Clinical Internship -- Day 2- June 24, 2008 I had my second day of clinical internship this past week. Unlike last week, I was in an acute care setting of a hospital. The first half of the day, we got acquainted with the acute care gymnasium and saw several patients getting therapy. The first patient we saw was getting whirlpool treatment for a cut on their finger. They had a minor cut that became infected with a strep infection. Infection set in quickly and the next thing they knew they were in the hospital getting debridement and...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/clinical_intern_2.html Drug Delivery And Massage- June 23, 2008 One of my classes this semester is an introduction to Pharmacology. We are required to read several chapters and answer questions that the instructors think is pertinent to our learning. One of the questions we had was: Describe the potential impact of either exercise or physical agents on pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics deals with drug adminstration, absorption, distribution, tissue binding, metabolism and excretion. In my research to answer this question, I found articles that address...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/durg_delivery_a.html Minnesota's Alternative Medicine Controversy- June 20, 2008 In Minnesota, a law has just passed that allows recognition of naturopathic doctors. What appears to be a victory after 99 years of proponents trying to get the law passed, is coming under assault. Interestingly, it is creating a bitter fight among the alternative health community! "What they're trying to do is become the gatekeeper for natural health, so nobody else can practice," said Greg Schmidt, who runs the Minnesota Natural Health Legal Reform Project, which led a pitched battle to sink.http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/minnesotas_alte.html Experiencing Thai Massage- June 19, 2008 This reporter shares his experience of receiving Thai massage in Dallas, TX. Matt Chapman, Thailand-trained therapist, discusses how Thai massage is different from "regular" massage: "We work toward achieving emotional balance by balancing things physically," Chapman explains, directing me to a padded cotton floor mat. "We combine yoga-type stretches with energy work. Energy work is movement of the emotions. Everything is energy work, because everything is energy." Following the session, the..http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/experiencing_th.html Clinical Internship -- Day 1 cont.- June 18, 2008 I had my first day in clinic this past week. While I spent most of my morning getting acquainted with the facility and reading over the infection control manual, I did get some hands on experience. First I helped a patient who had fallen and had to have pins and a plate put in their hip. I helped them perform exercises which consisted of laying on their back and bending and straightening their leg. Sitting up we did resistance exercises against a theraband tied around their knees. Another...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/clinical_intern_1.html Clinical Internship -- Day 1- June 17, 2008 I had my first day in clinic this past week. It was good to be back with people for the day and away from the books. My experience was in an in-patient rehabilitation clinic inside a hospital. The "gymnasium" was set up as a loop where Occupational Therapists work on one side and Physical Therapists work on the other. This was a great space for people getting up and practicing walking around because the loop measured 100 feet. We saw a person who was recently fitted for a prosthetic leg...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/clinical_intern.html Inducing Labor With Acupressure- June 16, 2008 A friend's wife is having a baby. It's June, it's hot, and she's tired of being an oven. So they asked if I could help them find pressure points to help her induce labor. Following is my reply: Two to three days prior to the due date, BL 32 (just medial to the PSIS) and this buttock point can be used along with some sacral massage, utilizing strong downwards strokes to and around the buttocks. The aim of this is to help free up the pelvic energy to encourage an optimal labour. There are...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/inducing_labor.html Questions From Readers (Heart Disease)- June 13, 2008 A reader writes after reading my post about stress and heart disease: What kind of massage can be given for heart disease My reply: As far as I know, a standard Swedish relaxation massage is what is indicated. Keep in mind that if their blood pressure is not under control that they should see a doctor. Also, even if their blood pressure is under control, you need to keep an eye on them and keep good communication to make sure everything is okay throughout the massage. A special time for...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/questions_from_5.html Questions From Readers (Stretches)- June 12, 2008 A reader writes: I've developed tightness in the shoulder blade area (probably because I'm at a computer a lot). Occasionally they'll spasm on me but mostly it's just tight and tender. What do you suggest Stretches Which ones My reply: Following are a couple of links to a website that has stretches ( with little illustration and the kind of stretch) that I think will be good for your shoulder, neck and arm tension. Click the little picture icon and it will put you on a page with written...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/questions_from_3.html Questions From Readers (Concussion )- June 11, 2008 A reader writes in: I read your blog article about CST and concussions. I had a very bad concussion in June and recovery is slow for me. Where are you located If you could help me find a CST practitioner in central New Jersey or in the Washington D.C area, I would appreciate it. Thanks. My reply: Thank you for reading. I'm sorry to hear about your concussion. The following website will help you find a CST therapists in your area. International Association of Health Care Practitioners My...http://massage.largeheartedboy.com/archive/2008/06/questions_from_2.html |