Marfan’s Syndrome and Scar Tissue: “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner
A client with Marfan’s syndrome, a connective tissue disorder with dysfunctional collagen, has had multiple surgeries for a traumatic accident, and their scar tissue is restricting their ease of movement. Their massage therapist is concerned about how best to help them regain function. When I have questions about scar tissue, I go to the Scar Tissue Diva, Cathy Ryan. In this episode we discuss the difference between “challenging tissue” and working with the fluid environment to improve function. Host Bio: Ruth Werner is a former massage therapist, a writer, and an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider. She wrote A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, now in its seventh edition, which is used in massage schools worldwide. Werner is also a long-time Massage & Bodywork columnist, most notably of the Pathology Perspectives column. Werner is also ABMP’s partner on Pocket Pathology, a web-based app and quick reference program that puts key information for nearly 200 common pathologies at your fingertips. Werner’s books are available at www.booksofdiscovery.com. And more information about her is available at www.ruthwerner.com. Resources: Pocket Pathology: https://www.abmp.com/abmp-pocket-pathology-app Cathy Ryan, Registered Massage Therapist, at cryanrmt@gmail.com Live and online scar tissue classes through Healwell: https://online.healwell.org/pages/scars-fascia-lymph-landing ABMP CE Library: Scar Tissue Management, with Cathy Ryan and Nancy Keeney Smith: https://www.abmp.com/learn/course/scar-tissue-management-part-1-introduction A short list of Stecco fascial research papers: Adstrum, S. et al. (2017) ‘Defining the fascial system’, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 21(1), pp. 173–177. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2016.11.003. Stecco, A. et al. (2023) ‘From Muscle to the Myofascial Unit: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(5), p. 4527. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054527. Stecco, C. and Schleip, R. (2016) ‘A fascia and the fascial system’, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 20(1), pp. 139–140. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.012. Suarez-Rodriguez, V. et al. (2022) ‘Fascial Innervation: A Systematic Review of the Literature’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(10), p. 5674. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105674. About our Sponsors: Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com MassageBook: www.massagebook.com Anatomy Trains is a global leader in online anatomy education and also provides in-classroom certification programs for structural integration in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, and China, as well as fresh-tissue cadaver dissection labs and weekend courses. The work of Anatomy Trains originated with founder Tom Myers, who mapped the human body into 13 myofascial meridians in his original book, currently in its fourth edition and translated into 12 languages. The principles of Anatomy Trains are used by osteopaths, physical therapists, bodyworkers, massage therapists, personal trainers, yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, and other body-minded manual therapists and movement professionals. Anatomy Trains inspires these practitioners to work with holistic anatomy in treating system-wide patterns to provide improved client outcomes in terms of structure and function. Website: anatomytrains.com Email: info@anatomytrains.com Facebook: facebook.com/AnatomyTrains Instagram: www.instagram.com/anatomytrainsofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2g6TOEFrX4b-CigknssKHA Save time and reduce stress with MassageBook. It’s not just software—it’s a comprehensive solution that handles online scheduling, payment processing, and marketing campaigns, making it easier for you to provide your clients with top-notch care. Enjoy free, unlimited access for 30 days and save on your monthly subscription with your exclusive ABMP member discount. Special Offer: Right now, MassageBook is offering listeners $50 off when they sign up with coupon code ABMP50. Start your free 30-day trial today and transform your practice with tools designed to increase bookings and streamline client management. Connect with MassageBook: Visit their website: MassageBook Follow MassageBook on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
