Massage Helpful for Cerebral Palsy

Deep tissue massage, which is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension, may offer an added edge for cerebral palsy patients when combined with more traditional treatment options.

This type of massage involves the application of pressure directly on a problem area, specifically targeting the deeper layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage can be performed using minimal pressure, so “deep” doesn't have to mean “hard.”

Athletes have long resorted to various deep tissue massage therapies to alleviate muscle damage. However, the technique has also been proven effective in helping correct the symptoms of serious muscle conditions including cerebral palsy.

One particular technique known as Canadian massage, developed by Therese Pfrimmer in the 1940's to reverse her own paralysis, uses deep tissue manipulation to stimulate circulation and cellular regeneration.

While deep muscle tissue massage has been shown to aid in the correction of damaged muscles and tissues, individuals considering such treatment for cerebral palsy should consult with their doctor before beginning therapy to determine if it is right for them.

If your child, or someone you know, suffers from cerebral palsy, contact a cerebral palsy lawyer who can help you determine if they are eligible to obtain compensation that will help cover the cost of cerebral palsy.

Thank You to www.cerebralpalsysource.com

MRI of the Breast

Courtesy of www.Radiologyinfo.org

What is MRI of the Breast?

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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, transmitted electronically, printed or copied to a CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate various parts of the body and determine the presence of certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning).

MRI of the breast offers valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

MRI of the breast is not a replacement for mammography or ultrasound imaging but rather a supplemental tool for detecting and staging breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Medical studies are currently being conducted to determine whether MRI and other imaging methods can contribute to the early detection and prevention of deaths from breast cancer.

MR imaging of the breast is performed to:

• assess multiple tumor locations, especially prior to breast conservation surgery.
• identify early breast cancer not detected through other means, especially in women with dense breast tissue and those at high risk for the disease.
• evaluate abnormalities detected by mammography or ultrasound.
• distinguish between scar tissue and recurrent tumors.
• determine whether cancer detected by mammography, ultrasound, or after surgical biopsy has spread further in the breast or into the chest wall.
• assess the effect of chemotherapy.
• provide additional information on a diseased breast to make treatment decisions.
• determine the integrity of breast implants.

Without contrast material, an MRI of the breast can show:

• breast tissue density.
• cysts.
• enlarged ducts.
• hematomas.
• leaking or ruptured breast implants.
• the presence of enlarged lymph nodes.

By comparing breast images taken before and after contrast material injection, an MRI exam can determine:

• if there are breast abnormalities.
• whether an abnormality looks benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
• the size and location of any abnormality that looks malignant.

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