Therapeutic Massage:
Not Just Decadent Anymore
Therapeutic massage is the intentional and organized manipulation of the
tissues in the body using touch and movement. Usually, this is done using hands
and elbows but today some massage therapists incorporate mechanical tools as
well to facilitate muscle relaxation. For decades, such experiences were seen
as luxuries for professional athletes and the rich. Recently, the clinical
research has begun to show the benefits of therapeutic
massage for pain, aggression, neonatal patients, joint pain, post-traumatic
stress disorder, range of motion improvement and more.[i]
·
What does the research say? Over the past several
years, studies made on the effects of massage on various health conditions have
skyrocketed. Here are what some of the major studies have shown:
·
Massage can help with chronic back pain. Alternative therapies such as seeing a chiropractor
in conjunction with a physical therapist have been shown to dramatically reduce
chronic back pain when used in conjunction with therapeutic massage.[ii]
Further, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2011 found
that either structural or relaxation massage can help reduce lower back pain
for up to six months.[iii]
·
Massage can relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degeneration of
the cartilage and underlying bone in joints such as knee, hip, elbows and
thumbs. It is debilitating and painful. An article in the Wall Street Journal
states: “Massage is already widely used to treat osteoarthritis, for which
other treatments have concerning side effects. A study published in the
Archives of Internal Medicine in 2006 showed that full-body Swedish massage
greatly improved symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients who had massages
twice weekly for four weeks and once a week for an additional four weeks had
less pain and stiffness and better range of motion than those who didn't get
massages. They were also able to walk a 50-foot path more quickly.” [iv]
How Does It Work?:
Massages should be provided by a certified massage therapist or physical
therapist who is trained. The patient usually lies down on a massage table and
the therapist provides the massage. There are several types of massage
including Swedish, Reflexology, and Deep Tissue. Massage works by
kneading and stroking muscles to relax them and uses friction to stimulate soft
tissues. This therapy can increase
circulation while breaking up scar tissue between muscle fibers. Usually,
massage sessions last about one hour and can be undergone once or twice a week.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend more sessions, depending on the patient
and the condition they are seeking to treat. A massage therapist and your
physician can help you determine what kind of massage is appropriate for you.
What Does Therapeutic Massage Feel Like?
Therapeutic massage usually feels good though the effects vary with each
individual. Clothing is optional but is
often removed from just the area being treated, keeping patients warm, relaxed
and comfortable. A lubricating oil or
lotion is used to reduce friction during the massage session. Some people find
parts of the massage painful, especially Deep Tissue massage where knots in
muscles are manipulated.
There is little doubt anymore that therapeutic massage is useful for
many people with many different conditions. Physical, mental and emotional
disorders can be helped and managed with therapeutic massage.
[i] National Center for Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (2014) Massage therapy for health purposes: what you need to know.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm
[ii] Filler, Aaron G. (2004) Do You Really Need Back
Surgery? A Surgeon’s Guide to Neck and Back Pain and How to Choose Your
Treatment. Oxford University Press.
[iii]
http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=747008
[iv]
Peterson, A. (2011). Don’t call it pampering: Massage wants to be a medicine. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304537904577277303049173934
www.skylinechiro.com
