Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies RSS feed: Current Issue. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies brings you the latest therapeutic techniques and current professional debate. Publishing highly illustrated articles on a wide range of subjects this journal is immediately relevant to everyday clinical practice in private, community and primary health care settings. Techiques featured include: • Physical Therapy • Osteopathy • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Structural Integration • Feldenkrais • Yoga Therapy • Dance • Physiotherapy • Pilates • Alexander Technique • Shiatsu and Tuina • Occupational Therapy • Tai Chi / Qi Gong • Cranial Therapy • Neuromuscular Therapy • Lymph Drainage • Myofascial Therapy Essential reading for all those involved in the assessement, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal dysfunction.http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies1360-8592141January 2010 © 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209001338/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S1360-8592(09)00133-8Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7iihttp://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209001247/abstract?rss=yesH1N1 influenza (also referred to as swine flu)– for most people who contract it – is no more aggressive or dangerous than regular seasonal influenza. () And yet for some the infection has proved fatal, with reports suggesting that the majority of fatalities, related to H1N1 infection, have occurred in individuals who are immune compromised, or who have serious secondary pathologies, including diabetes, liver and/or heart disease.Has osteopathy a role to play in treatment of flu?Leon Chaitow10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.09.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Editorial12http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209000941/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Significant evidence exists for central sensitization in fibromyalgia, however the cause of this process in fibromyalgia—and how it relates to other known abnormalities in fibromyalgia—remains unclear. Central sensitization occurs when persistent nociceptive input leads to increased excitability in the dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord. In this hyperexcited state, spinal cord neurons produce an enhanced responsiveness to noxious stimulation, and even to formerly innocuous stimulation.No definite evidence of muscle pathology in fibromyalgia has been found. However, there is some evidence for dysfunction of the intramuscular connective tissue, or fascia, in fibromyalgia. This paper proposes that inflammation of the fascia is the source of peripheral nociceptive input that leads to central sensitization in fibromyalgia. The fascial dysfunction is proposed to be due to inadequate growth hormone production and HPA axis dysfunction in fibromyalgia.Fascia is richly innervated, and the major cell of the fascia, the fibroblast, has been shown to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6, in response to strain. Recent biopsy studies using immuno-histochemical staining techniques have found increased levels of collagen and inflammatory mediators in the connective tissue surrounding the muscle cells in fibromyalgia patients.The inflammation of the fascia is similar to that described in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis, and may be better described as a dysfunctional healing response. This may explain why NSAIDs and oral steroids have not been found effective in fibromyalgia.Inflammation and dysfunction of the fascia may lead to central sensitization in fibromyalgia. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it could significantly expand treatment options to include manual therapies directed at the fascia such as Rolfing and myofascial release, and direct further research on the peripheral pathology in fibromyalgia to the fascia.Fascia: A missing link in our understanding of the pathology of fibromyalgiaGinevra L. Liptan10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.08.003Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Clinical hypothesis312http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS136085920800079X/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Background: This study was aimed at quantifying superoinferior and mediolateral skin distraction over the spine's midline for the purpose of designing a unique surface marker for use in a study originally proposed by Wojtys and Ashton-Miller. It was also aimed at testing the null hypotheses H01: There is no difference in the amount of skin distraction between hamstring normal and hamstring tight subjects and H02: There are no age or gender differences of skin distraction.Methods: Nine male and twelve female volunteers served as the convenience subjects for this IRB-approved study. Eight subjects were classified as hamstring “tight” (short) using the Finger-to-Floor Reach Test. Skin distraction was measured at five spine midline landmarks palpated on the subjects’ bared backs: T1, T10, L3, S1, and the posterior–superior iliac spine (PSIS). A pattern of four dots was placed at each landmark using a rectangular template and non-toxic, water-soluble ink. Measurements were taken between superoinferior and mediolateral pairs of template points with subjects in both upright (“initial”) and fully flexed (“final”) postures. Between-measurement differences were then calculated, expressed as percent strain, and pooled for mean percent strain values. Repeated measures produced a maximum strain error of about 1.7%.Results: With the exception of the skin over the T10 landmark, distraction in the superoinferior direction was greater than that in the mediolateral direction. There were no significant differences in skin distraction between age or gender groups. However, hamstring short males had significantly smaller superoinferior skin distraction at L3 than their hamstring normal counterparts [35% (±5.2) vs. 46% (±4.6), p=0.049), while hamstring short females had a smaller mean mediolateral distraction at the same level that approached significance [2.5% (±2.5) vs. 7.6% (±5.4), p=0.080). At this landmark, there was a moderately strong, inverse correlation (r=−0.720) between mediolateral percent strain and reach distance in hamstring tight subjects.Conclusion: In general, superoinferior percent strain increased and mediolateral percent strain decreased from thoracic to sacral regions, likely reflecting the relative increase in spine segment motion from thoracic to lumbar region. The larger mean mediolateral distraction at the T10 level was probably the result of traction on the skin at that level by the dependence of appendicular structures in forward flexion. Finally, the negative value at the T1 landmark was probably the result of the cervical spine extension that occurred during flexion as the subjects lifted their heads to look up.Skin distraction at select landmarks on the spine midline in the upright and fully flexed posturesPaul J. Moga10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.04.037Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Applied physiology1318http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859208000879/abstract?rss=yesSummary: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between hand-grip (HG) isometric strength and isokinetic moment of the shoulder musculature in 18 healthy male volunteers. HG isometric strength at 0°, 90° and 180° of shoulder flexion and isokinetic peak and average concentric moments of the shoulder rotators and abductors and the elbow flexors at 60°s−1 were measured on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed statistically significant positive relationships between HG isometric strength and isokinetic moments of the shoulder external rotators (r=0.40–0.54), the shoulder abductors (r=0.42–0.71) and the elbow flexors (r=0.45–0.66) regardless of hand dominance. The positive relationships between HG isometric strength and isokinetic strength of the shoulder stabilisers was probably attributed to mechanisms providing stability to the elbow and shoulder joints either by force transmission via myotendinous and myofascial pathways or by “overflow” of muscular activity via neural circuits. The results of the present findings suggested that HG isometric strength can be used to monitor isokinetic strength of certain muscle groups contributing to the stability of the shoulder joint; however, HG strength may account only for approximately 16–50% of the variability in isokinetic strength of these muscle groups.Relationship between hand-grip isometric strength and isokinetic moment data of the shoulder stabilisersDimitris Mandalidis, Moira O'Brien10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.05.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Investigative Study: Human physiology1926http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS136085920800096X/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Objective: When treating patients with functional disorders using a special manual technique, tissue changes can be felt by the therapist and the patient. This study was conducted to objectively document these changes.Method: In the author's practice for body therapy, 30 patients were measured with high-frequency ultrasound (22MHz) immediately before and after their first treatment in the area where they experienced pain or other discomfort and/or movement restriction.Results: Highly significant differences can be seen in the structure of the collagen matrix in the dermis before and after treatment. These changes reflect the differences in tension, softness and regularity, which can be palpated before and after treatment and are thought to be caused by changes in the mechanical forces of fibroblasts and increased microcirculation.Changes in the structure of collagen distribution in the skin caused by a manual techniqueHelga Pohl10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.06.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Clinical fascia research2734http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209000114/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Massage therapy is often used to treat stress, and other symptoms of HIV/AIDS. Massage therapy standards of practice require the use of gloves only when contact with blood and bodily fluids is expected. Health care professionals often mistrust universal precautions and use gloves when their use is not indicated, especially when dealing with HIV positive clients. This case report explored the effects of un-indicated glove use on stress levels, satisfaction with treatment, perception of the therapist, and perceived stigma during a massage therapy treatment. In this case, gloved treatments were only 80% as effective at reducing stress as ungloved treatments. No difference was found in sense of stigma, perception of the therapist, or overall satisfaction in ungloved compared to gloved treatments. Suggestions for future considerations and additional research are made.Glove use and the HIV positive massage therapy clientSarah Elizabeth Welch, Judah Bunin10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.01.008Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Patient care3539http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209000126/abstract?rss=yesSummary: The Range of Motion (ROM) is a popular measurement used in the determination of disability for low back pain subjects in spite of serious objections to its clinical usefulness. It is proposed to consider a different index called the Range of Normality (RON) which is defined to be the portion of the ROM that an injured subject is able to do quasi-normally. This permits a direct assessment of the return to work parameters and the restrictions that ought to be placed on activities. It also allows follow up since the RON is expected to fill up the ROM as the injured subject recovers from his injury.Range of normality versus range of motion: A functional measure for the prevention and management of low back injurySerge A. Gracovetsky10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.02.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Statistical Measurement of Functional Pathology4049http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209000230/abstract?rss=yesSummary: This study explored the benefits of yoga on functional fitness, flexibility, and perceived stress. A quasi-experimental design was used to measure benefits of yoga in sample of firefighters from a major metropolitan fire department. Yoga classes were conducted on-shift, in the fire stations over the period of 6 weeks. The classes included pranayama (breathing), asana (postures), and savasana (relaxation); 108 firefighters enrolled in the study, most were physically active but had no prior experience with yoga. Baseline and post-yoga assessments were completed by 77 participants.Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in the Functional Movement Screen, a seven item test that measures functional fitness. Improvements were also noted in trunk flexibility and perceived stress. Participants also reported favorable perceptions of yoga: feeling more focused and less musculoskeletal pain. These findings – along with the retention of the majority of the participants – indicate that participants benefited from yoga.Functional fitness improvements after a worksite-based yoga initiativeVirginia S. Cowen10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.02.006Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Worksite Health Promotion5054http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859208001083/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Introduction: Anma therapy is a traditional style of Japanese massage, one of touch and manual therapies, and one of the most popular CAM therapies in Japan. It was brought from China in the 6th century and, while based on the theory of Chinese medicine, it developed in Japan according to Japanese preference and has recently come to include theories of Western medicine. The purpose of this study was to clarify the physical and psychological effects of Anma therapy.Participants and methods: Fifteen healthy female volunteers in their fifth decade, with chronic muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, received two interventions: 40-min Anma therapy and 40-min rest intervention. The design was cross-over design. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was started on Anma therapy from the first day followed by the rest intervention after a 3-day interval. The order of the Anma therapy and the rest intervention reversed for Group B. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, state anxiety score, and salivary cortisol concentration levels and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) were measured pre- and post-interventions.Results: Anma therapy significantly reduced VAS scores and state anxiety scores. S-IgA concentration levels increased significantly across both groups.Conclusion: Anma therapy reduced muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder and anxiety levels in this pilot study of 50-year-old females.Effects of Anma therapy (traditional Japanese massage) on body and mindNozomi Donoyama, Tsunetsugu Munakata, Masanao Shibasaki10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.06.007Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Traditional Japanese Massage Study5564http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209000151/abstract?rss=yesSummary: Part I of this article's series included background information on performing arts medicine with a special focus on musicians. It covered in detail what questions need to be included in the history, when healthcare providers first examine musicians. In part II of the series, the emphasis is on the physical examination, including posture, range of motion and hypermobility, ergonomics, and instrument-specific examination procedures. The final article in the series will describe three case histories of musicians with hand pain.Performing arts medicine – Instrumentalist musicians, Part II – ExaminationJan Dommerholt10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.02.004Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Performing Arts Medicine6572http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859208001976/abstract?rss=yesSummary: This paper qualitatively reviews two complementary therapies; Qi Gong and educational kinesiology (EK). It is being suggested that Qi Gong and EK may be united through a qualitative convergence and a shared underlying concept. The authors hypothesize that a coherent rationale can be formed through this conceptual synthesis and propose that to some extent Qi Gong movements and EK can be considered to work in unison with each other. The logical synthesis of these two therapies is being presented to identify Qi Gong movements with concepts of brain gymnastics and also to explain how this new construct can be developed and implemented into practice. When verified, this hypothesis will allow individuals to better understand Chinese health exercises from the modern science perspective such as neuroanatomy, neurophysiology and psychoneuroimmunology.Qi Gong's relationship to educational kinesiology: A qualitative approachPaul Posadzki, Sheetal Parekh, Marie-Luce O'Driscoll, Dariusz Mucha10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.11.002Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Review and hypotheses7379http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209001259/abstract?rss=yesLove it or hate it the term ‘core stability’ is ubiquitous, and is a firm part of the lexicon of modern life. While preparing to write this editorial I asked many people, from therapists, to clients, to the non-injured and healthy ‘man-in-the-gym’ what they thought of the term and what it meant. “I don't use the term when I am talking to my patients,” said Chris Dorgu, an elite football Osteopath, working in the UK, “I prefer to talk about the specifics of what I am working on with them. The term core stability is imprecise and open to interpretation.” Suzy Barton, a London based Pilates Teacher said that, “The term core stability is used by everyday people and, to most, it means a strong centre while moving the arms and legs. People often have no idea about the science behind the concept.” Phillip O'Callaghan, currently working hard with a Personal Trainer in a late stage rehab of an ACL reconstruction said, “It's all about the abdominals, isn't it?”Core stability is a subset of motor controlWarrick McNeill10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.10.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Editorial8083http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS136085920900093X/abstract?rss=yesSummary: The principle of core stability has gained wide acceptance in training for the prevention of injury and as a treatment modality for rehabilitation of various musculoskeletal conditions in particular of the lower back. There has been surprisingly little criticism of this approach up to date. This article re-examines the original findings and the principles of core stability/spinal stabilisation approaches and how well they fare within the wider knowledge of motor control, prevention of injury and rehabilitation of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems following injury.The myth of core stabilityEyal Lederman10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.08.001Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Critical Review8498http://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/PIIS1360859209001260/abstract?rss=yesWhether you suffer from lower back pain or merely wish to improve your fitness odds are you have been told to build up your abdominals. While the abdominals are important, studies have shown that the often ignored spinal extensors (your back muscles) are at least as important (). Yet, most people do not know how to train these vitally important muscles.The missing link in protecting against back painCraig Liebenson10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.10.002Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 14, 1 (2010)2010-01-01Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies2010-01-01141S1360-8592(09)X0005-7Self-Management: Patient Section99101