The word elderly generally refers to people in the later stages of life. The term geriatric” refers specifically to people who are 70 years old or older, and the phrase senior citizen is generally used for people who are 60 or 65 years of age or older. Most healthcare professionals now use the term older […]
Lesson 24-3: Massage for Older Adults Read More »
In one study, 26 pregnant women were assigned to a massage therapy group or a relaxation therapy group for five weeks. Both groups reported feeling a reduction in anxiety and leg pain, but only the massage therapy group reported improved mood, better quality of sleep, and less back pain by the conclusion of the study.8
Lesson 24-2: Massage for Mother and Infant Read More »
Athletes are people who are physically active and train to participate in sports. Sports require mental commitment, physical strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, coordination, or a combination of these abilities. Athletes include professionals who make their living in sports and amateurs who participate in sports for fitness and enjoyment. Massage for athletes is commonly called sports
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Special populations are groups of people who may require specific considerations and adaptations during a massage session. While massage is often customized for the individual client, special populations require an in-depth understanding of the client’s particular circumstances, physical and psychological needs, and possible cautions or contraindications. When you work with special populations, you apply everything
Lesson 24-0: Introduction Read More »
As discussed in Chapter 3, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes AIDS. HIV is a retrovirus that can live in an infected individual for long periods before causing symptoms. The National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases reports that people infected with HIV generally develop a flu-like illness 1 to 2 months after initial exposure
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Cancer is the general term for many diseases typified by the growth of abnormal cells that replicate uncontrollably. These cells may permeate and destroy normal body tissue, form masses called tumors, and travel to other areas of the body to infiltrate new tissue. The signs and symptoms of cancer vary depending on the system or
Lesson 23-6: Cancer Read More »
Headache can generally be defined as pain experienced in the region of the head. It has many different causes. Headaches are classified as tension, vascular, chemical, or traction-inflammatory. Tension and vascular headaches are the most common types experienced regularly (Fig. 23-5). The following sections consider each type’s symptoms, causes, and contributing factors, as well as
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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease related to wear and tear of a synovial joint’s structures. It causes the affected joints to become painful, stiff and swollen (Fig. 23-4). It is especially prevalent in weightbearing joints like the hips and knees. The joint tends to be stiff, tight, and mildly painful, but feels better as
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial membranes of joints but may also affect other tissues, including blood vessels, the lungs, and fascia. A variety of symptoms might be experienced at the onset of RA. Often, people feel like they have a low-grade illness like a cold or the flu and
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Fibromyalgia affects 3% of the U.S. population (women comprise 85% of those affected) and causes diverse symptoms, including the distribution of tender points all over the body, chronic pain in soft tissues, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.9 The tender points that develop with fibromyalgia seem to be distributed in nine pairs over all the body regions
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