Ep 418 – Neurostorming: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner

A 3D image of a pain receptor.

A young client is comatose after a series of ischemic strokes. They have frequent painful episodes of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, during which their muscles become spastic and their heart rate and blood pressure rise. Their palliative care team wonders if massage therapy might help the contractures of their limbs, and the massage therapist is willing to try . . . but the results are unexpected.

Resources:

Neurostorming: Causes, Signs, Risks, and Treatment (2022) NewGait. Available at: https://thenewgait.com/blog/neurostorming/ (Accessed: 16 February 2024).

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity - UpToDate (no date). Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/paroxysmal-sympathetic-hyperactivity (Accessed: 14 February 2024).

Zheng, R.-Z. et al. (2020) ‘Identification and Management of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity After Traumatic Brain Injury’, Frontiers in Neurology, 11, p. 81. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00081.

Verma, R., Giri, P. and Rizvi, I. (2015) ‘Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity in neurological critical care’, Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine : Peer-reviewed, Official Publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, 19(1), pp. 34–37. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-5229.148638.

Xu, S., Zhang, Q. and Li, C. (2023) ‘Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity After Acquired Brain Injury: An Integrative Review of Diagnostic and Management Challenges’, Neurology and Therapy, 13(1), pp. 11–20. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-023-00561-x.

Author Images: 
Author Bio: 

Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com.   

Sponsors: 

 

Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com

Elements Massage: www.elementsmassage.com/abmp

MYCO CLINIC: www.myco-clinic.com

 

Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function.             

Website: anatomytrains.com              

Email: info@anatomytrains.com          

Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains         

Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA  

 

Founded by a massage therapist for massage therapists, the Elements Massage brand is a network of independently-owned and operated studios dedicated to changing lives--including yours!  The Elements Massage brand believes massage therapists deserve a supportive team, business and marketing resources, and the chance to learn as much as they want, so many Elements Massage studios offer and reimburse continuing education on an ongoing basis. It's no surprise Elements Massage therapist and client satisfaction leads the industry. That's because from day one, the brand has kept an unmatched commitment to deliver the best therapeutic massage experiences possible for both clients and massage therapists. Elements Massage studios expects the best. So should you. If this sounds like a fit, reach out. Studios are  hiring! 

Website: https://elementsmassage.com/ABMP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elementsmassage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementsmassage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXLHkAYMgmA6_MJ8DSEZm-A

Disclaimer:

Each Elements Massage® studio is independently owned and operated. Franchise owners (or their designated hiring managers) are solely responsible for all employment and personnel decisions and matters regarding their independently owned and operated studios, including hiring, direction, training, supervision, discipline, discharge, compensation (e.g., wage practices and tax withholding and reporting requirements), and termination of employment. Elements Therapeutic Massage, LLC (ETM) is not involved in, and is not responsible for, employment and personnel matters and decisions made by any franchise owner. All individuals hired by franchise owners’ studios are their employees, not those of ETM. Benefits vary by independently owned and operated Elements Massage® studios. Elements Massage® and Elements Massage + design are registered trademarks owned by ETM.

 

MYCO CLINIC stands at the forefront of natural pain relief and quality patient care.  Backed by 20 years of research and experience developing naturally derived topical products MYCO CLINIC was developed specifically for healthcare professionals and is available in moderate, extra strength and maximum strength formulas in a variety of sizes for in-clinic and home care solutions.  

Product benefits include a smooth glide, no greasy residue, no medicinal smell and enhanced natural performance. All ingredients are clean, vegetarian or vegan-friendly, naturally sourced and/or USDA organic extracts. MYCO CLINIC products are manufactured in an FDA registered and cGMP audited facility to ensure the highest quality standards.  

Try it today- get your free 10-pack sample of MYCO CLINIC ointment by visiting myco-clinic.com/get-free-samples/ 

News

New Massage Board Created in Alabama

On May 15, 2024, Governor Kay Ivey signed into law Senate Bill 137, terminating the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy and its functions to create the new Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board. Learn key takeaways from the bill and how its passage may affect you.

Tennessee Regulatory Update

Tennessee massage therapy education requirements increased from 500 hours to 650. ABMP would like to share an update to explain how that change came about and give some overdue credit to those who made it happen.

Alabama Board in Jeopardy of Dissolution

Without your support, the Alabama massage therapy profession is in danger of losing its regulatory board, which could result in inconsistent regulation or none at all. Call Governor Kay Ivey to encourage the passage of Senate Bill 137 to protect massage regulation.

Blog

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Milady

Raise awareness of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and practical infection control by getting certified in Client Well-Being & Safety through this Milady course.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...