Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1481961
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 29 TISSUE TEXTURE ABNORMALITIES Massage therapists are exceptionally good at evaluating spastic or fibrotic tissues, joint- end ranges of motion, and hypermobility issues. By motion-testing the neck, back, and extremities for tension, tenderness, and trick movements, we're better able to structure an efficient treatment plan. When assessing for tenderness, I typically begin by performing digital pain- provocation tests of suspected muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint capsules, bursa, and joints. These tests may tell us the tissue is under load, but the pain may result from compensations, meaning it is not the "main event." In fact, the real culprit triggering the compensations could go undetected if we continue to get distracted by end effects and symptoms and fail to gain the perspective of the whole first. This is where ART comes in handy. By standing back and observing, palpating, and motion-testing the whole person, we can more accurately trace the effects back to the originating cause. This will offer insight and help us gain context as to how and why they are under load in the first place. Once the art of listening to the tissues is mastered, asymmetry, tissue texture, and motion quality become reliable indicators of the true treatable dysfunction. SUMMARY The human body is a resilient yet extraordinarily asymmetrical piece of organic machinery. Studying different methodologies over the years has allowed me to formulate a deeper understanding of how strain patterns develop and how to address them. ART has aided me significantly in identifying the imbalances that unravel the mystery of the client's symptoms. Successful treatment of the "key lesion" not only restores balance to the primary perpetrator, but also helps resolve stress, tension, and tenderness in the muscles and connective tissues that are forced to overwork to compensate for the symptom-provoking lesion. By using ART to improve symmetry, function, and texture, we can better help our clients find lasting relief. Note 1. J. P. Chapman, L. J. Chapman, and J. J. Allen, "The Measurement of Foot Preference," Neuropsychologia 25, no. 3 (1987): 579–84. Erik Dalton, PhD, is the executive director of the Freedom from Pain Institute. Educated in massage, osteopathy, and Rolfi ng, he has maintained a practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for more than three decades. For more information, visit erikdalton.com. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 29 2 3 4 5 6 Assessing for pelvic rotation restrictions using the "ilium rocking" test. Keith's pattern is right anteriorly/inferiorly tilted ilium with the pelvic bowl rotating around a vertical axis. Evaluating for external glenohumeral rotation restriction. Evaluating for internal glenohumeral rotation restriction. Evaluating for glenohumeral abduction restriction. TECHNIQUE VIDEO: "ASSESS PELVIC BIOMECHANICS" 1. Open your camera 2. Scan the code 3. Tap on notification 4. Watch!