Massage For Health & Fitness

More Information About Massage Therapy

Introduction

What is Therapeutic Massage?

How Can Massage Be Medically Beneficial?

What Does Research Show About Massage Therapy?

What is the Cost of Massage Therapy and Will My Insurance Cover It?

What Can You Expect?

Glossary of Massage Techniques

Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Massage Therapy and Well-Being: Mental Benefits

Whether seeking relief for a medical condition, searching for a method to help deal with the stresses of daily life or wanting to maintain good health, more and more Americans are turning to therapeutic massage.

Massage doesn't just feel good, research shows it reduces the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Therapeutic massage enhances medical treatment and helps people feel less anxious and stressed, relaxed yet more alert.

A national survey conducted by the State University of New York at Syracuse found 54 percent of primary care physicians and family practitioners said they would encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy as a treatment, and a third of those said they are willing to refer patients to a massage therapist. .

There also is a growing trend of offering therapeutic massage in the workplace. Your employer may be among those who have learned that massage therapy isn't just a perk, but actually increases employee productivity and morale.

According to a 1996 survey of employees who regularly receive therapeutic massage on-site at Reebok International Ltd., 98 percent said it helped them reduce work-related stress; 92 percent said it increased alertness, motivation and productivity; 83 percent said it had in some cases sufficiently addressed a problem so medical attention was not necessary; and 66 percent said it had enabled them to stay at work when they would have otherwise gone home sick.

Health insurance companies and HMOs, realizing the cost savings of therapeutic massage, are increasingly covering or reimbursing massage when it is prescribed or provided by authorized professionals.
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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 or injuries; and

Sports massage which focuses on muscle groups relevant to the particular sport.
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How can massage be medically beneficial?

People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

allergies

anxiety

arthritis (both 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

stress

temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

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 can be inappropriate in some cases, such as:

inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)

infectious diseases

certain forms of cancer

some skin conditions

some cardiac problems

If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.
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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 100 published studies.

At the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, 55 studies on touch, the majority on massage therapy ‹ have been published or are under way. And, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ‹ the government agency that oversees and conducts medical research in the United States, opened an Office of Alternative Medicine in 1992, which has funded several studies on the benefits of massage. More research is under way.

Among research findings so far:

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.
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What is the cost of massage therapy and will my insurance cover it?

"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

While cost depends on the locality, type and length of the massage and the experience of the therapist, fees generally start from $45 an hour to $85 an hour..

Insurance providers continue to recognize the advantages of massage therapy and coverage is increasing, particularly in the 25 states and the District of Columbia where massage therapists are licensed by state regulatory bodies. Generally, therapeutic massage is covered or reimbursable when it is given by an authorized healthcare provider. Some states are considering legislation which would require insurance companies to cover "treatments" by licensed, alternative medicine providers, including massage therapists.
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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.

Some massages, such as those on-site at your place of business, are done while you are fully clothed. 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, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. Your massage will take place in a comfortable atmosphere and on a padded table. You should expect a peaceful, relaxing experience.
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Glossary of Terms

Crania-Sacral is a technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause sensory, motor or intellectual dysfunction.

Deep Tissue, releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.

Reflexology (zone therapy) is organized around a system of points on the hands and feet that are thought to correspond, or "reflex," to all areas of the body. Though the massage is specific to an area, it is intended to affect the whole body.

Shiatsu and Acupressure are systems of finger-pressure massage, based on Oriental healing concepts, which treat special points along "meridians," the invisible channels of energy flow in the body. Energy blocked along these meridians can cause physical discomfort, so the aim is to release the blockage and re-balance the energy flow. They can be used for the full body or for specific areas of the body.

Sports Massage Therapy is classified into three main categories: maintenance, event and rehabilitation. Maintenance massage is a regular program of massage to help the athlete reach optimal performance through injury-free training. Event massage takes place before, during and/or after competition to supplement an athlete�s warm-up, readying the athlete for top performance, and/or to reduce the muscle spasms and metabolic build-up that occurs with vigorous exercise. Such techniques enhance the body�s recovery process, improving the athletes return to high-level training and competition, and reducing the risk of injury. Rehabilitation massage techniques are effective in the management of both acute and chronic injuries.

Swedish Massage uses a system of long strokes, kneading, and friction percussive and vibration techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, combined with active and passive movements of the joints. It is used primarily for full-body sessions and promotes general relaxation, improves blood circulation and range of motion, and relieves muscle tension. Swedish is the most common type of massage.

Trigger Point Therapy (a.k.a. Myotherapy or Neuromuscular Therapy) applies concentrated finger pressure to "trigger points" (painful irritated areas in muscles) to break cycles of spasm and pain.
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Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

Helps relieve stress and aids in 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