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HEALTH
Massage Therapy: A Priority, Not Just a Luxury
By Jen Hathaway, BS, LMT
Most people think of massage as a luxury, only enjoyed when trying to pamper yourself, and do not fully understand the numerous benefits. Massage is an ancient form of manual therapy, which has been around for centuries. Around 1200 B.C., Asclepius, Greek god of healing, gave massage to the Greek athletes as a regular part of their training regimen. Hippocrates, who is considered the founder of modern medicine, continued Asclepius' work. He recommended massage as a treatment for many medical conditions. These men and many others pioneered and helped massage therapy develop into the discipline that it is today.
Massage therapy has increased in popularity over the last two decades. Gradually gaining the long deserved respect as a beneficial complementary therapy. In a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, 54% of physicians say they would encourage their patients to pursue massage as a complement to medical treatment. Today, one in four Americans (27%) reports having received a professional massage in the last five years. This is an increase from 22% since 1998 and 17% in 1997.
Massage not only feels good, but it has many benefits as well. Medically, it increases immune system functioning, decreases blood pressure, and relieves migraines and muscle tension headaches. Massage can ease the pain of arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome; improve asthma conditions and even help with insomnia. The physical benefits include a decrease in pain and swelling related to injuries or disease. Massage helps restore proper posture and improves flexibility by releasing chronic "holding patterns" in soft tissue, and assists in restoring range of motion to injured or overused joints.
While a massage is certainly relaxing, it also dampens stress hormones and raises mood elevating brain chemicals such as serotonin. All of this makes you better able to handle and monitor stress signals. "Put massage in the same category with proper diet and exercise as something that helps maintain essential health" Dr. Tiffany Field, Director of the Touch Research Institute in Miami, Florida.
The Touch Research Institute (TRI) studies the effects of touch on human beings. TRI has studied the effects therapeutic massage has on all aspects of life. Premature infants who received daily massage gained 28% more weight and left the hospital an average of six days earlier. In HIV patients, serotonin and killer T-cells increased due to massage. Other research has shown that massage reduces the amount of stress hormones released, alleviates depressions symptoms, and positively alters the immune system. With the latest research and increased media attention, more people are incorporating massage into the wellness routine.
There are different types of massage made up of many different strokes.
Swedish massage is probably the most well known type; it manipulates the superficial layers of the skin and muscle with long, smooth, gliding strokes. It is designed to relieve general muscle tension and promote a deep state of relaxation.
Deep Tissue massage involves slow, intensive strokes and deep pressure or friction to specific muscle groups and their surrounding tissues. This is mostly used work out "knots" in the muscle and to restore range of motion after injuries. It also helps form healthy, pliable scar tissue after an injury or surgery.
Shiatsu is an ancient form of "finger pressure" applied to meridians, which are energy pathways related to particular organs in the body. It may have spiritual as well as physical and mental components in that it releases energy that is "stuck" and allows it to flow which can alleviate aches and pains, tension or other chronic problems.
Sports Massage is a combination of Swedish and deep tissue techniques. It is performed on specific muscle groups related to the specific activity of the client. For example, a therapist treating a runner would focus more attention on the legs and lower back than if she were treating a baseball pitcher, who would receive more attention on the shoulder and upper back. Sports massage also enhances athletic performance and promotes faster recovery from strenuous workouts, possibly preventing overuse injuries.
Trigger Point Therapy involves the therapist applying pressure to particular muscular irritations that radiate pain to other points in the body. It helps increase blood flow, which releases intense knots of muscle tension that press on nerves and create irritation. Mary, a client, complained of severe headaches, which could be pinpointed to her brow. She found relief when her therapist applied deep pressure to her trapeziums muscle (the large triangular muscle that is connected to the neck, spine and shoulder). Now when a headache strikes, she knows it is actually her upper back that needs attention, not the point on her head.
Reflexology involves thumb or finger pressure applied to specific points on the feet and hands that correspond to areas of the body. It is used to relieve stress and increase the flow of energy.
Cranial Sacral Therapy is mild pressure and manipulation with fingers, palm or entire hand to stimulate and balance the fluidity of the head neck and torso. It helps ease muscle tension, headaches, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and sinus pain.
On-Site massage is a method of seated massage through the clothing. It is usually in an office setting, health fairs or special events. The benefits of receiving massage in the workplace include increased employee moral and productivity, decrease in absenteeism (especially the day of the massage!) and decrease job stress.
Rolfing involves extremely deep pressure, which can be quite painful. Typically, it involves a series of 9 sessions and results in a cathartic release of stress and anxiety, and it improves physical efficiency by restoring energy and balance, especially for those with poor posture.
Once you have decided which type of therapy you need, there are certain things to keep in mind when choosing a massage therapist. First, make sure they are licensed. New York State requires 1000 hours of training supervised by an authorized program and successful completion of a state exam before granting a license. Second, ask where and when they received their training, what level they attained and if they have special training in a particular massage technique. Third, trust your own comfort level.
Your therapist should always maintain a professional relationship that consists of proper draping techniques, client confidentiality and a sanitary environment. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) "Find a Massage Therapist" free locator service can help you connect with a professional therapist near you. Call (888) THE-AMTA (843-2682) or visit their web site at www.amtamassage.org.
For the most part, massage is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, there are certain conditions that are contraindicated. Individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure, recent surgery, fractures, pregnancy, phlebitis, infections, and cardiac issues should check with their physician before receiving a massage.
Massage is no longer considered just an indulgence. It is now being recognized as an effective treatment for many health conditions and an essential tool in fighting against the hectic, stressful pace of life today.
Jen Hathaway, BS, LMT is a sports massage therapist and a personal
trainer working in Clifton Park. She enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking,
playing softball and volleyball.
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