Learning about common musculoskeletal conditions and their protocols for treatment in this online Massage Therapy course is a must for the Florida Massage Therapists so they can determine what patients could benefit solely from massage therapy care and those who might need to be co-managed along with other health care providers. In Dr. Koshes’ LMT online continuing education course, “Clinical Neurology and Orthopedics for the Massage Therapist,” he reviews the most common musculoskeletal conditions that massage therapy clients would contact their therapist with including; muscular strains, ligamentous sprains, bony spurs, disc injuries, arthritis, osteoporosis and spinal tumors. The most up-to-date treatment options are also presented including first aid procedures, in-office care, treatment time parameters and suggestions for outside referrals if necessary.

An example of a common musculoskeletal condition discussed in this Florida CEU Program For LMT's would be a muscular strain. Muscular strains are classified in three categories of injury. In a Grade I muscular strain the patient’s activity is not stopped. The muscle fibers are left intact. Symptoms may include pain with slight swelling or muscular tightness. A Grade II muscle strain will stop the patient from performing their activity. There is an incomplete tearing of the muscle fibers causing a partial loss of muscle strength. The patient may experience moderate pain, swelling and disability of function. A grade III muscular strain will also stop the patient’s activity because there is a full thickness tearing of the muscular fibers producing a complete loss of muscle strength. The patient may experience severe pain, swelling, discoloration of the skin due to bruising and a total disability of function.

The Massage Therapy continuing education class also covers first aid treatment which consists of protection of the injured area from further injury, rest of the injured area, ice applied to the area of injury, compression over the area of injury to reduce swelling, elevation of the injured area to reduce swelling and support of the injured area with a brace if necessary. In office care can take 4-6 weeks and consist of massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, chiropractic, supportive bracing and exercises. Grade III muscular strains due to the degree of injury should be referred to a medical specialist for further evaluation.

Dr. Koshes' online CEU massage therapy training is accredited by the Florida State Massage Therapy Association. Should you wish additional information on common musculoskeletal conditions and their protocols for treatment discussed above and continuing education units for Florida Massage Therapists, including including Post Graduation CEU classes contact Dr. Koshes at his website www.koshes.com