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Massage
Therapy and Your Health
What
is Therapeutic Massage?
Therapeutic
massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to
prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to
promote health and wellness. AMTA defines massage therapy as a profession in
which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive
therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and
well-being of the client.
Massage
therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular,
skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body
recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement
of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body. It comes in many forms,
including:
Swedish
- a gentle, relaxing massage;
Pressure
point therapy - for certain conditions for injuries; and
Sports
massage -focuses on muscle groups relevant to the particular
sport.
How
Can Massage be Medically Beneficial?
People
find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical
conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
and stress
- Arthritis
(osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Asthma
and bronchitis
- Carpal
tunnel syndrome
- Chronic
and temporary pain
- Circulatory
problems
- Depression
- Digestive
disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
- Headache,
especially when due to muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Myofascial
pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
- Reduced
range of motion
- Sinusitis
- Sports
injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments
- Temporomandibular
joint dysfunction (TMJ)
"Massage
therapy is a complementary therapy, not alternative anymore. It's of
tremendous benefit." - Brad Stuart, M.D., Hospice Medical Director for
the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of
Northern
California
Although
massage therapy does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak,
inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and
inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a
more complete recovery from exercise or injury.
Therapeutic
massage may not be recommended in some cases, such as in people with:
- inflammation
of the veins (phlebitis)
- infectious
diseases
- certain
forms of c
- some
skin conditions
- some
cardiac problems
- diabetes
If
you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check
with your doctor before seeking a massage.
What
Does Research Show About Massage Therapy?
Research
on the effects of massage therapy has been ongoing for more than 120 years. A
surge in research over the past 20 years has resulted in more than 2,500
published studies.
At
the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, 70
studies on touch - the majority on massage therapy - have been published or
are under way. Recent and ongoing research at some of the nation's hospitals,
such as
Cedars
Sinai
Medical
Center
in
Los
Angeles
,
is expanding knowledge of the benefits of massage for a variety of injuries
and ailments.
Among
research findings:
- Massage
increases activity level of the body's natural "killer cells",
boosting the immune system.
- Office
workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less
stressed than those who weren't massaged.
- Massage
therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and
itching in burn patients.
- Abdominal
surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
- Premature
infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those
who weren't.
- Autistic
children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.
"Massage
therapy is beneficial for almost all diseases. Eighty percent of disease
is stress-related, and massage reduces stress."
-
Sandra McLanahan, M.D., family practitioner,
Buckingham
,
Va.
AMTA,
the international 46,000+-member professional association for massage
therapists, supports research through the AMTA Foundation. AMTA and the AMTA
Foundation helped fund research at the Center for Alternative Medicine
Research at Boston's Beth
Israel
Deaconess
Medical
Center
on the use of therapeutic massage for lower back pain. The AMTA Foundation has
awarded more than $320,000 since its inception in 1993, to fund massage
therapy-related research, community outreach and educational scholarships.
"Massage
is to the human body what a tune up is to a car. It provides a physical and
mental boost to the weary, sore, and stressed..."
-
Chicago Tribune,
April
6, 1995
Physical
therapists at the Medical College of Georgia aren't content to simply know
that a massage feels great. They want to know why.
Dr.
Mary Ellen Franklin and Donavon Reimche, faculty members in the Department of
Physical Therapy, have conducted studies pinpointing the health benefits of
massage. "I have always been curious to know why you feel so good after a
massage," Dr. Franklin said. "I think something occurs
systemically."
Her
research is targeted at validating that hunch. For instance, in one study, she
measured levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in urine after people got a
massage. She found that the cortisol levels tended to be altered after a
massage, with the degree of variation correlating to the intensity of the
muscle stimulation.
Dr.
Franklin wants to further study hormone levels after a massage; for instance,
she suspects that the muscle-loosening process may trigger the release of
endorphins, enhancing a sense of well-being.
A
study supervised by Mr. Reimche showed that a hamstring massage increases
range of motion of the knee for a full week. "This technique could be
used on people who have restrictions in motion due to tight muscles," he
said.
On
the other hand, physical therapists caution that a massage isn't for everyone.
"Massage can shunt fluids centrally and stress the heart, so those with
pre-existing medical conditions should consult a physician before getting a
massage, just as they would if they were starting an exercise program,"
Dr. Franklin said.
She
also recommends that those with health problems get a massage from someone
with extensive training in patient care such as a physical therapist. Physical
therapists have a much more extensive medical background than massage
therapists, she noted, and can target particular areas of the body for therapy
after an illness or injury.
Physicians
can refer patients to physical therapists for massage therapy as needed.
The
field of physical therapy actually traces its roots to massage, according to
Mr. Reimche. "Massage has been part of physical therapy since the
inception of the field in the 1920s," he said. "Massage therapy was
a big part of polio therapy. We've done this for years."
The
technique is included in the curriculum of MCG physical therapy students. The
students learn different strokes and techniques to target specific body areas,
illnesses and injuries. For instance, patients who have had lymph nodes
removed may require a specialized massage technique to relieve fluid
accumulation in the limbs.
MCG
students also learn the physiological basis behind massage. For instance,
"nerves can cause muscles to tighten," said Mr. Reimche. "Or
connective tissue may adapt to a contracted position and not allow full range
of motion." The correct diagnosis is vital to effective therapy.
Once
physical therapists address the problem during massage, they teach patients
adaptations in posture and movement to preclude future problems. "Our
goal is to get people to the point where they can function
independently," Mr. Reimche said. "If you don't change the habits
and positions that caused the problem, we're right back to where we
started."
Many
of those habits and positions, he said, result from sedentary lifestyles and
deskwork--the staple of many modern-day jobs. Physical therapists recommend
regular exercise and frequent breaks from desk-bound tasks. A few stretches
and a simple walk up and down the hall every half hour can make a big
difference, Mr. Reimche noted. "The body handles movement fine," he
said. "That's what the body is designed to do. Static posture is often
the problem."
Indeed,
the health care community has come to dramatically rethink the conventional
wisdom of bed rest to address problems such as back pain. "One of the
highest correlations to back pain is extended bed rest," Mr. Reimche
said.
The
consensus is clear, he said, that regular movement offers great benefits to
the vast majority of people--and that the power of touch is a powerful tool in
energizing achy muscles.
What
is the Cost of Massage Therapy and Will my Insurance Cover it?
While
cost depends on the locality, type and length of the massage and the
experience of the therapist, fees generally start from $60 an hour.
Responding
to consumer demand, many health insurance plans now cover massage provided by
a massage therapist or provide "carve out" discount programs for
massage. Many Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical plans now offer such discount
programs for massage. In a 1998-99 survey of 114 HMOs, by Landmark Healthcare,
11 percent of the HMOs surveyed said they cover therapeutic massage. Some of
the largest managed care organizations, including Aetna US Healthcare, Kaiser
Permanente and United Healthcare cover massage and other complementary
therapies.
The
state of Washington
requires insurance plans to include every category of regulated healthcare
provider in their provider networks, including massage therapists.
Massage
therapy is currently regulated in 30 states and the
District
of Columbia.
The remaining states leave any regulation of massage therapy to local
municipalities. Statewide regulation of massage therapists may determine if
your insurance directly covers massage by a massage therapist. Workers
compensation and auto insurance Personal Injury Protection coverage usually
cover therapeutic massage.
Check
with your healthcare insurance provider. Once massage therapy is prescribed,
you or your doctor may need to seek authorization from the insurer if coverage
is not clearly spelled out in your policy or plan.
What
Can you Expect?
The
first appointment generally begins with the massage therapist asking what
prompted you to get a massage, your current physical condition, medical
history, lifestyle, stress level, and painful areas. The massage therapist may
ask you about your health goals and what you hope the massage will do to help
you achieve those goals.
For
a full-body massage, you will be asked to remove clothing to your level of
comfort. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet, towel or gown is
provided for draping. The therapist will undrape only the part of your body
being massaged, ensuring that your modesty is respected at all times. Your
massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a cushioned table.
You should expect a peaceful, relaxing experience.
Some
massages, such as those onsite at your place of business, are done while you
are fully clothed. For this type of massage, often called "seated"
massage, you will sit in a specially designed portable chair.
How
Can you Find a Qualified Massage Therapist?
AMTA's
Find a Massage TherapistSM
national locator service helps consumers and healthcare professionals find
qualified massage therapists in their area, call toll-free at 888-843-2682.
This service allows people in the United
States
seeking a massage therapist to search AMTA's Professional Members for a
practitioner nearby.
Founded
in 1943, the American Massage Therapy Association has more than 46,000 members
in 30 countries. The Association also offers consumer education materials
about the benefits of massage.
AMTA
has strict membership requirements and also has a Code of Ethics and practice
standards that promote the highest quality assurance in the profession.
"I
had neck problems that limited my activities. Massage therapy cleared up the
stiffness and pain in my neck - now I am playing golf and tennis, even biking.
Thanks to massage therapy, I feel I have a more pain-free life." - Paula
Marcotte, Silver
Spring,
MD
Physical
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- Helps
relieve stress and aids relaxation
- Helps
relieve muscle tension and stiffness
- Fosters
faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain
and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
- Reduces
muscle spasms
- Provides
greater joint flexibility and range of motion
- Enhances
athletic performance
- Promotes
deeper and easier breathing
- Improves
circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
- Reduces
blood pressure
- Helps
relieve tension-related headaches and
- Effects
of eye-strain
- Enhances
the health and nourishment of skin
- Improves
posture
- Strengthens
the immune system
Massage
Therapy and Well-Being: Mental Benefits
- Fosters
peace of mind
- Promotes
a relaxed state of mental alertness
- Helps
relieve mental stress
- Improves
ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
- Enhances
capacity for calm thinking and creativity
- Satisfies
needs for caring - nurturing touch
- Fosters
a feeling of well-being
- Reduces
levels of anxiety
- Increases
awareness of mind-body connection
New
AMTA Professional Active Members must be graduates of training programs
accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA); be
graduates of AMTA Council of Schools (AMTA COS) member-schools; be Nationally
Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork; or have a current AMTA-accepted
city, state or provincial license. COMTA-accredited and AMTA COS programs
require a stringent course of study including at least 500 hours of classroom
instruction in anatomy, physiology, massage therapy techniques, first aid, and
CPR.
Certification
by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
is an indication that a massage therapist has attained the
nationally-recognized, highest professional credential in the field. The
certification process incorporates testing in competency, ethics and practice
standards; also, it requires periodic evidence that the massage therapist
participates in continuing education to keep current and competent in the
field.
Self
Massage Therapy and Equipment you can use at Home:
Sometimes
you need the benefits of a massage at home, when it is not practical to go out
to a masseuse. That is when you can use one of these wonderful products to
help your body heal itself. Here are several Massage products that I highly
recommend:
Massage
Chairs
Massage
chairs relieve back pain, stress and promote better health through massage
therapy...
Belt
Massagers The
waves tone, firm, smooth, and strengthen as they
stimulate the spine. This helps to enhance circulation and relaxation or, as
traditional Chinese doctors say, manipulates Chi, the life energy force. The
nodes on the platform are for reflexology to encourage the body's own healing
ability. The vibration stimulates the soles of your feet where acupressure
points are said to coincide with organs throughout body...
Foot
Rollers and Massagers Helps
circulate blood, improves tired and aching muscles, cleans blood vessels,
reduces fatigue and increases metabolism...
Electric
Leg Massagers Great
for soles, ankle and calves.
Relieves fatigue and helps to properly circulate blood...
Acupressure
Massage Tools Massage
waist and back and relieve soreness, massage arms and brighten the skin
massage soles, refresh your organs, massage shoulders to stretch bones and
relax muscles, massage the calves and increase the blood circulation...
Body
Rollers Massages
and stimulates the body, fingers and hands...
Chi
Gong Machinery The
body energy machine is a passive aerobic exerciser that oxygenates, tones, and
strengthens the body while increasing the feelings of aliveness and
well-being....
Electric
Massage Magnetic Pillows Magnetic
Massage pillows relax the back and have an orthopedic design...
Magnessage Delivers
the most efficient "kinetic coupling" to intensify delivery and
penetrate deeper...
References:
Medical College
of
Georgia
Archives; Brad
Stuart, M.D., Hospice Medical Director for the Visiting Nurse Association
& Hospice of
Northern
California; University
of
Miami
School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute archives; Cedars
Sinai
Medical
Center
in
Los
Angeles
archives; Sandra McLanahan, M.D., family practitioner, Buckingham, Va.;
AMTA
Foundation; Chicago
Tribune, April
6, 1995; Landmark
Healthcare archives; Paula
Marcotte, Silver
Spring,
MD;
National
Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) archives
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