Massage & Bodywork

MAY | JUNE 2024

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A B M P m e m b e r s ea r n F R E E C E h o u r s by rea d i n g t h i s i s s u e ! 27 A B M P m e m b e r s ea r n F R E E C E h o u r s by rea d i n g t h i s i s s u e ! 27 region. An example would be someone walking on crutches, in which the upper brace of the crutch presses up into the axilla and compresses the radial nerve. Treatments generally begin with superficial applications to settle the nervous system and begin to relax the tissues. After this, deeper methods aimed at reducing hypertonicity can be applied. Stripping techniques should start with a broad contact surface like the palm or fist. By spreading pressure across the different muscles, the application decreases sensitivity and does not overtax any muscle. After the broad contact applications, small contact surface methods are effective. This means the pressure is concentrated over a smaller area, allowing for more precisely targeted treatment. Longitudinal stripping will work these muscles very thoroughly. Pay attention to increased neural sensitivity or increased pain for the client. That could indicate adverse pressure on the affected nerves. After passive longitudinal stripping methods, active stripping methods are helpful. Active stripping methods involve the longitudinal stroke and eccentric wrist f lexion (Image 3). This same concept can be employed with the supinator muscle. Perform a short stripping motion on the supinator during eccentric forearm pronation. Active techniques are very effective, but why they work has yet to be solved. Muscle action, along with the massage application, may help normalize neurological activity, which is important in reducing CLINICAL EXPLOR ATIONS pain. Deep, specific, active work can also encourage greater neural mobility. One of the issues that leads to neural irritation is improper mobility. There are a couple of cautions to be aware of when treating RTS. Because RTS is a nerve condition, communication with the client is paramount, and paying attention to how the client responds to the treatment is critical. Ensure your client knows they should alert you to increased neural symptoms as you work. Although deep friction massage is commonly used to treat the lateral epicondyle, excessive friction in this area could further irritate PIN compression. Additionally, pay attention to the amount of pressure used and note any changes in the client's pain and comfort with deep stripping along the neural pathway. Finally, physical therapy, especially exercises focusing on stretching and strengthening the forearm muscles, can be an effective treatment. Forearm conditioning can reduce the impact on the adjacent nerve. If these traditional treatments are not successful, surgery may be the next choice. Surgical procedures focus on releasing any structures compressing the nerve. CONCLUSION RTS is not a commonly occurring condition. However, it can be painful and debilitating if it's not recognized or is confused with another condition. Its symptoms are often mistaken for LE, which is prevalent. Consequently, clinicians may prematurely conclude that LE rather than RTS is the primary problem. This misjudgment could lead to inappropriate treatment that aggravates the existing complaint. Whitney Lowe is the developer and instructor of one of the profession's most popular orthopedic massage training programs. His text and programs have been used by professionals and schools for almost 30 years. Learn more at academyofclinicalmassage.com. Stripping with active engagement to the wrist extensors. 3 WATCH VIDEO "UPPER LIMB NEURODYNAMIC TEST #3"

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