Wordless Wednesday

FAQ Friday

Another Frequently asked question I get asked is...
"What does your wife think about you being a massage therapist?"

Well, I believe when we first met I was wearing scrubs and she thought I was a doctor. Boy, was she let down when she found out the truth ;> .

No, that's not true about the whole doctor image, but I definitely think she had no problem with it.

In fact, I can say she is my biggest fan. She never fails to cheer me on. She's always there for me on the rainy days too. Come to think about it; she deserves a great massage. I think she has one of my gift certificates...

BTW- I will be working at the Pensacola Marathon doing pre and post event massage this weekend. Come out and cheer me on.

More so, come out and see the great athletes from here and all over the world competing in this 2nd annual race. I believe this race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Have A Great Weekend!

Thursday 13 #1--Deep tissue Massage contraindications

Certain areas should be avoided or caution used while receiving deep tissue massage.

In general infections and undiagnosed pain should be checked by a medical doctor.
Moreover, your therapist needs to be informed of certain conditions that would not be beneficial to your health. Communication is key.

1. Acute injuries- Sprains/ strains within the acute inflammatory stage. Within in the first few days of incident, injuries should be avoided. First aid, R.I.C.E. Rest, ice , compress, and elevate injured area. Very light massage during and definitely after this stage can speed recovery time, the healing process, and limit scar tissue formation.
2. Varicose veins.
   
3. Open wounds. Again, massage after the acute stage can help can limit scar tissue.
   
4. Areas with sensation loss.
   
5. DVT, deep vein thrombosis, i.e. blood clots
6. Eyes. Obviously a finger in the eye is not good. Also, care should be taken if contact lenses are worn. It may be better to remove them for treatment.
7. Tumors, benign tumors could be stimulated by deep transverse friction.
   
8. Areas of main arteries (i.e. the groin, armpit, and front of neck). Much care is taken while massage is being done in these areas.
   
9. Deep pressure over nerves.
10. Bony prominences. The styloid process behind the ear, spineous processes...
11. Lymph nodes.
    
12. Bacterial infections. Boils and or inflamed hair follicles.
    
13. Contagious conditions. Cold sores, fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm.
    

Colds and infections like the "flu" should not be shared even with your worst enemy. Please be kind and reschedule for a latter time.

To visit more Thursday Thirteeners, click here...

FAQ Friday

One of the most FAQ's I get as a therapist is: "Do your hands get sore from doing this work?" Most of the time I can confidently say "no" (thank God). But unfortunately some weeks are harder than others and/or I let my body mechanics slide a little. As with any one who works a skill, you develop strength as you practice. I'd say it's conditioning. When I am out of practice, that's when I feel it. After coming off of a vacation...

RSI's (Repetitive Strain Injuries) like carpal tunnel syndrome can be helped alleviated by massage; but also, can seriously limit a persons career.
I believe in my own medicine. I practice self massage. I like to trade with other therapists often.
And I appreciate all the helpful people that are making the difference in peoples lives by educating and teaching injury prevention.

A great book on this subject, Save Your Hands, by Lauriann Greene & Richard W. Goggins, CPE, LMP. I believe it's used as a textbook in some massage schools and the author(s) have regular workshops for allied health care workers.

And also by author Shogo Mocizuki, Hand Maintenance Guide for Massage Therapists, the art of an injury free career.

Have a great weekend.