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December 2007 [Volume 6, Issue 12]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
More Baby Boomers Using Massage
In its 11th annual survey of American consumers, the American Massage Therapy Association found that more people get massage therapy for medical purposes than for relaxation, with baby boomers leading the way. The goal of a better quality of life and overall wellness drove 24 percent of adult Americans to receive a massage in the past 12 months, with more than a third (34 percent) receiving a massage in the past five years.
Of the 1,008 adult respondents (502 men and 506 women, age 18 or older and living in private households in the U.S.), 30 percent of those who received a massage in the past five years did so for medical reasons, compared to 22 percent who were in search of relaxation and 13 percent who simply indulged in a treatment. Almost one-third (32 percent) of Americans say they've used massage therapy at least once for pain relief, just behind consumers who have chosen chiropractic (38 percent) or physical therapy (44 percent). Survey respondents said they most frequently sought massage for medical reasons such as pain management, injury recovery, soreness, general wellness and control of headaches or migraines.
Maintaining their general health and wellness was a major reason many turned to massage therapy. Of those surveyed, 87 percent agreed with the statement that massage can be effective in reducing pain; 85 percent agreed that massage could be beneficial to health and wellness; and 59 percent would like to see their insurance plans cover massage therapy. In light of these findings, almost one in five (19 percent) reported discussing massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider. And of those 19 percent, more than half (58 percent) said their doctor recommended or encouraged them to get a massage.
The baby boomer generation is leading this trend, with 38 percent of those ages 45 to 64 tending to seek massage for health conditions and medical reasons. In contrast, only 25 percent of people ages 18 to 44 cited medical reasons for getting a massage. In addition, 23 percent of those baby boomers have discussed massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider, compared to 18 percent of those 18 to 24 years of age.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the side effects of massage therapy on 100 clients. The study was conducted at a health clinic at National University of Health Sciences and questioned 100 new and returning massage therapy clients, of which 91 completed all of the survey questions.
According to researchers, the purpose of the study was to determine the amount and type of negative side-effects and positive or unexpected side-effects experienced after a massage session. The study found that overall, 10 percent of the massage clients experienced some minor discomfort after the massage session. However, 23 percent experienced unexpected, nonmusculoskeletal positive side-effects.
The majority of the negative symptoms started less than 12 hours after the massage and lasted for 36 hours or less. The majority of positive benefits began immediately after the massage and lasted more than 48 hours. According to researchers, no major side-effects occurred during this study.
This study appears to be the first to define the rate of side-effects after massage therapy treatment. This data is important to risk-benefit analyses of massage care, however, larger studies are needed to verify the data and to assess the effects of different massage types and durations.
Massage and Spinal Stenosis Question
Question: Is Spinal Stenosis a contraindication for a massage therapy treatment?
Answer: Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space in the vertebrae where the spinal cord travels through. This narrowing can pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the low back and legs. This compression on the nerves will affect muscles and soft tissue.
With this type of condition it is highly recommended that you consult with a doctor before starting any treatments. Massage cannot affect any bony changes that have occurred in the spine but massage therapy can relieve pain and relax the compensating muscles. A contraindication would be not to cause any tension on the affected nerves by making sure the client is positioned comfortably.
Be cautious with extreme (hot or cold) temperatures with hydrotherapy.
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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