how do I get off your page this is not my blog!!!!!!!

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Consistent results

Obtaining consistent results with gua sha boils down to listening to your client and taking a thorough history of the the condition. When I choose to use gua sha I listen for key statements including the following (listed in order of importance) :

1) The condition has persisted for more than 4 weeks. Unless the inflammatory stage has been prolonged by other circumstances, one can assume that collagen tissues / scar / adhesions, are maturing and can tolerate gua sha. Avoid treating any inflammatory / recent injury.

2) The client complains of a tight feeling that restricts movement. Example: Thumb opposition is restricted after removal of a cast (distal radius fracture). The dorsal aspect of the thumb CMC, MP, and IP joints lack sufficient soft tissue elasticity. Gua sha increases blood flow to the skin increasing tissue temperature and elasticity. Once treated, the stiff joint(s) are placed on a pain-free stretch for between 1 and 5 minutes.

3) Myofascial pain. Identify the muscle, treat it, stretch it, strengthen the antagonist, correct postural habits, done!

If I had to pick one condition that responds best to gua sha I would pick shoulder impingement. Once the pecs and biceps have been treated and stretched, clients without significant rotator cuff tears demonstrate an immediate improvement in range of motion with decreased pain. More challenging patients require the levator and upper trap to be treated as well. Facilitating the deltoid with kinesiotape after treatment has also provided excellent carryover.
Thoughts, comments, personal experience anyone?

Lateral epicondylalgia

Recent literature (search "google scholar" for examples) indicates that the term epicondylitis is no longer accurate. Apparently, the affected tissues do not correlate with an inflammatory process. Instead, the term epicondylalgia is proposed. This term describes the painful aspects of condition but does not insinuate inflammation as a component. Also, affected tissues are described as containing increased lactic acid and poor oxygen content. This may explain why healing is delayed and symptoms persist for so many people. I believe it also explains why many treatments aimed at decreasing inflammation have variable outcomes. The real crux of the problem is the cause. If the tissues themselves are not responsible, then gua sha is no better than cortisone, counter force braces, or rubbing the elbow with a cabbage. Any thoughts on causes or treatments with long term effectiveness?

Informed Consent

I'm curious to know how everyone is handling informed consent. As an informal poll on the topic, are you currently using:

1) signed document or

2) verbal, or

3) what's informed consent?.......oops!


Matt

Welcome

First, I want to thank everyone again for choosing GSO tools. Second, I look forward to hearing your thoughts, experiences, problems, and questions. GSO customers form a diverse and unique group who share a focused interest. Let the exchange of information begin.