Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology (available at booksofdiscovery.com), now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is available at ruthwerner.com or wernerworkshops@ruthwerner.com.
Chiari malformation involves a herniation of part of the brain into the spinal cord, which may involve severe and chronic headaches, hydrocephalus, weakness, dizziness, and much more.
While massage therapy in this instance is safe, following the guidelines outlined in this article can reduce and/or prevent complications to the client and practitioner.
Post-acute infection syndrome has been poorly understood, but it is being studied. Clients with these problems may seek out massage therapy because the conventional medical community has little to offer them.
Bone-thinning diseases like osteoporosis can present unique challenges for massage therapy and may require accommodations for pressure or client accessibility.
The benefits massage therapy has to offer this population are substantial: Our work may help with pain, fatigue, muscle cramping, sleep quality, and much more.
Numerous studies support massage therapy for improving sleep quality, reducing constipation, improving self-reported quality of life, maintaining flexibility, and other benefits that speak to the varied experiences of people with Parkinson’s disease.
