Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effect of topical aerosol skin refrigerant (spray and stretch technique) on passive and active stretching.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the use of a vapocoolant blend of pentafluoropropane and tetrafluoroethane (Gebauer's Spray and Stretch) on hip flexion stretching. ⋯ Study findings suggest that spray and stretch techniques can be an effective treatment in increasing hip flexion ROM.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Massage therapy reduces pain in pregnant women, alleviates prenatal depression in both parents and improves their relationships.
Prenatally depressed women (N=47) were randomly assigned to a group that received massage twice weekly from their partners from 20 weeks gestation until the end of pregnancy or a control group. Self-reported leg pain, back pain, depression, anxiety and anger decreased more for the massaged pregnant women than for the control group women. ⋯ Finally, scores on a relationship questionnaire improved more for both the women and the partners in the massage group. These data suggest that not only mood states but also relationships improve mutually when depressed pregnant women are massaged by their partners.
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A survey was administered to registered massage therapists (RMT) across Canada to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort to the low back, shoulders, neck, wrist and thumbs associated with therapeutic treatments. A total of 502 RMT responded to the survey. Despite the majority of the respondents indicating they received proper training in therapy postures and self-care, there was a high prevalence of pain reporting to all areas of the upper extremity. ⋯ The results of this survey indicate a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort associated with delivering massage therapy treatments. Therapists must focus on proper technique posture and adhere to a regime of self-care to reduce the risks of pain and injury. Further research is needed to determine the effects of neuromuscular fatigue and technique accommodation as it relates to pain risk.
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Little is known about the effect of massage on post-burn tissue in children. We conducted a pilot study to examine the effect of massage (3-5 days) on mood and range of motion (ROM) in eight post-burn children. ⋯ Mood was elevated throughout the study and thus did not change across time. Although massage improved ROM, we are cautious in our interpretation because of the small sample size.