Stem cell therapy has arrived. These therapies are constantly being advertised as the new treatment of choice for joint repair, face lifts, and brain rehabilitation. Included in the buzz about stem cells are injectables such as platelet enrichment, ozone therapy, and prolozone. At one glance it looks like stem cells could replace massage therapy for rehabilitation and treatment of joints. But physicians using these methods are in need of the support that massage can offer. Massage therapists ought to feel the importance of their practice in the planning for treatment and rehabilitation. These new medical modalities are a great opportunity for massage therapists who have the training for structural or therapeutic work to become an essential part of the health care delivery system.

So what is the first step in becoming involved? Understanding fascia and connective tissue and its relationship to pain and dysfunction, especially around joints is imperative.. When fascia is restricted and connected to adhesions, its hydration is below healthy levels. Applying myofascial release techniques that release and stretch adhesions, fascia and other connective tissue, results in hydration of tissue to a much healthier level. This applies to the same issues when stem cell, platelet enrichment, prolozone, and hyaluronic acid injected. When hands-on therapy working with connective tissue and fascia is applied prior to the injections, the tissue will be healthier, more relaxed, more hydrated and more responsive to the modern injectables allowing a greater exchange of fluids. When doing face lifts, applying hands-on therapy creates healthier and less contracted tissue prior to injection. .

This method has shown an increase in positive results. . When working with damaged tissue, in a rehabilitation aspect, there is again an increase in positive results when combining the soft tissue therapies with the modern injectables. Structural balance leads to strength and function. Many of the modern injectables are designed specifically for rehabilitation of joints. However, before the application of modern injectables, the structural imbalance that is oftentimes the source of the degeneration of the joint need to be addressed. If the structural imbalance that caused the joint to degenerate is still present, then positive results from the modern injectables will be limited. The greater goal is to regenerate tissue in the joint so that the joint can be pain free and functional. If the joint is not brought into structural balance, then any new growth of new tissue will quickly be eroded due to the unequal pressures within the joint. Another concern is if structural balance is not improved, the imbalance will still be creating inflammation and irritation, and the anti-inflammatory aspect of the modern injectable will be fighting a losing battle. Eventually, the components of the modern injectables will no longer be present but the irritation and inflamation will continue, and clients may feel the technique is not working. Thus, achieving structural balance using myofascial release and other soft tissue techniques will increase the effectiveness of the modern injectables.

When a client/patient is in the core distortion[1] it has been shown with kinesiology that the structural imbalance creates a 50 percent plus weakening in function and strength of the soft tissue that stabilizes and moves the joint. Cranial/Structural[2] can quickly achieve a significant lessening of the structural imbalance.  Long term benefits of this is an important tool that massage therapist can use when working with clients receiving modern injectables. The physicians and clients I have worked with who are using modern injectables for rehabilitation of joints are excited about how much greater the odds are of the rehabilitation being effective. This often leads to avoiding joint surgery and/or joint replacement.

Stem cells are also being injected into the brain for rehabilitation from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other brain degeneration diseases. Hands on cranial therapies such as Cranial/Structural Fronto/Occipital therapy[3] can increase cerebral spinal fluid flow to the brain for rehabilitation utilizing the glymphatic system and the natural pumping of the cerebral spinal fluid from the spine are also extremely helpful. In most degenerative brain diseases and TBI’s, the glymphatic system is significantly damaged and inhibited. This accumulation of waste, which includes amyloid beta and tau, lead to continued degeneration and progression of disease.

By expanding their training to include cranial therapies and soft tissue myofascial structural balance techniques, massage therapists will be ready to integrate into the healthcare system of modern injectables. 

[1] Don McCann, The Evolution of Releasing the Core Distortion. Massage Today, July 2014 Vol. 14, Issue 07

[2] Don McCann, The Integration of Cranial/Structural and Soft Tissue. Massage Today, February 2014, Vol. 14, Issue 02

[3] Don McCann, March Is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Massage Today, March 2016, Vol16, Issue 03