Massage School Blog - Northwest Academy Massage School

Being a Massage Therapist -10 Benefits

23MarMarch 23, 2023

Being a massage therapist can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career. Not only do you get to help people feel better physically and emotionally, but you also have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best things about being a massage therapist.

Helping people feel better

One of the most obvious benefits of being a massage therapist is the ability to help people feel better physically. Whether your clients are dealing with chronic pain, injury, or just need to relax, your massage techniques can provide relief and promote healing.

Building relationships with clients

As a massage therapist, you have the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with your clients. Many people see their massage therapist regularly, which means you have the chance to get to know them on a personal level and help them on their journey towards wellness.

A flexible schedule

If you’re looking for a career with a flexible schedule, massage therapy is a great option. You can set your own hours and work as little or as much as you want. This can be especially helpful if you have other commitments, such as family or school.

A variety of work settings

As a massage therapist, you can work in a variety of settings, from spas and resorts to hospitals and clinics. This can provide a lot of variety in your work and allow you to explore different aspects of the profession.

Continuous learning and growth

There’s always something new to learn in the field of massage therapy. From new techniques and tools to advances in technology, there are plenty of opportunities for continuous learning and growth. This can help you stay engaged and excited about your work.

A physically active job

If you’re someone who enjoys staying active, massage therapy can be a great career choice. You’ll be on your feet for most of the day and using your hands and arms to perform massage techniques, which can provide a good workout.

A positive impact on mental health

Massage therapy isn’t just good for physical health; it can also have a positive impact on mental health. Massage has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and can promote relaxation and improve mood.

A career that’s in demand

As more people become interested in natural and alternative forms of healthcare, the demand for massage therapists continues to grow. This means there are plenty of job opportunities available and a good outlook for the future of the profession.

The ability to be self-employed

If you’re someone who values independence and autonomy, becoming a self-employed massage therapist may be a good fit. You can set your own rates and build your own business, which can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Making a difference in people’s lives

Perhaps the biggest benefit of being a massage therapist is the ability to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re helping someone recover from an injury, manage chronic pain, or just relax and unwind, your work can have a profound impact on their well-being.

In conclusion, being a massage therapist can be a wonderful career choice for those who are passionate about helping others and promoting wellness. From the ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives to the flexibility and autonomy that comes with being a self-employed massage therapist, there are plenty of reasons to consider pursuing this rewarding profession.

For more information about being a massage therapist contact our massage school admissions team

Marketing a Massage Therapy Practice.

17Mar

Massage therapy is a growing industry that is becoming increasingly popular as people seek natural and holistic solutions to their health and wellness needs. However, with so many massage therapists out there, it can be difficult to stand out from the competition and attract new clients. Effective marketing techniques can help you to promote your massage therapy practice and grow your business. Here are some effective techniques to market a massage therapy practice.

Define your target market: The first step in marketing your massage therapy practice is to define your target market. Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs, interests, and pain points? By understanding your target market, you can tailor your marketing messages and strategies to reach them more effectively.
Build a professional website: A professional website is an essential tool for any massage therapist. Your website should be easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provide all the necessary information about your services, pricing, and contact details. You can also use your website to showcase your expertise by including a blog, testimonials from satisfied clients, and before-and-after photos.
Utilize social media: Social media is a powerful tool for marketing a massage therapy practice. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect with potential clients and promote your services. Share updates, special offers, and photos of your work to engage with your followers and attract new clients.
Offer referral discounts: Encourage your current clients to refer their friends and family by offering them a discount on their next appointment. Referrals are one of the most effective ways to attract new clients, and offering a discount is a great way to incentivize your clients to refer others.
Create a loyalty program: A loyalty program is a great way to encourage repeat business from your existing clients. Offer incentives for clients who book multiple appointments, such as a free massage after a certain number of appointments.
Attend local events: Attending local events such as health fairs, community events, and expos can be a great way to promote your massage therapy practice. Set up a booth or table to showcase your services and offer discounts to attendees.
Offer gift certificates: Gift certificates are a great way to attract new clients and encourage repeat business from existing clients. Offer gift certificates for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, and make it easy for clients to purchase them online.
Write a blog: A blog is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field and attract potential clients. Write about topics related to massage therapy, health, and wellness, and share your posts on social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience.
Use email marketing: Collect email addresses from your clients and send them regular newsletters with updates, special offers, and information about your services. Email marketing can be a highly effective way to stay in touch with your clients and encourage repeat business.
Network with other professionals: Networking with other professionals in the health and wellness industry, such as chiropractors and personal trainers, can be a great way to generate referrals and attract new clients.
Host a workshop: Offer a workshop or class related to massage therapy or wellness. This can be a great way to attract new clients and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Offer free consultations: Offer free consultations to potential clients to help them understand your services and how they can benefit from them. This can be a great way to build trust and establish a relationship with new clients.
Partner with local businesses: Partner with local businesses, such as gyms and health food stores, to offer discounts to their customers. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and attract new clients.
Use online directories: List your business on online directories, such as Yelp and Google My Business, to increase your online visibility. Make sure to include all the necessary information, such as your services, pricing, and contact details, and encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews.

Offer mobile services: Offering mobile massage services can be a great way to attract clients who are unable to travel to your location. You can offer massages in clients’ homes or workplaces, providing convenience and flexibility.
Create video content: Video content is becoming increasingly popular on social media, and can be a highly effective way to showcase your services and attract new clients. Consider creating short videos demonstrating different massage techniques or sharing information about the benefits of massage therapy.
Participate in online forums: Participate in online forums and communities related to massage therapy and wellness. Offer helpful advice and information, and include a link to your website in your signature to attract potential clients.
Create a referral network: Partner with other professionals in the health and wellness industry to create a referral network. This can be a great way to generate referrals and attract new clients who are interested in a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Offer package deals: Offer package deals for clients who book multiple appointments or refer friends and family. This can be a great way to incentivize repeat business and generate new clients through referrals.
Host a social media contest: Host a social media contest, such as a giveaway or photo contest, to engage with your followers and attract new clients. Encourage participants to share your contest with their friends and family for maximum exposure.

In conclusion, marketing a massage therapy practice requires a combination of traditional and digital marketing techniques. By defining your target market, building a professional website, utilizing social media, offering referral discounts and loyalty programs, attending local events, and partnering with other professionals in the industry, you can attract new clients and grow your business. It’s important to experiment with different marketing strategies and track your results to determine what works best for your massage therapy practice. With a solid marketing plan in place, you can build a successful and thriving massage therapy business.

For more information about beginning your massage therapy career contact our massage school admissions department.

Massage Therapy in Healthcare

27FebFebruary 27, 2023

Massage Therapy: An Effective Complementary Treatment in Healthcare

In recent years, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in healthcare has increased in popularity. One such practice that has gained significant attention is massage therapy. Massage therapy is a hands-on technique that involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. While once considered a luxury, massage therapy is now recognized as a viable complementary treatment in healthcare.

Massage therapy has been shown to have numerous benefits, both physical and psychological. Physically, massage therapy can help improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and improve joint mobility. It can also aid in the healing process of injuries by increasing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to affected areas. Psychologically, massage therapy has been found to reduce anxiety, depression, and improve overall mood. It can also improve sleep quality and decrease symptoms of PTSD.

Massage therapy has been used as a complementary treatment for various health conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, cancer-related fatigue, and more. In fact, massage therapy has been shown to be as effective as other CAM modalities, such as acupuncture and chiropractic, in treating chronic pain conditions. Additionally, massage therapy has been found to reduce the need for prescription pain medications, which can have harmful side effects.

Massage therapy is also being increasingly used in hospital settings. Studies have shown that massage therapy can help improve patient outcomes by reducing pain and anxiety levels, improving sleep quality, and reducing the length of hospital stays. In addition, massage therapy can provide healthcare professionals with a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment option to use in conjunction with other medical interventions.

In conclusion, massage therapy has become a valuable complementary treatment option in healthcare. Its benefits range from physical to psychological, and its use has been found to be effective in treating various health conditions. With the growing body of evidence supporting its use, massage therapy should be considered as a viable treatment option in healthcare settings. If you are experiencing any health concerns, consider talking to a healthcare professional about the benefits of massage therapy for your specific needs.

Importance of Self-care as a Massage Therapist

23Feb

As a massage therapist, you spend your days helping others relax, de-stress, and ease their physical pain. However, in order to be an effective and healthy massage therapist, it’s important to prioritize your own self-care.

Self-care is not a luxury or indulgence; it’s an essential part of your job. Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally will not only benefit you, but also your clients. Here are some reasons why self-care is so important for massage therapists:

Preventing Burnout: Massage therapy can be physically demanding and emotionally draining. Without proper self-care, you may experience burnout, which can lead to exhaustion, apathy, and even physical illness. Taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and engaging in stress-relieving activities can help prevent burnout.
Maintaining Physical Health: As a massage therapist, your body is your tool. If you don’t take care of it, you risk injury or chronic pain. Regular exercise, stretching, and maintaining good posture can help keep your body strong and healthy.
Reducing Stress: Stress is a common issue for massage therapists, who may carry their clients’ emotions and physical tension with them. Engaging in activities that help you relax, such as meditation or yoga, can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.
Enhancing Emotional Resilience: In addition to physical demands, massage therapy can also be emotionally taxing. You may encounter clients with difficult emotional issues, or simply feel drained by the constant emotional energy required for your work. Engaging in self-care activities such as journaling or talking to a therapist can help you build emotional resilience and stay balanced.
Modeling Healthy Behaviors: As a healthcare provider, you are a role model for your clients. If you prioritize self-care and demonstrate healthy behaviors, your clients are more likely to do the same. This can lead to better health outcomes for both you and your clients.

So, what does self-care look like for a massage therapist? Here are some ideas:

Schedule Regular Breaks: Take time between clients to stretch, rest, or engage in a relaxing activity.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and get enough sleep.
Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities: Meditate, practice yoga, or take a relaxing bath.
Seek Support: Talk to a therapist, join a support group, or find a mentor to help you manage the emotional demands of your work.
Practice Self-Compassion: Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.

In conclusion, self-care is an essential part of being a successful and healthy massage therapist. By prioritizing your own well-being, you not only benefit yourself but also your clients. So, take the time to care for yourself – you deserve it!

Learn more about becoming a massage therapist and our massage school today!

Massage Therapy and Injury Recovery

03FebFebruary 3, 2023

Massage therapy is a popular and effective treatment option for those recovering from injury. The hands-on manipulation of soft tissue can help reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as promote healing and improve overall function.

There are several different types of massage techniques that can be used for injury recovery, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and trigger point therapy. Each technique targets specific areas of the body and addresses different aspects of injury recovery.

For example, Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that can be used to increase circulation and reduce muscle tension, making it ideal for early stages of injury recovery. Deep tissue massage, on the other hand, targets deep layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension and improve range of motion.

Sports massage is specifically designed for athletes and active individuals and can be used to treat a range of sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, and overuse injuries. Trigger point therapy, meanwhile, focuses on the release of knots or tight areas of muscle that can cause pain and discomfort.

In addition to the physical benefits of massage therapy, it can also have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Massage has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which can hinder the healing process.

It is important to note that massage therapy should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy and medications, for optimal results. It is also important to work with a licensed massage therapist who has experience treating specific types of injuries and can tailor their techniques to meet your individual needs.

In conclusion, massage therapy can be a highly effective treatment option for those recovering from injury. By targeting specific areas of the body and promoting physical and mental well-being, massage therapy can help accelerate the healing process and improve overall function.

Learn more about the benefits of massage therapy and becoming a massage therapist.

Seattle Massage Therapy Career

23Sep

Currently, there are around 12,000 massage therapists working throughout the state of Washington to help the more than 7 million residents of the state find relief from the pain or discomfort associated with injuries, anxiety, and stress. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for massage therapist in Washington is $62,520, making it one of the highest-paying states for massage therapists across the country. The cities with the highest demand for massage therapists in the Evergreen State include, in no particular order, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, and Kennewick. Read on to learn about the current career outlook for massage therapist in Seattle and Washington State.

Demand and Career Outlook for Massage Therapists in Washington

According to the BLS, the state of Washington has the fourth highest demand for massage therapists across the U.S, and consistently posts high employment figures for massage therapists. In fact, the BLS projects the demand for massage therapists in the Evergreen State to grow by more than 40% over the next decade, leading to a shortage of massage therapists throughout the Evergreen State. Additionally, it could cause wages for massage therapists to rise, making the state and its cities, including Seattle, even more attractive for massage therapists.

Career Opportunities in Seattle

As mentioned earlier, Seattle is one of the best cities for massage therapist, not only in Washington State, but also across the entire country. This is because of several reasons. For starters, Seattle is a great place to set up a freelance massage therapy operation. For example, you can set up a mobile massage therapy operation, allowing you to make home and office visits. Secondly, if you decide to join the ranks of employed massage therapists in Seattle, Seattle offers numerous job opportunities for massage therapists. Some of these opportunities include:

•   in-home aid and other personal care services career opportunities
•   being the massage therapist in a team of health practitioners
•   recreation and amusement facilities including spas and high-end hotels
•   health facilities including long-term rehabilitation care facilities and hospitals
•   working as a massage therapists for a sports team, such as the Seattle Mariners or Seattle Seahawks

Washington Massage Therapy Licensure Requirements

To work legally as massage therapist in Washington and Seattle, you must be licensed by the state’s department of health. The licensure requirements include, among others, completing 500 hours or more from a state-approved massage therapy program as well as taking and passing a national massage licensing exam.

Conclusion

The state of Washington is a great place for massage therapists looking to start and grow their careers, with the BLS projecting the demand for massage therapist in the state to grow by more than 40% over the next decade, potentially translating to higher wages. Some of the highest-paying cities for massage therapist in the Evergreen State include Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Kennewick.

To learn more about the career outlook as a massage therapist contact our Seattle Massage School Campus

Our sister massage school Seattle Clinical Massage School can also offer additional information about attending massage therapy school in Seattle.

Massage & Carpal Tunnel

06JulJuly 6, 2020

Massage therapy is an effect treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by a pinched median nerve in the wrist. It’s associated with pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand and wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow canal in the wrist. The bottom and sides of the tunnel are formed by small bones called carpal bones. The top of the tunnel is a strong band of transverse carpal ligament, which holds the all components together.

Inside the tunnel are the median nerve and tendons. Tendons are rope-like structures that connect bones in the hand to muscles in the forearm. They also allow the thumb and fingers to bend. The median nerve runs down the arm and forearm and passes through the carpal tunnel into the palm of the hand. It provides sensation to the fingers (except the little finger). It also adds strength to some small muscles at the base of the thumb and index finger.

When the ligament thickens or tendons swell, the space in the tunnel decreases and the median nerve becomes compressed, exerting excessive pressure on the median nerve.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include:

Tingling, burning, or itching in the palm and fingers, especially the thumb, middle, and index fingers
Occasional shock-like sensation that moves up into the fingers
Pain and tingling traveling up the forearm toward the shoulder
A swollen feeling in the fingers
Decreased feeling in the fingertips
Occasional hand weakness and loss of coordination
Weakness and clumsiness in the hand, which may make it difficult to use the hand for small tasks such as writing, or buttoning a shirt
Dropping objects due to numbness, weakness, or loss of proprioception

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome begin suddenly or gradually- without a specific injury. In fact, many people find that symptoms come and go at first, and usually affected by excessive use of the hand. As the condition worsens and the pressure on the nerve becomes greater, symptoms may become more frequent or may persist for longer periods of time.

It’s common for people to experience nighttime symptoms because many sleep with their wrists bent. In the morning, a person may wake up with tingling or numbness in their hands. They may not notice the problem at all during the day, but symptoms often flare up when holding something with the wrist bent, such as when reading a book, using a phone, or driving. Many patients find that moving or shaking the hands can relieve the symptoms in the early stages of the condition.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often caused by a combination of factors that irritate or squeeze the median nerve. Possible contributing factors include:

Activities that involve highly repetitive wrist or finger motions, like typing, farming, or knitting. Repetitive motions may aggravate the tendons in the wrist, causing swelling that exerts pressure on the nerve. This usually happens when the hands are lower than the wrists
Trauma or injury to the wrist, such as sprain or fracture. This may break one or more of the carpal bones, cause swelling, or deform the small bones in the wrist
Arthritis-related diseases, especially if there is swelling of the wrist joint, tendons, and tissues in the carpal tunnel
Work that involves heavy use of the wrist
Mechanical problems in the wrist joint
Hormonal changes and fluid retention caused by pregnancy or menopause
Repeated use of vibrating hand tools or instruments that require forceful gripping and put pressure at the base of the palm
Heredity
Health conditions such as diabetes, amyloidosis, kidney failure, lymphedema, menopause, an underactive thyroid gland, or an overactive pituitary gland

Massage Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. It helps relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing swelling in the muscles caused by damage or overextension in the work environment. It also works by breaking down scar tissue, and softening and lengthening muscles and fascia of the shoulder, neck, elbow, wrist, hand, forearm, and upper arm.

During a massage session, the therapist will use deep tissue work to stimulate trigger points, release adhesions, and reduce the tension in the soft tissues of the arm, shoulder, hand, and wrist. This involves bringing the arm and shoulder out of internal rotation or incorporating myofascial cupping to reduce muscle tension.

By massaging and stretching tendons in the arm and wrist, a massage therapist can help restore full flexibility of the arm and reduce the pressure the tendons are putting on the median nerve. This in turn reduces the inflammation, pain, and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The number of massage sessions it takes for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome to find relief will vary depending on how severe the problem is. Most clients experience some level of relief after the first session but for others, it may take three to five sessions or more to get long-term results.

Learn Advanced Massage Therapy Techniques from the Experts

While massage therapy is effective in treating carpal tunnel syndrome, it must be done right to get the expected results. If you’d like to expand your knowledge and skills in massage therapy, enroll in one of Seattle’s best massage therapy schools to learn therapeutic massage therapy protocols. You’ll learn massage theories and practices, anatomy and physiology, pathology, kinesiology, and much more. This will equip you with the skills you’ll need to provide care for individuals who’ve been affected by carpal tunnel syndrome and other similar ailments.

Another option for massage therapy schools in Seattle is our sister school Seattle Clinical Massage School

IT Band Syndrome

12Jun

Did you know that engaging in activities that involve repetitive flexing and extending of knees can cause iliotibial band syndrome? Well, studies show that walking long distances, cycling and athletics, among others are some of the contributing factors. As a nurse, physical therapist, fitness coach or yoga instructor, you will always encounter clients with IT band injuries. According to experts, incorporating massage therapy with conventional treatment is one of the best approaches to manage IT band syndrome.

What Is IT Band Syndrome?

The IT band is a thick connective tissue that originates from the pelvic bone and extends laterally to the shinbone. The fibrous band works with hip muscles to stabilize lateral movements of the hip and knee. However, overworking the connective tissue with activities that require repetitive knee flexion and extension causes IT band syndrome. The overuse movements create friction between the band and the lateral femoral epicondyle, thus, causing discomfort when exercising, or moving. Signs and symptoms of IT band syndrome include:

Patient reports feeling an irritating pain along the lateral side of the hip and the femoral epicondyle during motion.
There is notable inflammation and swelling on the outer part of the knee.
Slight pain is felt at the beginning of an exercise and increases with intensity as the activity progresses.
Pain in the gluteal region caused by overstretching gluteus muscles.
Experiencing a popping pain that results from the rubbing of IT band against your knee during movement.
Tenderness on the lateral femoral and tibia epicondyles upon palpation

Diagnosing the IT Band Syndrome

Despite causing knee pain, iliotibial band syndrome is not the only cause of knee discomfort. Before making your diagnosis, ensure you take a history of the client’s complaints and their daily activities. Usually, the iliotibial band syndrome affects people who engage in activities that put a constant strain on the knees. A client who reports being a runner, bicyclist, hiker or athlete might be a candidate of iliotibial band syndrome.

After taking the history, the next essential step is to conduct a comprehensive physical assessment to determine the precise effected location. You can use some tests such as Noble’s test to assess for pain in the lateral femoral condyle. Additionally, using an Ober’s test will assist you in examining the IT band for tightness. A comprehensive physical examination will give you an insight on areas that need massage therapy; to determine the appropriate techniques for myofascial release.

Managing IT Band Contracture Syndrome with Massage Therapy

As a professional health worker, ensure that massage therapy is in your to-do interventions for iliotibial band syndrome. Offering a massage along with traditional treatment has proved to be effective in enhancing recovery from the IT band syndrome. Below are the benefits of massaging your patients:

Relieve Lateral Leg Pain

In most cases, it’s a nagging pain resulting from IT band overuse that forces patients to seek professional intervention. Performing myofascial release massage on the lateral side of the effected leg relaxes the fibrous band and muscles from tension — thus alleviating the pain.

Promote Healing

Nowadays, unique massage techniques aim to not only relieve pain but also to promote tissue healing. Addressing trigger points and hypertonicities of the leg muscles enhances blood circulation. Improved tissue perfusion allows delivery of oxygen and nutrients to enhance the healing of the injured tissues.

Restore flexibility and Improve Mobility

A patient who is suffering from IT band syndrome often complains of inability to move comfortably. Massage therapy resolves muscle stiffness and tenderness, therefore refining motion and flexibility. Therefore, after several sessions, your patient will be able to resume daily activities with ease.

Improve Posture

When the pain is intense, most people adopt bad postures in response to the discomfort. As a massage therapist, you are equipped with unique skills to resolve tension and inflammation of the effected regions. The relaxation and flexibility of the leg enable the patients to assume their normal and healthy posture.

Alleviate Stress and Anxiety

Besides enhancing physical fitness, massage treatment helps to relieve the body from stress. Reduced anxiety in patients with IT band syndrome promotes healing and improves their emotional well-being.

What is the prognosis of Iliotibial Band Syndrome?

Typically, if you utilize the right treatment modalities, the prognosis of IT band friction syndrome is excellent. For optimum results, it is crucial to use a multifaceted approach when treating patients. Whether you are a nurse, physical therapist, or a fitness coach, integrating massage therapy with conventional treatment will yield a positive outcome.

Ultimately, adding massage therapy to your healthcare profession not only improves healthcare delivery to your clients but also makes you indispensable. Want to learn more about managing IT band syndrome with massage therapy? Contact our Seattle massage therapy schools today to discuss your massage career and educational options in Seattle, Tacoma, or Bellingham.

I addition you can also contact our partner massage therapy school; Seattle Clinical Massage School for information about a massage therapy career in Seattle, Washington.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

01Jun

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is an injury impacting major ligaments in the knee. It is a key concern for many sports enthusiasts because such ACL tears occur mostly during sports activities that involve jumping, landing, sudden stops, or changes in direction.

Examples of such sports include football, basketball, soccer, or downhill skiing. Also, these ruptures are more common in women than in men because of the difference in anatomy.

Once you sustain an ACL injury, you might require surgery, but that depends on factors like your activity level and severity of damage. With advancements in the field of reconstruction surgery, athletes can benefit from hamstring grafts, patellar tendon graft along with allografts. These prove effective in restoring both function and strength to the injured knee.

Even so, the ability of an athlete to go back to an active lifestyle successfully/full recovery after ACL reconstruction depends on the absence of three prevalent complications.

Quadriceps weakness
Flexion contracture (of the muscle group)
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS)

Many physicians will use the patellofemoral pain syndrome as a “catch-all” diagnosis for the myriad of symptoms associated with anterior knee pain, especially after ACL reconstruction.

Signs and Symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Once you sustain the injury, you will hear a popping sound from your knee. Other common symptoms include:

Pain and swelling
Loss of full range motion
Discomfort when walking
Joint tenderness
Inability to bear leg weight even with minimal pain
Feeling of instability

Causes

Several movements can cause an anterior cruciate ligament tear. These include:

Slowing down during a run
Incorrectly landing from a jump
Rapidly changing direction
Stopping suddenly
Direct contact or collision like during a tackle
When a knee is twisted or bent backward

While sport accidents are the most common causes of ACL injuries, you can sustain an ACL tear from missing a step in a staircase, falling off a ladder, or being in a car accident.

Risk factors

There are several risk factors for an ACL injury, and they include:

Gender
Active involvement in sports like football, gymnastics, basketball, soccer, and downhill skiing
Using defective sport equipment like ski bindings
Wearing ill-fitting sportswear
Having a history of an ACL tear

Outcome and treatment

When you experience an ACL injury, you might not be able to walk correctly. An ACL injury causes a partial or complete tear of tissue and is usually very painful. Once you visit a doctor, they will recommend treatment based on the severity of the injury. Treatment options include first aid, medications, physical therapy, or surgery.

Massage Therapy for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

One aspect of physical therapy for ACL is massage. Therapeutic massage therapy has the following benefits:

Reduce pain and swelling (inflammation)
Increase blood circulation and joint mobility
Accelerate the healing process
Lower the aggregation of scar tissue forming around the site of the injury

During a therapeutic massage, therapists target surrounding muscles, joints, or other specific structures to reduce strain. And once you’ve achieved success in ensuring they’re relaxed, a physician can then start restoring them to their proper alignment and flexibility.

Massage therapy is considered a safe and effective complementary treatment for many muscle and joint problems—including ACL. The type of massage and the number of sessions you will require will depend on your injury. At the end of all of your sessions, you will have regained full range of motion without any pain.

While massage therapy is effective in treating ACL, it must be done correctly for maximum results. Ensure you get your massage therapy from a professional therapist. If you would like to learn more about massage therapy or attend massage school, call us today. Also contact the Northwest Academy admissions department for any massage related questions.

Degenerative Disc Disease & Massage

26MayMay 26, 2020

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a medical condition where one or more discs in the back lose strength. Despite the name, degenerative disc disease isn’t technically a disease but a progressive condition that worsens over time due to wear and tear, or injury.

The discs in your back are situated in between the vertebrae of the spine and act as cushions and shock absorbers. They help you stand up straight and move through everyday motions, such as bending over or twisting around. As people age, DDD can worsen and cause mild to extreme pain that can interfere with your everyday activities.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

Some of the most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include pain that:

Primarily affects the lower back
Could extend to legs and buttocks
Stretches from neck to arms
Can be worse from sitting
Worsens after bending or twisting
Comes and goes in a few days or extends to several months

People with DDD might exhibit less pain after walking or exercise. Additionally, DDD can cause weakened leg muscles and numbness in your arms or legs.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease

DDD is primarily caused by natural wear and tear of spinal discs. Over time, discs tend to dry out and lose their support and function, leading to pain and other symptoms. DDD can start developing in your 30s or 40s and progressively worsen as you age. However, the condition can also be caused by overuse from sports or repetitive activities, or injury. Once a disc is damaged, it can’t repair itself.

Risk Factors

Age is the major risk factor for degenerative disc disease. The discs in between the vertebrae often shrink down and lose their cushiony support as people age. Almost every adult above the age of 60 has some form of disc degeneration. However, not all cases cause pain.

Long-term repetitive activities that place a lot of pressure on certain discs can also increase your risk. Other risk factors include car accidents, overweight or obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Diagnosis of DDD

An MRI can help detect degenerative disc disease. Your doctor may recommend this type of imaging test based on a physical exam or an investigation into your symptoms and health history. Imaging tests can reveal damaged discs and help rule out other triggers of pain. When you receive a diagnosis of DDD, it does not mean that you’re disabled or headed for a downward spiral of spinal degeneration. In fact, DDD is often a part of the natural aging process that we all go through at some point in life. And the good news is that you can mitigate the associated pain through a variety of treatment solutions, including massage therapy.

Massage Therapy Treatment for DDD

From a Massage Therapy point of view, the approach in treating DDD is to strike a balance between reducing muscle tension and enhancing traction (decompressing the targeted vertebral segments). Finding a “green zone” of treatment is critical since the spasms that occur through the neck or low back happen because the body is trying to protect that area. By applying slow, repetitive, methodical massage between soft tissue and joint mobilization (spinal decompression), massage therapy can help relieve pain and allow you to move easier and execute strengthening exercises efficiently.

Massage therapy generally helps in these three ways:

Increasing Blood Flow and Circulation: Proper blood circulation ensures that critical nutrients flow back fully to the strained muscles and tissues. This makes the muscles/tissues stronger, helping relieve the strain coming from the degenerating discs.
Decreasing Tension: The muscles can become tense as they struggle to compensate for the weakening discs. When these muscles are manipulated during the massage, they become relaxed, which improves the range of motion and flexibility.
Increasing the “feel good” chemical: Massage therapy releases Endorphins, a mood-enhancing chemical that is released in the brain. This “feel good” chemical helps in reducing pain and enhancing recovery.

Prognosis Possibilities

Without treatment or therapy, DDD can gradually progress and cause more adverse symptoms. While surgery is a treatment option, other less invasive treatments such as massage therapy have been found to be just as helpful yet less costly. A clinical study involving a 66-year-old female patient with cervical degenerative disc disease in her lateral left facet joint recorded impressive outcomes. The patient was experiencing symptoms of severe neck pain accompanied by restricted cervical range of motion. She also exhibited radicular left shoulder and arm pain. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of therapeutic massage on the patient’s symptoms and impairments of cervical DDD.

After multiple treatment sessions, the patient’s symptoms had decreased and cervical ROM had moderately improved. There was also a reduction in reported pain and an improvement in functional daily activities. This is an indication that massage therapy is a favorable treatment intervention for DDD symptoms.

Bottom Line

Massage can help improve the symptoms associated with Degenerative Disc Disease for a prolonged duration of time as long as you continue to follow the maintenance schedule that your Massage Therapist lays out. Massage therapy typically reduces muscle strain, improves flexibility, and mitigates pain. However, you can achieve the best results by working in conjunction with other health care professionals. Keep open communication between your doctor and your massage therapist to ensure the best treatment.

To learn about becoming a massage therapist in Seattle contact one of the following local massage schools; Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts or Seattle Clinical Massage School