury. Ask your physician or chiropractor about additional details about Ultrasound therapy.

We welcome walkins at our new location and no waiting with appointment. Call for an appointment at 386-492-2958 Monday – Saturday 10am to 6pm.

Massage therapy to the rescue!!

Massage therapy can not only reduce the amount of pain your in but can also assist in lowering blood pressure. The body can only take so much stress and pain until the recovery system cannot keep up. Which can lead to chronic pain and stress, from there organs and nerve damage can occur.

Pay the piper now or you will pay the piper later as I tell my patients. You should spend a little money now so that you don’t have to spend tons later when you end up in hospital recovering from major surgery. Preventative maintenance can go a long way for keeping your body in check.