Posted in Therapeutic Massage on 01/31/2012 07:40 pm by AMMA
The April 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Rheumatology (Volume 8 - Issue 2 - pp 72-76) reports that massage therapy has been observed to be helpful in some patients with fibromyalgia.
This study was designed by Dr. Tiffany Field and others to examine the effects of massage therapy versus relaxation therapy on sleep, substance P, and pain in fibromyalgia patients. Twenty-four adult fibromyalgia patients were assigned randomly to a massage therapy or relaxation therapy group. They received 30-minute treatments twice weekly for 5 weeks. Both groups showed a decrease in anxiety and depressed mood immediately after the first and last therapy sessions. However, across the course of the study, only the massage therapy group reported an increase in the number of sleep hours and a decrease in their sleep movements. In addition, substance P levels decreased, and the patients’ physicians assigned lower disease and pain ratings and rated fewer tender points in the massage therapy group.
François Minani has a passion for working with people dealing with fibromyalgia pain. He can be reached at 423-863-0390.
Posted in Lymph Drainage on 01/30/2012 08:50 pm by AMMA
Amber just returned from Asheville, NC, where she participated with 19 other physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses & massage therapists in the first biannual Vodder Recertification course hosted by Care Partners. This 20 hour advanced training course is available for therapists to update and review their skills. Expert guest speakers present the latest research and methods and case studies are presented for peer review. Currently-certified therapists are required to maintain their certification in Manual Lymph Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy through the Dr. Vodder School by attending one of these classes at least every two years and demonstrating continued competence.
In previous years, Amber has traveled to Walchsee, Austria, Stowe, VT, and Victoria, BC to participate in this course. While it is fun to travel to different places, it is extremely convenient that the course will be available in Asheville. . . Thank you, Care Partners & Vodder School!
Posted in Structural Integration on 01/12/2012 09:06 am by AMMA
Paul & Amber are in chilly Vermont for a couple of weeks. . . . Paul is participating in a workshop on “Rolfing and Trauma: Psychobiological Skills for Rolfers” taught by Lael Keen. It promises to be an exciting class, focusing on how to recognize trauma as it is held in the body and learn how to support its release through touch and movement/manual techniques.
A founding member of the Brazilian Rolfing Association, Lael comes from a family of Rolfers and is an Advanced Level teacher of Somatic Experiencing.
We’re enjoying our stay at the Inn at Baldwin Creek in Bristol, VT. If you’re ever in the area, make it a point to stay there. It’s like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower!
