How to maximize Manual Therapy Techniques'Â effectiveness.The world of manual therapy is full of techniques. But are all manual therapy techniques created equal? How does a massage therapist evaluate the techniques they choose? To maximize their effectiveness, therapists must align their techniques with the Principles of Critically Informed and Evidence-Based Manual Therapy. Below are some guidelines to help massage therapists make well-informed … [Read more...]
Massage Therapy for PTSD: What Massage Therapists Should Know
To effectively incorporate massage therapy into a treatment, therapists should be mindful of timing.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a health condition arising from exposure to traumatic events. This may lead to symptoms such as depression, intense anxiety, stress, uncontrollable thoughts, muscle tension and sensitivity to contact. Massage therapy for PTSD can offer relief from some of these symptoms when therapists understand the condition and the … [Read more...]
Massage for Anxiety and Depression
Those who suffer from depression should not expect massage to magically lift away their condition.Is massage good for anxiety and depression? Compared to many Eastern cultures, massage therapy is relatively new in the United States. For example, in China massage has been heavily utilized for over 3,000 years. Practitioners manipulate muscles and soft tissues to loosen tension, provide relief, and enhance function.  In more recent times, however, the … [Read more...]
The Basics of Swedish Massage
When you hear the term Swedish massage, what comes to mind?Long flowing strokes? Relaxation? General massage techniques? Explore the foundations of this modality below, starting with the strokes and techniques used to achieve the relaxation response, as well as the effect these strokes have on the body.  Learn more about popular massage modalities in our online CE courses for massage therapists  Effleurage  The long flowing strokes associated with … [Read more...]
Massage Therapy for Back Pain
It's statistically likely that all massage therapists will see clients experiencing back pain at some point in their careers. According to a 2020 study, low back pain affected 619 million people globally. Experts estimate that the number of cases will increase to 843 million cases by 2050. Although back pain can affect people of all ages, women between the ages of 50-55 seem to suffer the most. It's statistically likely that all massage therapists will see … [Read more...]