-Whiplash is a broad term used to refer to many injuries, including  sprains, strains and  joint trauma.  Whiplash  injuries are usually but not always associated with car accidents in which the head whips forward and backward in rapid succession.

-There are many signs and symptoms for whiplash. More sever cases range from ligament sprains, misaligned vertebrae and neuralgic symptoms. Some of the less severe cases would be headaches, muscle spasm and trigger points.

-Massage Therapy 48 hours after the injury can be very helpful to prevent or reduce muscle spasm, scar tissue accumulation, adhesions, lack of blood supply. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  
-Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a diagnosis of abnormal pressure on the median nerve in the wrist as it passes through the carpal tunnel.  Pain and numbness or tingling is generally felt in the thumb, first two fingers, and palm area as well as the wrist.   In many cases special forms of massage therapy such as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and Myofascial Release (MFR) can ease pressure on the nerve from tendons passing through the carpal tunnel and excess fluid in the area.
-Massage therapy can also help relieve conditions which might mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or referred pain from muscles in the arm or shoulder. 

Plantar Fascitis  

-Plantar Fascitis is a serious, painful, and progressing illness that occurs when the long, flat ligament along the bottom of the foot develops tears and inflammation. This ligament is called the plantar fascia and it extends your five toes and runs along the bottom of your foot, attaching to your heel. When you walk or run, you land on your heel and raise yourself on your toes as you shift your weight to your other foot, causing all your weight to be held up by your plantar fascia. Such repetitive force can pull the fascia from its attachment on your heel and cause damage and plantar fasciitis.
-Massage is indicated for plantar fascitis.  It can help release tension in deep calf muscles that put strain on the plantar fascia. It can also help to affect the development of scar tissue at the site of the scar.

Sciatica  
-Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg, usually the back of the leg, caused by compression or irritation of the nerve roots exiting the spine that form the sciatic nerve.  The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves of the body, reaching about the size of your pinky or forefinger in diameter, formed by four or five nerve roots branching off each side of the spinal cord and down the back of each leg. There are also conditions which might mimic sciatica and be called "false" sciatica such as Piroformis syndrome where the sciatic nerve is entrapped by the piriformis muscle in the buttocks area.   Piriformis Syndrome is also called "back pocket sciatica" because pressure on the piriformis muscle and sciatic nerve can be caused by sitting on a wallet in the back pocket of a person's pants.  Another problem that can mimic sciatic pain is having trigger points in the Gluteus Minimus muscle.  The trigger points in this muscle can refer pain sensations down the back of the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve and also on the outside of the leg.   Massage therapy and bodywork are very beneficial in relieving symptoms and promoting recovery.
-Massage Therapy can help Sciatica, Sciatic Nerve Pain, and conditions which mimic sciatica.  Massage therapy can help relax muscles, release trigger points and abnormal tissue adhesions, and improve posture to relieve the pressure on nerve roots and other sensitive structures.

 TMJ Pain/Dysfunction  
-Characterized by pain in the jaw, clicking when opening or closing the jaw, headaches and grinding of teeth, TMJ Dysfunction is no laughing matter.  Many things can contribute to TMJ Dysfunction including missing teeth, trauma to the jaw from accidents or sporting events, stress, or even postural distortions. 
-Massage therapy, in conjunction with care by your Dentist, can relieve tension and holding patterns in the muscles of the head, neck, and jaw to help normalize jaw function and relieve pain.  

Headaches and Migraines  
What Are Headaches and Migraines?
-Headaches are pain and tension felt in a person's head.  Most headaches are related to muscular tension and trigger points in muscles which can refer their pain to various points on the head.  The headache pain caused from trigger points are very real and are sometimes resistant to oral pain relievers.  
-Migraines are a different type of headache.  Migraines are thought by many doctors to be caused by problems with blood vessels and nerves in the brain.   Migraines are characterized by severe pain felt on one side of the head often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sometimes nausea.  However, there is also some evidence that even severe migraines may be caused by muscular and connective tissue problems that might respond to massage therapy and bodywork.

-In the trigger point illustrations above, the "X" is the approximate location of the trigger point while the red areas indicate where the pain is referred by the trigger point.  The darker red areas are the most commonly felt and intense areas of pain.  The lighter red (stippled) areas are those that are less intense or less commonly felt.  These are just a few of the trigger points which may cause headache and migraine pain - there are more.  
-Massage Therapy is very effective in the treatment of headaches and some types of Migraines.  Since the majority of headaches can be traced to muscle tension and muscular trigger points in the head, neck, and shoulders, massage and neuromuscular therapy are often able to provide complete relief.  In most cases the massage would be concentrated on the upper body, it is important to know as a client that the posture of your legs, hips, pelvis, and back can create the tension that is the root of your headaches.  Therefore, a full-body approach to treating your headaches and migraines is usually best.  

Arthritis
-While there are literally hundreds of different types of "arthritis" the most common is osteoarthritis which is sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD.   -Osteoarthritis/DJD occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears away or is damaged by trauma.  Muscles and connective tissues around joints with mild to moderate osteoarthritis/DJD tend to tighten to support the joint.  This tightening is one of the reasons arthritis is accompanied by muscular pain. 
-Massage therapy is usually successful in relieving muscular pain associated with this type of arthritis and may even help prevent further breakdown of joints.

 Anxiety
-Anxiety can be caused from numerous things and are often temporarily relieved and may be lessened in the long term with massage therapy. This was found to be true especially in persons suffering depression as well as anxiety.

Tennis elbow
-Tennis Elbow is actually inflammation of the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles. Despite the name, it is suffered by machinists, mechanics, golfers, computer users and even those who carry heavy briefcases to work each morning. During the massage ice might used to help reduce the inflammation in the area.

 Spasms and cramps
-Spasms and cramps are involuntary contractions of skeletal muscles. Spasms are considered to be low-grade long-lasting contractions, where as cramps are short-lived, very acute contractions.
-Cramps are extremely painful, with visible shortening of the muscle.  Long-term spasms are painful and may cause inefficient movement, but they may not have acute symptoms.
-Cramping muscles do not invite massage, although stretching and work near the muscles attachments can trick the muscle into letting go. Muscles that have been cramping respond well to massage, which can reduce residual pain. Massage is indicated for long-term spasm because it can break through the cycle to reintroduce circulation to the area, as well as improve muscle tone and flush out toxins.

Sprains
-Sprains are injured ligaments. Injuries can range few traumatized fibers to a complete rupture.
-Sprains indicate massage.  Bodywork can reduce scar tissue, swelling and damage due to a serve sprain. 

Strains
-Strains are injuries to muscles.  Pain stiffness, and occasionally palpable heat and swelling are all signs of muscle strain.
-Muscle strains indicate massage, which can reduce scar tissue, adhesions, edema, and reestablish range of motion.