Massage is one of the oldest recognized forms of medical practice. There are many schools of massage, including Swedish, Indian head, sports massage, hot stone, Thai massage and reflexology. Despite the different schools of massage, many of the...
Both massage therapy and physical therapy are practiced by licensed, qualified professionals. Physical therapy improves the quality of life and the physical ability of a person who is restricted by pain and disability. Massage therapy benefits the...
Though massage therapy and physical therapy can be similar, there are distinct differences that would make you choose one over the other. While both can relieve tension and aid in treatment, the main difference between the two is that massage...
Neuromuscular massage therapy, also called myofascial trigger point therapy, is a touch therapy that focuses on sensitive points in your muscles called trigger points. According to MayoClinic.com, "sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers can form...
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. This technique uses the basic methods of massage, including friction and vibration, effleurage, the use of the therapist's hands to warm up the skin and...
Although there is much overlap between the fields of massage therapy and physical therapy, current Western practice of each provides a complement to the other rather than duplication of services. Massage therapy encompasses the techniques of...
Massage therapy and physical therapy are practices designed to maintain and improve body conditioning and functioning. Massage therapy is part of alternative and complementary medicine and includes structured movements for manipulating skin,...
Tendinitis is the term used for the various types of irritation any tendon in your body can sustain. Tendons are the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and damage to the tendons in the wrist, arm and ankle are all common complaints, notes...
People seek massage therapy for a number of reasons, including relaxation and stress release. Other individuals obtain massage therapy as part of a process of physical therapy. As you consider massage therapy, you need to determine whether your...
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue and multiple tender points on the body. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but it is not fatal.
Stiff, sore joints are more than just an annoyance for many people and can be debilitating enough to interfere with daily functioning. Many treatments are used for joint pain, including medication, physical therapy and massage. But some sufferers...
Fibromyalgia refers to a chronic and crippling disease where you feel fatigued and experience pain at certain tender points on your body. The Mayo Clinic states that most people suffering from fibromyalgia experience trouble sleeping and have...
Neck stiffness and inflammation can occur as the result of damage to the nerves, muscles, vertebrae or discs of the neck. You might have trouble moving your neck to one side or, if nerves are damanged, you might experience tingling, numbness or...
Dystrophin is a protein in muscle cells that gives them strength and structure. In some forms of muscular dystrophy, the protein is dysfunctional, leading to partial muscle damage. The patient may experience mild muscular weakness. In other forms...
Several elbow injuries are specific to baseball players. Injury occurs when repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on the tendons and ligaments of the elbow, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says. It is often difficult...
The treadmill is a common exercise apparatus used primarily for running or walking. Performing any exercise with poor form increases your risk for injury. Poor posture, slumping and holding your head in a downward position while using a treadmill...
A tendon is the tissue at the end of a muscle that connects the muscle to bone. It helps provide flexibility and movement to the joints throughout your body, including the knee, foot, elbow and hip. When an area is overused, the tendon can become...
Treatment for the painful bladder disorder interstitial cystitis is based on multiple approaches to reduce pain and to improve quality of life. In addition to traditional medical treatments aimed at stopping bladder ulcer progression and improving...
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes severe pain and tenderness in various parts of the body. The condition is similar to arthritis but it does not damage your joints or muscles, according to the National Institutes of Health. The pain...
Degenerative disc disease in the lumbar, or lower back, area is a common cause of back pain. Between the vertebrae or bones of the spinal column lie fluid-filled inter-vertebral discs that act as shock absorbers for the spine. When the discs lose...
According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee and serves as an effective complement to standard care. In recent years, scientific inquiry has begun...
Many athletes in contact sports experience painful torn muscles in the back, but ordinary heavy lifting or slips and falls can cause them, too. As soon as patients notice symptoms of a severe back strain, they should get off their feet to relieve...
Rhomboid muscles join the inner edges of shoulder blades to the spine. When the muscle fibers are stretched or torn, a strain or injury results. It is a common problem for athletes and occurs frequently in games such as tennis or rowing....
Lumbar radiculitis is often associated with a herniated or bulging disc. When you suffer an injury or degenerative disc disease to the lumbar (lower back) region of your spine, you will often get referred pain from that injury that goes anywhere...
Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic form of muscle pain, states MayoClinic.com. Pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome is centered around sensitive points in muscles called trigger points. Trigger points are sensitive to the touch and can...
If you’ve been diagnosed with spondylosis, you need to talk with your doctor before participating in weight exercises. While low-impact aerobic exercise is recommended by the Mayo Clinic, certain high-intensity physical activity may cause...
Aromatherapy is the modern term for using the extracted essences of aromatic plants to enhance physical health, mental function and emotional well being. These natural botanical essences, known as essential oils, affect the human brain's limbic...
Massage is an effective therapy for low back pain, according to a study sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A group of patients received an hour of massage each week for 10 weeks while one other group...
Sometimes neck pain is the temporary result of a recent injury or medical condition, but many people experience pain in this area on an ongoing basis. Common causes of this chronic pain are muscle tension and arthritis. While medication can help...
Cold therapy is a type of physical therapy that can reduce swelling. Get expert tips and advice on massage and other treatments in this video.
Deal with the nagging heel spur injury with stretching, foot care and other methods. Learn how to treat sports injuries in this video on health and rehab.
