Welcome to the April edition of the STT newsletter. Hope all are well in STT land!
Research:
The website has altered some what in the past few weeks. We now have the latest five research abstracts we have uploaded on the site, highlighted on the home page. You can hit these and automatically go to the abstract. Don’t forget you can find the latest research abstracts by putting 2008 in the search box. Give it a go.
Research has been coming through thick in the last month – well for our industry anyway. Here are some links to the recent abstracts we have uploaded.
Carpal Tunnel research
Moraska et al researched the affect of two forms of Soft Tissue work on 27 clinically diagnosed carpal tunnel patients. A ‘general massage’ and a ‘carpal tunnel targeted’ soft tissue protocol were administered. Statistically significant results were found between the two protocols suggesting soft tissue work made measurable differences to Carpal Tunnel sufferers and that technique focus was important to the result.
http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/article.aspx?article_id=546
Deep Tissue Massage and Blood Pressure
Kaye et al have produced more research on the controversial topic of massage and blood pressure. This research both supports and questions current research, suggesting that ‘deep tissue massage’ decreases blood pressure. This study seems to have many questionable protocols including the addition of ‘music’ as well as the term ‘deep tissue massage’ - a term that has not been defined by an Massage Fraternity in the world to date.
http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/article.aspx?article_id=539
MFR and primary Raynauds syndrome
This case study has promising results for people suffering from vasoplastic episodes as a consequence of primary Raynauds syndrome. This is just a case study however and more research is necessary—but promising!
http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/article.aspx?article_id=550
Petressage on muscle recovery in amateur cycling
Ogai et al have produced this small study on novice to amateur cyclists showing that stiffness and perceived lower leg fatigue were improved in the Petressage group. Unfortunately it only has a small participation level and was not performed on professional cyclists
http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/article.aspx?article_id=554
And more:
Workshops/Conferences:
The Soft Tissue Conference is on the 5th and 6th of July this year. The details can be downloaded off the home page – www.softtissuetherapy.com.au
There is a fantastic combination of Sports Physicians, Acupuncturists, Soft Tissue Therapists, Exercise Rehab and Chiropractors presenting this year. The focus will again be on pathologies, assessment and clinical practice. There are only 19 spots left, so get in quick and reserve you seat (email admin@softtissuetherapy.com.au)
The inaugural ATMS QLD Massage Conference and Trade Exhibition is on in May (24th and 25th). Details are on the website – link to http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/calendar.aspx
Contact Marg for more details: mmaha@bigpond.net.au
News:
The next edition of the STT eMag will be a free edition. The focus will move from exclusive reader subscription to all inclusive readership. You will be able to download your free edition from the STT website after we have made you aware it is available. By being on this newsletter, you will receive this notification automatically.
This edition focuses heavily on sports therapy and the politics that surrounds it. Articles from
Jobs: There is a new Jobs section on the forum. There is a link from the home page to this section. If you have a job (or locum position) you wish to advertise (for free) simply go to the jobs section on the forum, press ‘start a new thread on this topic’ and place all the details necessary for potential workers. Plus, if you are after a job (or locum position) then by all means place your CV on the jobs section.
Poll:
The poll this month was taking a look at our current schools and the students they produce. Here are the results:
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Are Australian Education Institutions producing competent Remedial Massage Therapists? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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They are doing a great job of meeting the competency standards and producing excellent students: |
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(5%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Only very few schools produce employable graduates: |
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(38.3%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The difference between schools teaching levels is vast and students differ immensely: |
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(53.3%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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I don't know any school that produces a RMT that I would employ with confidence: |
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(1.7%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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I don't know what a competent RMT is anyway |
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(1.7%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Forum:
The forum remains the most visited portion of the site. Over 250 people a day are visiting this section and reading the forum threads. Interestingly, very few of these people actually post. It's anonymous so don't be afraid to express your views. It has now become a billboard for jobs and workshops, so take a look.
Hope all is well in the soft tissue world.