Pathology

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. The challenge with such extensive mobility, however, is that mechanical support and function relies heavily on the soft tissues. Consequently there are more soft-tissue disorders in this region. Bursitis and rotator cuff pathology are common diagnoses for soft-tissue shoulder pain. While both of these occur, … Read more

Understand shoulder separation and the misconceptions surrounding it, as well as how to accurately identify and treat the condition. Introduction There are numerous orthopedic disorders that develop a common name by which they are more frequently known. Examples include runner’s knee or tennis elbow. A shoulder separation is another condition that has come to be known by its common name, although … Read more

Massage is great for many soft-tissue pathologies. However, sometimes various conditions exist that seem like a common pathology, but then don’t respond to the treatment. In some cases an undiscovered problem may exist. In this issue we’ll take a look at the synovial plica, a cause of knee pain that can easily mimic other common … Read more

A description of Charcot Marie-Tooth disease, a systemic nerve condition often mistaken for local nerve compression problems, and how to assess and treat it. Introduction The longer you stay in practice, the more likely it is that you will encounter a wide array of compromised health conditions that your clients present with. Sometimes a case … Read more

A look at Radial Tunnel Syndrome, a condition often mistaken for lateral epicondylitis, its pathology and how to effectively assess and treat it. Introduction Lateral epicondylitis, commonly referred to as tennis elbow, is one of the most prevalent upper extremity overuse conditions. Originally perceived as an inflammatory condition of tendon fiber tearing, it is now … Read more

An explanation of labral tears, the mechanisms and complications involved, and how to decide if massage would be beneficial to incorporate in treatment. Introduction There are many instances in the clinic in which a common clinical situation requires practitioners understand an orthopedic pathology in order to determine if massage would be an appropriate treatment. Justin’s … Read more

Many of our clients come in with chronic, aching muscular pain. The natural reaction is to attempt to relieve their pain, often through deep pressure massage applications. However, there are certain conditions in which performing deeper levels of treatment is contraindicated and can actually make the condition worse. Compartment syndromes fall into this category and understanding this … Read more

A great deal of emphasis is placed on maintaining flexibility in the soft tissues, such as muscle, in order to maintain optimum function and reduce injury. However, other structures or systems must also have flexibility or pliability during movement. The nervous system, which is more commonly perceived as a network of communication lines, actually needs … Read more