Whitney Lowe The human hand represents one of nature’s most sophisticated biomechanical designs. As massage practitioners, we rely on our hands for every aspect of our work, yet rarely consider the intricate systems that enable their function. The hand’s ability to perform both precise movements and powerful gripping actions stems from an elegant combination of skeletal structure … Read more
Introduction As massage therapists, we must recognize postural and positional alignment issues that are crucial for effective treatment. Among the key concepts in postural assessment are the principles of valgus and varus alignments. Yet, they are frequently misunderstood. These terms describe specific deviations in bony segments that can significantly impact a client’s biomechanics, pain patterns, … Read more
Introduction The human body is home to an extensive network of nerves that traverse nearly every tissue. The major nerves, like the sciatic, median, or ulnar nerves, are often the culprits in pathology. However, smaller nerves are also root causes of pain or injury complaints. These lesser-known nerves are frequently overlooked and lack extensive study. … Read more
The suboccipital muscles in the cervical region often contribute to chronic neck and headache pain. These muscles are frequently under postural strain due to common daily activities, such as forward head posture from prolonged computer use. Traumatic injuries, such as whiplash from a car accident, can also significantly impact these muscles. The suboccipital muscles are … Read more
Ankle sprains are the most common soft-tissue injury of the lower extremity. Approximately 85% of all ankle injuries involve ligament sprains. Among the various ligaments surrounding the ankle, the majority of injuries affect the ligaments on the lateral side, particularly the anterior talofibular ligament. Severe lateral ankle injuries may also involve the calcaneofibular ligament. While … Read more
The quadriceps muscles play a crucial role in lower extremity movement and stability. They are a central focus in walking, running, and jumping. Issues within this muscle group can lead to significant conditions, such as patellar tendinosis, chondromalacia, and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). PFPS is a condition characterized by anterior knee pain, often linked to … Read more
Introduction Upper extremity nerve entrapment encompasses more than just carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). While CTS often dominates discussions about nerve entrapment, numerous other nerve compression syndromes cause significant pain and dysfunction in the upper extremities. One such overlooked condition is long thoracic nerve compression. Anatomical Background The long thoracic nerve (LTN) is predominantly a motor … Read more
The phrase “blown-out disc” is commonly used to describe intervertebral disc herniations or protrusions. However, this term can be misleading and perpetuate inaccurate perceptions about the underlying pathophysiology of disc degeneration and herniation. As massage therapists, it is valuable to understand the biomechanics of intervertebral discs and the processes that lead to disc pathology to … Read more
Updated 4-25-24 The scapulohumeral rhythm is a critical component of shoulder mechanics, enabling the shoulder to have the greatest range of motion of any joint. The scapulohumeral rhythm is the coordinated movement between abduction at the glenohumeral joint and upward rotation at the scapulocostal (also called scapulohumeral) articulation. The scapulocostal articulation, while not an actual … Read more
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