How to give a shoulder massage/chair back massage

(idea) by Blindness Thu Aug 09 2001 at 17:40:58 A shoulder massage is a great way to help someone relax, particularly if they've been working at a desk all day. It can be done without oil, or through clothes, and is therefore also an ideal platonic massage for giving to friends without looking like you have ulterior motives. This massage shouldn't be done on anyone with injuries to their shoulder or neck, allergies to any oil you may be using, or skin problems. Ideally you should be in a relaxing environment, and there should be a comfortable chair for the person you're massaging to sit in that still allows you to reach their shoulders, neck and upper back. You should be able to massage them without having to bend over, or else by the time you've finished you'll need a back massage to get over it.

Stand behind the person you're massaging as they sit down. If they've taken their top off, offer a towel for them to cover the bits you're not massaging, unless it's both very warm and you know each other very well. If using oil, put a little in the palms of your hands and rub them together to warm it up. Start using sweeping, stroking movements (effleurage) of your palms over their upper back and shoulders, to coat the skin in a small amount of oil. Using far too much oil means you can't grip the skin for some of the moves. Work from the centre up and out wherever possible. You can use this move to find any knots in the muscle for later moves. Pluck the tops of the shoulders from near the neck to the deltoids. This means holding your hand as if you were picking up a glass of water, holding the top of the shoulder between thumb and index finger (supporting with the other three fingers), and then gently pulling up and away. The idea is lift the muscle without pinching it - ask them if you're doing it right. If someone has particularly beefy muscles (or if you just want to vary things), use both hands on one shoulder at the same time, holding the thumbs and index fingers together. Resting your fingers on the tops of the shoulders, make circular movements with your thumbs on either side of the spine, again working up and out. You can be quite firm with this move, always ask if they want more or less pressure. If you find knots (which you can feel as bumps in the muscle), you can try and work on them by pressing and holding over them, or rotating the thumbs in opposite directions around them. Releasing a knot feels very nice for the person being massaged. Work all the way to the edges of the shoulder blades, and more gently over them - then work gently on the neck in the bands of muscle just on either side of the centre (don't go further round with this move, or it'll hurt).

The next move is 'two handed hacking'. Push your wrists and fingertips together firmly, but relax your fingers so they can move from side to side when you shake your hands. Hold the fingers apart and in a kind of prayer position, and rotate at the wrist so the little fingers slap into their back and the other fingers slap into the little fingers. If you get it right, it'll make a distinctive sound - get it wrong and it'll feel like you're just karate chopping them. Do this over their upper back as hard as they want. If you want, you can take your hands apart and do the same thing with each hand individually (with practise you can hit the same spot with both hands in turn so fast that it feels continuous). Now, support their forehead with one palm, and put your index finger and thumb around the back of their neck. Pull towards the back of the neck fairly gently (similar to the move on the tops of the shoulders, but only using the finger and thumb). Do this up and down the neck as required. Now, with your hands in the same position, try and find the occipital ridge on the back of their skull using the index finger and thumb (one on each side of the centre). This is the line you can feel at the back and base of the skull, and it starts about an inch behind the ears. Work around the ridge doing tiny circles. Finally, do a bit more plucking on the shoulders, a few more circles with your thumbs on their back, and some more effleurage. Finish the massage with effleurage leading up to the tops of the shoulders, then firmly down the arms and off the elbows.

This is one of the quickest and easiest massages to do, and if done right feels very good. Above all, make sure you both enjoy it, and don't do anything that hurts either of you - it's incredibly easy to strain your own muscles trying to relax someone else... This is based on amateur lessons I was given by Cambridge University Massage Society, a nifty group that exists to teach students how to massage. This certainly isn't professional advice or anything... See also: Massage Terms

Integumentary system
The integumentary system (From Latin integumentum, from integere 'to cover'; from in- + tegere 'to cover'[1]) is the organ system that protects the body from damage, comprising the skin and its appendages[2][3] (including hair, scales, feathers, and nails). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; it may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and temperature. In humans, the integumentary system also provides vitamin D synthesis.

Contents
[hide]

1 Layers of the Skin o 1.1 Epidermis o 1.2 Dermis o 1.3 Hypodermis 2 Functions 3 Diseases and injuries 4 References

[edit] Layers of the Skin

The integumentary system is the largest organ system. In humans, this system accounts for about 16 percent of total body weight and covers 1.5-2m2 of surface area.[4] It distinguishes, separates, protects and informs the animal with regard to its surroundings. Small-bodied invertebrates of aquatic or continually moist habitats respire using the outer layer (integument). This gas exchange system, where gases simply diffuse into and out of the interstitial fluid, is called integumentary exchange.

The human skin (integumentary) is composed of a minimum of 3 major layers of tissue, the Epidermis, the Dermis and Hypodermis. The Dermis comprises two sections, the Papillary and Reticular layers; they contain connective tissues, vessels, glands, follicles, hair roots, sensory nerve endings, and muscular tissue[5]. The third layer is the Hypodermis and it is made up of adipose tissue.
[edit] Epidermis Main article: Epidermis

This is the top layer of skin made up of epithelial cells. It does not contain blood vessels. Its main function is protection, absorption of nutrients, and homeostasis. In structure, it consists of a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium comprising four types of cells: keratinocytes, melanocytes, Merkel cells, and Langerhans' cells. The major cell of the epidermis is the keratinocyte, which produces keratin. Keratin is a fibrous protein that aids in protection. Millions of dead keratinocytes rub off daily. The majority of the skin on the body is keratinized, meaning waterproofed. The only skin on the body that is non-keratinized is the lining of skin on the inside of the mouth. Non-keratinized cells allow water to "stay" atop the structure. The protein keratin stiffens epidermal tissue to form fingernails. Nails grow from thin area called the nail matrix; growth of nails is 1-mm per week on average. The lunula is the crescent-shape area at the base of the nail, this is a lighter colour as it mixes with the matrix cells.
[edit] Dermis Main article: Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of skin, composed of dense irregular connective tissues such as collagen with elastin arranged in a diffusely bundled and woven pattern. These layers serve to give elasticity to the integument, allowing stretching and conferring flexibility, while also resisting distortions, wrinkling, and sagging[5]. The dermal layer provides a site for the endings of blood vessels and nerves. Many chromatophores are also stored in this layer, as are the bases of integumental structures such as hair, feathers, and glands.
[edit] Hypodermis Main article: Hypodermis

Although technically not part of the integumentary system, the hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, is the layer of tissue directly underneath the dermis. It is composed mainly of connective and adipose tissue. Its physiological functions include insulation, the storage of energy, and aiding in the anchoring of the skin. This is the thickest layer of the integumentary system.

[edit] Functions
The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body.

The skin has an important job of protecting the body and acts as the bodys first line of defense against infection, temperature change, and other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:

Protect the bodys internal living tissues and organs Protect against invasion by infectious organisms Protect the body from dehydration Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis Help excrete waste materials through perspiration Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system) Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light Store water, fat, glucose, and vitamin D Maintenance of the body form Formation of new cells from stratum germinativum to repair minor injuries Aid in physical examination as color of the skin may indicate many conditions e.g.it becomes yellowish in jaundice

[edit] Diseases and injuries

Possible diseases and injuries to the human integumentary system include:

Rash Blister Athlete's foot Infection Sunburn Skin cancer Albinism Acne Herpes Cold Sores

Integumentary System Functions

The integumentary system functions consists of one of the most important functions, that is protecting the delicate inner parts of the body from infection, dust, etc. There are many other functions of integumentary system that help our body in many ways. In this article, you will learn more in detail about the integumentary system functions. The integumentary system consists of the skin, hair, nails, glands and nerves and among these the skin is the largest organ of the human body. Hair and nails are a part of skin extensions. You may be aware that one of the main functions of the integumentary system is as a protective barrier, that keeps our body free from intrusion from foreign materials, microorganisms and prevents dehydration. The integumentary system function also helps in elimination the waste products and in the regulation of body temperature. Apart from this, there are many other functions of the integumentary system and each organ involved in this system has its own particular use. Thus, it has a major role in the maintenance of the internal body conditions, that

is, homeostasis. This article aims to help you answer the question, what are the functions of the integumentary system? What are the Functions of the Integumentary System? As mentioned above, the skin, hair, nails, glands and nerves have their own specific functions. Let us discuss the various integumentary system functions in detail by discussing each individual organ. Let us begin with the integumentary system functions of the skin. Diagram of Ingumentary System Organ ~Skin

Functions of Integumentary System Skin The skin is the most important organ of the body, as it protects the delicate organs of the body. The skin is divided into three separate layers as follows:

Epidermis: This is the outermost layer of the skin that contains four separate layers of epithelial tissue. The outer most layer is the stratum corneum that is about 2 to 30 cells thick. These are keratinized and dead cells that make the skin waterproof! The second

and third layer consists of the stratum granulosum and stratum lucidum, which contain cells that are not keratinised as yet. As these skin grows, the cells are pushed outward and come towards the surface. The last and the deepest layer of the epidermis is the stratum germinativum. These cells are active mitotically and have the ability to reproduce, as these cells are living, thus, making them the manufacturing center for growing skin. Dermis: The dermis lies immediately after the epidermis. The dermis consist of its own blood supply and thus contains many complex structures. The sweat glands are present in this layer that collect waters and waste products from the blood stream. This waste is excreted from the pores in the epidermis along with the water in form of sweat. The hair roots are also present in this layer that help in the growth of hair. When the hair reaches outside the epidermis, the cells are completely dead. The connective tissue made of collagen fibers are also found in the dermis that help give the skin elasticity and strength. Subcutaneous Layer: The last layer of the skin containing the adipose tissues, carries out the main functions of the integumentary system, that is, provision of cushioning the delicate organs beneath the skin. The body temperature is also maintained within this layer by insulating the body to the temperature fluctuations.

Functions of the Skin The skin carries out the following main functions of the integumentary system.

Thermoregulation: The thermoregulation of the skin is carried out with the help of evaporation of the sweat and regulation of the blood flow to the dermis. Sensations: The cutaneous sensations like touch, pressure, vibration, pain, cold, hot, etc, are felt by the skin. Protection: The protective barrier of the skin helps prevent diseases, infections, dehydration, etc. Production of Vitamin D: The precursor present in the skin and UV rays, helps in the production of vitamin D, an important nutrient of the body. Healing: When the epidermis breaks away due to a minor cut or burn, the cells on the lower layers of the skin migrate upwards as a sheet. When two ends of the sheet meet, the cells stop growing due to a process called 'contact inhibition'. Thus, the epidermis is sealed and the skin returns to normal. You can read more interesting information on skin care and skin disorders

Hair Your lustrous hair have many other uses other than helping you try out different hair styles. The hair, feathers, scales, etc. are all derived from the skin. In case of humans, the hair extends to the surface from the hair roots or hair bulbs present in the dermis. The integumentary system functions of the hair include protection and sensation to light touch. The hair is made of dead, keratinized cells that are bound together with the extracellular proteins. The hair is divided into the hair shaft that is the superficial layer and the root that is in the dermis. The hair follicle is the structure that surrounds the hair root. The oil glands present around the hair follicles help keep the hair and the surrounding skin moist. It also acts as a protective organ involved in temperature regulation. You can read more information on hair care. Nails

The nails, claws, horns are also structures that are derived from the skin. The nail is a highly keratinized structure of modified epidermal cells. The nail bed gives rise to nails, that is thickened to form a lunula. The moon shaped structure that you observe at the base of your nails is called the lunula. The integumentary system functions of the nails is to help in grasping and holding things. The nails act as counter force and help increase the sensitivity of the fingertip. You can read more on nail care Glands and Nerves The skin gland like sebaceous glands secrete the oil coating for the hair shaft. When these sebaceous glands become clogged with dirt and microorganisms, they become infected and cause pimples or acne. The sweat glands that have an opening through the skin pores, help in excretion of waste matters from the circulatory system. Another type of sweat gland that is connected to the sympathetic nervous system, Eccrine gland is found all over the body. In the armpit and groin areas, the apocrine glands are present. These are just another type of sweat glands that are larger in size and the culprits along with bacteria that produce 'body odor'. The complex network of the nerves present all over the skin helps send and receive important impulses to and from the brain, thus playing a vital role in sense of touch. You can read more on integumentary system organs and integumentary system diseases. This is a little information about the various integumentary system functions. The main functions of the integumentary system also involves interaction with the various other human body systems. It is also involved in the physiological processes like regulation of the internal body environment. I hope you have found some useful information on the integumentary system functions in this article. By Batul Nafisa Baxamusa Ads by Google Today's Dermatologist? Images, Interviews, Expert Opinions Free registration www.dermquest.com . PHYSIOTHERAPY Physiotherapy, also referred to as physical therapy, involves evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a range of diseases, disorders, and disabilities using physical means. Practiced by physiotherapists or physical therapists, physiotherapy is considered within the realm of conventional medicine. Though physiotherapy is typically practiced by physical therapists, certain tasks may be delegated to trained assistants or other types of health professionals. Physiotherapy begins with an assessment of the patient's condition. This assessment typically includes a medical history review and a physical examination. Often, the medical history review is considered a subjective examination, while the physical exam is considered objective. Both elements are important to successfully examining and treating the patient. The assessment stage may, in some cases, involve diagnostic tests to better evaluate the patient's condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

Treatment is guided by the findings of the assessment. Based on the unique needs of the patient, various physiotherapeutic treatment methods are employed. Such methods may include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary physiotherapy techniques. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods are constantly evolving as the field grows. In addition to the physiotherapeutic methods used in treatment, physical therapists often provide patients with guidance regarding such things as walking devices and mobility aids. Good physical therapists also work hard to help patients stay informed about their particular conditions and the required treatments. Patient education is key to the success of physiotherapy.
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What is Physiotherapy? Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a clinical health science and profession that aims to rehabilitate and improve people with movement disorders by using evidence-based, natural methods such as exercise, motivation, adapted equipment, education and advocacy. Physiotherapists study medical science subjects such as anatomy, neuroscience and physiology to develop skills and attitudes necessary for health education and prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with physical disorders and disabilities. The physiotherapist works in health care systems in both hospitals and the community All physiotherapists in Australia are required to be registered by law. Registration as a physiotherapist is only possible after completion of a university degree in physiotherapy or health sciences with a physiotherapy course Physiotherapists, who are known as physical therapists in America, work all around the world. They are the experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiothoracic problems that affect peoples abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives

What Is Physical Therapy (physiotherapy)? What Does A Physical Therapist (physiotherapist) Do?
Editor's Choice Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy Article Date: 14 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Physical therapy or physiotherapy (UK/Ireland/Australia) is a branch of rehabilitative medicine aimed at helping patients maintain, recover or improve their physical abilities. Physical therapists or physiotherapists (UK/Ireland/Australia) work with patients whose movements may be undermined by aging, disease, environmental factors, or sporting hazards. Physical therapy also means the treatment of any pain, disease, or injury by physical means. According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, physical therapy is: 1. The treatment of pain, disease, or injury by physical means. 2. The profession concerned with promotion of health, with prevention of physical disabilities, with evaluation and rehabilitation of persons disabled by pain, disease, or injury, and with treatment by physical therapeutic measures as opposed to medical, surgical, or radiologic measures. A physical therapist seeks to identify and maximize quality of life and movement potential through prevention, intervention (treatment), promotion, habilitation, and rehabilitation. Habilitation means making somebody fit or capable of doing something. Rehabilitation means making somebody fit or capable of doing something they can no longer do

properly or at all, but used to be able to - i.e. restoring an ability or abilities. Promotion means the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health.

Physical therapy is a clinical health science

Physical therapy is not alternative therapy. It is a clinical health science. Physical therapists study medical science subjects, including anatomy, neuroscience and physiology in order to acquire the health education needed for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, etc., of patients with physical problems. The physical therapist works in hospitals, GP (general practice, primary care medicine) practices, and the community. In the vast majority of countries a physical therapist must be fully qualified and registered by law. In order to become registered the physical therapist must have graduated with a university degree in physical therapy or a health science university degree that included a physical therapy course. A qualified physical therapist is an expert in the examination and treatment of people with cardiothoracic, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular diseases; focusing on conditions and problems that undermine patients' abilities to move and function effectively.

Physical therapy is based on science

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK: "Physiotherapy is science-based, committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins and informs its practice and delivery. The exercise of clinical judgment and informed interpretation is at its core."

What does a physical therapist do?

According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK, physical therapists use their training and skills to treat a wide range of physical problems linked to different systems in the body, including:

Neuromuscular systems - concerned with both nerves and muscles. Nerves include the brain, spine and nerves throughout the body. Neuromuscular refers to neuromuscular junction where nerves and muscle fibers meet, and also includes neuromuscular transmission - the transfer of information, impulses, from the nerve to the muscle.

Musculoskeletal systems - an organ system that gives us the ability to move using our muscles and bones (muscular and skeletal systems). The musculoskeletal system gives us form, movement and stability. The musculoskeletal system includes our bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue.

Cardiovascular systems - include the heart and the circulatory systems. The circulatory system carries nutrients and oxygen via blood vessels to the tissues of the body and removes waste and carbon dioxide from them.

Respiratory systems - include organs that are involved in breathing, such as the lungs, bronchi, trachea, larynx, throat, and nose.

In many countries doctors increasingly refer their patients to physical therapists, which is resulting in more and more patients going straight to the physical therapist without having first seen a doctor.

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Physical therapy is much more than just dealing with sports-related injuries
Below are some examples of diseases and conditions physical therapists treat, often as a result of a doctor's referral:

Asthma - the physical therapist will interview the patient with asthma, listen to the chest with a stethoscope, monitor how the patient breathes and how the chest moves, possibly test the patient's breathing while exercising, and liaise with other healthcare professionals who treat the patient. The physical therapist will help the patient learn how to breathe in a more relaxed way, this may include breathing exercises, advice on physical activity, strategies to overcome and manage wheezing and other symptoms linked to asthma - all of which significantly contribute towards the patient's recovery.

Back pain - the physical therapist will examine the patient's back, determine how it is affecting his/her life, and check some other aspects of the patient's health. The physical therapist may perform manual therapy, help the patient learn how to manage the pain, what to do to speed up recovery and prevent recurrence. The therapist will draw up a program which probably includes exercise, tailored specifically to the patient's health, ability and fitness level.

Cerebral palsy - the physical therapist, along with other healthcare professionals, is involved in helping the child or adult achieve his/her potential for physical independence and fitness. The therapist also liaises closely with the patients' caregivers or parents. If the patient is a child, the physical therapist helps him/her and the parents/caregivers on how best to acquire skills which improve independence.

Incontinence - physical therapy is vital for the rapid recovery of urinary continence of women after childbirth and men after certain surgical procedures on the prostate gland. Depending on the patient's needs and physical health, this may involve pelvic floor exercises, advice on what to eat and drink, electrical stimulation or biofeedback. Studies have shown that recovery of urinary function after a radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) is likely to be much faster and better if the man sees a physical therapist.

Physical therapy is also very much an integral part of treatment for neck pain, whiplash, stroke, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.

Five most common specialty areas of physical therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy The orthopedic physical therapist treats injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system; this also includes rehabilitation for post-orthopedic surgery patients. The therapist is a specialist in the treatment of:

Post operative joints Sports injuries Arthritis Disease or injuries affecting muscles, bones, ligaments or tendons Amputations

Geriatric physical therapy The focus here is on the older adult. The geriatric physical therapist is a specialist in the treatment of the following:

Arthritis Osteoporosis Cancer Alzheimer's disease Hip replacement Joint replacement Balance problems Incontinence

The main goal is to get the patient mobile again, pain management, and optimizing fitness levels, among others. Neurological physical therapy The neurological physical therapist is specialized in treating patients with a neurological disorder or disease. This may include patients with:

Alzheimer's disease Cerebral palsy Multiple sclerosis Paralysis Parkinson's disease Poor balance Spinal cord injury Stroke Vision impairment Walking difficulties

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation physical therapy The specialist works with patients who have a disease or disorder of the heart, circulatory system, or pulmonary system. The focus here is to improve the patient's endurance and physical independence. Patients with pulmonary problems, such as cystic fibrosis, may need manual therapy to get fluid buildup out of the lungs. The specialist commonly works with:

Patients recovering from a heart attack Those recovering from bypass surgery Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Patients with pulmonary fibrosis

Pediatric physical therapy The pediatric physical therapist treats children with various diseases and disorders. The physical therapist is also trained to diagnose health problems early on. Examples of patients may include children with:

Spina bifida Cerebral palsy Torticollis

A brief breakdown of what a physical therapist does:

A physical therapist provides services that help..

restore function improve mobility relieve pain prevent permanent disabilities limit permanent disabilities