Therapeutic Massage: Case Studies
Bonnie Chan-Amore LMT, BCTMB, MMT, MBA
I'm a former IT Project Manager who switched careers to pursue my passion in bodywork and movement. I also have more than 20 years of experience in dance, yoga, Pilates, and martial arts. With my unique background, I take a holistic approach to massage therapy because I've experienced first hand the impact that sedentary work can have on the body.
I've treated over 100 workers compensation clients and countless other clients who have experienced major surgery and trauma. There's no single treatment that works for everyone so my training in orthopedic assessments and osteopathic techniques sets me apart from other massage therapists and fitness instructors. I'm an anatomy nerd and fueled by curiosity. I'll never stop learning and teaching clients how to understand and care for their physical bodies.
Case Study #1: Shoulder Flexion
The client pictured here (a real client!) was unable to lift his arms into shoulder flexion and abduction. Client worked at a job that required constantly holding his arms straight out in front of him. We assessed for possible structural issues with the joint using passive movement where I moved his arm without client's assistance. Since I could lift his arm without resistance, I felt safe to continue with treatment. After a single session, he was able to lift his arms much further. We used deep tissue work to his pectoral muscles (chest) and biceps. I found multiple trigger points and adhesions in pectoralis minor. Over multiple sessions, the client's shoulder pain decreased and mobility increased.
Case Study #2: Avoiding a Second Knee Surgery
A client who had a knee replacement 2 years ago was told they might have the wrong size prosthetic and would need a second TKR (total knee replacement). Six weeks before surgery, client started coming in for weekly massage work and made no other lifestyle changes. We did quite a bit of trigger point work on his hamstrings but also gentle osteopathic techniques to calm the nervous system around the knee joint. It required 2-3 sessions before the nervous system allowed me to work deeper and release scar tissue.
On surgery day, they went in for the second operation and their doctor said the client's range of motion increased by 10%. The surgeon believed the massage therapy was the primary contributor. The scar tissue had started "realigning" and the knee was moving . The doctor said they ethically cannot go through with the second operation to replace the knee and sent the client home. This client is far from being pain free but now that they know surgery isn't the answer, they can focus on lifestyle changes!
Case Study #3: Chronic Sinus Headaches
A client discovered they had a chronic sinus infection for several years. The infection had been treated and was cleared months earlier, but their sinus headaches persisted. We used intraoral work for TMJD. Wearing gloves, I gently worked the deep muscles of the client's jaw internally and externally. In additional, we applied cranial mobilization techniques used by osteopaths to self-align the deep structures of the cranium. Client experienced deep relaxation during the treatment and at one point, they felt their sinuses clear and was able to take a deep breath through their nose. Weeks later, they reported their headaches had stopped. They had more energy and decided to tackle some major changes in their life!
Case Study #4: Biceps tendonitis & shoulder pain
Client presented with shoulder pain that had persisted for several weeks, especially during overhead movements. The affected shoulder appeared rolled forward and noticeably out of alignment compared to the other side. Despite previous treatment from physical therapy and chiropractic care, the client reported no lasting improvement in range of motion or pain.
Upon palpation, the biceps tendon did not feel well-set in its groove. While I cannot diagnose conditions such as biceps tendon subluxation, I suspected this was the case. After talking through the risks and proposed treatment with the client, we agreed to proceed. I gently worked to release tension in the biceps muscle and lengthen space near the biceps tendor. During this work, we both noticed a subtle clicking sensation, and the client’s shoulder position noticeably shifted, suggesting a release or realignment had occurred.
Client reported they felt absolutely no pain when lifting the arm overhead. The effects lasted for several months until a similar incident occurred. Ultimately, the client will likely need physical therapy to rebalance and strengthen the shoulder to prevent recurrences.