Understanding human movement is crucial for massage therapists, especially those specializing in pain and injury. This scientific study of movement, known as kinesiology, forms the foundation of orthopedics, the medical field dedicated to addressing issues within the body’s movement system. In school, your kinesiology study may have focused on memorizing muscle actions. The value of learning about kinesiology extends far beyond that and will significantly enhance your clinical success.   Kinesiology can be split into three distinct disciplines: Musculoskeletal anatomy- the study of struc ..read more

Introduction Rotator cuff pathology is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. However, it is common for someone to get a diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear or dysfunction without specifying which rotator cuff muscle(s) is/are involved. The rotator cuff comprises four muscles: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles are regularly implicated in shoulder complaints. The supraspinatus and subscapularis are frequently involved in shoulder complaints. Because of their proximity and coordinated function, it may be difficult to unravel their role. Let’s look ..read more

Introduction Bicipital tendinopathy is a frequent source of anterior shoulder pain. The condition usually arises from overuse or adverse forces affecting the tendon. It is common with overhead shoulder movements like swimming, tennis, or throwing. It can also stem from work-related motions. Distinguishing its pain from similar shoulder issues requires thorough assessment for accurate recognition.  Anatomical Overview The biceps muscle has two tendons of origin. The short head originates from the coracoid process. The long head originates from the supraglenoid tubercle above the glenoid fo ..read more

Introduction Mention carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and most think of it as the leading upper extremity nerve entrapment issue. It is prevalent, especially among women and in certain professions involving extensive upper extremity use. Jobs with high-velocity, high-force labor, vibrating tools, or repetitive motions, like assembly-line work, increase CTS risks. Massage therapists are also particularly prone to CTS because of extensive hand and finger use. Many seek to avoid surgery for this condition as surgical stats show a high degree of recurrence or failed surgery. Consequently, massage the ..read more

Introduction Upper extremity nerve compression is a frequent concern for many clients and a work-related challenge that can cause pain and limit work capacity. Understanding these conditions is crucial. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common upper extremity neurological disorder, but ulnar nerve compression is more prevalent than often realized. The ulnar nerve can be compressed in two main areas: at the elbow in the cubital tunnel, leading to cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS), and at the wrist in Guyon’s canal, resulting in Guyon’s canal syndrome (GCS). Anatomical Background The cubital tunnel ..read more

Introduction It is common for clients to present with conditions outside the usual muscle-related injuries. We can often help these clients, but sometimes, the issue requires a referral to another healthcare provider. In this issue, we’ll look at two cartilage injuries that need care by an orthopedic physician. Massage may still play a beneficial role in pain management, however. Understanding these pathologies will help you better determine when an appropriate referral is warranted. Glenoid Labrum Injury The first of these cartilage injuries is called a glenoid labrum injury. As the name ..read more

Introduction Plantar foot pain can be a debilitating condition that severely impacts a client’s quality of life. There are numerous causes of foot pain, and the ideal treatment for each condition varies depending on the nature of the problem. In this post we explore several potential causes of plantar foot pain. In a future post, we’ll look at key treatment strategies based on the Ladder of Engagement treatment model. Plantar Fasciitis Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain on the bottom surface of the foot. It is prevalent with athletes and others that spend long hours on their fe ..read more

One of the more debilitating conditions in the hand is trigger finger. In this painful condition, the tendons of the finger or thumb cannot bend or straighten smoothly due to thickening, swelling, or nodules in the tendon, its synovial sheath, or the connective tissue bands around the finger. Trigger finger can be an overuse syndrome or a result of another systemic, often metabolic, problem. Trigger finger can be incapacitating and painful. When the symptoms are recognized earlier, less invasive treatment can be successful and prevent the need for surgery. This condition is something ..read more

A Baker’s cyst (or popliteal cyst) is a fluid-filled cyst that develops behind the knee and is usually a sign of another condition. Anatomy & Pathology Baker’s cysts develop posterior to the knee joint and are usually found directly behind the medial femoral condyle between the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the semimembranosus tendon. The cyst forms from an existing bursa in this area; specifically the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa, also called the popliteal bursa. This bursa is connected to the knee’s joint capsule. This connection between the popliteal bursa and joint ..read more

Summary: Til Luchau and Ruth Werner talk with Walt Fritz PT, as they prepare for some hands-on work with Ruth’s chronic cough. Listen in as these three powerhouse presenters discuss hands-on strategy, potential triggers, and psychosocial impacts related to chronic coughs. Ruth shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the challenges and similarities with chronic pain. Their stimulating conversation then delves into the broader implications of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, offering unique perspectives on the intersection of manual therapy, anatomical specificity, a ..read more