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Medical Massage and Chronic Pain Relief

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Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Shawn Moore

We are speaking with Shawn Moore who is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Medical Massage Practitioner, AromaTouch Practitioner and Yoga Instructor located in Irmo, SC. An Integrative Health Practitioner since 2011.

Tell Us a Story About  a Patient or Client with Chronic Pain and How Medical Massage Helped

Alexa presented with Spondylolisthesis, (painful lower back spinal condition caused by slipped discs at the base of the spine) and radiating pain (radicular) down the right leg. Pain was often severe. She was on a regular regimen of ibuprofen and heat on the affected area.

The client was used to being active with moderate daily activity but when I met Alexa, she had a hard time getting on and off the table without my assistance. When she was told she was a candidate for lumbar surgery after chiropractic adjustments failed to help, Alexa decided to try medical massage. 

In Medical Massage, an Assessment of the Body Precedes Treatment

As a medical massage practitioner, I can identify dysfunction in the body. Prior to any bodywork, the client fills out an in-depth intake form and we conduct a postural assessment. We then spend time with the client going over the history and complaints. All this helps to determine the type of bodywork that would achieve the best results.

In this particular pain case, medical massage techniques were used for the muscles of the upper and lower back along with passive stretching of the lower limbs. Myofascial release techniques were incorporated along the spine to loosen the fascia and increase blood flow to the area. 

After three months of treatment and a referral to a Chiropractor who specializes in sports injury and muscular decompression, Alexa’s radicular pain disappeared and she no longer required daily ibuprofen. Building up to walking five miles per day without pain or immobility, Alexa is currently training for a half-marathon in October.

Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?

I had a long-term diagnosis of poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) induced infertility. In late 2011, I became more aware of complementary and alternative modalities (CAM) and holistic lifestyle choices. This changed my approach to my self-care. I reduced stressors, eliminated hormone disruptors from my foods and personal care products and implemented more gut-friendly eating habits. With much gratitude, I experienced the reversal of PCOS symptoms and I was able to have two successful pregnancies.

Surprised by my results, the other healthcare professionals in the practice where I worked encouraged me to educate other patients within the practice on how I achieved my health and wellness goals. This gave me the determination to further my education in order to help others.

I enrolled in the Clinical Massage Therapy program at Midlands Technical College where I learned various techniques to help clients relieve muscle tension and stress. After graduating with high honors I enrolled in the Associates of Liberal Arts and Sciences program (at MTC) so that I could better communicate alternative health ideas and concepts. I continued my studies at Southern New Hampshire University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Health Promotion.

My education led to the creation of two health support groups that I currently administer via social media:

  1. Cultivating Our Roots: A Holistically Minded Community for African American Families
  2. Self-Care Columbia: A Women’s Support Group

What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?

My work and personal experiences have taught me that the “journey is the reward” (Steve Jobs). Each client, course and retreat teaches me more about myself and others and how connected we are to each other and the moment. I have learned to truly be present and grateful – thanks to my work. I am truly grateful for the personal experiences that have led me to this space.

What Would You Like Your Patients/Clients to Know About Your Services that They May Not be Aware of?

Every single one of my services is catered to my clients individual needs. From herbal steam pots, to meditative teas… my clients can be certain that every detail of their experience has been hand-crafted specifically for them. I encourage clients to be honest when setting their goals for treatment since their changing needs may alter the focus of every session. 

Find more practitioners like this at our Holistic Practitioner Directory

Biography

A health enthusiast, educator and clinical massage therapist… Shawn works with a variety of practitioners to create wellness plans that incorporate preventative health techniques with an integrative approach to overall care. Shawn’s dedication to continuous education and growth allows her to offer client-centered, comprehensive care.

Shawn is experienced in Medical Massage, Hospital-Based Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Trigger-Point Therapy, Cupping, Myofascial Release, Prenatal Massage, Hot Stones Massage, AromaTouch Treatment and Hatha Yoga.

Andy & Vinny DiLorenzo

About Us

As holistic dentists, we've recommended products and services that supported our patients’ health for decades. In experiencing our own health challenges from mercury toxicity, we worked closely with many natural, alternative, and integrative health practitioners who aided our recovery as well as our patients’. We built this site to provide you with a simple-to-use, comprehensive, informational, and functional resource for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health & well-being.

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