Disclosure of conventional and complementary medicine use to medical doctors and complementary medicine practitioners: A survey of rates and reasons amongst those with chronic conditions

Chronic conditions are prolonged and complex, leading patients to seek multiple forms of care alongside conventional treatment, including complementary medicine (CM). These multiple forms of care are often used concomitantly, requiring patient-provider communication about treatments used in order to manage potential risks. In response, this study describes rates and reasons for disclosure/non-disclosure of conventional medicine use to CM practitioners, and CM use to medical doctors, by individuals with chronic conditions. A survey was conducted online in July and August 2017 amongst the Australian adult population. Participants with chronic conditions were asked about their disclosure-related communication with CM practitioners (massage therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath) and medical doctors. Patients consulting different professions reported varying disclosure rates and reasons. Full disclosure (disclosed ALL) to medical doctors was higher (62.7%-79.5%) than full disclosure to CM practitioners (41.2%-56.9%). The most strongly reported reason for disclosing to both MDs and CM practitioners was I wanted them to fully understand my health status, while for non-disclosure it was They did not ask me about my CM/medicine use. Reasons regarding concerns or expectations around the consultation or patient-provider relationship were also influential. The findings suggest that patient disclosure of treatment use in clinical consultation for chronic conditions may be improved through patient education about its importance, direct provider inquiry, and supportive patient-provider partnerships. Provision of optimal patient care for those with chronic conditions requires greater attention to patient-provider communication surrounding patients’ wider care and treatment use.

Expedience of force applicationg massage

The article examines the feasibility of using force during massage and its intensity. It is proved that each patient needs an individual approach, as well as the negative impact of the template approach. The issue of harm to the life and health of the patient from use of excessive force during the massage is being investigated. The consequences that a person after the procedure are revealed if we do not take into account his individual characteristics: age, sex, chronic diseases, peculiarities of pain perception and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The option of some massage therapists is analyzed, who claim that only a strong massage can bring benefits and a positive result. It was found that people who attended massage, applying a strong influence without taking into account individual characteristics. Such patients show negative consequences. According to the results of theoretical and practical research, it is established that the force use during the massage must be individually selected. To avoid mistakes and negative consequences, masseurs need to research to work on this topic and listen to high-class professionals who use only an individual approach. It is necessary to listen carefully to the patient, communicate with him about his condition, study the general picture of health and use only those methods and manipulations that are affective and not contraindicated. The author concludes that massage is not just pressing with force on a person but the launch of many processes in the body. It the massage is done correctly and the result will be positive, if not, the result will be negative and unpredictable. At best, a person will be disappointed in the massage and will never come again. The author concludes that any qualified massage therapist in his practice should take an individual approach and avoid the most common mistakes.

Case Report: Delayed treatment of tuberculosis of the elbow joint

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is known to occur in the musculoskeletal system, including the elbow joints. These cases are rarely found because the signs and symptoms are not specific to extrapulmonary TB or other diseases. We report a case of a 24-year-old male, who complained about pain in his left elbow and noticed swelling. Initially, he complained about pain all over his left arm, after several reflexology massages to alleviate his toothache. However, instead of seeking medical treatment, he visited a traditional massage therapist every week without improvement in his left arm pain for almost one year. Examination showed skin perforation with discharge. He also had fever during the first few days when the elbow became swollen. Weight loss and a decreased appetite were also noticed by the patient. The patient went to the orthopedic department and underwent surgery. Radiological examination indicated bone erosion on the left humerus and radius, while posteroanterior chest X-ray did not show any abnormality. Histopathological examinations from biopsy and fluid aspiration showed granulomas and datia Langhans cells. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found on acid-fast bacteria smear and culture. The patient was administered multidrug tuberculosis therapy, which consisted of two months of an intensive phase and seven months of a continuation phase, in accordance with the World Health Organization’s guidelines for extrapulmonary tuberculosis treatment. He has currently undergone the continuation phase of the treatment and his condition has improved. Early detection of tuberculosis of the elbow can prevent damage to joint structure and impairment of joint function.

Effectiveness of Massage Including Proximal Trigger Point Release for Plantar Fasciitis: a Case Report

Background: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common degenerative condition of the plantar fascia. Symptoms include tenderness on the plantar surface of the foot, pain on walking after inactivity, and difficulty with daily activities. Rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and manual therapies are frequently used treatments for PF. Trigger point release (TrPR) for PF has been found as a viable treatment option. Objective: To determine the effects of massage, including proximal TrPR, for pain and functional limitations in a patient with PF. Method: A student massage therapist from MacEwan University administered five massages, one initial and one final assessment over five weeks to a 46-yearold female with diagnosed PF. She complained of unilateral plantar heel pain (PHP) and deep pulling from mid-glutes to the distal lower limb bilaterally. Evaluation involved active and passive range of motion, myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes, and orthopedic tests. The treatment aim was to decrease PHP by releasing active trigger points (TrPs) along the posterior lower extremity to the plantar surface of the foot, lengthening the associated muscles and plantar fascia. Hydrotherapy, Swedish massage, TrPR, myofascial release, and stretches were implemented. Pain was measured using the numerical rating scale pre- and post-treatments, and the Foot Function Index was used to assess function at the first, middle, and last appointments to assess the effectiveness of massage including proximal TrPR for PF. Results: PHP and functional impairments decreased throughout the fiveweek period. Conclusion: The results indicate massage, including proximal TrPR, may decrease pain and functional impairments in patients with PF. Further research is necessary to measure its efficacy and confirm TrPR as a treatment option.

HERO WITH ZEROES?: Tensions of Using an Anti-Discrimination Framework and an Impact Case Approach for Disability Rights Advocacy in China

In 2014, a blind massage therapist named Li Jinsheng took the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) in Braille, the first to do so in China. To everyone's surprise, he turned in blank answer sheets for two of the four subjects, which generated strong criticisms from the general public and blind communities. This article examines the conditions, process, and aftermaths of this event to consider what it means to use an anti-discrimination framework and an impact case approach for disability rights advocacy. Data comes from observation of media representations and discussions, interviews with key actors and stakeholders, and a focus group with blind college students.Our analysis of Li's case shows that in China, anti-discrimination actions often take the form of using individual cases to attack single, identifiable policy barriers, and they are typically carried out by people who are not directly impacted by the state's paternalistic biobureaucracy or the vulnerabilities it generates. As such, these cases might not sufficiently represent the desires and struggles of most people with disabilities, and the individualistic approach might further alienate the disabled communities. While effective in dismantling the particular policy barrier, such anti-discrimination actions may fall short of addressing more systemic, structural issues. This article ends with reflections on the tensions in using anti-discrimination impact cases in China and beyond, and on how to work on deeper struggles and build broader alliances in disability rights advocacy.

Randomized control trial evidence for the benefits of massage and relaxation therapy on sleep in cancer survivors—a systematic review

Purpose Cancer survivors may experience sleep disturbances during and after their cancer treatments. While pharmacological approaches are commonly used to address sleep disturbances, they may have a number of adverse effects. This review studied the effect of two non-pharmacological interventions (massage and relaxation therapy) on sleep disturbances in cancer survivors. Methods A search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and CINAHL using relevant keywords. Results The search yielded 371 articles, with 4 RCTs studying massage therapy and 3 RCTs studying relaxation therapy included for qualitative analysis. Massage therapy studies showed statistically significant improvement in self-reported sleep questionnaires and objectively recorded long sleep episodes, as assessed via an accelerometer. No significant improvements in sleep outcomes were observed in the relaxation therapy studies, although there were trends for improved self-reported sleep quality. Conclusion While massage therapy provided by massage therapists may have some potential for improving sleep outcomes for cancer survivors, there is no such current evidence regarding relaxation therapy. Implications for Cancer Survivors Cancer survivors who experience sleep disturbances may benefit from regular sessions with a massage therapist. However, future studies should examine the long-term feasibility of massage therapist–delivered services, particularly for cancer survivors with limited finances, and determine if benefits can be obtained if massage is provided by non-certified individuals. Relaxation therapy appears to be safe for cancer survivors, but future RCTs involving larger sample sizes need to be conducted to better determine its feasibility and efficacy.

Integrated Rehabilitation after a Cranial Brain Injury in the Conditions of a Sanatorium with Application of Barotherapy (Description of a Clinical Case)

Restoration after injuries is one of the key issues of medical rehabilitation practice. In the cases of severe traumatic brain injury, treatment and rehabilitation does not fit ordinary guidelines, and implementation of wider range of medical and rehabilitation technologies is necessary. In the case of a successful result in the rehabilitation process a clinical analysis of individual clinical examples is important for the medical community. The article presents the clinical case of the patient suffering from severe consequences of a head injury,in the form of severe speech impairment, paresis, communication disorders, and social maladaptation of the patient. The patient received a long-term stage rehabilitation in an in-patient department, composed of 5 treatment courses, during 11–12 days, lasting fora year. The rehabilitations courses included: pharmacotherapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy exercises individually with an instructor, barotherapy, etc. Rehabilitation had been carried out in the rehabilitation department by a multidisciplinary team, including neurologist, reflexologist, physiotherapist, physical rehabilitation specialist, occupational therapist,speech therapist, massage therapist and nurses. These specialists were trained during the implementation of the Pilot Project for the Development of Medical Rehabilitation in the Russian Federation in 2016. The dynamic monitoring of functional restoration within the framework of rehabilitation was performed using the International Classification of Functioning, as it reflects the state of health and disorders individually for the patient and estimate these indicators universally, where none of the functional disorders is a priority, and allows rehabilitation measures to be carried out more complex. The result was: increase in strength and functional capabilities of certain muscle groups, improved swallowing and voice formation and restoration of the minimal communicative capabilities in the sphere of social functioning.

Licensing massage therapists in the name of crime: the case of Harper v Lindsay

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the trends for crime and STDs after the passage of massage therapist licensing. In 1977, Texas passed a law permitting county-level licensing laws for massage therapists, which was soon followed by a statewide licensing requirement in 1985. This early massage therapy law was upheld by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Massage therapy licensing is commonly associated with preventing crime, specifically prostitution. However, massage parlors also represent an opportunity for entrepreneurs starting businesses, who face significant barriers to entry across the USA.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze the effect of state- and city-level licensing of massage therapists on crime and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases using data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reports from 1985–2013 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 1993-2015.FindingsThe authors find that state- and city-level licensing of massage therapists was not associated with preventing crimes related to prostitution or reducing sexually transmitted diseases. This analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that relaxing the stringency of massage therapist licensing would not lead to increases in crime or additional spread of disease while likely encouraging entrepreneurship.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first to examine the effects of city-level licensing on health and safety of consumers.

Practice-Based Research Networks and Massage Therapy: a Scoping Review

Background: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are means to connect practitioners with researchers and increase the body of rigorous research. PBRNs have been used in medicine for decades, but efforts to create PBRNs in massage therapy (MT) are limited. Purpose: Examine and describe the amount of and nature of MT-related publications derived from PBRN-supported endeavors. Publication Selection: Databases: Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Google Scholar. Keywords: massage, massage therapy, practice-based research network, PBRN. Key items: publication year, operating PBRN, article type, study design, general theme, massage therapist involvement/MT application. Inclusion Criteria: studies conducted through a PBRN using MT/massage therapists as an investigated factor; articles/editorials focused on PBRN-related MT research. Results: Initial database search resulted in 444 records; 40 articles included in analysis from database search, PBRN website access, and PBRN staff contacts. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2019, with nearly all published since 2013. Nine PBRNs published 29 articles based on 20 studies and sub-studies as research papers (n=21) or poster/oral presentation abstracts (n=8), and articles discussing the need for PBRNs in MT (n=8). Most research studies were conducted as surveys (n=21), examining practice characteristics (n=9) and patient perspectives/utilization (n=7). Three articles discussing PBRNs in MT were not connected to any specific PBRN. Conclusion: The PBRN model holds promise to further the field of MT, but implementation needs significant development. Promoting the creation and growth of massage-specific PBRNs should be a focus of professional associations and research institutions to expand the body of scientific evidence supporting MT. While the United States has had the most PBRN-related research efforts, a sustainable implementation model is not evident as highlighted by inactivity from US-based PBRNs after initial productivity. An Australian PBRN may serve as a needed sustainability model for massage-related PBRNs in the US if their productivity trajectory continues.

Pergeseran Tradisi Khitan Anak Perempuan di Kudus Jawa Tengah

This paper aims to describe the shift in the circumcision tradition of girls in Kudus, Central Java. The focus of this shift discussion was mainly on the shift of circumcision done by Dukun Bayi (Traditional Midwife) to that done by a professional midwife, and the prevailing cultural shift is also illustrated. The data were collected through interviews with mothers of the circumcised girls through random sampling. This research is categorized as a case study. The collected data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. The results of the study revealed that the tradition of girl circumcision is a result of following a tradition that has been done for ages, the understanding of fiqh experts plays a role in the circumcision of girls. As the village midwife is serving childbirth, the circumcision that was initially done by a dukun now is done by professional midwives. The dukun played as a massage therapist to mothers with old pregnancy, also to the postpartum mothers and their babies. The knowledge that girls circumcision needs to be done by medical staff (midwives) will be more optimal if the village government facilitates the role of village midwives in Kudus. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pergeseran tradisi khitan anak perempuan di Kudus, Jawa Tengah. Faktor utama perubahan tersebut adalah munculnya pengkhitan bidan desa—yang sebelumnya dilakukan oleh dukun bayi—dan menggambarkan perubahan budayanya. Data diperoleh melalui wawancara dengan ibu dari anak perempuan yang dikhitan secara random sampling. Riset ini kategori studi kasus, data yang terkumpul dianalisis dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa tertradisinya mengkhitan akibat mengikuti tradisi, yakni pemahaman ahli fikih tentang khitan pada anak perempuan. Seiring adanya bidan desa yang melayani persalinan warga, maka pengkhitan yang semula dukun bayi ada yang dialihkan pada bidan desa. Dukun bayi diperankan sebagai tukang pijet pada ibu yang usia kandungannya menua dan memijat ibu pascamelahirkan beserta bayinya. Hal yang perlu dipahami agar mengkhitan anak perempuan dilakukan oleh tenaga medis (bidan) makin optimal bila peran bidan desa difasilitasi oleh pemerintah desa di Kudus.