Symptoms

Sciatica is a symptom of a medical condition and occurs when there is an injury to the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerve is located in the spine and runs down the back of the legs.  It controls movement in the knees and lower leg and also provides feeling to the soles of the feet and lower legs.  Someone with sciatica will have pain, weakness or tingling/burning sensations in their leg.  In severe cases, sciatica is so painful that the individual may not be able to move.  Typically, pain and numbness will occur on one side and the sensations may be felt on the bottom of the foot or calf.  Pain tends to get worse after standing, sitting or walking a few yards.  Common causes of sciatica include: slipped disc, spinal stenosis, pelvic injury or tumors. 

Treatment

Chiropractic care is a treatment option for those suffering from severe sciatic pain.  The physician may use ice or cold therapy to numb pain and reduce irritation and swelling.  This technique works best right after the client experiences severe tenderness.  Occasionally massage therapy is used in combination with other therapies.  Once the patient has felt relief, the chiropractor may suggest an exercise program to get the client active again.  If pain doesn’t decrease within several treatments, the chiropractor will further examine the condition with X-rays, CT scan or and MRI.  These tools will help identify the problem so the chiropractor can use proper treatment.   

Pinched Nerve

If you have a pinched nerve, you’ll feel pain that radiates down the neck, arms and sometimes into the hands.  Back spasms, burning or tingling sensations are other signs of a pinched nerve in the neck.  A pinched nerve can result from a variety of things including: overstretching or constricting the nerve; bony growth in the neck; herniated discs; and spinal stenosis.  You should consult a chiropractor for treatment options if you suffer from neck or back pain.  Most likely you will not need any kind of surgery for a pinched nerve. 

Treatment  

It is best to contact a chiropractor if you suffer from any symptoms listed above.  Chiropractic treatment, physical therapy or pain medication will help reduce pain.   Chiropractic adjustments may be used to help heal a pinched nerve.  Chiropractic adjustments are used to correct subluxations (pinched nerve) found along the spine.  The chiropractor will place pressure with his/her palms to the areas that are not aligned properly.  This quick and forceful motion will place the subluxation back into its proper positioning.  A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, helps restore the spine more freely and increases the backs range of motion. Most spinal manipulations use gentle force and light pressure, therefore the procedure is painless.  Patients may hear a popping sound, but that doesn’t mean it is painful.  The ‘pop’ noise is just tiny pockets of gas releasing which is completely normal for every patient

Nearly 80 percent of people in the United States will encounter neck pain at least once during their lifetime.  Some cases are severe because of a sustained injury and may take months to heal, while other cases are small and the pain will decrease on its own.  It’s common to see some people sustain neck pain for a long period of time if they have been rear-ended in a car accident.  Whiplash occurs when a sudden force is applied to the body, jolting the neck in the opposite direction.  Irritated neck muscles can also be caused by sitting at a desk for long periods of time.  People who have poor posture tend to encounter neck and back pain more than others. 

Treatment

If neck pain is severe, the individual should consult a chiropractic doctor.  If it is minor pain, he or she could try a therapeutic massage.  Chiropractic doctors use a technique called spinal manipulation for treatment.  Spinal manipulation, also known as chiropractic adjustment, involves the chiropractor moving the joint into the opposite direction.  This technique helps restore mobility within the spine and reduces pain or tenderness in the muscles.  A massage therapist can use natural techniques to eliminate pain and relieve tension in strained muscles.  Massages increase circulation and help relieve stress resulting is the decrease of pain.   

Do you experience muscle pain on a regular basis due to stress, poor posture, injury, and repetitive wear and tear?  There is no need to suffer in silence and take the conventional over the counter pain relievers.  There is help and in comes in form of alternative health care providers such as chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy. 

Massage Therapy

The most appropriate for muscle pain is massage therapy and chiropractic care since they jointly work on the muscles as well as the bones which are in an abnormal state of dysfunction.  Massage therapists will use techniques such as Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, Cyriax friction, and cryotherapy.  These techniques and hydrotherapy applications will help to significantly reduce inflammation, promote cellular healing, eliminate waste product build-up such as lactic acid, and restore range of motion to the affected joint(s). 

PRICE

When muscle pain happens at home and there is no way to visit an alternative healthcare provider use the PRICE regimen.  PRICE stands for protect, rest, ice, compress, and elevate.  The rule of thumb for icing is twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off repeating this several times throughout the first 48 hours of injury.  There are many ways to reduce chronic muscle pain and noticing poor posture and repetitive stresses are high on the list.  Companies all around the world are realizing the increasingly high absenteeism rate and supporting the launch of new ergonomically correct products in the workplace.  These help not only to reduce pain but also decrease the risk of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as well as injuries like Adhesive Capsulitis, or frozen shoulder syndrome.  Noticing repetitive injury is the first line of defense but prevention and treatment is the ultimate key to muscle pain relief long-term. 

Have you ever thought of becoming a massage therapist?  Well, you’re not alone!  There are thousands of massage therapists within the United States and many more becoming nationally certified by the N.C.B.T.M.B every day.  More and more institutes and colleges are offering massage therapist programs.  Most accredited institutions offer programs that are 500-hours in duration.  Massage therapy students must take the following classes: human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing, range of motion, and clinical application.  The massage techniques applicable to a therapist are Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Trigger Point Release, Myofascial Release, Cross-friction massage, Cyriax friction, Shiatsu, Rain-drop therapy, Sacral-Occipital Technique, and hydrotherapy applications.  Once graduated, the new therapist has many different options for employment such as spas, cruise ships, Chiropractic offices, wellness and fitness centers, acupuncture offices, physical therapy rehabilitation, and hospitals. 

N.B.C.T.M.B.

The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork offer a specialized test to qualify candidates for national certification.  This test sets apart therapists among the field to ensure the public the highest level of safety and technique.  This certification demands that the therapist complete 50-hour of continuing education every four years with ethics being a major requirement.  In addition, they also require them to show proof of hand-on application throughout the 4-year time frame.           

There are many different types of massage tables; they come in various heights, fabrics, colors, and framework.  Most tables are either made from a lightweight steel frame or wood, and are vinyl or leather in nature.  Massage tables are specifically shaped to deliver the most comfortable massage to the client with face rests, arm rests, breast recesses, and even a slot for pregnant or obese patients.  In addition, massage therapists make the tables even more comfortable by providing heated table warmers, soft flannel sheets and head rest covers.  Luckily, the more expensive tables come in adjustable heights; this is not only helpful for the individual therapist, but also helpful when different sized patients come in for treatments.  In addition, tables either come in a stationary form or the more-friendly portable version.  This allows the therapist to become traveling in nature and deliver massages to people in their homes, athletes at sporting events, corporate outings, and bridal and bachelorette parties.

What to expect your first massage?

A first massage can be both exciting and frightening at the same time, this is because most people don’t know what to expect.  Some people think they’re going to be completely nude and exposed on the table, while others are total exhibitionists.  The massage therapist should thoroughly explain the directions for clothing removal, the nature of the massage and techniques provided, and answer any and all expectations the client may have satisfactorily.  It’s not uncommon for clients to ask for the massage therapists license status and when and where they became certified in the field.  This ensures the quality and safety to the general public.  During the massage session, a well-seasoned therapist will ask about pressure and if everything is okay.  When completed, the therapist should offer the client a glass of water and explain to them the importance of drinking plenty of water not only after a massage but in general as well as explain the benefits of clinical massage therapy.      

What is a back massager?  This can either be someone delivering a massage to a client, a hand-held device, or a stationary chair.  All these provide the same benefits to different degrees.  The benefits of massage therapy include: increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, increased metabolic rate, decreased heart rate, induced relaxation and rejuvenation, elimination of harmful waste products and toxins, healing of tissues on a cellular level, and the reduction of stress and tension within the human body.  A massage therapist attends an accredited school between 500-1000 contact hours in the following course areas: human anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic evaluation, range of motion testing, and clinical application.  They may further go on to attend classes in hot-stone massage, Reiki, Shiatsu, Thai massage, rain-drop massage, Cranial-Sacral technique, and acupuncture. 

Where to receive a massage?

Massage clinics are popping up in every community with many to choose from.  They are opening in private clinics, chiropractic clinics, sports and physical rehabilitation centers, acupuncture offices, spas, cruise ships, and even hospitals.  Also, massage therapists are always being employed at sporting events such as marathons, triathlons, and even the Olympics.  Upon graduation, the therapist has the option to further their credentials by taking the N.C.B.T.M.B. (Nationally Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) test.  This test focuses on Eastern as well as the Western influences and practices of massage therapy.  Once certified, the therapist must comply with board rules and complete 50 hours of continuing education every four years.  Some of the hours must be in the area of standard V ethics and boundaries.    

What is a Herniated Disc?

A disc is made of a soft center portion and a fibrous ring.  The disc is nourished when the vertebrae moves blood and fluids through the disc.  If fluids don’t circulate through the disc, it can dry up and the soft portion will tear, causing the disc to bulge, otherwise known as a slipped or herniated disc. People who experience leg pains or weakness in the lower part of the body are often diagnosed with a slipped disc.  Not all bulging discs are painful; in fact, some people may not experience any type of discomfort.  Typically, pain only occurs if the bulging disc makes contact with the spinal nerve. 

Treatment

Treatment for a slipped disc can vary from chiropractic care to medication, to surgery.  Back surgery is not always the correct treatment, as it is not always successful in fixing the problem.  There are many risks and complications that go along with back surgery, and the results may not always be positive.  Another option, medication, will help relieve pain temporarily, but it ultimately masks the problem instead of curing it.  After a certain amount of time, the body builds a tolerance to a certain amount of dosage to medication, which means the doctors will need to prescribe a higher dosage.  A higher dosage could result in addiction to the prescription.  One of the best alternatives is to seek a non-invasive method like chiropractic care before resulting to surgery or pain meds.  The chiropractor uses different techniques that are safe and promote natural healing within the body.  One method a chiropractor will use to correct subluxations is known as a spinal adjustment.  The physician uses light and gentle force to realign the spine which decompresses the vertebra and allows the disc to heal.   

What is the difference between massage therapy and medical massage therapy? As far as techniques go, nothing is different. Medical massage therapy incorporates all forms of massage techniques. The one important difference that would separate medical massage would be that the therapist would receive specific prescriptive direction from a primary care physician as to what the client needs in regards to their healthcare problems. This form of massage therapy is generally billed to health insurance companies in 15 minute increments and proper and accurate patient charting is absolutely required by the therapist.

 Techniques

Various techniques may be performed when applying medical therapy for a client. Some of these techniques include trigger point therapy, myofascial release, muscle testing, neuromuscular therapy, rehabilitation procedures and many more. The therapist would apply these techniques to the specific prescribed areas instead of a full body treatment. It is important to acquire exceptional palpation skills when working with medically referred clients, as the ability to palpate and locate musculoskeletal issues will result in better benefitting the clients’ overall health progress. It is also very important for healthcare providers to be aware that the term “medical massage therapist” does not imply formal medical training and such should only be recommended for a patient that does not have any serious underlying health condition that would be a contraindication for receiving massage therapy services.

References Cited in this Article

www.mmpa.us

www.massagetoday.com

Medical massage therapy is a treatment that is prescribed by a physician to treat a specific condition, or conditions. A physician must determine the need for medical massage therapy.  This kind of therapy cannot be diagnosed or prescribed by a massage therapist.  Medical massage therapy will primarily focus on the specific areas that are affected in the diagnosis. Medical massage therapy is a natural and non-invasive treatment to health care. Medical massage therapy can help alleviate pain by releasing endorphins and amino acid, which works as the body’s natural painkiller.  Medical massage therapy can help promote tissue regeneration, which can reduce scar tissue and reduce adhesions and swelling after surgery. Medical massage therapy can help distribute oxygen & nutrients into tissue and vital organs, which can improve circulation.

Health Benefits

There are many health benefits to massage therapy treatments. But it is important to know that a massage therapist that provides a medical massage is different than an orthopedic massage therapist. Both therapists have been trained and certified in massage therapy. But a medical massage therapist has a more detailed and thorough knowledge of the human body. A medical massage therapist has also had extensive training in the actual treatment of the human body and it’s pathology.  A medical massage therapist studies one body part at a time.  They will cover the joints of that body part, the connective tissue as well as the soft tissue.  They will have knowledge of the basic pathologies commonly seen in practice, in regards to that body part.  A medical massage therapist will have a thorough knowledge on the techniques used to treat the problems or conditions of that specific body part.  Medical massage therapy is not a full body massage. Medical massage therapists do not provide relaxation, or use oils or spa products. A medical massage therapist has been trained to use medicated oil based products or liniments, in conjunction to the massage, (these products are normally applied once the treatment has been completed).