Client Self-Direction Produces Better Outcomes
Involving the client in treatment approaches can produce better outcomes, while also increasing their sense of empowerment and self-efficacy.
March/April 2022
Technique
-
-
Myofascial Release Therapy for Animals
Horses and other animals possess anatomical trains, or pathways, of fascia that closely resemble the anatomy trains in humans.
-
The Rib Rings
By Til LuchauThinking about ribs as parts of larger rings that include the spine and sternum can clarify the complexity of the rib cage's many details. And assessing rib-ring mobility can help us determine where to work.
-
Seated Body Mechanics
Performing massage while seated—and applying proper body mechanics—can extend your massage career.
-
The Rotator Cuff Fan Club
The shoulder is the most movable joint in the human body—making it also the most vulnerable. But a shoulder injury does not automatically mean the problem is the rotator cuff.
-
Herbal Bliss
Ancient Thai medicinal herbs can be used to create hot compresses and integrated into massage and bodywork sessions. Specific recipes of Thai herbal therapies are effective in loosening tight muscles, increasing blood circulation, and relieving stress.
Critical Thinking and Essentials
-
Discovering Living Metta in Thailand
Thai massage is steeped in the rich history and tradition of Thailand, offering modalities that can color your massage practice in positive ways. Learn the principle of metta ("loving kindness") in this feature.
-
The Importance of Resistance Training
As massage therapists, the fear of any injury—especially overuse injuries—is always in the back of our minds. One way to combat injuries is to strengthen our muscles by lifting weights.
-
Prevention Is the Best Policy
Many troublesome situations with clients, such as late arrivals and last-minute cancellations, can be prevented by letting your clients know upfront what your policies are.
-
Flawed Research
The traditional and accepted processes of conducting and publishing research are deeply flawed. Researchers are dissuaded from being truly curious and are manipulated into publishing their findings in incomplete and misleading ways that don't serve honest inquiry and discovery.
-
Put Yourself to Bed
Learn to improve your quantity and quality of sleep by optimizing your sleep surroundings and creating a pre-bedtime ritual.
-
Should My Business Be ADA Compliant?
All businesses must comply with Title III of the ADA. There is also an ethical consideration—it is good and right to do everything we can to make massage accessible to everyone, and that includes people with disabilities.
-
What Exactly Is Evidence? . . . And What Do We Do With It?
Promoting evidence-informed medicine within manual therapy professions may be a key way to walk in step with the medical community.
-
Boiling Over
By Ruth WernerHidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a noncontagious, painful, disfiguring, difficult-to-treat condition of hair follicles, mostly at the axilla and the groin, and massage therapy for people with HS requires some specific accommodations for client safety and comfort.
-
Brachialis
The brachialis works primarily with the biceps brachii and the brachioradialis to flex the elbow; it is unique in that it is a pure elbow flexor and maintains its leverage regardless of forearm position.
-
Deborah Szekely—The Mother of the Modern Spa
She has been called the "godmother of wellness," the "mother of the modern spa," and a "pioneer in the mind/body/spirit movement." Meet Deborah Szekely, mother of the modern spa.
-
The Future of Advanced Credentialing in Massage
One of the challenges facing the profession today is how to appropriately credential practitioners for personal-care service and health-care service.