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September 23, 2009

Massage: More than fluff & buff

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Are you stressed out? Sore from overdoing physical activity? Tired of nagging sciatica or low back pain? Can't shake that exhausted feeling? Consider a massage. Once regarded as merely a guilty pleasure, massage therapy today is gaining recognition among mainstream healthcare experts and institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as a practice for preventing and treating a wide range of health issues. For example, massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process. People are increasingly turning to massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.

Although scientific research on massage therapy is still somewhat limited, there is mounting evidence that massage benefits some patients, including:

  • Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
  • Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
  • Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
  • Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
  • Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

In a recent article published by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the NIH, researchers report the general conclusion that massage therapy is effective. The studies included in the analysis suggest that a single session of massage therapy can reduce "state anxiety" (a reaction to a particular situation), blood pressure, and heart rate, and multiple sessions can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness), depression, and pain.

Additional studies suggest that massage may benefit certain conditions, for example:

(1) A 2008 review of 13 clinical trials found evidence that massage can be useful for chronic low-back pain. In addition, clinical practice guidelines issued in 2007 by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recommend that physicians consider using massage when patients with chronic low-back pain do not respond to conventional treatment.

(2) A multi-site study of more than 300 hospice patients with advanced cancer concluded that massage can help to relieve pain and improve mood for these patients.

(3) A study of 64 patients with chronic neck pain found that therapeutic massage was more beneficial than a self-care book, in terms of improving function and relieving symptoms.

Regardless of the adjectives we assign to massage (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic), or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation, and reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

There are numerous theories about how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, the "gate control theory" suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other examples include theories suggesting that massage might stimulate the release of certain "feel-good" chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body.

The NCCAM is sponsoring additional studies to answer questions like how and why massage therapy works, and identify the purposes for which massage may be most helpful. Current studies are exploring the effects of massage on everything from pain, anxiety, and depression, to fatigue in cancer patients, and weight gain and immune system function in preterm infants.

In the meantime, they report that massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is used appropriately and provided by a trained massage professional. They suggest consumers tell their health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices they use to give them a full picture of anything they do to manage their health, as this will help ensure coordinated and safe care, especially if you have a bleeding disorder, low blood platelet counts, or are taking blood-thinning medications. Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery. And although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist. Lastly, pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.

Finally, If You Are Thinking About Using Massage Therapy:

  • Do not use massage therapy to replace your regular medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem.
  • If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Your health care provider may also be able to help you select a massage therapist. You might also look for published research articles on massage therapy for your condition.
  • Before deciding to begin massage therapy, ask about the therapist's training, experience, and credentials. Also ask about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost, and insurance coverage.
  • If a massage therapist suggests using other complementary and alternative practices (for example, herbs or other supplements, or a special diet), discuss it first with your regular health care provider.

All spas offer massage. You will find everything from a basic Swedish massage to a Ashiatsu (deep barefoot massage) on the menus. If you haven't had a massage before, I highly recommend starting with a classic Swedish massage. If massage is not new to you, check out the wide variety of massages to choose from at Destination Spas.

Article written by Joann Wolff, Director at Deerfield Spa and Michelle Kleist, Executive Director of Destination Spa Group


 

Posted by Michelle Kleist at 03:41 PM in Spa, Spa Treatments |

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