Where does the time go? I can't believe it has been a year since I have posted. It has been a whirl wind year. I took an early retirement last July from Perrigo after 29 years with the company. This was a decision we made in order for me to pursue a full time career in massage therapy.
I started working part time for another chiropractor last August to have the additional hours free to build my business. Things are not where I had hoped they would be by this time, however I am still plugging away. Thanks to a good friend and fellow massage therapist-Tammy Forbes-I had the opportunity to work at Hillcrest High for teachers appreciaton and a Crazy Cow 5-K run at Hertiage park recently. Networking with fellow therapist comes in handy.
What is exciting is that massage therapist are now being hired in medical practices. It is nice to see the medical community acknowledge the benefits massage has on our health. It is also nice to see insurance covering this as a medical expense. What this is doing for massage therapist is giving validity to us as trained professionals. It also means the massage therapist gets paid more than a minimual hourly wage. The medical doctor benefits as well, clients happy with the benefits, insurance paying the doctor and he in turn pays the massage therapist a wage that is not insulting.
What I have experienced thus far is the chiropractor benefiting financially and the massage therapist restricted as to the time we can work on the patient. That is frustrating to me when I know in some cases given another 10 minutes I could help benefit the patient.
I have heard of several medical doctors that are giving the respect to massage therapist by hiring, paying well, and trusting the massage therapist as a trained professional to help the patient.
I am not just talking family practice, but specialist as well. I have a neurologist that has referred some patients to me. He knows my work and likes the benefits he sees for his patients. He respects me as a professional to know what I need to do to get the results he wants.
Even though things are moving slower than I would like, I have learned to never give up....always keep moving forward. Trusting God's timing, not mine.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday, April 20, 2009
Getting Started
Getting started with my massage business has been slow. I have been working for over a year at a local Chiropractic office in the evenings with some success, but not as much as I would like. The problem is some what because I have a full time job during the day, but I feel that I am on the verge of a break through. If I can just get in to a few doctors offices and prove what I can do to help people with muscle related problems, if I can just put my hands on them to show them what I can do.
My advice would be to all…. never giving up on your dreams or your passion.
Getting started with my massage business has been slow. I have been working for over a year at a local Chiropractic office in the evenings with some success, but not as much as I would like. The problem is some what because I have a full time job during the day, but I feel that I am on the verge of a break through. If I can just get in to a few doctors offices and prove what I can do to help people with muscle related problems, if I can just put my hands on them to show them what I can do.
My advice would be to all…. never giving up on your dreams or your passion.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Massage techniquesTechniques that encourage relaxation of the muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle are a mainstay for massage approaches. Simple techniques, such as effleurage and broad cross-fiber sweeping strokes, are useful. Because the muscles often become fibrous and shortened due to the limited range of motion in the shoulder, restoring their proper movement is an important aspect of addressing this problem.
When muscles are unable to move through their full range of motion, restoring proper movement can be challenging. In this case, active engagement techniques work well. The image to the left shows an active engagement method for the pectoralis major, which often becomes restricted in adhesive capsulitis. The client is instructed to hold an isometric contraction (horizontal adduction) in the pectoralis major and then slowly let it go. As the client releases the contraction, the practitioner performs a longitudinal stripping technique on the pectoralis major fibers.
Myofascial trigger points in muscles such as the subscapularis may also play a role in the perpetuation of capsular adhesion. These trigger points can be treated with static compression methods or compression with active movement (Right Figure). During compression with active movement, the practitioner maintains pressure on the trigger point while the client moves through as much of the range of motion as possible (internal and external shoulder rotation).
Another goal for the massage therapist is to encourage elongation of the adhered capsular tissues. This is accomplished with various stretching procedures. However, do not expect results to come quickly. In addition to - or in conjunction with - massage techniques, stretching methods should emphasize the motions of external rotation and abduction, and will get the best results when performed slowly to stretch the adhered tissues. For example, with a passive stretch in lateral rotation, the client is taken just to the point where discomfort starts and then held there (see Left Figure). While in this position, the client is encouraged to breathe deeply and relax the shoulder as much as possible. After holding the stretch for 20 seconds or more, the client is slowly brought back to the neutral position. The procedure can be repeated several times.
ConclusionAdhesive capsulitis can be debilitating and cause long-term impairment. Proper treatment can mean the difference between a several-months-long disability or one of several years. Even with therapeutic results, this condition may require a long rehabilitation. As a result, the client may get depressed about the lack of improvement in his/her condition. Positive statements regarding even small amounts of improvement will go a long way toward encouraging active participation in the rehabilitation process. This is also where your knowledge of the condition will be highly valuable, as your clients attempt to learn more about their own bodies and what they can do to return to optimum health.
References
When muscles are unable to move through their full range of motion, restoring proper movement can be challenging. In this case, active engagement techniques work well. The image to the left shows an active engagement method for the pectoralis major, which often becomes restricted in adhesive capsulitis. The client is instructed to hold an isometric contraction (horizontal adduction) in the pectoralis major and then slowly let it go. As the client releases the contraction, the practitioner performs a longitudinal stripping technique on the pectoralis major fibers.
Myofascial trigger points in muscles such as the subscapularis may also play a role in the perpetuation of capsular adhesion. These trigger points can be treated with static compression methods or compression with active movement (Right Figure). During compression with active movement, the practitioner maintains pressure on the trigger point while the client moves through as much of the range of motion as possible (internal and external shoulder rotation).
Another goal for the massage therapist is to encourage elongation of the adhered capsular tissues. This is accomplished with various stretching procedures. However, do not expect results to come quickly. In addition to - or in conjunction with - massage techniques, stretching methods should emphasize the motions of external rotation and abduction, and will get the best results when performed slowly to stretch the adhered tissues. For example, with a passive stretch in lateral rotation, the client is taken just to the point where discomfort starts and then held there (see Left Figure). While in this position, the client is encouraged to breathe deeply and relax the shoulder as much as possible. After holding the stretch for 20 seconds or more, the client is slowly brought back to the neutral position. The procedure can be repeated several times.
ConclusionAdhesive capsulitis can be debilitating and cause long-term impairment. Proper treatment can mean the difference between a several-months-long disability or one of several years. Even with therapeutic results, this condition may require a long rehabilitation. As a result, the client may get depressed about the lack of improvement in his/her condition. Positive statements regarding even small amounts of improvement will go a long way toward encouraging active participation in the rehabilitation process. This is also where your knowledge of the condition will be highly valuable, as your clients attempt to learn more about their own bodies and what they can do to return to optimum health.
References
Saturday, March 28, 2009
At the age of 54 I decided to go back to school and become a massage therapist.
I have learned to help people through massage therapy. Below are some benefits of massage.
1. Increasing circulation which promotes healing
2. Relieve pain
3. Stretch weak, tight or atrophied muscles
4. Increase joint flexibility
5. Reduce post surgery adhesion and swelling
6. relieve migraine pain
7. Improve your immune system by increasing lymph flow
8. Improve sleep quality
9. Improve concentration and energy levels
10. Improve mood/depression
I have learned to help people through massage therapy. Below are some benefits of massage.
1. Increasing circulation which promotes healing
2. Relieve pain
3. Stretch weak, tight or atrophied muscles
4. Increase joint flexibility
5. Reduce post surgery adhesion and swelling
6. relieve migraine pain
7. Improve your immune system by increasing lymph flow
8. Improve sleep quality
9. Improve concentration and energy levels
10. Improve mood/depression
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