Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72312
READER FORUM STAFF LESLIE A. YOUNG, EDITOR IN CHIEF leslie@abmp.com DARREN BUFORD, MANAGING EDITOR darren@abmp.com JENNY GOOD, ASSOCIATE EDITOR jenny@abmp.com KARRIE OSBORN, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR karrie@abmp.com LARA EVANS BRACCIANTE, ONLINE PROPERTIES DIRECTOR lara@abmp.com ADVERTISING JODI MILLER, MANAGER jodi@abmp.com ANGIE PARRIS-RANEY, COORDINATOR angie@abmp.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN AMY LAZOREK, MANAGER amy@abmp.com JAMES SUTHERLIN, ASSOCIATE james@abmp.com CREATIVE DIRECTION & DESIGN JAMIE MITCHELL, BUSSOLATI ASSOCIATES www.bussolati.com Massage & Bodywork (ISSN 1544-8827; USPS 005-245) is a bimonthly magazine published by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 1271 Sugarbush Drive, Evergreen, Colorado 80439-9766. Periodicals rate postage paid at Evergreen, Colorado, and additional offi ces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABMP, 1271 Sugarbush Drive, Evergreen, Colorado 80439-9766. Vol. #XXIII, Issue #1 January/February 2008 SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription rate in the U. S. and Canada is $26 for one year, $45 for two years (U.S. funds). Subscription rate in all other countries is $75 per year (U.S. funds). To subscribe, write to the address shown above or call 800-458-2267. websites: www.massageandbodywork.com, www.abmp.com, www.massagetherapy.com No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without specifi c written permission from ABMP. The views expressed herein are those of the authors, and not necessarily of the publisher or its advertisers. Publisher cannot be responsible for any unsolicited articles or materials, or the return of such items. The editorial and advertising content in Massage & Bodywork is for educational purposes only and is not intended as comprehensive modality training or medical advice. Massage & Bodywork encourages practitioners and massage therapy clients to consult a qualifi ed professional for individual diagnostic and healthcare needs. © 2008 All rights reserved. Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. on recycled stock. BPH—Much Work to Be Done Men's healthcare should be placed into the massage therapy vernacular, and we are pleased that Ruth Werner has done so with her article ("Estrogen Dominance and Prostate Problems," page 122, August/September 2007). We feel it is important for all manual therapists to understand the workings of the male reproductive system, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in particular. Where we disagree with Ruth Werner's presentation is in the realm of manually accessing the pelvic bowl organs. We feel that the male and female pelvis can be safely and appropriately accessed through the abdomen. Treating the pelvic organs and connective tissues is a great way to change fl uid dynamics and improve overall function. Our practices focus on digestive and reproductive system healthcare, and we frequently work in the abdomen and pelvis to mobilize organs, release adhesions, transition the autonomic nervous system, and move fl uids. In other words, manual therapy can be applied here just like in many other areas of the body. For example, the anterior belly wall can be stretched superiorly to help lift the urinary bladder and access the connective tissues around the prostate gland. The pubovesicle ligament between pubis and bladder can be treated to help facilitate normal bladder emptying. The parietal peritoneum can be accessed near the lumbar bodies to further affect the connective tissues and circulation to the prostate gland. "Sandwiching" the prostate between the pelvic fl oor and fundus of the bladder can help soften, dilate, and "unwind" these tissues. All of the above work can be done through a sheet or underwear, and does not involve penetrating any orifi ce. A recent study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (April 2007) demonstrated that noninvasive manual therapy for BPH patients improved urination performance and perceived quality of life for all forty-three participants. CHRIS HUGHES LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY; MARTY RYAN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON