November 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 11]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Massage Benefits Those Suffering From Eating Disorders
• Most Common Conditions Treated With Massage
• Massage and Lymphatic Massage Question

Massage Benefits Those Suffering From Eating Disorders

Researchers from the University of Arizona and the Sierra Tucson inpatient behavioral disorder and addiction treatment center conducted a study showing that a complementary treatment plan including massage therapy benefits those suffering from eating disorders.

Patients at Sierra Tucson were divided into two groups: a standard eating disorder program group and a group that also received massage, acupuncture and dietary supplements. Researchers Carolyn Ross, MD, MPH, of Sierra Tucson and Patricia Herman, ND, of the University of Arizona, reviewed charts to see if an integrated medicine approach had any effect on patient's symptoms including insomnia and constipation, and their use of conventional medicine to treat these symptoms.

According to Ross and Herman, sleep quality remained consistently high for those in the massage and complementary group and the requests for prescription sleep medications dropped from 55 percent to 11 percent. In additional, reports of constipation and the use of conventional constipation medication both dropped significantly.

"We are excited by these results, but even more by the benefits to our patients in terms of reduced barriers to re-feeding and increased energy and attention on the work needed for recovery," Ross said.

Most Common Conditions Treated With Massage

Elements therapeutic massage recently released its top four most common conditions treated on a regular basis.

The number one, most commonly treated condition treated by Elements therapists is headaches including cluster, migraine, tension and sinus headaches. Most people who suffer from headaches typically take aspirin or ibuprofen, but many don't know that massage can provide a natural alternative to achieve long-term results.

The second most commonly treated condition is carpal tunnel syndrome which can cause painful numbness in the palm and last two fingers. Many people who think they might have CTS, but they actually have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or tightness in the pronator teres muscle in the forearm. Massage, stretching and sometimes wrist splints can help reduce the discomfort caused by these conditions.

The third most commonly treated condition is plantar fasciitis which includes symptoms of stiffness in the arch of the foot or pain in the heel especially first thing in the morning. The pain is caused by the shortening of the largest ligament in the bottom of the foot. Pain can be caused by direct injury to the heel or by repetitive impact on the feet. Massage can provide deep, slow massage and stretching to the feet and calf muscles.

The fourth most commonly treated condition is for women who are pregnant and seeking relief from the discomforts that can come with pregnancy. Many benefits come from prenatal massage including contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety and shortening hospital stays. Some studies suggest that massage can enhance the production of immune system t-cells in the mother and her baby.

Massage and Lymphatic Massage Question

Question: I have an 11-year-old with lymphatic malformation. So far, she has had four surgeries and five injections of a study drug called Ok 432. I am now trying to find info on lymphatic massage to see if this might be something possible for her. LM is a birth defect that mostly happens in the neck area. In short, when my daughter has a new swelling it looks like she is hiding large eggs under her chin. Would lymphatic massage benefit a child like her? Would it be dangerous? How can I find more info on massage for lymphatic malformation?

Answer: I believe lymphatic massage would be safe and beneficial for your daughter. What you will be looking for is a healthcare practitioner trained in the Vodder Technique. To find a therapist that has been trained in the Vodder Technique of Manual Lymphatic Drainage, visit www.vodderschool.com/therapist_search.cfm.

There was a good article about this type of technique in the Massage Today archives www.massagetoday.com/archives/2002/06/03.html.

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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