Healthy Street
Massage Directory

MUSCLES OF THE FLOOR OF THE MOUTH These muscles are part of the suprahyoid (above the hyoid) group of muscles. Together with the infrahyoid muscles, these muscles fix the hyoid bone and this enables the hyoid bone to serve as a firm base for the attachment of the tongue. As a group these muscles also elevate the hyoid bone, the floor of the oral cavity, and tongue during swallowing. Extrinsic Muscles of the Larynx... The extrinsic muscles of the larynx are also called infrahyoid muscles because they lie inferior to the hyoid bone. These muscles are sometimes called "strap" muscles because of their ribbonlike appearance. These muscles depress the hyoid bone and larynx during swallowing and speech. Muscles that Move the Head Balance and movement of the head on the atlanto-occipital joint involves the action of several neck muscles. One example of these muscles is the sternocleidomastoid muscles.

SURFACE ANATOMY OF BONES AND BONY FORMATIONS OF ELBOW REGION

THE BRACHIAL PLEXUS The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from your spinal cord to your shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord. Minor brachial plexus injuries, known as stingers or burners, are common in contact sports, such as football. Babies sometimes sustain brachial plexus injuries during birth. Other conditi...Continue reading

TIGHT HIP FLEXORS CAN GIVE YOU A HEADACHE Can tight hip flexor muscles cause a headache? Certainly, tight myofascial tissue in one region of the body can cause pain and/or dysfunction locally, but as most manual therapists know, it can also cause pain and dysfunction elsewhere in the body. There are many ways that a problem in one region of the body can affect another distant region of the body, including myofascial meridian lines of tension and myofascial trigger point ...referral. But another way is through mechanical kinematic chains of myofascial pulls that result in postural distortion compensation patterns. So, with this in mind, let’s examine the kinematic chain of elements that can lead from tight hip flexor musculature to headaches. A kinematic chain of elements simply refers to the links in a chain that are interconnected that involve movement. So, for example, the movement of the lower extremity involves the following kinematic links: foot, leg, thigh, and pelvis. Similarly, the movement links of the upper extremity are the: hand, forearm, arm, and shoulder girdle. And the kinematic links of the axial body are the: pelvis, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, cervical spine, and head. The concept is that motion and posture at one link of the chain affects motion and posture at the other links along the chain. So, here is how it is happening: Tight hip flexor musculature causes excessive anterior tilt of the pelvis, which causes hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, which causes hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine, which causes hypolordosis of the lower to middle cervical spine with hyperlordosis (hyperextension) of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint, which causes forward head carriage, which causes tight posterior neck muscles, which causes a headache. CONCLUSION When working as a manual therapist, it is necessary not only have excellent hands-on skills, but also understand how the human body functions mechanically and learn to recognize patterns of mechanics and pathomechanics that travel through the body.

SERRATUS POSTERIOR INFERIOR - OVERLOOKED CAUSE OF LOWER BACK PAIN You have a client who tells you this: 'I reached for something and suddenly I felt a sharp spasm in the lower part of my back, slightly to the side of the spine, at the bottom of the ribs, and when I breathe in really deep I can feel it'.... Based on the above description you should suspect that you might be dealing with the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle. Where is the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle? The Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle connects the lower 4 ribs to four vertebrae (T11, T12, L1, L2) in the low back. What movements does the Serratus Posterior Inferior muscle control? Forced expiration (breathing out when breathing hard) Assists with twisting at the waist Assists with straightening the trunk (standing up straight) Activities that cause Serratus Posterior Inferior pain and symptoms: Twisting the body when lifting Overreaching overhead or to the side of the body Lifting something heavy using the back muscles instead of leg muscles Sleeping on a sagging or too soft mattress Trigger Points Trigger points in the Serratus Posterior Inferior may cause an uncommon local ache radiating over and around the muscle. This may extend across the back and over the lower ribs, even continuing through the chest to the front of the body. This discomfort is typically described by clients as a nagging ache. In many cases this pain remains after other trigger points have been inactivated. This should be a good indicator for the therapist to recheck the Serratus Posterior Inferior for undiscovered trigger points. Stretching for self-release of the Serratus Posterior Inferior Cross your forearms just above the wrist, at about chest height. Inhale deeply as you slowly raise them up until the area where the arms cross is level with your forehead. Now lower the arms as you exhale. Do this once or twice, allowing for a brief rest (a few breaths) before repeating. Do this exercise set several times a day.

How's the pressure? Credit: Janey Godley

WINGED SCAPULA The scapula is the largest bone present in the shoulder. Several muscles are attached to it. The scapula slides along the rib cage and allows smooth movement of the arm in all directions. The muscles attached to the scapula prevent dislocation and over sliding of the scapula and assist movements of the arm at the shoulder joint. These muscles act at all times together as a single unit for smooth movement of the arms. Winged scapula facts...

PELVIC FRUCTURE Anteroposterior compression of the pelvis occurs during crush accidents. This type of trauma commonly produces fractures of the pubic rami. When the pelvis is compressed laterally, the acetabula and ilia are squeezed toward each other and may be broken. Fractures of the bony pelvic ring are almost always multiple fractures or a fracture combined with a joint dislocation. To illustrate this, try breaking a pretzel ring at just one point. Some pelvic fractures... result from the tearing away of bone by the strong ligaments associated with the sacro-iliac joints. Pelvic fractures can result from direct trauma to the pelvic bones, such as occurs during an automobile accident. They may also be caused by forces transmitted to the pelvic bones from the lower limbs during falls on the feet. Weak areas of the pelvis, where fractures often occur, are the pubic rami, the acetabula (or the area immediately surrounding them), the region of the sacro-iliac joints, and the alae of the ilium. Pelvic fractures may cause injury to pelvic soft tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and organs. Fractures in the pubo-obturator area are relatively common and are often complicated because of their relationship to the urinary bladder and urethra, which may be ruptured or torn. Falls on the feet or buttocks from a high ladder may drive the head of the femur through the acetabulum into the pelvic cavity, injuring pelvic viscera, nerves, and vessels. In persons younger than 17 years of age, the acetabulum may fracture through the triradiate cartilage into its three developmental parts or the bony acetabular margins may be torn away.

PELVIC GRIDLE SEXUAL DIFFERENCES Distinction between male and female skeletons is most evident in the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdles of males and females differ in several respects. These sexual differences are related mainly to the heavier build and larger muscles of most men and to the adaptation of the pelvis (particularly the lesser pelvis) in women for parturition (childbearing). ... Sexual differences appear during gestation regarding the pubic arch. Greater dimensions of the girdle in male but greater volume of the pelvic cavity appear during infancy, with the greatest distinctions developing following puberty.

INTERNAL ASPECT OF VERTEBRAL BODIES AND VERTEBRAL CANAL Internal aspects of vertebral bodies and vertebral canal. The bodies consist largely of trabecular (spongy) bonewith tall, vertical supporting trabeculae linked by short horizontal trabeculae - covered by a relatively thin layer of compact bone. Hyaline cartilage end plates cover the superior and inferior surfaces of the bodies, surrounded by smooth bony epiphysial rims. The posterior longitudinal ligament, covering the posterior aspect of the bodies and linking the IV discs, forms the anterior wall of the vertebral canal. Lateral and posterior walls of the vertebral canal are formed by vertebral arches (pedicles and laminae) alternating with IV foramina and ligamenta flava.

PROPRIOCEPTION Physiologically, posture and balance are a result of the interaction of a number of sensory feedbacks and the resulting muscular responses. The sensory feedback comes from proprioceptors. The proprioceptors detect any changes in movement or position and any changes in tension, or force, within the body. They are found in all nerve endings of the joints, muscles, and tendons. 1. Pressure sensors in the soles of the feet and proprioceptors in the ankle joints d...etect the proportion of weight distributed between left and right and between the balls and heels of the feet. 2. The vestibular apparatus of the ears can detect any change in equilibrium, even before it occurs, and send messages to the brain. 3. The eyes detect a level horizon and feedback to the brain causes postural adjustment to try to keep the eyes parallel with that horizon. 4. Neurological structures in muscle and tendon tissue (the muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs - which are also types of proprioceptors) detect changes in muscle tensions and the rate of that change.

ANATOMY FACT

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET INJURED

INJURIES OF THE ACROMIOCLAVICULAR JOINT + SHEAR TEST A fall onto the shoulder or outstretched arm frequently causes dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint and damage to the acromioclavicular ligaments. Ligament injury allows the lateral end of the clavicle to move independently of the scapula, causing it to appear upwardly displaced. The clavicle can be pushed down (with significant pain), but will spring back up when pressure is released (piano-key sign). Three grades... of acromioclavicular separation can be distinguished clinically based on the degree of ligament damage (Toss classification). TOSSY I The acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments are stretched but still intact. TOSSY II The acromioclavicular ligament is ruptured, with subluxation of the joint. TOSSY III Ligaments are all disrupted, with complete dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint. Radiographs in different planes will show widening of the space in the acromioclavicular joint. Comparative-stress radiographs with the patient holding approximately 10kg weights in each hand will reveal the extent of upward displacement of the lateral end of the clavicle on the affected side. SHEAR TEST Purpose To test for acromioclavicular joint pathology or injury Technique Patient: sitting or standing with the arm dependent or in a neutral position on the lap. Clinician: standing adjacent to the patient. The heel of one hand is placed posteriorly over the spine of the scapula with the fingers pointing upwards; the other hand is positioned in a9 similar fashion anteriorly over the mid section of the clavicle. The fingers of both hands are then interlocked over the upper trapezius area of the shoulder. Action The hands are gradually squeezed together, imparting a shear stress through the ACJ created by the approximation of the clavicle and scapula. Positive test Localized pain over the ACJ or increased joint excursion are considered to be positive findings and are indicative of ACJ pathology or injury.

MASSAGE THERAPY FOR EDEMA Edema is a condition where there is accumulation of fluid in the tissues resulting in swelling. Edema usually affects the dependent parts of the body such as extremities. The causes of edema are various medical conditions and massage therapy may not benefit in systemic causes of edema. However, massage therapy can be beneficial in local causes of edema. Massage should always be started after the patient has consulted with his/her health care provid...er. Patient should always get massage done by an experienced and qualified massage therapist, because if massage is done by an amateur or if done incorrectly, it can cause more harm than good. Lymphatic Massage involves a light touch massage therapy which helps in enhancing the functioning of the lymphatic system. It is also known as Lymphatic Drainage Massage or Manual Lymphatic Massage. If there is a problem in the functioning of the lymphatic system, then it leads to swelling, headaches, cramps, fluid retention, fatigue, lethargy, joint pain, and repeated cold and flu infections. The lymphatic massage technique involves stimulating the lymphatic drainage system. This helps in encouraging the drainage of accumulated fluids and helps in restoring the normal function of the lymphatic drainage system. Lymphatic massage technique involves gentle touch with the massage strokes directed towards the heart (direction of the lymphatic flow). Preferably one finger should be used to perform these massage strokes. The massage strokes should be short and in one direction beginning with the affected limb lying closest to the trunk. BENEFITS OF LYMPHATIC MASSAGE * Lymphatic massage therapy should be done by trained and professional massage therapists only. * Only light pressure with circular rhythmic movements should be used in order to stimulate the lymphatic system in improving its function. * Lymphatic massage, when done properly, helps in removing the blockages present in the lymphatic system. * Lymphatic massage helps in increasing the lymph flow in the body which in turn helps in removal of waste and toxins from the body and enhances metabolism and makes the immune system stronger. * Patient feels very rejuvenated, energetic and relaxed after a lymphatic massage. Patient may also feel thirsty and must drink lots of water.

ABDOMINAL MASSAGE TO RELIEF CONSTIPATION Massage has been used for constipation since the nineteenth century: how effective is it? According to some research done by Doreen McClurg from University of Ulster, Belfast, Abdominal massage can relieve constipation of various physiological causes by stimulating peristalsis, decreasing colonic transit time and increasing the frequency of bowel movements.... It reduces feelings of discomfort and pain, and induces a feeling of relaxation. It has also been found to improve patients’ quality of life, and no adverse side-effects have been reported. The researcher suggests abdominal massage may be of benefit to people with constipation, including those with comorbidities such as multiple sclerosis. The main drawback is the amount of time required to perform the massage, and the repeated nature of the intervention. However, abdominal massage is not a difficult technique to teach to patients and carers, and could undertaken by them if appropriate. MASSAGE TECHNIQUE Stroking: start at the small of the back and follow the dermatome of the vagus nerve, over the iliac crests, and down both sides of the pelvis towards the groin. Repeat it several times; Effleurage: Strokes should follow the direction of the ascending colon across the transverse colon and down the descending colon. This should be repeated several times with increased pressure to stimulate the austral and segmental contractions of the large intestine. The aim is to propel the faecal matter along the gut; Palmar kneading: This is the heart of the massage and tracks down the descending colon, up the ascending colon, and down the descending colon once again. Kneading helps to propel the faecal matter along the gut to load the rectum. Finger kneading may be required to break up faecal mass. This part of the massage may be uncomfortable because of the deep compression required. Vibration: Over the abdominal wall to relieve flatulence. This should conclude the massage session.

SUPRASPINATUS TEAR A supraspinatus tear is a tear or rupture of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. The supraspinatus is part of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. The rotator cuff consists of Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis and Teres minor. Most of the time it is accompanied with another rotator cuff muscle tear. This tear can occur in 2 ways. Due to a trauma or due repeated micro-trauma....Continue reading

YOU'RE SHOULDER SHAPE CAN PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR PAIN The shape of the acromion process can play a significant role in shoulder impingement. There are 4 types of acromion shapes, which can be seen on Y-view x-rays or MRI. Type 1 (12%) is flat and gives you plenty of room to move your shoulder around.... Type 2 (56%) is curved downwards. It gives slightly less subacromial space than a Type 1 and is the most common shape. Type 3 (29%) is shaped like a hook in the front, greatly reducing the space and is correlated with the highest incidence of rotator cuff tears. Type 4 (3%) isn't significant clinically but actually curves up and creates more space. What can you do with this info? If you have worked on the factors that you can control, like rotator cuff strength, posture, and scapular mobility, and still aren't seeing results, consider that there may be an anatomical limitation playing a role. Talk to your doc about getting an image to find out for sure.

ACTIVATE YOUR VAGUS NERVE The Vagus Nerve is the brain’s method of controlling the parasympathetic nervous system the rest and digest system. It is not the only nerve controlling our ability to decrease stressors, but it is by far the single most important nerve due to its far reaching effects. The word vagus means wanderer, as this nerve wanders throughout the body to many important organs and imparts signals from the brain regarding their level of function. This nerve... connects the brain to the gut (intestines and stomach), heart, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidney, ureter, spleen, lungs, sex organs (in females), neck (pharynx, larynx and esophagus), ears and the tongue. No other nerve in the body has such a broad and far reaching effect as the Vagus Nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation has the potential to help those suffering from various health conditions, including but certainly not limited to anxiety disorders, heart disease, some forms of cancer, poor circulation, leaky gut syndrome, alzheimer’s, memory and mood disorders, migraine’s and headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, tinnitus, addiction, autism and autoimmune conditions. So how can we stimulate this nerve to ensure that this nerve is functioning optimally? Here are a few ways you can exercise and stimulate your vagus nerve: COLD SHOWERS Any acute cold exposure will increase vagus nerve stimulation. Studies have shown that when your body adjusts to cold, your fight or flight (sympathetic) system declines and your rest and digest (parasympathetic) system increases, which is mediated by the vagus nerve. MASSAGE You can manually stimulate your vagus nerve by massaging several areas.

SHOULDER HYPERMOBILITY - ANATOMY, CAUSES, EXERCISE Joint mobility and muscle, tendon and ligament flexibility occur along a spectrum with everyone displaying individual levels of mobility/flexibility; hypermobility is an extreme form of connective tissue laxity which can cause structural dysfunction, pain and a multitude of long term problems. You can’t change your natural predisposition toward hypermobility but you can change how you control it. Women have a higher pre-dis...Continue reading

I have had one!

ANATOMY OF FEMORAL TRIANGLE The femoral triangle, a subfascial formation, is a triangular landmark useful in dissection and in understanding relationships in the groin. In living people, it appears as a triangular depression inferior to the inguinal ligament when the thigh is flexed, abducted and laterally rotated. The femoral triangle is bounded. Surface anatomy of femoral triangle... A. Surface anatomy B. Underlying structures Superiorly by the inguinal ligament that forms the base of the femoral triangle Medially by the lateral border of the adductor longus Laterally by the sartorius The muscular floor of the femoral triangle is formed by the iliopsoas laterally and the pectineus medially. The roof of the femoral triangle is formed by the fascia lata and cribriform fascia, subcutaneus tissue and skin. The inguinal ligament actually serves as a flexor retinaculum, retaining structures that pass anterior to the hip joint against the joint during flexion of the thigh. Deep to the inguinal ligament, the retro-inguinal space is an important passageway connecting the trunk/abdominopelvic cavity to the lower limb.

HIP LIGAMENTS AND MUSCLE IMBALANCE The hip joint is strengthen by three capsular ligaments: the iliofermoral ligament and the pubofemoral ligament are on the anterior aspect of the joint, while the ischiofemoral ligament is on the posterior aspect. As the hip is flexed, all three ligaments relax. However, in extension all three ligaments are tight, with the inferior band of the iliofemoral ligament being placed under greatest tension as it runs almost vertically. It is this... ligamentous band which limits posterior tilt of the pelvis. During adduction, it is the turn of the superior band of the iliofemoral ligament to become tighter while the pubofemoral ligament and ischiofemoral ligament relax. In abduction the opposite occurs. In lateral rotation both the iliofemoral ligament and pubofermoral ligament are taut, while medial in rotation the ischiofemoral ligament tightens. SCREENING EXAMINATION Hip conditions may refer pain anywhere within the L3 dermatome, over the front of the thigh and down to the knee. Initial observation includes resting position, muscle wasting, leg length and gait. Functional activities may also be revealing. Lying in bed with the affected side uppermost (hip adduction and medial rotation) places a stretch over the iliotibial band (ITB) and lengthens the posterior portion of the gluteus medius. This may be a consideration in ITB syndrome and for muscle imbalance over the hip. MUSCLE IMBALANCE AROUND THE HIP In the hip region, the Thomas test and the Ober manoeuvre are used to assess for muscle tightness of the hip flexors (rectus fermoris and iliopsoas) and hip abductors (TFL and ITB). Inner range holding ability of the gluteus medius is assessed with side-lying hip abduction, and of the gluteus maximus with the prone-lying hip extension movement.

WHAT DO YOUR FEET TELL YOU? The feet tell you a lot about what’s happening above them, at rest and during movement. The posture (position) your feet are in is the result of what’s happening upstream. Your foot position is intimately related to how well you control the position of your pelvis and how well your hips are able to function as a result of this.... The stability, strength, and control of your hips and pelvic musculature determines whether you can maintain control of every joint beneath them, and therefore maintain the desired position of your joints at rest and during movement. It comes down to having control over your joints, and attaining/maintaining the desired joint positions as you move. The feet can grant your body a huge amount of stability IF they are in a good position. If you can use your hips and pelvic control to get your feet where you want them, then they have a huge amount of intrinsic muscles that can work to your advantage. But the feet need to be in a desirable position (posture) in order to work optimally. All of this can be worked on and changed. The body changes and adapts to what you expose it to. Learning to control your body requires attention and focus at the start, but is essential for overall musculoskeletal/joint health.