Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/121374
Pathology Perspectives Client "MJ" was suicidal, reported constant pain, and was unable to work or drive. His massage therapist delivered full-body massage with light pressure and lymphatic drainage, and eventually incorporated fascial release and abdominal massage. MJ started with two sessions per week and eventually pared back to twice a month. Within two weeks of starting massage, MJ was able to return to work. His self-report: "I'm fine as frog fur." case the massage therapist must be extremely sensitive to nonverbal signals. MS medications can interfere with immune system function and the inflammatory process. And, in general, although the reasons for this are not clearly understood, many MS patients appear to be highly sensitive to rapid changes in their environment. In the context of a massage, this means MS patients may not tolerate a rapid move from hot to cold or vice versa, and many of them have negative reactions—including painful spasms—to massage that is too fast, too deep, too jumpy, or in any way unpredictable. Right now about 250,000–350,000 people in the United States are living with MS. Although massage therapy has much to offer this population, most MS patients don't get massage on a regular basis. This is an example of where a collection of well-executed case reports demonstrating specific information about how massage impacts the quality of life of those with MS could make a big difference—not only for our profession, but, more importantly, for all those people who are waiting for our skills. Do you work with MS patients? Consider sharing your experiences with your peers by writing a case report. For more information, visit www.massagetherapyfoundation. org/casereports. Don't know how to write a case report? Check out ABMP's webinar series "Writing a Case Report," available in the Online Education Center at www.abmp.com. Notes 1. Science Daily, "Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to More Severe Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms," accessed April 2013, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121002091755. htm; Medscape, "More Evidence that Vitamin D May Protect Against MS," accessed April 2013, www.medscape.com/ viewarticle/774749; A. Solomon, "Multiple Sclerosis and Vitamin D," Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports 10, no. 5 (2010): 389–96. 2. R.A. Marrie et al., "Predictors of Alternative Medicine Use by Multiple Sclerosis Patients," Multiple Sclerosis Journal 9, no. 5 (2003): 461–6. 3. B. Schroeder et al., "The Effects of Massage Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis Patients," BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 12, S1 (2012): P225. 4. G. Raviv et al., "Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Lower Urinary Tract Signs and Symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis," Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 15, no. 2 (2009): 72–5. 5. K. Khoo et al., "Cognitive Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: A Preliminary Study," Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 2, no. 5 (1996): 70–4. 6. D. McClurg et al., "Abdominal Massage for the Alleviation of Constipation Symptoms in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study," Multiple Sclerosis Journal 17, no. 2 (2011): 223–33. 7. C.M. Hughes et al., "Reflexology for the Treatment of Pain in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Double-Blinded Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial," Multiple Sclerosis Journal 15, no. 11 (2009): 1,329–38. Ruth Werner is a writer and educator approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork as a provider of continuing education. She wrote A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012), now in its fifth edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Contact her at www.ruthwerner.com or wernerworkshops@ruthwerner.com. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 49