MORE ELAP OBSERVATIONS

As I continue wading though the ELAP document I find myself longing for a definition of massage but I can't find one. Instead what I find is  a tab that says Massage Forms and Styles.  Under this tab is :
Foundation Principles and Skills
Swedish Massage
Myofascial Approaches
Deep Tissue Approaches
Proprioceptive Approaches
Neuromuscular Approaches
Hydrotherapy for Massage
Seated Massage

I guess that this is the definition for massage. I have issues for sure.

Foundation Principles and Skills- This section was well done and reflective of entry level.


Swedish Massage - In my previous post I explain the problem with using the term Swedish massage as the platform for massage language. I suggest a term such as general massage or massage therapy or massage.

These next sections get really odd for me.
Myofascial Approaches
Deep Tissue Approaches
Proprioceptive Approaches
Neuromuscular Approaches

I do not understand why they are seen as specific methods rather than adaptation of general massage application. The fascia appears to respond to  tension forces, however why is not understood. Tension force is created with gliding methods that drag the tissues.  Lubricant is reduced or eliminated during application to create drag. In addition, the myofascial and deep tissue content areas were overlapping and the separation between the two is artificial. Fascia and other forms of connective tissue are structures of the body (anatomy) with interconnected function with other body systems (physiology). Deep tissues are under surface tissues or am I missing something here.  Don't you adapt depth of pressure to address the various layers of the body from surface to deep.  I recall Gil Hedley's dissection videos where he sequentially reveals various tissue layers.  http://www.gilhedley.com/index.php.
This is anatomy-not method.  Pin and stretch was considered deep tissue (I think because once you complete an area you can't get back in). However, pin and stretch is considered a direct method (into the resistance) and by nature of the application isn't this myofascial????--or is it???.  You can see the problem I hope.

Proprioceptive approaches was confusing.  It appears to me that what is meant is the use of muscle energy techniques and pressure on muscular attachments.  Muscle energy techniques consist of a variety of controlled muscle contractions that are used primarily to support stretching. Since stretching and joint movement is part of the general massage (Swedish in the document) why is this a separate method?  In addition compression as a method described for both this category and neuromuscular as well as seated massage was not included in the methods of Swedish massage. 

Neuromuscular approaches are reflected as trigger point focus. The concept of trigger points as a condition (not a method) is under scrutiny.  It is likely that some sort of tender spot phenomenon exists but this would be a pathological condition or an adaptive response which would be addressed if appropriate with an adaptation of general massage. Besides the trigger point concepts in only a small aspect of neuromuscular methods as a system.  I have been fortunate enough to have Dr. Chaitow as a teacher and mentor for years and his analysis of trigger points and how to address when appropriate has evolved. His uncle Bois formalized neuromuscular applications. I just cannot support the way proprioceptive and neuromuscular methods were presented.

Hydrotherapy for Massage- Hydrotherapy is not massage. The complete system of treatment can compliment massage and therefor falls under my understanding of adjunct (something added to another thing but not essential to it.) I did not have issues with the content specifically but how does this fit under the category of- Massage Forms and Styles.  While there are some simple hydo/thermotherapy methods that an entry level massage therapist could add to the massage session I would really see this as a specific specialty beyond entry level.

Seated Massage- Why is seated massage a whole different concept than general massage adapted to the seated position and why was there a specific business and marketing strategy involve?


Also as a side note, I had my entry level students complete the section on the skeletal system and they thought is was good and that they should know the content. I agree with them.  I did take issue with being told how to teach the content however.  I actually choose to use the ELAP to teach today and that was not a possibility listed in the curriculum map.

I realize that this blog is coming a crossed sarcastic but I am choosing to leave it this way because I believe my frustration is valid.  I also know what it is like to be on the other side of a review like this. The individuals who worked hard on this, I believe were doing the best they identified at the time of creating this draft.  I also know how important it is to pay careful attention to reviewers.  Reviewers see things differently and can point out flaws, inaccuracies and biases when as an author or in this instance part of a work group cannot see because of being too close and attached to the project.. Please workgroup--pay attention.