Modalities for Massage and Bodywork,a edited by Elaine Stillerman, LMT, introduces the top twenty-one modalities in massage and bodywork. I had a favorite book, Bodywork Basics,(1) which covered many bodywork modalities in brief. Stillerman’s book is more detailed. This is not an “introduction to massage” book, but an overview of the top modalities. And each modality is covered in reasonable de...

Introduction: Existing patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) do not capture all holistic outcomes observed in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). This study reports development validation of a PROM to support research on craniosacral therapy (CST) other TCIMs. Methods: Using conceptual framework items developed evaluated with clients practitioners CST setting, questi...

Ruffini N, D’Alessandro G, Mariani N, Pollastrelli A, Cardinali L, Cerritelli F. Variations of high frequency parameter of heart rate variability following osteopathic manipulative treatment in healthy subjects compared to control group and sham therapy: randomized control trial. Front Neurosci. 2015;9:272. doi:10.3389/fnins.2015.00272. The relationship between manipulative techniques and heart...

IntroductionCentral to the osteopathic cranial field, and at same time controversial, is concept of a unique rhythmic movement believed originate from primary respiratory mechanism (PRM). Further, PRM reported manifest as impulse (CRI) on living human skull. This study explores oscillations head measured directly physical movements. The aim investigate existence third rhythm distinct movements ...

Thoracic outlet syndrome involves more than just local neurovascular compression. Myofascial release treatments and stretching exercises may be only partially or temporarily successful unless all related components of somatic dysfunction, including craniosacral mechanisms, are addressed. Structural and postural abnormalities in the frontal plane, as with a short leg, and in the sagittal plane, ...

BACKGROUND Developing valid control groups that generate similar perceptions and expectations to experimental complementary and alternative (CAM) treatments can be challenging. The perceived credibility of treatment and outcome expectancy often contributes to positive clinical responses to CAM therapies, thereby confounding efficacy data. As part of a clinical feasibility study, credibility and...

Being the oldest form of healing art, massage and bodywork were practiced throughout the human history. Although Eastern end Western manual therapeutic approaches are distinctively different, both are based on healing capacity of human touch. Eastern approach includes variety of disciplines, e.g. Reflexology, Japanese Shiatsu massage, Ayurvedic massage from India, Chinese Tuina massage or Hawai...