QuestionHi Christopher,
I'm not sure if you would be able to help, I am completing a massage course and one of my questions is the following: Lis the muscles which could be involved in a Hernia? Can you help?
Many thanks
Lillian
AnswerGreetings. I am not exactly sure of the question because of the typo, but I will tell you what I know. If this doesn't answer your question, please feel free to write back for more information.
Muscles don't have a lot to do directly with hernias. A hernia is a movement of a part of the body into another region, generally through an opening that is either abnormal or is abnormally large so as to allow the passage of this tissue (dircetly from WebMD, here: http://my.webmd.com/content/article/56/65737.htm . It could be a muscle bulging through, or it could be something like the intestines (common in inguinal hernias.) Sometimes it is overly tight muscles combining with a sudden strain that can cause the tear and allow something to come out that shouldn't. Strong coughing or laughing fits, or using the body improperly, could start an inguinal hernia.
Massage is not a good option here. Some hernias, like a trapped intestine in an inguinal hernia, can cause a lot of problems and require medical help. Even if it is not serious, there has been some trauma to the area, contraindicating (CI) ot for massage. Any strong pushing near that area could spread the tear and increase the hernia! Besides icing it for inflammation and rest, they really should be looked at by a doctor.
I hope this is of some help, and, of course, feel free to write back with anything else.
Sincerely,
Christopher
