March/April 2021
Technique
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Excellent Questions
We've all experienced the roadblocks of pain that won't subside, a puzzling condition, or general uncertainty. But when a client asks tough questions, we must answer them honestly.
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The Muscle, the Beast, and a Cup of Tea
The sternocleidomastoid, a muscle MTs tend to avoid, can ease a lot of tension—if you know what you're doing.
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Putting the Squeeze on Compartment Syndrome
Learn how to differentiate between chronic compartment syndrome and acute compartment syndrome, an emergency condition.
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Stiff Hips and Low-Back Pain
Consider the bones, musculofascial tissues, and possible restrictions when a client presents with low-back pain.
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Putting Client Expectations to Work
Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe interview manual therapist and researcher Mark Bishop about his research into how clients' expectations influence results.
Critical Thinking and Essentials
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Commit to Confidentiality
It seems clear: We should not disclose who our clients are, when they come in, or why they see us. Except . . . it's not that clear.
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Free Your Joints and Liberate Your Creative Energy
The energy of new growth, renewal, regeneration, and rebirth is rising up and our own energy systems are awakening with a new sense of purpose. Learn some techniques for freeing up your creative energy through creative play!
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Moving Out of the Fringes
Massage therapists are often considered members of the health-care workforce, but in reality, we exist on the fringes.
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Lessons Learned in the Treatment Room
I have always said that in this profession I learn something new every day. Whether that's how to have a tough conversation with clients, how to be compassionate, or how to refrain from giving them advice.
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Being a Client Makes You a Better Therapist
What's one of the best ways to relate to someone else? Put yourself in their shoes. The same goes for massage therapy; in order to be a better therapist, consider what it's like to be a client too.
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Spinal Fusion Surgery
What do we know about the fairly common spinal fusion surgery procedure, and where does massage therapy fit in this context?
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The Carpal Tunnel
The carpal tunnel is an anatomical structure located on the anterior wrist where the hand joins the forearm. Learn about the architecture of the fascia and tendons that connect it to the hand.
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Listen, My Body Electric
How to effectively implement evidence-based practice remains a vexed question among many manual therapy professionals.
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Scapulohumeral Rhythm
When working with clients who have a shoulder condition, our first thought might be to assess the myofascial tissues across the glenohumeral joint. The deltoid and rotator cuff muscles might spring to mind.
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How to Improve Treatment Room Air Quality
We all agree we want our clients to feel better when they leave our practice. A big part of that is paying attention to the quality of the air we breathe.
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Meet Terrance Bonner
Terrance Bonner's faith, determination, indomitable spirit, and zest for life led him to his first calling, massage therapy, and then to esthetics...all spanning a 36-year career.
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Opening a Business
Starting a business is a project that often leaves us running through a gamut of emotions—from excitement and happiness to fear and anxiety. Here's how to approach planning, paperwork, and more...
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Guided Chair Yoga with Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi pranayama is a gentle, rhythmic breath. It is a breathing technique that can both soothe and energize the mind, body, and spirit.