October 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 8]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
What Is Lymph Drainage?
Lymph drainage involves the application of light, rhythmic strokes to different parts of the body. This technique is primarily used to help conditions related to poor lymph flow, such as inflammation, swelling and related conditions. It is a very light and gentle manual treatment technique that can help move fluid around areas of obstruction, and stimulate the immune system.
The
lymph system carries fluids and cells between tissue and the blood. Lymph
nodes are lumps of tissue along the lymphatic system into which fluids
drain. Wherever there are blood vessels, there are lymph vessels, and
the two systems work together.
We have lymph nodes throughout our body, but they are most noticeable behind the ears, and in the neck, armpits and groin. Usually, we notice lymph nodes when we are sick or the body is fighting an infection, because the lymph nodes in the affected area swell. That's because the nodes are producing white blood cells to fight the infection/cold/etc.
To learn about other forms of massage therapy, go to www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt. To locate a massage therapist in your area who can provide you with more information on lymph drainage and other massage techniques, go to www.massagetoday.com/locator.
Massage Helps Egyptian Conjoined Twins
In August, the world held its collective breath conjoined Guatemalan twins Maria Teresa and Maria de Jesus Quiej-Alvarez endured 22 hours of surgery at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The one-year-old girls were born "craniopagus," meaning "joined at the head" -- a condition that affects only an estimated two percent of conjoined twins, and often makes separation surgery difficult, if not impossible.
As the Quiej-Alvarez girls recuperate in Los Angeles following their complex, 22-hour surgery, another set of craniopagus twins face a similar situation in Dallas, Texas, and Dr. John Upledger and the Upledger Institute are lending helping hands. The Ibrahim twins received five days of intensive CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in late September, designed to "release membranous and structural restrictions around the brain and spinal cord, and encourage the central nervous system to function at peak efficiency." CranioSacral Therapy consists of massaging the bones of the skull and the lower spine. Advocates of this type of therapy claim that massage can loosen or release restrictions or "blockages" in the body.
Dr. Upledger is encouraged by the results thus far, and optimistic about the twins' chances for separation:
"Despite their connection, these are clearly two very different little boys. We found their craniosacral systems to be quite independent of each other, and from the first round of treatments, we saw them reacting much more independently, both physically and emotionally. Just to get the little one to start eating and eliminating regularly was a major achievement. Now, the more CranioSacral Therapy we can [perform] on them, the more all their systems will have the opportunity to separate on the inside -- and that could have a major effect on the outcome of the surgery."
If you'd like to find out more about CranioSacral Therapy and other forms of massage, you can search for a local massage therapist online at www.massagetoday.com/locator.
Reference: Upledger Institute Helps Prepare Conjoined Egyptian Twins for Surgery. Massage Today, Oct. 2002:2(10), pg.1. Available online at www.massagetoday.com/archives/2002/10/01.html.
This Month's Massage Q & A
Question: I just started high school as a freshman. Because of the way my schedule works, I have to have two heavy, nasty textbooks with me at all times (including my lunch period). Luckily, we can carry our backpacks around with us, and I do carry all my binders and books around in it all the time. The problem is, I'm hunching over with my backpack on all day and coming home at night with very achy shoulders and upper back. I've tried lightening the load as much as I can and setting it down and not wearing when I can, but this still isn't enough. Is there anything you can reccomend to help my back and shoulders?
Answer: This is a common problem, and the topic of much discussion these days. My best suggestion for preventing the problem in your case would be to get a rolling carrier for your pack, such as those used to carry suitcases through airline terminals. Some kids think it isn't cool, but pain isn't cool either -- and you could do long-term damage to your muscles. Mayb you'll start a trend! I'd also suggest you see a good clinical massage therapist to deal with what you've already done to your back, shoulders and chest.
Question: How can massage help an athlete with a hamstring injury, and what can be done immediately after the injury has occurred?
Answer: The best way to determine the severity of a muscle injury is by the severity of the pain. If the pain is severe even at rest, and excruciating when touched, the injury should be medically evaluated as soon as possible. If, however, the pain subsides fairly quickly after the injury, is not severe at rest, and is tender but bearable on palpation, it can be treated fairly easily.
My suggestion for first aid for the injury you describe is positional release. The person lies prone, which extends the hip and shortens the hamstrings. The therapist presses into the tender area just at or below the ischial tuberosity (where the attachment is) just firmly enough to elicit tenderness. Pressure is held and the knee is flexed to further shorten the hamstrings. The least tender position is held while the person breathes slowly and regularly. After holding the position for at least 90 seconds, a release of the tissue should be felt. Then slowly and carefully stretch the hamstrings. This position should be repeated once or twice if necessary. If discomfort persists, the athlete should return for treatment, perhaps using other approaches.
Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from comments posted on the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, where massage therapist James (Doc) Clay fields questions on the profession. The forum is located at https://www.massagetoday.com/ask/
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