A fundamental feature of the foot often missed in our assessments is first-toe mobility, specifically the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. The first MTP joint should be able to extend as much as 65 degrees, but many people lack full range of motion.
In my classes, I see the same thing over and over again: too much lubricant, too much effort. As massage therapists, we have the best intentions in the world. But when we use too much lubricant, those intentions literally slip away.
Posture has everyone talking about leg length discrepancy, forward head posture, and— always a crowd favorite—slouching. Is it really important to straighten up? Yes, it is. But there's more to it.
I had the opportunity to speak with Canadian physiotherapist and chiropractor Greg Lehman about several topics, including his part in a recent paper on sacroiliac pain.
Joint motion is usually described as a movement between two articulating bones. That is an accurate description of joint mechanics at most skeletal joints in the body. Spinal motion, however, is more complicated.
What does an energy practitioner do? Energy is information that vibrates, and it composes absolutely everything. Most approved practitioners work with the most accepted form of energy, which is physical. An energy practitioner, however, also interacts with subtle energy.
Earning the trust of a client is a multifactorial process, one that spans many dimensions of the therapeutic encounter. There are many ways to earn it, and even more ways to lose it.
Why does communicating a boundary feel scary? There are some people who skillfully and effortlessly hold their ground, but for many, it can be quite stressful.
Here are four quick exercises to stretch out the arms and hands between sessions with clients.
Learning how to be mindful of—and manage—money is one of the most valuable skills to develop. Those who manage money intentionally, mindfully, and gain financial literacy have a distinct advantage in business and in life.
It's common for many to feel exhausted, stressed, bloated, or laid up sick and unwell. To stay healthy, we've discovered the central importance of doing as nature does: taking pause.
The code of ethics of other massage organizations and regulatory boards includes similar statements. Let's discuss our code of ethics for massage therapists.
What happens when parts of the autonomic nervous system fail? That is basically what happens with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a type of dysautonomia. Let's review.
Bodyworkers and health practitioners are aware of the importance of stress management to health and disease prevention; however, it can be challenging to articulate exactly why this is true. Fortunately, researchers are finding specific mechanisms to assess health on a cellular level and the effects of stress on those mechanisms.
I recently attended a reception hosted by the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) to thank its donors. Many ideas were shared, but one bit really stuck with me—an idea offered by the current MTF president, Doug Nelson.
Also called "the flipped classroom" approach, my teaching technique is rooted in the Socratic method. This form of cooperative, argumentative dialogue is designed to spark and develop critical thinking.
Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are both musculoskeletal pathologies that are hallmarked by elbow pain, hence their names. Even though these conditions cause elbow pain, they are not conditions of the actual elbow joint.
The subscapularis is a difficult muscle to palpate, and—let's face it—one that most clients don't enjoy working, although they will enjoy the benefits.
If you accept tips for your services, there are basic guidelines to keep in mind, whether you are an employee, sole proprietor, or business owner.
