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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Chronic Pain Becoming a Chronic Problem
• Oncology Massage
• Answers to Your Massage Questions: Highlights From This Month's "Ask a Massage Therapist" Online Forum

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its 30th annual report on the health status of the nation, Health, United States, 2006. This document, prepared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the President and Congress, frames a general picture of health and trends in health care utilization, resources and expenditures. While the overall health of the nation seems to be improving or holding steady in many areas, results from the National Health Interview survey highlight the need for appropriate management of one particular condition: pain. Pain was such a prevalent complaint among those interviewed, researchers devoted a special section of the 2006 report solely to this condition. Titled "Special Feature: Pain," this section of the report focuses on pain as it affects various anatomical locations, including the low back, head, neck, face and joints.

All in all, life expectancy in this country is continuing a steady, upward trend. But as Americans are living longer, the question remains, "Are they living well?" Between 1999 and 2002, more than 25 percent of Americans over the age of 20 reported suffering pain - of any kind - that persisted for longer than 24 hours. Nearly 60 percent of adults older than 65 who reported pain indicated their pain lasted for an entire year or longer.

Low back pain was the most commonly reported type of pain, the most common cause of job-related disability, and a leading contributor to missed work and reduced productivity. According to a 2003 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, more than 100 million people suffer from low back pain and approximately $25 billion a year is spent in search of relief. This study showed that massage therapy provided better results and reduced the need for painkillers by 36 percent as compared to other therapies.

The second most frequently reported chronic pain type in the CDC survey was severe headache and/or migraine According to an August 2006 study in the Annals of Behavior Medicine, people receiving massage therapy exhibited fewer migraines and better sleep quality during the weeks they received the therapy, as well as three weeks following their massage therapy treatments. Study participants who did not receive massage therapy did not fare as well in finding relief for their migraine headaches. Massage also is believed to increase serotonin levels, which help to regulate sleep, mood and appetite.

For a copy of Health, United States, 2006, including the section, "Special Feature: Pain", please visit www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus.htm.

Years of constant research have developed numerous new treatments to eradicate cancer or at least prolong the quality of life of a person living with cancer. "You have cancer" will be some of the scariest words you will ever hear in your life!

Massage therapy is one of the most relaxing forms of touch available. Massage therapy also has many health benefits, but there have been concerns that massage therapy actually can cause the cancer to spread. Most massage therapy schools taught that cancer was a contraindication for massage. The two main concerns of how massage therapy could spread cancer involved its effects on circulation and the cancer tumors. Research continues to dispute the original concerns that massage therapy can spread cancer. The support to dispute this myth grows each year through credible experts and numerous studies.

Oncology massage therapy actually is a combination of many styles of massage incorporated into one session. The differences in the styles and techniques used with cancer patients are noticeable both visually and physically. Oncology massage is a non-invasive technique, specifically adapted for individuals of all ages and types of cancer. Cancer patients should only receive massage therapy from a therapist educated in oncology massage. A therapist uneducated in the adaptations of these styles and proper techniques actually can cause the cancer patient to develop different conditions and even cause the death of the patient. There are contraindications and precautions for a cancer patient to receive massage therapy. This list has grown over the years to become more complete and ensure that those who are educated in oncology massage also are educated in what they should not do and what they should be cautious of.

Acceptance of massage therapy for cancer patients from medical professionals has been a continuing educational process for the medical institutions, physicians and the oncology massage therapists. The medical institutions require credentials and protocols for treatment and procedure manuals. This means a massage therapist must be able to produce documentation and certification that he or she has had education in massage with cancer patients, in addition to the standard education in massage therapy. The therapist also must have detailed protocols for treatment that give an outline of the therapy plans for each stage of cancer, such as: pre- and post surgical protocols, chemotherapy and radiation protocols, lymphedema protocols and scar tissue protocols.

Oncology massage therapy provided by a properly educated oncology massage therapist is a definite indication for those living with or surviving the disease.

Question: I am a 50-year old female with spastic Cerebral Palsy. I walk with the aid of crutches and have a full-time job. Lately, I have been experiencing muscle spasms in my legs while walking. I have been to the chiropractor several times but I think he gave up on me because he recommended a massage therapist. What do I need to tell the massage therapist and what do I need to know?

Answer: Choose a massage therapist that has some experience with your type of condition. Your doctor or chiropractor probably can recommend someone.

The first thing the therapist most likely will do is get a detailed health background, do some muscle testing and evaluate your posture. Make sure you let the massage therapist know any medications that you are taking.

Massage therapy can bring relaxation and structural improvement to people suffering from Cerebral Palsy. It stimulates circulation and works muscles that the client isn't able to work on their own. The goal is normalizing muscle tone and helping to change reflex patterns. This should help reduce the muscle spasms in your legs. Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles so it partially compensates for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from CP. Massage therapy also stimulates the lymphatic system to eliminate by-products of the body. This helps the body to fight infections and strengthens the immune system.

Swedish massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release and craniosacral therapy are some massage types that work well for CP sufferers. Of course, each individual responds differently so techniques may need to be modified specifically for you. Ideally, it’s wonderful to teach a friend or family member some simple massage techniques that they can do to help you at home on a regular basis.

Wendy Turpin, RMT

Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.

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