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1 What
is massage therapy?
Massage therapy spans a
wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve
an individual’s health and well-being through the
hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of
the body.
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2. What
are the key benefits of massage therapy?
Physical --
Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen muscles,
improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout
the body, facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes
resulting from exercise or inactivity, and increase the
flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and tissue. In
addition, massage stimulates the release of endorphins --
the body’s natural painkiller -- into the brain and
nervous system.
Mental -- Massage
therapy provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces
mental stress and enhances capacity for calm thinking and
creativity.
Emotional --
Massage therapy satisfies the need for caring and
nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being and
reduces anxiety levels.
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3. Who
can benefit from massage therapy?
Everyone can benefit from
getting a massage! Many find that
a professional massage can have special applications
suited for their personal needs. Many will set up a
weekly, or bi-weekly session in order to keep their energy
levels and stress levels intact.
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4. What
do research studies say about massage therapy?
Myriad research studies
confirm that massage therapy provides physical, mental and
emotional benefits at all stages of life.
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5. How
is massage therapy regarded by the medical community?
In many countries,
massage therapy is an integral and important part of the
healthcare system, with massage therapists working
alongside doctors. While many physicians support the
discipline to get a massage on a regular basis. America is the only developed country where
massage therapy is not yet an official part of the
healthcare system. However, as U.S. health insurance
providers increasingly look to prevention, they are
beginning to extend coverage on some plans to include
complementary medicine and the practice of massage
therapy.
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6. How
popular is massage therapy as a form of medical treatment?
According to a 1993
article in the New England Journal of Medicine,
massage therapy is estimated to be the third most
prevalent type of alternative/complementary medical
treatment sought by adult Americans -- following
relaxation techniques and chiropractic.
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7. How
often do U.S. consumers visit massage therapists and how
much do they spend?
Estimates are that
consumers visit massage therapists 75 million times per
year, spending between $2 billion and $4 billion annually
on these visits. A 1993 article in the New England
Journal of Medicine estimated that annual expenditures
for massage therapy accounted for approximately 26 percent
of the $11.7 billion spent on alternative
healthcare-provider services and about 18 percent of the
425 million annual visits to such providers.
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8. Is
massage therapy a luxury?
Dr. Randall Gallaway
Executive
Director
Partners
In Development Worldwide
office (806) 785-8789
mobile (806) 773-0133
RandyGa@pobox.com
www.pidw.org
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9. What
is the average cost of a massage?
Cost depends upon the
type of treatment, the experience of the practitioner,
geographic location and length of the massage. Nationally,
the range is from $45 to $150 for an hour-long treatment,
with home visits sometimes more expensive due to travel
time.
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10. What
credentials should a qualified massage therapists have?
A qualified massage
therapist should either be nationally certified or be able
to document professional training in massage therapy at an
accredited institution.
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11. How
many massage therapists are there in the U.S.?
The number of massage
therapists is estimated at between 120,000 and 150,000,
including part-time and full-time practitioners.
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12. In
what setting do massage therapists practice?
Massage therapists offer
their services in a wide variety of settings, including:
- private practice
clinics and offices
- chiropractors’
offices
- salons, spas, resorts
and cruise ships
- health clubs and
fitness centers
- nursing homes and
hospitals
- on-site in the
workplace
- in client’s homes
- schools
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13. Is
massage therapy a growing profession recognized by others?
- Today, 32 of
approximately 120 medical schools offer courses in
alternative medicine. The number continues to grow
annually, with estimates that all 120 schools will
offer courses in alternative medicine by the year
2010.
- The National
Institutes of Health created the Office of Alternative
Medicine in 1992 to study the efficacy of alternative
therapies.
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14. Why
are more people becoming involved in massage therapy?
The health and fitness
movement is a driving force behind the growth of the
massage therapy profession, as is America’s growing
emphasis on wellness. Athletes and performing artists
praise massage for the way it helps to improve performance
and enhance recovery; doctors increasingly recommend it
for stress relief and as part of treatment programs for
chronic pain and other medical conditions; and, businesses
have begun to recognize its potential to boost worker
productivity and moral.
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15. When
might the use of massage therapy be inappropriate?
If you suffer from
certain circulatory ailments (such as phlebitis),
infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac
problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or
infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before
initiating any massage program. Massage is recommended
for many who have cancer. READ
MORE!
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16. What
should a consumer expect when they receive a massage for the
first time?
At first contact, the
massage therapist should ask question about the reasons
for getting a massage, current physical condition, medical
history, lifestyle and stress level and experiences with
specific areas of pain. If necessary, undressing takes
place in private and a sheet, towel or gown is provided
for draping during the massage. The therapist will undrape
only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that
modesty is respected at all times. The massage takes place
on a comfortable padded table.
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17. What
information should be given to the massage therapist?
A person receiving a
massage should give the therapist accurate health
information and always report discomfort of any kind --
whether it’s from the massage itself or due to room
temperature, volume of music, or other distractions.
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