Massage Pathology Corner - Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder characterized by an excess growth of epithelial cells of the outer layer of the skin. The patches can be localized in one area of the body or there can be extensive patches all over. The cause is unknown, however, there is a tendency for this disorder to run in families and autoimmune dysfunction does seem to be involved. It is not infectious.

The patches can be dry and scaly, with color ranging from pink to red with areas that can be white to almost silver. They have well defined edges and are most often found on the scalp, elbows, knees, back, chest and buttocks. There is often no other symptoms though some clients may have plaques that become dry, cracked and encrusted leading to itching and pain. Secondary infections of the areas can occur related to itching and cracking.

It is estimated that up to 3% of the U.S. population is affected by psoriasis. In moderate to severe cases, the client may also find that joint pain and inflammation occur. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disorder and ranges from topical corticosteroid or retinol creams to ultraviolet light therapy, special baths, antihistamines and immune system inhibitors.

Massage is indicated for psoriasis and the creams and oils used may be very beneficial to combat dryness and cracking. Avoid pressure that is too deep over the area. Massage can also help with self image and self esteem issues that can arise. Massage should be avoided locally if the area is inflamed, tender or there is secondary infection.

For further information on this disorder, visit the National Psoriasi Foundation Website

or The Mayo Clinic website

CCBC Massage Students Do Seated Massage for Charity

The CCBC Massage Therapy Students joined On Purpose Women at their yearly Holiday Vendor Fair on Dec. 2 at the Good Shephard Church in Towson to help out a good cause.

Five of our students attended the combination Vendor Fair and Networking Meeting held by On Purpose Women Networking. Over a hundred people attended to view the Vendor tables and attend the Network Group. While they browsed, many took advantage of the seated massages that were being offered by the students from the college. The only cost was a voluntary donation to The Light of Truth Center in Baltimore. The Center is a non- profit organization that assists women who are recovering from addictions and are expanding their facilities.

The students were able to get hands on experience, learn about handling large groups of people in a fair setting and also were able to observe first hand the wonderful business networking that goes on at On Purpose Women with the founder Ginny Robertson.

For more information on On Purpose or The Light of Truth Center click the links above.
You can also find out more about CCBC Massage Therapy by clicking on the Title of this article.

Pharmacology and Massage Therapy: Beta-Blockers

One of the most frequently prescribed class of drugs in the United States are the drugs commonly known as beta blockers. They are prescribed for a great variety of conditions that are approved by the FDA and are used "off label" for any number of other conditions.
Some common beta blockers that you may see on your client's medication list include: propranolol (Inderal), metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin).
The drugs block the effects of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) by stopping the effect of epinephrine/norepinephrine at the beta receptors in the heart and sometimes also in the lungs and adrenal glands. The SNS is part of the Autonomic Nervous System that regulates the functions of our bodies in response to internal and external factors. The SNS is the branch that stimulates the body to action and when overstimulated is the source of stress effects on the body. By blocking the effects of the SNS at the receptor sites the drugs decrease blood pressure, decrease the force of heart contractions, slow electrical impulse conduction through the heart, decrease heart output and oxygen demand. In those that affect the lungs, constriction of the broncioles can occur.
Side effects that are related to the blocking of the SNS include fatigue, sleepiness, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, fainting, fluid retention, wheezing, irregular heartbeat, edema, Raynaud's syndrome, gas, and nausea and vomiting.
Beta blockers are generally used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and long-term prevention of angina (chest pain) and heart attack. They are also used for such diverse conditions as migraines, anxiety, essential tremors, glaucoma, PMS and perimenopausal symptoms.
As a massage therapist recognize that the body may relax more quickly and deeply for the client taking these meds and that gentle stimulation at the end of the massage may be needed. A drop in blood pressure can also occur with massage, so care in getting the client on and off the table is needed. Other changes to how massage is applied may be required related to the client condition, severity of cardiac disease etc.
References: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/beta-blockers/HI00059 , http://www.medicinenet.com/beta_blockers/article.htm
Jean Wible, RN, BSN, LMT, NCTMB, HTCP Author of "Pharmacology for Massage Therapy" and "Drug Handbook for Massage Therapists"