Posts from — March 2008

Image by daruma3 via Flickr

What a scare one receives when the big “C” word (cancer) enters their lives. Not only is the individual affected by this devastating diagnosis, but also family, friends and community. How many of us have heartfelt reactions when we learn of someone, whether we know them or not, who is struggling to overcome some form of cancer or has lost their battle with cancer?

I undertook specialized training to provide treatment to patients undergoing complications of cancer treatment, namely lymphedema. Lymphedema has been grossly overlooked, in my opinion, within the medical community. The lymph system of the body has not been widely understood, yet it is one of the most prominent systems of the body.

Every day our cells work hard on our behalf creating energy to run our lives as we choose. That cellular work effort generates waste products that must find adequate pathways of exit, because more is coming behind it. Our bodies have two main detoxification pathways, a complex chemistry with each one; but for us, the laymen, we can rest assured that this dual mechanism works hard to keep us healthy.

With global industrialization, its myriad pollutants, and our daily exposures to these toxic elements, our dual pathways risk becoming overworked, clogged, and dysfunctional. As well, manufacturing procedures with our food sources provide us with a vast array of herbicides and pesticides that our bodies must detoxify. We consume processed foods containing many substances such as antibiotics, growth hormones, and residues of pesticides, herbicides, along with synthetic ingredients known to be carcinogenic. It is important to understand nothing has to remain stagnant for long if we inform ourselves and ultimately act upon that information. We have choices, but we must learn to make different choices if we are to assist our bodies in overcoming exposures to what we cannot control when it comes to pollution.

Understanding the biochemistry of cancer, the immune system response, the battle within our DNA, scientific applications of medical treatment, and ultimately the body’s demand for essential ingredients that support healing, repair, and restoration of optimal systems, we can find mental sustenance that a true cure exists and is forthcoming. But it is, in my mind, about synergy—body, mind, spirit, and science. It is also about our informing ourselves and changing our ways of thinking about solutions.

In the meantime, I find that the consequences of cancer treatment, both on the mental/emotional levels as well as the physical/scientific levels, respond extremely well with regular massage therapy sessions. First of all, cancer patients are poked and prodded in a clinical setting oftentimes losing their sense of self, sense of privacy, and sense of direction. “Who have I become but a guinea pig for cancer experimentation?” I am sure many patients feel this way.

Massage therapy provides a return to nature with its human touch enabling the patient to “re-feel” their “whole” body and its magnificence. But more than the so called “touchy-feely-get-back-in-touch-with -oneself” benefit, massage therapy provides for the cancer patient extended medical benefits. Here’s a partial list:

Reduction of pain and pain induced anxiety

Improved sleep patterns (Sleep is when the body does most of

its healing and repair)

Improved body image (Self esteem diminishes when we loose

our hair and body mass. Massage lets us feel ourselves

again in a healthy nurturing way associated with those who

care and see us as important and still whole human beings)

Improved white cell proliferation (These cells are our fighting army. Many die off in the battle, but massage moves debris out more quickly enabling the manufacture and acceleration of immune cells in a less waste oriented environment)

Reduces nausea and vomiting

Reduces depression

Reduces fatigue

Massage therapy for the cancer patient is enormously favorable in their healing processes. Then . . . should the cancer patient experience lymphedema, a condition that can occur following the removal of lymph nodes in strategic locations backing up the natural flow of cellular fluids and their exit from the body, specialized massage therapy assists in this endeavor by the body and enables the patient to not be debilitated by undue fluid retention, pain, and loss of the ability to use their affected limbs.

It is vitally important that massage therapists treating cancer patients have advanced education and are able to work with the oncology team when providing treatment. It is important for the oncology team to be aware of the benefits massage therapy provides for their patients and to encourage patients to seek massage therapy to alleviate their side effects and to improve their overall well being.

Krystle Shapiro is a Washington State licensed medical massage therapist. She owns Touchstone Massage Therapies located in the Stepping Stones Wellness Center at 803 W. Pine Street, Sandpoint. Krystle specializes in oncology massage therapy with emphasis on lymphedema treatment. She is currently undertaking a Master of Science of Holistic Nutrition program and can be reached at 208/290-6760.

It has been 25 years now, since Acupuncture became recognized as a licensed profession in the U.S. and many people have used it or know someone who has used acupuncture to treat some health problem. Perhaps they were helped with back pain, tension headaches, insomnia or recovery after a sports injury. What used to be considered “alternative” to western medicine is now frequently used as “complementary”, as more patients and physicians have become familiar with acupuncture’s proven results for common conditions.

The most frequent question now is “How do I find a good Acupuncturist in Somewhere, USA?” Of course, the very best source is a personal referral from someone you trust, but if your loved one in a distant place is searching for help, here are some useful facts.

Currently 46 states license Acupuncturists. There are about 55 ACCAOM accredited colleges of Oriental Medicine in the U.S. and a handful of non-accredited programs. The average Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) studies acupuncture for 3-4 years of graduate level education and must complete a supervised internship of 600-700 hours. They must then pass the NCCAOM national examination to demonstrate professional level competency and patient safety. California has its own similar licensing exam. To become a L.Ac., Idaho requires graduation from an accredited program and a passing score on the NCCAOM exam. This state also allows Chiropractic and other physicians to practice after approximately 200 hours of training. Idaho designates these physicians as Certified Acupuncturists.

The NCCAOM (National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) has been recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as the standard for professional competency for 25 years. To find a professional acupuncturist by location, check out their website at www.nccaom.org.

Most states have a professional acupuncture association, so other useful websites are: www.idahoacupuncture.org .and www.Acufinder.com . Another very reliable site is www.AAAOM.org (the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

Most acupuncturists are happy to answer any questions about their qualifications and experience treating a specific condition. Although no one can diagnose by telephone, don’t hesitate to ask for a short consultation to determine that they are the right practitioner for you.

Tess Hahn, Ph.D., OMD, L.Ac.

Diplomate, Acupuncture (NCCAOM)

Former Chair, Idaho State Board of Acupuncture

thahn@nccaom.org

208-683-5211

I am grateful for the opportunity to provide an overview of Physical Therapy, a profession that is often misunderstood. Becoming a Physical Therapist takes years of hard work!!

Initially, a Bachelor’s degree was required, then in the 1980’s a Master’s degree and currently the requirements are moving towards a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, taking 6-7 years of college.

Typically, PT s get an undergraduate degree in Biology, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology or other related fields, then continue on for their Master’s or DPT. Physical Therapy curriculum consists of Kinesiology, Anatomy (with cadaver dissection), Neurology, and Neuroanatomy as well as technique and treatment courses with clinical rotations in acute care, neurology and orthopedics. After graduation most states require yearly continuing education.

Physical Therapists provide both evaluation and treatment of patients. An evaluation consists of taking a detailed patient history, evaluating the range of motion of the injured area, testing the strength, and palpation or feeling the area for joint, muscle, or nerve dysfunction. We then develop a treatment plan.

Functional goals, such as “Jane will be able to put on her coat without shoulder pain” are required. Evaluation reports are sent to the patients provider following the evaluation, with monthly progress reports thereafter, stating our assessment, treatment plan and goals, in addition to the subjective and objective findings. Discharge summaries are sent upon completion of treatment.

Medicare requires us to complete a monthly plan of care that is certified or signed by the referring MD or NP. Patients not improving within a reasonable period of time should be referred back to their referring health care provider.

One of the many reasons I love the field of Physical Therapy is that it is a very diverse profession. Physical Therapists not only treat neck and back pain, headache, Vertigo, TMJ, sports injuries, work injuries, post surgical knees, hips and shoulders, sprains, strains and fractures, but may also treat patients with arthritis, amputations, MS, Cerebral Palsy, stroke, and can be involved in cardiac rehabilitation.

Therapists may specialize according to certain type of treatments, age group (pediatric vs. geriatric) or type of injury.

One of the many benefits of living in Idaho is that it is a “direct access” state. This means that patients no longer need a physician referral for Physical Therapy unless their services are paid for my Medicare or Medicaid. Most insurance companies will pay for Physical Therapy services. If you have any further questions regarding Physical Therapy treatment or practice, please call Mary Boyd of Mountain View Physical Therapy at 290-5575.