New member with a question

[stacie]

I just started school a month ago to become a massage therapist and I'm learning a lot and totally enjoying it. But here's my question because I'm absolutely stumped.

I have to give a presentation for anatomy and then for massage theory on a certain topic...or two, one on a pathology and another for a massage technique etc. I chose to do mine on scoliosis since I'm hoping to work for a chiropractor or the hospital in which I'm currently employed (gotta get out of the business office sometime!). Plus, my mother was born with it and I've seen how much pain she's been in for so long I thought that maybe I could help her too.

I have the pathology part down, finding information on that is a breeze and since my mother has it, its not difficult. But the problem I'm having is finding information on the benefits from massage therapy. All I find treatment-wise are braces and surgery. Well, as all of you here know, some people don't want to go through the drastic stress that back surgery entails, especially if their curve is severe. And the braces aren't exactly comfortable.

If anyone has any links or any information on the benefits of massage therapy for scoliosis, please let me know. It would be most helpful and appreciated. Thank you! :

 

[leslie b]

I'm sorry but what I have to say is only "hearsay" in other words, I learned it in school and have no references.

Scoliosis can only be changed through bodywork in the early years: teenager and early 20s. After that, it becomes more "grown in" and the options you mentioned are the only ones available for change. At that seforum.xxxe, massage can only help alleviate pain associated with it, not change structure.

But supposedly, in those early years, if muscles and connective tissues are lengthed with fascia-changing techniques, the severity of the curve can be lessened.

Or so I was told! Good luck.

 

[DIANEC]

I have no idea where I read it but I read that Rolfing helps with scoliosis.

 

[Aditya]

The Book Clinical Massage Therapy by and Rattray and Ludwig has a chapter on how massage can help. A lot of info there, including the differences and compensations of c-curves vs. s-curves and which muscles to address and lenghten (or not.)

 

[Kaki King]

http://massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=313&highlight=scoliosis

http://massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2337&highlight=scoliosis

http://massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1930&highlight=scoliosis

http://massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2397&highlight=scoliosis

 

[Pedro]

Excellent article: Erik Dalton: Symptomatic Scoliosis

 

[sHeENa_M]

Way back in school, The Art of Massage by John Harvey Kellogg, addressed scoliosis and other body issues. In the state of Ohio, Kellogg's book, although over 100 yrs old, is required reading to pass the state licensure exam. It is "interesting" reading because the language usage is more arcane, but, the information in it is still valid for the most part.


From what I recall for scoliosis, according to Kellogg, techniques should be used to strengthen and develop musculature on one side of the scoliotic curvature and on the other side one is advised to relax and loosen overly hypertonic muscles.

 

[Winglessangel]

In about 6 weeks, one of my scoliosis clients showed significant improvements. Effective techniques utilized were primarily Active Isolated Stretching and Strengthening (as devised by Aaron Mattes) adapted for her particular needs. The client met with me 1-2x per week and was given "homework" to do on her own.

I did not attempt "standard" massage techniques with this client, although some other types of fascial work might have helped. Sessions were limited to an hour or less each time, and AIS was the best time-effective approach in my toolbox.

 

[Lila]

Second vote for the modality known as AIS by Aaron Mattes. I was fortunate enough to have taken a class with him and watched more than one individual's structure change dramatically with just 3 sessions of AIS. That said,
a great deal of ongoing strengthening of weak muscles and releasing of the overly restricted regions must be continued.

The individuals who had this work done ranged in age from
17 up to someone in their 40's. And it was truely an incredible experience to see these people's lives and self-image shift on mulitiple levels as well. You can look up the website at http://www.stretchingusa.com

Also, yoga can be helpful in this process as well as other stretching and strengthing methods. You may also want to look at Structural Yoga techniques by Mukunda Stiles, as it can also be extremely beneficial for dealing with scoliosis
issues.

 

[rachel90d]

Not massage related, but an interesting reference: Copes Method.