Kinesiology Tape for Massage Therapists

By J. Wisroth

Self-cultivation for massage therapists makes up an essential part of our daily routines. When it comes to injuries -- which as we all know can happen despite our best efforts to avoid them -- kinesiology therapeutic tape provides a significant benefit for a faster, more stable recovery. This tape has specific qualities which sets it apart from other athletic tape, wraps, or braces. Not only can we use this tape to benefit ourselves as therapists, but combining the support and remarkable effect of the tape with bodywork presents an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of our treatments. To truly appreciate the power of kinesiology therapeutic tape, keep reading below to get an idea of what this tape does, use the provided links to do your own research and try it out to see the incredible results for yourself.

How does kinesiology tape work and what qualities set it apart from other tape? 
Basically, kinesiology tape stretches only one direction due to its unique framework and mimics the elasticity of the skin. The specific stretch of the tape for each application gives the underlying muscles structure while increasing fluid circulation for that area. While straightforward athletic tape to a certain extent shuts down the circulation in order to support the injury, kinesiology tape slightly lifts the skin with structure as well as flexibility. For a more complete yet concise explanation (including a video), see "What is KT Tape" on kttape.com.

Note: KT Tape is a brand name – other brands include Kinesio Tape and RockTape among others. 

How can massage therapists add kinesiology tape to their treatments?
Kinesiology tape may supplement bodywork in order to continue the effects of increased circulation begun with massage. Also, when applied after a massage, it may provide structure yet flexibility for unstable joints surrounded by muscles that formerly kept the joint secure which have now been released. Because most massage is contraindicated locally for inflamed injuries, kinesiology tape can be used days prior to bodywork in order to reduce inflammation. The tape can be beneficial for certain pathologies, for example lymphedema and ITB Syndrome. And of course, therapists can use the tape for their own injuries. Many taping protocols and applications can be found on the various websites previous mentioned with the brand names. For example, at KT Tape’s website, not only do they have general taping applications, but also a blog and an “ask the expert” section. Other tape, such as RockTape, offers a special certification course to become a practitioner.

What cautions or modifications should be considered when using kinesiology tape?
Kinesiology tape should not be used on those undergoing cancer treatments. Abdominal applications should not be used for women who are pregnant. Most brands of tape last for up to seven days, but a day or two of rest should be scheduled in between applications.

Image: application for wrist pain with multiple uses

Now you have all the resources that you need to try kinesiology tape for yourself or your clients. Locally in Anchorage, you can find KT Tape at Sports Authority or Play It Again Sports. Feel free to leave comments about your experience!

A Portrait of Hydration , Hydration as it Pertains to Massage

By Anna Johnston

Hydration is important to health on many levels, It contributes smoothness to our tissue, hydrates our mucosa in various places, our interstitial fluid is profoundly relevant for the proper functions of our internal organs, brain function and the way our plasma is distributed throughout the body.

Many times neglected, one of the most basic needs of our bodies transport system, hydration takes place between the tiny capillaries embedded within our tissues and the cells of the tissue itself.
Blind end tubes begin in the interstitial compartment.  These one cell thick capillaries allow fluid from the interstitial space to move freely into them.  They branch off and flow through the tissue much like a tributary of a river, or the branches of a tree, finally flowing into precollectors and collectors.  They have one way valves at regular intervals that prevent back flow.

Large drainage areas are called lymphotomes.  They drain the regional areas into a local lymph node.  Fluid is screened at the nodes by lymphocytes and foreign substances are destroyed. These vessels drain into ducts, which eventually drain into major veins in our bodies.
The rhythmic pace of our lymph is about 5-8 contractions per minute, this can vary widely depending on whatever we happen to be doing at the moment. Obviously exercise and massage greatly increase the circulation, though some factors of lymph circulation we have no control over, such as hormonal changes or chemicals in our environment and swelling.
By volume we are composed of two thirds water.  The lack thereof can contribute to adhesion's in muscle tissue.  Adhesion's and  scar tissue can also impede the flow of interstitial fluid in our bodies.

Moving tissue through massage, warming up this extracellular matrix or fascia is paramount in effecting  positive changes.  Without this, no change or movement can take place.

Once warmed properly the collagen matrix resembles more of a gel, allowing for ease of movement.  Breaking up the collagen matrix gets the hydration to many a needy spaces within the body. Bringing homeostasis a little closer to our tissues through renewed blood and lymph flow.

Breaking up areas of stagnation, increasing circulation is all the more reason to continue on hydrating the body to flush out the toxins we've just released.  When you experience local swelling within your body, due to a cut or trauma, the swelling is your bodies way of trying to replace the pressure lost at the point of injury.  Our interstitial fluid maintains a consistent tension or pressure on the lymphatic vessels.  It's easy to overlook the importance of hydration, that is until your really dehydrated.

Resources:

SWELL Fascia as a Sponge By Thomas Myers  Massage Magazine 2012 November

Capillary Fluid Exchange: Regulation, Functions, Pathology.
Scallan J Huxley VH, Korthuis RJ. San Rafal, CA.
Morgan & Claypool life Sciences 2010.

Massage Therapy.Com By Kalyani Premkumar Dec/Jan 2005.     

An Eastern alternative in treating Parkinson's Disease

By Shoshana K.

Attending Alaska Institute of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, I've learned much. One part I find particularly interesting in Chinese medicine is the relation of Qi moving and flowing within the body. When Qi becomes still and stagnant pain and tightness settles into the body. Which leads me to think about how could people affected with Parkinson's disease have a disharmony in their energy flow if their bodies are rarely stagnant.
 

Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. Stricken with symptoms of tremor, muscular tension, and slow imprecise movement.  Associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia (linked with voluntary motor control) of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.

As far as western medicine is aware the cause is unknown, and there is presently no cure. Western medicine has traditionally treated patients’ with medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.

Eastern medicine takes a different opinion on Parkinson's disease. It is defined in Oriental medicine as a symptom of spasms and tremors. These symptoms are found as common conditions that fall under the liver-wind pattern, with blood stagnation, kidney essence deficiency, liver wind, liver yang rising, liver yin deficiency. The main causes are overwork and excessive sexual activity, excessive consumption of greasy or sweet foods, and emotional stress. 

Needless say there is a large difference of beliefs between the two practices. Taking a deeper look into exactly what a Parkinson's disease patient could do with the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine, I have researched acupressure points that will specifically support the body returning to harmony with this condition.    

To aid in blood stagnation, calm wind and tonify Qi, rejuvenate joining channels the acupuncture points used are ST 36 and SP 6; CV 4 to nourish blood; and LV 8 to nourish the liver blood; GV-20 extinguishes liver wind and subdue liver yang; HT-3 is a good local point to move the Qi and blood assisting in reprieve of pain, numbness, tremors. Along with these acupressure point range of motion exercises are important to relax the muscles.

 

With that being said you can imagine how a person afflicted with Parkinson's disease would find hope in traditional Chinese medicine. Just knowing that there is something that can be done to work towards reducing symptoms can give the patient optimism.

 

 References:

http://www.acupuncturetoday.com

www.yinyanghouse.com

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/research/parkinsons-disease

 

Benefits of Massage using Acupressure Points on Yourself

By Suzanne G.

What is acupressure? Acupressure has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. It is a really cool form of healing developed to relieve pain, improve circulation, and in general, balance the body's energy flow.  The body is composed of 12 major channels, each corresponding with internal organs and externally with limbs and joints. Most massage therapists learn the various principles of acupressure techniques and incorporate it into their practice.

There are many simple, effective techniques you can do on your own to stimulate, harmonize, and revitalize your body's energy. For example Stomach 36 is a major point that has multiple functions such as constipation, knee pain, and even fatigue as story has it.

"Specifically, a site on the pelvic limb called “Zusanli” (also known as Stomach 36, or ST-36) is one of the most frequently used of all acupuncture points. The Chinese name Zusanli means “Leg Three Miles”. Oral tradition has it that in ancient times, most individuals traveled on foot, and stimulation of Zusanli would relieve fatigue dramatically enough that the effects would allow one to travel another three miles. It was indeed common for people who were about to embark on a long journey to needle or moxa this point (which involves warming the area with a medicinal herb such as mugwort), in order to build the necessary
strength and endurance for the trip." 

Robinson, Narda. "The “Leg-Three-Miles” Acupuncture Point for Internal Medicine Problems." 2007. Web. 31 May 2013.

So next time you feel a little constipated, are tired, or have achy knees try stimulating this point. You can locate this point by taking 3 body inches below the knee on the lateral edge of the shin point and one finger width lateral to the edge of the tibia. Sometimes it can be a little tricky to find, but play around with it.

This link below gives a good thorough explanation and guide on how to gauge the right amount of pressure for yourself.

http://www.acupressure.com/articles/Applying_pressure_to_acupressure_points.htm

Stress, Diabetes, and Massage Therapy

By Rosie B.

Stress causes the release of stress hormones and those hormones can affect the diabetic’s blood sugar control negatively. It’s hard to think of stress as being or causing a series of chemical reactions in the body, but it does. Stress is a normal part of life, but how we deal with that stress can keep it from spiraling into a health problem.

Stress and diabetes sometimes results in high blood sugars. Massage has been shown repeatedly to have a beneficial effect on anxiety. Diabetics experiencing anxiety are at risk for poor blood sugar control. Massage therapy for diabetics helps reduce that stress.

Massage calms the nervous system, bringing stress hormones down to normal levels; in turn blood sugars are easier to control.

Diabetes can have a dangerous effect on the circulatory system. Diabetics tend to have problems with circulation because high blood sugars can cause hardening of the arteries. This poor flow of blood tends to occur first in the feet, since they are so far from the heart.

Massage improves circulation of blood in general, including to the extremities, decreasing this blocking effect of diabetes. When poor circulation occurs, poor healing of wounds and infections also occurs. That is why diabetics sometimes develop sores on the foot. Massage therapy for diabetics improves feeling (sensation) and circulation, so it can help prevent this common problem. With improved blood (and lymph) flow from therapeutic massage, the body is more able to fight infections in the body. Circulation is critical for good health. It is impaired in the diabetic. Massage improves circulation dramatically.

Elevated blood sugars, because of stress hormones and poor circulation, cause the tissues around the muscles and tendons to become thicker. Diabetes can cause stiffness and decreased mobility in the diabetic’s muscles and other soft tissues. Massage therapy for diabetics treats this problem directly by manipulating these tissues in a way that causes them to be less stiff. Range of motion improves, so does general mobility of the whole body. Improved bodily movement enables the diabetic to do more exercise which has a beneficial effect on diabetes. 

Massage for High Blood Pressure

 By K McCarty, Student

High blood pressure; hypertension

Benefits of massage include reducing hypertension and lowering blood pressure.

The cause of high blood pressure is divided into two large categories as essential hypertension and secondary hypertension. The cause of essential hypertension is unknown, but a person's lifestyle and genetic factors have been said to be involved. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is known to be caused by kidney diseases and diseases of the vascular system

Symptoms: Most people do not notice problems with their blood pressure. Numbness, headache, and stiff neck, hands, and feet are common signs.

It is possible that blood pressure can increase due to tension. It is necessary to warm up before therapeutic massages by massaging softly first. Avoid applying intense pressure.


Vascular massage is a way to help to lower blood pressure.
     For example, a 15 minute vascular massage would look like the following:

Fingers: Grip each finger and twist to the left and right.
Arms: Using the whole palm, twist the forearm between the wrist and shoulder.
Legs: Twist the legs from the toes to the thighs in the same manner in which the fingers and arms are massaged.
Head: Use the palm of the hand  and massage in a circular motion, between the forehead and the temple.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Doing an Enema

By Becky Makool, guest blogger

WHAT IS AN ENEMA?
An enema is the injection of a large amount of liquid into the rectum to flush out and cleanse the colon.

ONLINE RESOURCES
Here are a couple great resources to check out before you try your first enema:

• How to Do an Enema Safely from Home (Kimberly Davidson)

• Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Giving Yourself an Enema and Were Afraid to Ask

WHEN TO DO AN ENEMA 
• When you have privacy and time to relax without distractions 
• Preferably anytime after you have emptied your bowels that day

HOW TO DO AN ENEMA What You Will Need:
- A hot water bottle kit from Walgreens or any large pharmacy (costs less than $20)
-  Hot water bottle
- Rubber hose P Plug P Hook P Shut-off clamp
- Nozzle (enema pipe or rectal tip)
- Organic coffee or tea or another recommended product (organic Chamomile tea works great)
 - A gallon of distilled water
- KY lubricating jelly or an organic oil such as olive oil or coconut oil
- A large towel

How to Prepare (in the Kitchen) It can save a little time to do all of the following steps in the kitchen: 
• Set out the items above from the hot water bottle kit.

• Attach the clamp about 6 to 8 inches from the end of the hose. You want the clamp to be positioned near the end of the hose so you can reach it easily to control or stop the flow of the fluid while you’re administering the enema. It’s also important to attach the clamp correctly so that fluid doesn’t leak out while you’re getting set up. The part of the clamp that opens and closes is the bottom of the clamp. Run the hose through the hole at the top of the clamp and out through the hole in the bottom. Then close the clamp tightly.

  

• Insert the nozzle into the end of the hose that is closest to the clamp.

• Insert the hook into the small hole at the top of the hot water bottle.

• The hot water bottle holds 64 ounces (half a gallon) of fluid. Heat 64 ounces of distilled water and prepare the coffee or tea following the instructions on the package. If you boil the water to make the tea or coffee, you must either add more cold water to the finished product or allow the tea or coffee to cool down to a comfortably warm temperature before you pour it into the hot water bottle. WARNING: You could easily burn yourself if the water is too hot when you administer the enema.

• Pour the fluid into the hot water bottle (using a kitchen funnel makes this easier).

• Screw the plug tightly into the hot water bottle and continue to hold the bottle upside down or else the fluid will pour out through the hole in the plug.

• Attach the upper end of the hose to the plug (after double-checking to make sure that the clamp is tightly closed at the other end of the hose).

• Turn the hot water bottle over so the hook is on top and head to the bathroom.

How to Prepare (in the Bathroom): 
• Place a large towel on the bottom of the bathtub.

• Set the tube of KY jelly (or the oil) on the edge of the bathtub so it’s within easy reach.

• Hang the hot water bottle on the back of the bathroom door (on the doorknob) if the door is near the bathtub. If not, hang it on something else near the tub. You can hang it from the showerhead if that’s all that’s available, but the height of the hot water bottle determines the rate of flow of the fluid. The fluid flows more slowly if the hot water bottle is closer to you. The farther away it is, the faster the fluid will flow. It feels more comfortable when the fluid is flowing more slowly. Pressure from the intake of the fluid doesn’t build up as quickly when the flow is slower, so it tends to be easier to take in more fluid. The more you can take in, the better. The goal is to continue to take in the fluid until the hot water bottle is empty.

How to Administer the Enema:
• Sit down on the towel in the bathtub with your knees drawn up.

• Rub some KY jelly or oil on the nozzle and on your rectum.
• Insert the nozzle into your rectum, keeping your knees up, and open the clamp so the fluid will begin to flow.

• Keep your hand on the clamp or hose to prevent the nozzle from coming out as the fluid flows into your colon. You can recline back as much as possible while still holding the hose.

• Take some deep breaths and relax. The more you can relax, the easier it will be to take in more fluid. You can feel the pressure build as the fluid goes in. If the pressure is building too quickly, you can close the clamp for a minute to allow the pressure to lessen or you can partially close it to slow down the flow. Again, the goal is to take in all of the fluid. It may require a little practice (two or three enemas done over time) before you can take in all 64 ounces of fluid.

• Remove the nozzle and lay back on the towel (still keeping your knees up) after you’ve taken in all of the fluid or as much as possible.

• Continue to focus on breathing deeply as you hold the fluid in and begin to rotate your body 360 degrees from right to left. Rotating your body in this manner will allow the fluid to fully coat your colon. Lie on your right side first and try to hold that position for about 15 seconds. Then turn and lie on your stomach for about 15 seconds (or kneel and lean your forehead down on the towel if your tub is too short to permit you to stretch out). Then rotate again and lie on your left side for about 15 seconds. Finish by rotating back to your original position.

• Hold the fluid in for as long as possible. The goal is to keep it in for at least 5 minutes (up to 15 minutes), but it will probably require some practice to gradually build up to that. It helps to continue to breathe deeply and focus on relaxing while holding in the fluid. Sometimes repeating a simple mantra in your head (such as “I can, I can, I can”) can help you to relax and hold the fluid in longer, too.

• Move to the toilet when you know that you can’t hold it in any longer. Although the colon will empty fairly quickly, you may need to stay put there for 5 to 10 minutes. The colon will probably release fluid at least two or three times, if not more often.

How to Clean Up:
• Hold the hot water bottle over the bathtub or set it down in the tub and remove all of the attachments (except the hook). That way, any fluid remaining in the bottle and hose will drain into the tub and not onto your floor.

• Set the small attachments in the bathroom sink or on a washcloth or hand towel near the sink. Leave the hose in the tub.

• Rinse out the hot water bottle immediately—so the tea or coffee residue inside won’t have time to dry—by running warm water (not too hot) into it from the bathtub faucet and using a mild soap like a liquid hand soap or dish detergent. Then rinse the bottle thoroughly with warm water and hang it by the hook on the showerhead to drain and dry.

• Hold one end of the hose under the faucet and run warm water through it. Then take a sponge or a washcloth with some mild soap on it and thoroughly wipe off the outside of the hose. Rinse it in warm water and hang it over the showerhead to drain and dry.

• Wash all of the small attachments thoroughly with hot water and soap and place them on a clean towel to dry.

• Pack the hose and attachments back in the box that they came in when everything is dry and store the box under your bathroom sink or wherever you have room for it. The hot water bottle should be stored flat in a dark, cool, and dry place, so if it fits, it can go under the sink, too. Don’t place anything heavy or sharp on top of it.

• Gather up all of the dirty towels and washclothes and toss them in the washing machine.