The term inflammatory bowel disease is used to describe conditions that cause inflammation within the digestive tract. Both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease are conditions that fall into the category of inflammatory bowel disease and both can cause symptoms of fever, abdominal cramping and diarrhea that contains blood. A person who suffers from these conditions may also experience weight loss. There are some differences between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. When ulcerative colitis is present in the intestines, the sections affected are the innermost lining of the colon (the large intestine) as well as the rectum. The inflammation from ulcerative colitis stretches throughout a continuous section of the colon whereas Crohn’s disease can occur in sporadic patches throughout the digestive tract and can penetrate deep into the tissues. While the location of these conditions is different, both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can cause debilitation and may cause serious life-threatening complications.

UC Symptoms

Ulcerative colitis can vary in severity and location and because of this the diagnosis will be specific to each individual. It can be specified as pancolitis (affecting the entire colon), left-sided colitis (inflammation from the rectum up the left side of the colon through the sigmoid and descending portion), ulcerative proctitis (inflammation of the rectum), proctosigmoiditis (inflammation present in the rectum and sigmoid colon) and the most life-threatening form of ulcerative colitis, fulminant colitis, which affects the entire colon but can lead to a rupture of the colon and severe distention which can lead to toxic megacolon. In general, ulcerative colitis is not dangerous and people will go through periods of symptoms and then a remission of symptoms. In mild cases, such as proctitis, the symptoms will not worsen. It is not completely known what triggers the onset of ulcerative colitis but it is thought that an immune response as well as genetics may be contributing factors. Some medications may also encourage ulcerative colitis or make current UC symptoms even worse.

Alternative Treatment Options

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation within the digestive tract and there is no known cure. While this disease affects the digestive tract in different areas compared to ulcerative colitis, the symptoms and the treatment plan are similar. The common treatment for these forms of inflammatory bowel disease is anti-inflammatory medications and immune suppressants. Some people may also try other forms of care if these medications produce little or no relief or if side effects are bothersome. Alternative treatment options for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease include acupuncture, probiotics and prebiotics, supplements that include fish oil and dietary modification.

References Cited in this Article            www.webmd.com                    www.mayoclinic.com

What is Trigger Point Therapy 

During a trigger point therapy session, the massage therapist will apply pressure to sore muscles in order provide some relief.  It is not uncommon that masseuses will combine a Swedish massage with trigger point therapy to obtain the best results.  There are two types of trigger points, active and latent.  Active trigger points will pass on pain to another area of the body when pressure is applied to the original sore spot.  Latent trigger points are only painful when pressure is applied to the direct spot.  The pain does not travel to other areas unlike active trigger points.  Physicians believe latent trigger points are caused from stiff joints and a restricted range of motion.  Trigger points are also known as knots and are very common in many people.  Some causes of trigger points include: accident or falls, poor posture, and overexertion. 

Purpose 

The purpose of treatment is to reduce pain and retrain the muscles into painless habits.  After 3 or 4 treatments the tenderness and pain is reduced and range of motion is increased.  Many individuals will also see an increase in flexibility, coordination and circulation.  Some people who would benefit from trigger point therapy include: athletes, arthritis patients, individuals with carpal tunnel, migraine sufferers, or people recovering from accidents or trauma.  People who can perform trigger point therapy are physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors.  Medical doctors are not trained in this specialty.  This treatment is a great non-invasive alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. 

History of Trigger Point Therapy

Janet Travel is credited for creating many theories behind trigger point therapy.  She was John F. Kennedy’s personal physician and treated him for back pain with this method.  This was defiantly a first for women during this time period.  She published papers on trigger point and then published the first volume of The Trigger Point Manuel.  In 1992, a second volume was released. 

Shanghai is a metropolis in eastern china and is located in the middle part of the coast of the mainland in China.  The Chinese characters for Shanghai mean “up, high, top, on, above, and sea.”  In the 19^th century, Shanghai grew in importance due to its port location.  However, this large city is also famous for eastern massage therapy.  Massage therapy has its roots in China and is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine.  Massage therapy has many benefits including: increased circulation and digestion, decreased heart rate, relaxation and rejuvenation, elimination of harmful waste products and toxins, reduction in hyper-irritable areas in muscles, reduction of headaches and muscle aches, skin clarity, diminished appearance of cellulite, etc.  Massage therapists learn many different techniques in massage school and differ somewhat from east to west.  However, the basic techniques are the same including: Effluerage, Pettrissage, Tapotement, Roulement, Myofascial release, Trigger-point release, Cyriax friction, muscle stripping, Cranial-sacral technique, Shiatsu, Rain-drop technique, and hot-stone massage.  Massage is always performed in the direction of the heart. 

Where can massage therapists practice?

Therapists have the option to practice massage in shanghai in a variety of settings.  Such settings include: spas, health clubs and wellness centers, hospitals, cruise ships, chiropractic offices, acupuncture office, physical therapy rehabilitation facilities, corporate events, athletic events, bridal parties, etc.  The massage therapist will instruct the client to disrobe to his or her comfort level realizing that the more one disrobes the easier it will be for the therapist to access their musculature.  At this time, they will also instruct the client how to get onto the table either prone (face down) or supine (face up).  Post massage, the therapist will provide water to the client and explain to them the importance of drinking added water after a massage.  This will help to eliminate any harmful toxins or waste products such as lactic acid from the body.  On average, an individual should drink half their body weight in ounces per day.

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.           

About Myofascia Release

Myofascia Release is a gentle massage technique that is performed to help loosen and stretch the muscles.  The massage therapist will use kneading techniques to decrease tension in bones, joints and nerves by helping to clear scar tissue from an injury.  He/she will use twisting strokes on tension areas to restore harmony back to the body.  Typically, the same strokes are applied in the same direction to increase range of motion in the muscles.  This therapy is safe and has been used to treat clients with poor posture, stiff muscles, chronic fatigue, stress, and reoccurring injuries on the muscular skeletal system.  Patients should consult a doctor before receiving treatment to avoid issues with any existing medical conditions.

Benefits of Myofascia Release

Myofascia Release is beneficial for people who suffer from back pain or other muscle associated medical issues.  Many doctors will suggest other forms of therapy along with myofascia to provide patients with more options of relieve pain.  A Myofascia Release session will last 60 minutes and patients will feel their body relieved of tension.  Because of this reason, treatment is recommended for people who have migraines, carpel tunnel syndrome, whiplash, and menstrual cramps. 

Do your muscles appear achy and unresponsive to ordinary therapies?  Myofascial Release may be the answer to sore, achy muscles and joints.  This technique is slow and lifts the thin connective tissue layer called fascia from the muscle itself. 

Swedish Massage

In a Swedish massage, this technique is primarily done first to bring blood into the tissues and separate this layer for entrance into the deeper muscles of the back or extremities.  Myofascial technique is really easy to apply to patients in everyday therapies.  First, you apply a soft fleshy palm to the area to be treated.  Next, you lean into the area with your body weight allowing your palm to move on its own.  The weight of your body will cause your palm to glide slowly in the treated area while lifting and separating the fascia from the muscle.  This will cause an immediate hyperemic response and the skin will appear red or blush in color.  This is a normal response and shows that blood is entering the area and starting to heal the muscle. 

Other Techniques

A massage therapist may also incorporate other modalities for further healing and relaxation and include: Effleurage, Pettrisage, Tapotement, Roulement, Cross-friction massage, Trigger point release, and Cranial-Sacral technique.  Some of these techniques are only performed in Swedish, while the deeper more aggressive techniques are performed in deep tissue and sports-related massages.   

Chiropractic massage is very beneficial for someone who is struggling with tension or pain within their neck, back, legs, or arms.  A chiropractic massage can be done either before or after being adjusted.  Generally your Chiropractor will suggest to you which method will be the most beneficial for your treatment that day.  Your Chiropractor will also work closely with the massage therapist to ensure the areas you need worked on will be treated carefully.  This will assist in holding the adjustments longer. 

Benefits

Patients that receive regular Chiropractic massages on a regular basis feel less tension, pain and stress in their body.   It truly helps to release any underlying toxins and it gives the patient a relaxing experience.  Some massages can also be covered by a patient’s medical insurance; there may be an allotment that can be used for Chiropractic care and massages.   Or, the patient can choose to pay out of pocket for the massage.  Prices will vary at each location along with time allotments.  Typically, most Chiropractic offices will offer thirty minute massages to ninety minute massages.  Some clinics may also offer specialty massages such as the hot stone massage or aromatherapy.  If the client is paying full cash, there may also be massage packages or deals offered seasonally or on a regular basis to the customer. 

In the Workplace

Chiropractic massage is also offered in the workplace.  Many Chiropractic clinics are now coming to various workplaces to offer a total wellness program to those at work.  It’s great for someone who cannot get out to receive a massage on a monthly basis, or for someone who regularly sees a Chiropractor and doesn’t have the time to schedule a massage before or after the adjustments are made.  You can also call your local office to see if they offer on site massages so they can come to your office on your break at work.  They may also do individual calls or group rates depending on your location or employer.

Myofascial release is a great alternative treatment that is available for patients, It helps to increase mobility and is 100% safe and effective.  A patient receives the myofascial release during their massage.  Unlike a regular massage the myofascial release massage actually breaks up those areas where the tension lies.  The massage therapist uses massage techniques and manipulations to reach the fascia.  Then they use pressure point techniques to break away the tightened areas.  A massage therapist will stretch and relax the muscles before attempting to use the myofascial release on a client.  The client must be relaxed and massaged for several minutes before the myofascial techniques are used.  Myofascial release is a great option for patients with back and neck pain, along with poor posture or even fibromyalgia.  The trigger point myofascial really works on specific areas.  Over time the patient will feel pain relief in the areas that were tight and sore.  Clients are able to see lasting relief.  However, in most cases patients will have to go through a treatment plan before they see results.  Your massage therapist will normally let you know how many times you need to come in and receive the myofascial release.  For some patients that have acute pain, they may only need to be seen once or twice a month.  Clients that have severe issues may need to be seen three to four times a month.  This will depend on the intensity of the pain and the issues at hand.  Myofascial release is not taught to every massage therapist.  You can call your local spa, chiropractic massage clinic, or massage therapy clinic ahead to find out if they do have someone who can perform this treatment.  In most cases you will find Chiropractic massage therapists to have the most knowledge in this treatment.  Spas typically don’t have a lot of massage therapists on board that can perform this.  It’s important to call ahead to ensure you can receive this treatment before visiting you local spa or massage therapy clinic.