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NEXT Workshop is on May 21 and 22, 2011 at Cebu, Philippines

NEXT Workshop is on May 21 and 22, 2011 at Cebu, Philippines
CLICK ON PIC TO LEARN MORE! Palpation and "Listening" Skills Lab for Neuromyofascial, Cranial and Visceral Manipulation

What's being said about Manual Medicine?

Monday, September 29, 2008

Lumbosacral Spine Workshop

Know Anyone with a deep interest in improving thier craft and building massive functional gains for their patients via manual approach? Would you kindly drag them over to an event they will be sorry to miss? We're set for our next sharing on November 9, 2008. You'll be there too, won't you?

Manual Medicine Techniques - MET - Sharing

What would you like to learn with us?

What follows below is from an outline for workshops provided by Leon Chaitow, D.O.

Which aspects of this material would you be most interested in learning?

• Soft tissue dysfunction : general and local adaptation syndromes
• Summary of main causes soft tissue dysfunction
Understanding facilitation (segmental and local i.e. trigger points)
• Palpation methods (and accuracy)
• MET variations
• MET for joints
• MET for specific muscles
• PRT (positional release) variations
• PRT for muscles and joints
• Trigger point management : Integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) an integrated combination of ischemic compression, positional release and MET
Musculoskeletal stress response sequence
• Causes of soft tissue hypertonicity & dysfunction (pain/tone connection)
• Chain reactions & Crossed syndromes (including postural/phasic , mobiliser/stabiliser, muscle discussion)
• Functional assessment for altered movement patterns

Drop us a line via this journal or via www.manualmed.bravehost.com

The Seven Most Influential Persons in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

3. Florence Kendall.
Florence Kendall has been involved in the field of physical therapy for the past 70 years of her life. She taught physical therapy at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Department. She was also an instructor in Biomechanics at the School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
She is the author of numerous books and journal articles about physical therapy. She is also responsible for three films and a five-part Muscle Testing Video Library that has been translated into Italian and Japanese. She is probably best known for her book, “Muscle Testing and Function,” originally published in 1949, which is now in its fourth edition. She is currently working on the fifth edition. The book has been translated into nine foreign languages and is recognized as the “gold standard” for musculoskeletal assessment. Her latest book is called Golfers: Take Care of Your Back by Susan M. Carpenter, Florence P. Kendall, John Marshall (Illustrator).

Author: Robert J. Schrupp, PT, MA may be contacted at schrupp@hbci.com

Visit our friends at: www.manualmed.bravehost.com

The Seven Most Influential Persons in Orthopedic Physical Therapy - 2

2. James Henry Cyriax, M.D.
It is likely that James Henry Cyriax, M.D. (1904-1985) has had more of a longstanding influence on the other names on this list than any other individual. His influence on the field of orthopedics, physical therapy, chiropractics, and massage is profound.
Cyriax is generally considered to be the father of orthopedic medicine. He was a British orthopedist who developed one of the most commonly used systems for physical examination. He originated the concept of selective tension used to identify the specific tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc.) causing an individual pain or dysfunctional movement.
Cyriax originated and wrote about the concept of referred pain. He was among the first to recognize the intervertebral disk as a possible source of spinal and limb pain. He wrote extensively about his treatment methods which consisted of manipulation, massage, traction and injection. Cyriax's technique of cross-friction massage continues to be widely used today.
The textbooks of Dr. Cyriax are still for many, the “Bible” of orthopedic medicine. Since his death, there have been great changes in orthopedic physical therapy teaching. However, much can still be learned from his work.
Textbooks include:
Cyriax's Illustrated Manual of Orthopaedic Medicine
Textbook of Orthopaedic Medicine: Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Lesions
Textbook of Orthopaedic Medicine
Slipped Disk: Relieving and Understanding Your Back Troubles
The Slipped Disc
Cervical Spondylosis
Courses on Dr. Cyriax’s work are given in the USA by the European Teaching Group of Orthopaedic Medicine (www.etgom.be). They have also just published new books and videos on his work.

Author: Robert J. Schrupp, PT, MA may be contacted at schrupp@hbci.com

Seven Most Influential Persons in Orthopedic Physical Therapy

The Seven Most Influential Persons in Orthopedic Physical Therapy Today

1. Robin McKenzie (www.mckenziemdt.org)
No one should be surprised to find Robin McKenzie’s name on the top of this list. McKenzie determined that various exercises could change the location and severity of pain. He made the serendipitous discovery that when pain retreated from the extremities with positioning or exercise, a positive treatment outcome was forthcoming. McKenzie was the first to recognize this phenomenon of centralization of pain.
Just as Sir Isaac Newton formulated the Universal Law of Gravitation from the simple observation of an apple falling from a tree, McKenzie went on to derive an entire conceptual framework for treating back and neck pain from this observation. The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is now used worldwide by tens of thousands of physical therapists, chiropractors, and physicians.
The McKenzie Method is taught as a five-level sequential Education Program comprising five courses (A through E) in over thirty-two countries. The educational program is standardized, with the content for each level consistent around the world. The extensive web of educational programs is managed by The McKenzie Institute International, a Charitable Trust. Headquartered in Waikanae, New Zealand, the international nonprofit organization also funds worldwide research.
Robin McKenzie has published several books for the professional and layman. His titles have been translated into many languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Interestingly, the goal of the McKenzie Method is to make the patient independent of therapists. Therefore, his books for the layman have a self-treat theme. His latest book, co-authored by Stephen May is for the professional and is the second edition of The Lumbar Spine - Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. In the foreword of this landmark edition, Professor Nikolai Bogduk, Professor of Pain Medicine at the University of Newcastle, Australia, accurately summarizes the place The McKenzie Method occupies in the new millennium.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."
Isaac Newton 1676
Arguably the greatest genius of all time, Isaac Newton attributed his success to the opportunity to build on the work of others. He readily paid tribute to the “Giants” who came before him. The seven persons profiled in this article are “Giants” in the field of orthopedic physical therapy. Through their work they have greatly influenced the current thinking and performance of orthopedic physical therapists today. They have established an extraordinary foundation of knowledge upon which to build.
Methodology
A survey form was sent to a random sampling of 320 physical therapists from the orthopedic section of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association). The survey form contained the names of eleven distinguished physical therapists and one physician from the field of orthopedic physical therapy. Research methodology for choosing the initial twelve names was based upon the assumption that talent recognizes talent. Noteworthy physical therapists were surveyed and asked who among their peers should be included on a top-ten list of influential physical therapists and physicians in orthopedic physical therapy. The entire list of recommended names is provided at the end of the article. The initial list was narrowed to twelve individuals based upon frequency of name submission, originality of ideas, and the ability of the individual to pass on their teachings to a national or worldwide audience.
In the final survey sent to the 320 members of the orthopedic section of the APTA, participants were asked to indicate the amount of influence the work of the twelve individuals has on their thinking or performance in orthopedic physical therapy.
The influence scale was as follows:
0 No Influence 1 Low Influence 2 Moderate Influence 3 High Influence 4 Very High Influence
One hundred and forty-eight participants returned surveys for a response rate of 46 percent. The scores were tallied and averaged and the individuals with the top seven scores were recorded. The final rankings were as follows:
1. Robin McKenzie 2.55
2. Dr. James Cyriax 2.44
3. Florence Kendall 2.33
4. Geoffrey Maitland 2.24
5. Stanley Paris 2.00
6. Shirley Sahrmann 1.81
7. Brian Mulligan 1.80
Freddy Kaltenborn received an honorable mention at 1.78.
The work of these seven Giants is highly worthy of study. When looking to advance learning in orthopedic physical therapy, one would be well served to begin with these men and women. This is particularly true of new students. Students begin their education with a clean mental file, and from the start they should be provided some of the best sources available.
What follows is a brief profile of the seven influential giants.

The “Giants” profiled in this article have made important and lasting contributions to the world of orthopedic physical therapy. Their work has high educational value, and merits study by current and future generations.

Influential physical therapists considered for or included in the study: Michelle Battie, David Butler, Robert Donatelli, Brian Edwards, Robert Elvy, Olaf Evjenth, Gary Gray, Ola Grimsby, Greg Johnson, Gwendolen Jull, Mark Laslett, Jenny McConnell, Wayne Rath, Mariano Rocabado Duane Saunders, Lance Twoomey, William Vicenzio, Paula Van Wejimen, Kevin Wilk, Dos Winkle, Michael Wooden.
Influential doctors considered for the study: Alan Stoddard, M.D., D.O., Robert Maigne, M.D., James Mennel, M.D., Karel Lewitt, M.D., Lawrence Jones, D.O.


Author: Robert J. Schrupp, PT, MA may be contacted at schrupp@hbci.com.

Mc Kenzie and OMT

scientific evidence has not shown any superior benefice of the McKenzie techniques compared to osteopathic treatments, and some osteopaths do use some kind of extension techniques without using any McKenzie techniques, apparently with equal anecdotal results.
>and that they NEED to work on regaining their lumbar curve; it serves as great >motivation.
It could serve as a great motivation for the patient, maybe not for the therapist:
"...comparison studies reveal that there is no correlation between the
shape of the lumbar lordosis and the presence or absence of back pain symptoms.7,10, 12"
CLINICAL ANATOMY OF THE LUMBAR SPINE AND SACRUM - Bogduk 2005
"Loss of lordosis is a feature sometimes reported in
cervical spine films. This phenomenon, however, is a
normal variant, and carries no diagnostic implication.
It is equally prevalent among patients with acute neck
pain, chronic neck pain, and no neck pain.1 It is independent
of age and symptoms but is more common in
females."1
REFERENCE
1. Helliwell PS, Evans PF, Wright V. The straight cervical
spine: does it indicate muscle spasm? J Bone Joint Surg
1994; 76B: 103–106.
Alain

Mc Kenzie Feedback

McKenzie is not equal to extension exercises.
Sometimes these are used, sometimes flexion exercises are prescribed, sometimes side-flexion, sometimes combinations, entirely dependent on whether the exercises/movements increase centralisation or not.
Any directions of movement that exacerbate pain are eliminated.. ..and often these are extension exercises
Leon Chaitow

Osteopathic feedback re McKenzie push-ups

Just like everything else, the McKenzie approach is not a panacea.
..regarding the McKenzie push-up.. of course, (it) is an extension-based manoeuvre.

I have found it extremely useful in many cases of disc injury (clinical and subclinical)
and have also found it useful for moblising a flat lumbar spine; in conjunction with other corrective exercise(s).
I often use the provocation tests for lumbar disc, followed by the McKenzie extension protocol,
to convince my subclinical patients that this is for real and that they NEED to work on regaining their lumbar curve;
it serves as great motivation.

Best wishes,
Matt Wallden

Have you visited us elsewhere? We are at www.manualmed.bravehost.com
Workshops on different kind of healing
By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:10:00 09/15/2008
MANILA, Philippines—After a car accident in 1983, Andrew Zoppos, a Greek émigré to Australia, wore a neck brace for five years. He studied myofascial release therapy, deep tissue therapy, hypnotherapy, energy works (reiki, pranic healing, universal healing), universal pendulum healing and even acquired the basics of physiotherapy.
But none of them helped his condition.
Then he underwent the Bowen method. He was freed of his neck brace for life.
The Bowen technique involves gentle manipulation by the hand of specific points, retuning the body to heal itself. “The only difference is we do not force the body to do what we want. We are facilitators; we give the work to the body and it is responsible for its own healing. Like homeopathy, we reset the body to heal itself.
“It is a simple technique developed by a simple man. Tom Bowen was a carpenter who worked in a cement factory. His wife had asthma. After several sessions, it stopped,” he explains.
Zoppos studied traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, massage and opened his own practice and worked in three clinics.
Zoppos then studied at Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia, under Oswald Rentsch, the only person authorized by Tom Bowen, founder of this technique, to teach his work after his death.
Body as a whole
“The Bowen technique was introduced as a holistic therapy, addressing the body as a whole, as a complex structure of interconnected systems. I had my own experience with my muscular problem, but it was hard for me to believe this therapy could address internal organ conditions, emotional issues and chronic diseases,” says Zoppos.
After his first Bowen class, Zoppos treated an old patient with lumbar disc hernia. None of the manual healing modalities had helped her. After a few sessions of Bowen, she could walk by herself with no pain; after two months, she resumed her activities.
He had also treated an asthmatic and a seven-year-old with bed-wetting problems.
Effectivity
Zoppos could attend to as many as 100 clients a week—with all sorts of problems, from organic to breathing abnormalities, sports injuries, emotional issues, muscle and skeletal problems and chronic ailments.
The method is recommended for pre-surgery and post-surgery, for faster healing, for pregnancy and childbirth, so that infants upon delivery will not feel as much trauma.
“Not many explanations were given when I first took the course. I learned mostly from experience and had to accept the reality and believe the obvious: everybody was feeling better with Bowen!” says Zoppos.
He says scholars explain that Bowen becomes effective once the body is totally relaxed. “Then the inner ability of the organism to take care of problems existing in the system is activated.”
In the early ‘50s, Bowen discovered the method to reinstall the original blueprint of the body. He believed man has the necessary tools for self-healing. The modern lifestyle, with its unhealthy environment, processed food or stress, weakened the natural defense mechanisms. The aim of Bowen technique is to reactivate the cell memory in healing the body.
“Bowen’s treatments always start with two moves over the erector spinae muscles, that were proven to be exactly overlapping the most important memory centers of the body. Studies showed that patients usually report memories from their childhood, previous trauma or long forgotten actions, just after the first moves of the Bowen procedures. Most probably, the body is using the same principle as induced hypnosis: bring back to surface the trauma from the past, so the system can identify it and eliminate it.”
Zoppos, registered senior international instructor and honorary life member of the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia, will again conduct workshops on Bowen Therapy in January 2009. Call 0919-4556746 or e-mail bowentechnique.bacolod@gmail.com.

Interested, huh? Do visit our friends at:
An online journal - Strix Toledo - http://strixter.bravejournal.com/index.php

Bowtech - The Original Bowen Technique - Philippines
http://www.bowentechnique.ph/ bowentechnique.bacolod@gmail.com

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manualmed.blogspot.com

Bowen Therapy in the Philippines

Bowen Therapy and RDTs

For someone so used to mind-bogglingly fast functional results with OMT and a synthesis of Manual Medicine, I have recently gained an unexpected new respect for Bowen Work (Bowen Therapy). I have also regained foothold on the concept that, yes, it also matters who you learn your techniques from.

We've had the good fortune of leaning directly from Andrew Zoppos. Andrew learned Bowen's work from "Ozzie" Oswald Rentch, who was charged with spreading the techniques by the man himself, "Tom" Bowen. Having progressed in my Bowen work studies, i can now wholeheartedly agree with Andrew -- Tom Bowen was a genius. That the work came to Tom without osteopathic or mixed manual method training is truly astounding.

Recent findings in fascia reseach amplify my respect for the work of Tom Bowen. The fascial system is more and more being shown to be linked intimately to the neuroendocrine system. By example, the results of fascial therapy are different when a patient is anesthesized to unconsciousness. They do not hold as well. So, yes -- There really seems to be an intelligence we interact with when we move fascia. Then again, we've always known that the human body is an incredible machine. Kudos to the Brilliance of its Creator. Now, however, we regain a no-holds-barred astonishment at how profoundly complex the human body is.

How Tom knew which points to access in order to talk to the body in the way Bowen Work appears to do is beyond me. Perhaps it truly was a Gift from God. God is closer than most people would accept, anyway.

I can now understand how important it is to learn Bowen work the way it was passed on by Tom Bowen.

Rapid De-afferentation Techniques, as remarkable as they are, are still evolving. Unlike RDTs, Bowen work appears to have been born fully evolved.

My patients deserve to have someone on their side who knows what he's doing. Plus, I'm a curious fellow. So I'm likely to look at what everyone else is doing. Despite the proliferation of a swarm of personaliities offering some form or other of supposed modification or advancement of Bowen Work, however, I'd love to master the unaltered gift first. It's amusing, as i think of it now.. I've grown up in the age that gave us the Photocopier. I love that machine. But i still rarely see a copy as clear, organically detailed and unflawed as the original.

Interested, huh? Do visit our friends at:
An online journal - Strix Toledo - http://strixter.bravejournal.com/index.php

Bowtech - The Original Bowen Technique - Philippines
http://www.bowentechnique.ph/ bowentechnique.bacolod@gmail.com

manualmed.bravehost.com
manualmed.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Basic Soft Tissue Dictionary

Cartilage - often present between bony surfaces to present a degree of protection for bone surfaces by providing "padding" and shock absorption capabilities.
Collagenous fibers - very tough and have little stretchability.
Connective tissues of the joint include - cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscle fascia or fascial sheath. The physical properties of connective tissue determine flexibility at the joint.
Continuum Distortion - Alteration of transition zone between ligament, tendon, or other fascia and bone. Complain of pain in one spot.
Cylinder Distortion - Overlapping of cylindric coils of fascia. Deep pain in a non-jointed area, which cannot be reproduced or magnified with palpation.
Dural tube - surrounding and protects your spinal cord and it contains the cerebrospinal fluid.
Elastic fibers - stretchable.
First layer - is the superficial fascia is attached to the underside of your skin. Capillary channels and lymph vessels run through this layer, and so do many nerves.
Folding Distortion - Three-dimensional alteration of fascial plane. Hurts deep in the joint.
Herniated Triggerpoint - Abnormal protrusion of tissue through the fascial plane. Smaller fascial herniations
Ligaments - connect bone to bone and offer stability and integrity to joint areas.
Muscle fascia - represented by 3 "layers" of fascia that wraps the muscle:
Endomysium- wraps individual muscle fibers or cells.
Perimysium- wraps around groups or bundles of muscle fibers.
Epimysium- wraps the entire muscle.
(These various "layers" of fascia culminate in the tendons of the muscle)
Second layer - the deep fascia is much tougher and denser material. Your body uses deep fascia to separate large sections, such as the abdominal cavity.
Tectonic Fixation - Inability of fascial surfaces to glide. Complain that their joint being stiff.
Tendons - connect muscles to bone. The force of muscle contraction is transferred via the tendinous attachment of the muscles to the skeletal system.
Third layer of fascia - is the sub serous fascia. This is loose tissue that covers your internal organs and holds the rich network of blood and lymph vessels that keep them moist.
Triggerband - Distorted fascial band. Sweeping motion with their fingers along the involved pathway when describing their discomfort.

with thanks to Massage Nerd!

manualmedicine.bravehost.com

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Manual Medicine Videos

Have you seen any of our videos?
See excerpts at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/docstrix

musculoskeletal pain treatments

Capsular, tendinous, and musculoskeletal pain are usually addressed conservatively, with anything from traditional modality-based physiotherapy, medication, and exercise prescription.
Tired of going nowhere fast? Tired of taking several sessions to achieve nothing significant or lasting? Interested in near-instant results that last? Want to offer your patients something that works remarkably better? Why not visit us at manualmedicine.bravehost.com ?

radicular pain

We say that pain from a specific segment, relayed via its dermatomal level, is “radicular” in origin.In practice, sensorimotor deficits and reflex abnormalities may be noted when we have pain that radiates to an extremity. Segmental innervation dictates where to look for a neurogenic lesion.

Spinal Manipulation Studies

Procedural skills in spinal manipulation: do prerequisites matter?

Spinal manipulation is frequently considered as a treatment for back pain. However, there are many different training methods for those pursuing spinal manipulation as part of their healthcare practice. It is of course assumed that the more in-depth training an individual receives, the better he or she will be at performing the spinal manipulation procedures. This article discusses a study that looked into the validity of that assumption, and assessed the best approach in the early stages of preparation for performing spinal manipulation procedures.

Training for performing spinal manipulation ranges from full professional degree programs to weekend seminars. As a result, health professionals can end up with widely varying levels of skill, ranging from incompetent, to safe, to masterful. This study was undertaken to try to determine what kind of training best prepares someone to perform spinal manipulation. Once this information is known, patients will be able to ask potential care-providers about what type of education they received and decide if they want to be treated by that individual.

The authors of the study chose a certain high velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation procedure, the L4 mamillary push, to use as the basis of their comparison. This form of spinal manipulation is one of the most widely used methods of treatment for the lower back pain and lumbar spine problems.

Three groups of people were studied. One was a group of eight internationally known experts chosen for their reputation, with a range of 8 to 30 years of clinical experience. All of the experts use the procedure in question, and are very familiar with it. The other two groups were college students, at two different colleges, who were completing prerequisite courses that were required prior to beginning their specific training for HVLA spinal manipulation procedures.

The prerequisite requirements at the two colleges were different: one college focused on hands-on practice more than laboratory study, and the other college reversed that, focusing more on the preparatory lab courses than the hands-on, clinical application. All of the students had completed pre-med and were enrolled in 2nd year professional training.

Several parameters were chosen for comparison of the groups, and each person was then observed performing the procedure from initial positioning of the patient through completion of the spinal manipulation procedure. The group of experts was used to set the standards of how this type of spinal manipulation should be done, and the performance of each student was compared to those standards.

The results of the study were very clear. Students who were given a great deal of informative instruction in the laboratory setting, before actually performing any hands-on training, were much better prepared to complete this HVLA spinal manipulation procedure. Every comparison parameter was shown to favor the students who had the more extensive laboratory preparation. The authors observed that the most distinct difference in the groups was in the pre-positioning of the patients.

The results suggest that extensive training before ever performing a first spinal manipulation procedure is an important component in the teaching and learning of this type of skill. Additionally, it appears that condensed learning sessions, without adequate preparatory training, are inappropriate and could be dangerous to patients.

From this study, the authors concluded that prerequisite courses for spinal manipulation should emphasize laboratory training, and then build slowly into rehearsal experience, including prepositioning of the patient. Spinal manipulation procedures performed by healthcare professionals with this type of early training are likely to be safest and most effective.

Source: http://www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/mani/manipulation01.html

About Acupuncture

This material has been forwarded to me, with author unknown:

If there is one area that acupuncture can claim to have an effect it's in pain relief. Although most evidence supporting acupuncture can be dismissed as anecdotal, trials have been done where acupuncture does show a pain relieving effect above placebo. The effect is not large, of the same magnitude as taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen, but nonetheless it's there and cannot be ignored. That's not to say that there are not problems with such claims however. Pain is an entirely subjective experience; it cannot be directly measured and the severity felt depends to a large extent on the patient's state of mind; which can be influenced by the practitioner giving the treatment. This leads on to the problem of blinding procedures with acupuncture. The practitioner is always aware of whether he's giving real or sham acupuncture and which patients he's giving them to. The pain relief effect does seem to exist; however, it's not clear whether it's a real effect of acupuncture or a strong placebo effect that's induced in the patient by the elaborate procedure of an acupuncture treatment.

Possible problems: Hematoma may result from the accidental puncture of a circulatory structure. Nerve injury can result from the accidental puncture of any nerve. Brain damage or stroke is possible with very deep needling at the base of skull. Also rare, but possible, is pneumothorax from deep needling into the lung, and kidney damage from deep needling in the lower back. Needles that are not properly sterilized can transfer diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. There is also the danger, common to all alternative therapies, of not seeking proper medical treatment because of an over reliance on alternatives. Most acupuncturists are not doctors and will not have the capability of diagnosing a serious illness from its typical symptoms.
Would you like to know more? Why not learn with us at manualmedicine.bravehost.com ?

arthritis myths

Misconception about arthritis abound:

"Degenerative change on x-rays means that nothing can be done"
"My doctor says all I can do is to take pain killers or anti-inflammatories"
"Nobody can reverse the changes which have taken place but osteopathic treatment can do so much to reduce pain, ease swelling and improve mobility and range of joint movement."

Truth is, you may not have to live with any of these:

Neck pain
Low back pain
Swelling
Hip pain
Lack of mobility
Early morning stiffness

Want to learn more? Why not visit us at manualmedicine.blogspot.com
With thanks to: http://backbebetter.blogspot.com or Back Be Better for content in this entry.

OMT for pain relief?

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a safe and natural approach to health care. Patients may be treated for health problems from the trauma of birth to the arthritis of the elderly, from the cradle to the rocking chair.

Osteopathy focuses on the musculo-skeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue) and the way in which this inter-relates with the body as a whole. It combines scientific knowledge of anatomy and physiology and clinical methods of investigation.

Osteopaths diagnose and treat faults which occur because of injury, stress or perhaps disease, to enable the musculo-skeletal system to work as efficiently as possible, allowing the body to restore itself to normal function. A caring approach and attention to the individual is considered particularly important.

After treatment, an osteopath can advise on maintaining a realistic level of health and avoiding those things which might be damaging. For example, remedial exercises to adjust posture or advice on diet and lifestyle can be given as part of a personal health care program.

What about Treatment?
Instead of drugs, osteopaths use their hands both to discover the underlying causes of pain and to carry out treatment using a variety of manipulative techniques. These may include soft tissue stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements or high velocity thrust techniques to improve the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are often used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients.

What do Osteopaths Treat?

A recent survey of osteopathic practices underlined the wide range of patients treated.

Half suffer low back trouble
Most back pains result from mechanical disturbances of the spine - postural strains, joint derangements and spinal disc injuries. Osteopathy, with its comprehensive approach to health care, is a particularly successful approach to treatment.

Over half are women
Many women are working mothers and both aspects of their lives can give rise to problems, from the perennial headache to severe musculo-skeletal disorders.
Many headaches originate from stiffness and tension in the neck and osteopathic treatment can often bring relief. Pregnancy can put a strain on the low back and osteopathic treatment can help the body to adjust.

A quarter are in their forties
Many patients are losing fitness at this stage in their lives and are more prone to injury. Osteopaths consider all the factors, examining posture and the strength and flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. Treatment is designed to alleviate current problems and to help prevent recurrences.

Many are elderly
Painkillers are not the only solution for the aches and pains associated with ageing. For more permanent relief it is necessary to eliminate the underlying causes of pain, a job for which the osteopath is specifically trained. Osteopathy can also help in reducing pain and stiffness in the less acute stages of arthritis.

Many problems relate to work
Work, whether it be at a computer terminal or in heavy industry, can give rise to disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Osteopaths treat many conditions relating to the workplace and can give remedial advice and preventative exercise.

Interested in another way to abolish pain? Why not check us out? We are at manualmedicine.bravehost.com

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment versu Medication

Treating Acute musculoskeletal neck pain with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Acute musculoskeletal neck pain is a common complaint among the general population in the United States and is a frequent problem for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Up to 71% percent of Americans can recall experiencing an episode of neck pain or stiffness in their lifetimes.

In the ED, providing pain relief for patients with neck pain is the primary goal—after any significant pathology or injury has been excluded from diagnostic evaluation. Patients are commonly treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is another treatment modality that may be considered, however. Manipulation of the cervical spine for neck pain (and headache) is the second most common use of spinal manipulative therapy.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment is based on osteopathic principles and practice. Fundamental to the science and art of osteopathic medicine is the recognition of the body's inherent ability to restore homeostasis and heal itself. Various osteopathic manipulative (OM) techniques are applied in regions of somatic dysfunction (ie, areas of impaired or altered function of the body framework) to promote blood flow through the tissues, thus enhancing the body's own healing ability.

Terminology used to describe manual therapies varies. Osteopathic physicians use the term manipulation to describe over 100 different OM techniques.In the literature, many researchers use the term manipulation to describe high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques. A thrust is a force applied to the joint that moves it beyond the passive range of motion and often produces an audible click at the joint. Mobilization is a nonthrust form of manipulation that applies a manual force to the spinal joints within the passive range of motion.

The term manipulation in our study describes manipulative therapies as used by chiropractors, physiotherapists, other "manual therapists," and osteopathic physicians—as when we inquired of study subjects prior to study enrollment if they had ever received "prior manipulation." The term osteopathic manipulative treatment (ie, OMT), however, is used in our study only when osteopathic physicians in the treatment of patients use OM techniques. In this study, the OM techniques used by osteopathic physicians included HVLA thrust, soft tissue, and muscle energy techniques.

Intramuscular Ketorolac Versus Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment in the Management of Acute Neck Pain in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Tamara M. McReynolds, DO; Barry J. Sheridan, DO
JAOA • Vol 105 • No 2 • February 2005 • 57-68
Source: http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/105/2/57


Interested in a powerful new way to resolve pain in your patients? Why not visit us at manualmedicine.bravehost.com and ask about RDTs and our sharing workshops?

Aother way around pain

Low back pain is high on the list of reasons people go to the doctor. If you figure the price of disability, time off and other related expenses, it costs about $100 billion in the United States every year.
Add in the cost associated with all the other types of pains — headaches, misery that accompanies some cancers, the post-surgery pain that won't leave — and it's daunting, says Dr. Christopher Caldwell, who completed an Anesthesia Pain Medicine Fellowship and is board-certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

One of the challenges with treating low back pain is that so many different things may cause it. It can result from arthritis or muscle pain, for instance.
Pain often comes in layers. "There's almost never a single cause with a simple solution," Caldwell says, so it "requires a willingness to look for and find all the different contributing factors, and then we must try to address each of them appropriately."
Some doctors simply don't have the time or the expertise to peel away the layers.
"We need to do better," Caldwell says.
Several classes of medications help treat pain, and which one is used depends on where the pain is, what's causing it and what's keeping it alive. While most people think first of strong opioid medications, they offer only limited benefits for chronic pain. It's much better for acute, short-term pain such as a broken arm or after surgery.
Medications that work on nerves make them less likely to send a pain message to the brain, often used to treat neuropathic pain. Pain itself can change how the body signals, which is why pain sometimes persists when the root cause is gone.
Anti-inflammatory medications are often helpful. So are exercise and osteopathic manipulative treatment. There are a dozen different procedures that can be done under X-ray guidance to apply medication or technology in the body, including placing steroids deep in the lower back by the spinal cord. Radiofrequency neuroablation, spinal cord stimulators and nerve blocks are part of the arsenal.
Backs don't get better without physical rehabilitation, "with enough (pain) relief to accomplish it. There's no way through it other than through it," Caldwell says, so patients must be willing to do their part.

If you're looking for another way around the pain response, please check out our Relexive De-Afferentation Techniques (RDTs).

We have left contact numbers and email addresses for our senior therapists and those who have trained with us at this site: http://www.manualmedicine.bravehost.com/

Stay well!

With thanks to: http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,640193153,00.html

Web Groups

Would you like to visit our friends?
Let us know what you think, okay?

manualmed.bravehost.com
strixter.blogspot.com
strix.multiply.com
angtherapist.com
findlawrence.com
truecaremed.com
strixblog.blogspot.com

Friday, September 19, 2008

Shake that booty!

Join us on November 9 and 16 as we share some of the most remarkably efficient techniques we've used at our clinics for correcting somatic dysfunctions of the Lumbo-sacral spine and Pelvis. And yes, you just might see some new RDTs! Contacts would include:

Valentin Jaime S. Canatoy
jhimptrp@yahoo.com

Harold Boy Cacao
09225354422


Rey F.L. Bugash
reybugash@yahoo.com
09154076386


Michelle B. Cruz
mciel_8426@yahoo.com
09297745045

Please get your information straight from our senior staff!
We'll expect you there, right?

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

How Sharp is your Razor?

Occam’s razor (sometimes spelled Ockham’s razor) is a principle attributed to the 14th-century English logician and Francisan friar William of Ockham.
The principle states that the explanation of any phenomenon should make as few assumptions as possible, eliminating those that make no difference in the observable predictions of the explanatory hypothesis or theory. The principle is often expressed in Latin as the lex parsimoniae (”law of parsimony” or “law of succinctness”): ”entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem”, roughly translated as “entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity”. (Source: Wiki)

Translation: the simplest answer very often tends to be the correct one.

Proof in practice is a very powerful motivator for using Manual Medicine methods.
When something new you've learned persistenly works better than anything you've ever used before, that's it -- you're hooked on learning more, on doing more. So it is that Occam's Razor slips in re RDTs and the new Evidence-based Manual Medicine Methods: If they work unbelievably well, why not use them? And yes, why not learn even more?

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Mind-Body Conference Philippines - Pics!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30154639@N08/

do you know any hypnotherapists?

Does anyone know of any individuals or groups nearby who can help us train our manual therapy team in hypnotic languaging / NLP? Preferably a Trainor's Trainer level NLP Master? Passing on this stuff takes a while, and i'm really heavily occupied at clinics recently. Do kindly let us know. 
- Strix

strixmd@yahoo.com
assist@yahoo.com
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/InternationalPhilippines.htm

thoracic spine landmarks

Excerpts from the book “A Mini Manual for Manual Therapy Procedures”
By Sandro Strix S. Toledo, M.D.
Manual Medicine Integrated Solutions
Thoracic Somatic Dysfunctions: Diagnoses and Treatments
strixmd@yahoo.com
assist@truecaremed.com
Reproduction without permission is in violation of intellectual property laws.

For notes and billing, the ICD-9 code for Thoracic Somatic Dysfunction is 739.2

Anatomic Landmarks for the Thoracic spine
1) Slowly flex the neck to engage the cervico-thoracic junction. T1 does not lock into flexion with the cervical spine. It lags behind C7 and remains protruding posteriorly when the cervical spine is engaged in flexion.
2) T3 is at about the level of the scapular spine.
3) T5 is at about mid-scapular level.
4) T1-3 spinous processes project posteriorly and lie directly at level with their corresponding transverse processes.
5) T4-6 spinous processes project postero-inferiorly to halfway between its level's transverse processes and the transverse processes of the the vertebra inferior to it.
6) T7-9 spinous processes project even more inferiorly than T4-6. They lie at the level of the inferior vertebrae's transverse processes.
7) The transverse processes lie lateral to the longissimus muscle bundles at about an inch from midline.

The “Rule of Threes” for the Thoracic Transverse Processes Leveling states:
1) T1-3 (and T12) transverse processes are at the level of the corresponding thoracic spine.
2) T4-6 (and T11) transverse processes lie superiorly between its level's spine and the spine of the thoracic segment above it.
3) T7-9 (and T10) transverse processes lie superiorly at the level of the superior segment's spine.
4) T10 transverse processes are at the level of the T9 spine.
5) T11 transverse processes are midway between the T10 and T11 spine.
6) T12 transverse processes are at level with its spine.

Interested in training for RDTs?

An Introduction To R.D.T.s: Mind-Body Reboot in Seconds (31 August 1120am)

Introduction:
What if you could be Pain-free in Seconds?
What if you could reach Mental Clarity in seconds?
How would that change the rest of your life?

Precursor Work:
NLP Semantics
Biofeedback without machines

An Introduction to the RDT PROTOCOL
(a synthesis of: Rapid De-afferentation Techniques + NLP Languaging + Biofeedback)

For training reservations and inquiries, please contact in the Philippines (+632):

Manual Medicine Group - Rehab Unit Seniors:
09297745045—Michelle
09274515589—Harold
09154076386—Rey
09217222753­- Jim

More Workshops in the Philippines - Manual Medicine / Manual Therapy

Incoming Workshops!

Cervical Area Workshop II
RCPm local and Reciprocal Releases
A proposed treatment for Seizures
Cervicogenic Headaches
Shoulder, Intensive (Shoulder I and II)
Thoracic Intemediate
Thoracic Intensive
Thoracic Advanced
Lumbosacral Basic
Lumbosacral Advanced

Manual Medicine for the Cervical Spine - Workshops in the Philippines

The following were covered at our last workshop:

Cervical Spine:
Cervical Somatic Dysfunction Findings, Diagnoses, and Documentation
Spinal Mechanics, Dynamics, and Fryette's Laws
Principles and Practice of Functional Ease Techniques and Multiplanar Ease Stacking
Localization of Eases and Restrictions at the OA and AA Joints

METs and MET variations, including:
multi-planar METS
Oculocephalogyric Activation METs
Brake-response METs
Pulsed METs (with thanks to Leon Chaitow)
QuickMETs

Myofascial Release Secrets, including:
the 'seventh plane of movement'
the 'hidden plane': torsion

Escaping the trap of the Traps: nociceptive regions with trapezius distribution reflection
Local and Nonlocal, Direct and Indirect Myofascial Releases
Articulatory Myofascial releases for the occipital / cranial base, sub-occipital area, and neck

Ignored Anatomy and Nociceptive Checkpoints for the Hypersympathetic Response

RDT basics of formulation and Parasympathetic Ablation Method I
(sub-ischemic focal antagonist compression)

The simplest thing – exercise I: a powerful neck and mind reset (the secret head rotation)

Basic NLP semantics / language and Engendering Rapport

Manual Therapy Billing for US Medicare / Tricare Coverage

Principles of Setting up at resistive endrange for Non-thrust Cavitation

Dorn Method Techniques for the Neck

Bowen Relaxation Moves for the Neck

Strain-counterstrain techniques as a mode of ease

Thoracic Spine and Thoracic Cage Manual Manipulation / Therapy / Medicine

Workshop outline:

1) Basic neurolinguistic programming
a) semantics / language
b) Engendering Rapport
2) Thoracic Spine and Rib Somatic Dysfunction Findings, Diagnoses, and Documentation.
a) Spinal Dynamics and Fryette’s Laws
b) Localization of Eases and Restrictions
i) Thoracic spine
ii) Thoracic cage
c) Ignored Anatomy and Nociceptive Checkpoints for the Hypersympathetic Response
d) The head and neck as a treatment lever for the thoracic spine

3) Treatment approaches.
a) Functional Ease Techniques and Multiplanar Ease Stacking (Thoracic Spine)
i) definition.
ii) indications
iii) contraindications
iv) demo / ret demo
b) METs and MET variations, including multi-planar METs
c) RDTs
i) Definition / bases / principles for technique formulation
ii) RDT Parasympathetic Ablation Methods II and III
d) Myofascial Releases / Gentle Soft-tissue Techniques
e) Bowen Relaxation Moves for the Back
f) Inhibitory techniques
i) Strain-counterstrain techniques as a mode of ease
ii) Direct Inhibition / Progressive Compression techniques
g) Cavitation techniques
(1) HVLA
(2) Non-thrust cavitation
h) Dorn Method Techniques for the T-spine
i) OMT Procedures for the Thoracic cage
j) Technique Synthesis
Dear Colleague (May we call you that?),



We have just finished an extremely well-received workshop for the Cervical Spine. Early feedback from both clinicians and academicians re that module has encouraged us to invite you to our next “sharing.” We happen to a way that works beautifully. The results have been amazing! We were hoping you could give us your invaluable feedback.

You are hereby cordially invited to a workshop showcasing techniques that provide remarkable functional gains and attempt to fill in common treatment gaps in PT and manual therapy practice:

Synthesized Manual Medicine Techniques
For Somatic Dysfunctions of the Thoracic Spine and Thoracic Cage

When you can see yourself clearly in a warm learning environment among esteemed and appreciative colleagues learning unbelievably powerful manual techniques, you know it’s time to book your attendance with us on:

September 7 & 14, 2008
9 am to 5 pm
At the Academy of Culinary Arts (AICA)
Skyway Tower, Pasig City (near Ultra)
(Yup, we once again found a way to fit in great food!)

It would be great to see you there with us!

Once you understand what a great deal this opportunity is, please confirm attendance immediately with our Registry Team (Mitch, Rey, Harold, Jim, Kristoff). You may also register with us during the Second Philippine Mind-body Conference at the Richmonde on August 30 and 31.


Sincerely,

Sandro Strix S.Toledo, M.D.
assist@truecaremed.com
strixmd@yahoo.com

Rehab Unit Seniors:
09297745045—Michelle
09274515589—Harold
09154076386—Rey
09217222753­- Jim