Pronator Teres Syndrome And Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy and Bodywork are very effective in treating muscular pain and related problems arising from muscular issues. For example, in my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various nerve entrapment syndromes including the supposedly rare Pronator Teres Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Pronator Teres Syndrome responds quite well to massage therapy and bodywork.

What is Pronator Teres Syndrome?

Pronator Teres Syndrome is the name of a painful nerve entrapment condition, sometimes misdiagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, in which the median nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the pronator teres muscle near the elbow. The pronator teres muscle attaches to both the humerus and ulna bones near the elbow and then diagonally across to the radius bone. When the pronator teres muscle becomes tight and enlarged, pain results from myofascial trigger points (knots) in the muscle, and pressure on the median nerve which passes through the muscle’s two heads. Pain from Pronator Teres Syndrome is usually found in the forearm and wrist as well has the palm of the hand on the thumb side. Additionally, there is very often numbness or a pins and needles feeling in palm, thumb, forefinger, and middle finger that seems very much the same pattern as seen in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, usually the dominant hand, but may affect both sides at the same time. Additionally, people with Pronator Teres Syndrome often have a sense of weakness in the hand and symptoms may worsen with continued use.

What is the cause of Pronator Teres Syndrome?

There are a number of causes for Pronator Teres Syndrome including direct blunt trauma to the muscle itself and elbow injuries, however this syndrome is most often caused by overuse and/or repetitive stress of the pronator teres muscle. Examples of activities contributing to this syndrome include prolonged use of screw drivers or other hand tools, overhand (topspin) motions in racquet sports such as tennis, and other activities requiring repetitive forearm turning motions.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Pronator Teres Syndrome

There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Pronator Teres Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the pronator teres muscle. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release adhesions between the pronator teres muscle and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the pronator teres muscle. Pronator Teres Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. In addition to working on the pronator teres muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles near pronator teres and even to muscles opposing pronator teres to improve muscular balance. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Pronator Teres Syndrome.

Other Treatments for Pronator Teres Syndrome

While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Pronator Teres Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:

Corticosteroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
Ultrasound
Decompressive Surgery

Other Names for Pronator Teres Syndrome

Pronator Syndrome
Pinched Nerve

The information on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Pronator Teres Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Pronator Teres Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of serious conditions that are similar Pronator Teres Syndrome that could require immediate medical attention.

If, after consulting your physician, you would like to pursue treatment of Pronator Teres Syndrome with Massage Therapy and Bodywork please contact me at my San Antonio Massage and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, or contact a Massage Therapist near you by checking MassageSoup.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome And Massage Therapy

In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice I often treat pain from various syndromes including Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Like many painful conditions Thoracic Outlet Syndrome responds very well to massage therapy and bodywork.

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

Though many people with this condition think they may have just "slept wrong" and awakened with a numb hand, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is the name given to a group of painful nerve impingement conditions in which the nerve bundle to the arm (brachial plexus) is placed under abnormal pressure by the muscles in the front of the neck (scalenes), by the collar bone and first rib, or the pectoralis minor muscle in the upper chest/armpit area. The most common symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome are pain and numbness in the arm and hand of the affected side; however, those who suffer from this condition may have only pain or only numbness. In some cases Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also encompass a dangerous restriction of blood flow. Most of the time the symptoms are on one side, but may affect both sides in some cases.

What is the cause of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

There are a number of causes for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome including whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries. Postural issues, especially a forward head posture like that maintained by office workers and computer users, can also trigger the onset of this syndrome. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome may also be the result of overstressing the muscles in the thoracic outlet area during exercise, or by impact injuries to the shoulder or upper chest area. Additionally, though it is rare, a "cervical rib" may be the blame for this condition.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

There are many ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The massage therapist will employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example, the massage therapist may use Neuromuscular Therapy or Trigger Point Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points in the scalene muscles and other muscle of the front of the neck. The massage therapist could also use Myofascial Release techniques or Deep Tissue Massage techniques to release fascial adhesions in the area of the thoracic outlet and surrounding tissues while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to gently lengthen the scalene muscles and other affected neck, chest, and shoulder muscles. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies such as Ortho-Bionomy which work with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area. Ortho-Bionomy is particularly effective when the nerves are being compressed by the clavicle (collar bone) and first rib. In addition to working on the scalene muscles and pectoralis minor muscle it may be necessary to provide therapy for other muscles adjacent to, or opposing the scalenes or pectoralis minor to improve muscular balance. Treatment for postural issues may also be needed. Comprehensive treatment with massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home program of stretching and exercise, usually helps to completely resolve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Other Treatments for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

While massage therapy and bodywork are an excellent treatment for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome there are other treatments you should discuss with your physician:

1) Muscle Relaxer medications;

2) Anti-inflammatory medications;

3) Surgery

Other Names for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

1) Anterior Scalene Syndrome;

2) Costoclavicular Syndrome;

3) Pectoralis Minor Syndrome;

4) Thoracic Inlet Syndrome

The information in this article has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician may diagnose Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. If you feel that you have the symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome please see your physician for a proper diagnosis and plan of treatment which may include massage therapy and bodywork. There are a number of more serious conditions that resemble Thoracic Outlet Syndrome that could require immediate medical intervention.

Music For Massage

I'm frequently asked by massage therapy students, other massage therapists, and even clients what music I like to use during relaxation/stress reduction massage sessions. The first part of my answer to the question is that I use music the client likes to relax with. I have clients that love to listen to classical music like Mozart's violin concertos and some that listen to classic rock such as AC/DC. Another has been known to enjoy listening to Frank Sinatra during one session and Irish drinking songs during another. However, many clients have no real preference and leave it to me to choose some relaxing music for them.

How do I pick the music? Well, I do have some self-developed guidelines for music during relaxation massage sessions. First, I tend to use music without lyrics, or music with foreign language lyrics that the client doesn't understand. This is because early in my career I noticed that the majority (not all) of clients that heard lyrics would try to sing along and didn't allow themselves to go into deeper relaxation. That doesn't mean that they didn't enjoy the massage or benefit from it but, I believe they could have received more benefit. Next, the music selection should have a fairly level volume and minimal fade outs. I've seen clients that were asleep to the point of snoring that woke up when the music's volume dropped sharply. Some of my music CD's actually have just one track or a few longer tracks to prevent dropout. Another thing I look for is a slower tempo. I haven't really figured out how many beats per minute is optimal and I'm pretty sure it varies from client to client but most Disco and Hip Hop is too fast in most cases.

So, how about some examples:

I like the Merlin's Magic CD's a lot and so do my clients. The music is composed and played by a Reiki Master for use in Reiki sessions but are equally at home during relaxation massage.

On the classical music side I really like:

You'll find that you usually can't go wrong with Pachelbel's music since it's used in a LOT of massage and relaxation collections.

These are just some examples of the music I use in relaxation sessions, for more active therapeutic or sports sessions the music selections are somewhat different and faster paced. I rotate through about 20 selections but occasionally deviate from those. My advice would be for you to try out different music until you find what you like.

If you'd like to experience a relaxation massage while listening to this wonderful music while you're in the San Antonio, Texas area please call me at 210-269-3314 for an appointment or see my website MassageByBen.com

It's A New Year And Time For A Massage

It's hard to believe but a New Year is already upon us. Of course now that the parties and other festivities are done we're now faced with the reality of our New Year's resolutions. You know what I'm talking about. You made a resolution to lose weight, get in better shape, be healthier, etc., and you're actually serious about keeping your resolution. Ok, let Massage Therapy help you do it.

Anyone who has started a new health and fitness regimen knows it's hard. Getting up earlier to work out, decreasing calories, getting sore and stressed, and generally feeling bad at first is all part of the deal isn't it? It doesn't have to be. By adding Massage Therapy to your plan you can drastically reduce the stress you feel. Massage Therapy is also known to reduce muscle soreness from workouts, help you recover from injuries, improve circulation of your blood and lymph, improve posture and the range of motion of your achy joints, and even help you sleep more restfully. It's also a great reward when you've said "no" to that slice of cheesecake!

In San Antonio adding Massage Therapy to your new fitness plan couldn't be easier. All you need to do is call me at 210-269-3314 to set up your evaluation and appointment. Together we can make Massage Therapy the most anticipated part of your plan for better health.