November 2003 [Volume 2, Issue 11]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Three Surveys Say Massage Relieves Pain
• Massage Therapy Leaves No Stone Unturned
• This Month's Massage Q & A

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recently announced the results of three surveys that conclude more people are seeking massage therapy to relieve and manage their pain. According to a consumer survey conducted by the AMTA, 47 percent of those polled said they have tried massage for pain relief, while 91 percent of adults polled said massage therapy is effective in reducing pain.

Sixty-three percent of massage clients polled in another national survey conducted by AMTA-member massage therapists said that massage therapy provides more relief from pain than chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy and other forms of bodywork; 96 percent of these same clients said they would use massage again for pain relief.

A third survey, sponsored by the AMTA and conducted by the American Hospital Association (AHA), questioned hospitals about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, including massage therapy. Of the 1,007 hospitals that responded, 82 percent of those offering CAM therapies included massage therapy, while more than 70 percent used massage therapy for pain relief and pain management.

With so many people in agreement on the benefits of massage for pain relief, there is little doubt that massage can work for you, too. If you suffer from pain, talk to your massage therapist about a pain management regimen.

For more information on the benefits of massage or to find a massage therapist in your area, visit www.massagetoday.com.

Source: "Massage Therapy Increasingly Sought for Pain Relief." AMTA press release. Oct. 15, 2003. www.amtamassage.org.

Want to treat yourself to a truly luxurious massage experience? Try stone massage, a technique dating back thousands of years. Historical evidence cites the use of stones during Roman times, and ancient Egyptian practices involved the use of stones and crystals to promote the body's natural healing processes.

Modern stone massage is used in both spa and clinical settings, and involves the application of warm stones, cool stones or a combination of both. Stones can be used on the entire body or specific areas. The use of warm stones can help relieve muscle pain and spasm, and increase circulation and blood flow; cold stones help reduce muscle inflammation and provide added stimulation. Stone massage can also help remove blockages, aid lymph flow and eliminate stress, which promotes relaxation, and restores harmony and balance to the body. Stone massage is often used in conjunction with aromatherapy, essential oils, energy work and other massage modalities.

To learn more, visit www.massagetoday.com/archives/2003/11/15.html to read Sonia Alexandra's article "Stone Massage: A Catalyst for Health."

Question: Are there people who like to have their faces massaged with a lot of pressure? I had a therapist press and pull quite hard on my cheek area, which felt as though it it going to ruin my skin.

Answer: Massaging the face does not require a lot of pressure, whether one uses gliding strokes or other techniques.

Question: I am considering going to massage therapy school but I suffer from a bulging disk. Right now, the pain is manageable but I'm not sure if I am strong enough or if a career in massage therapy would irritate my disk and cause spasms. Other than that, I am in good physical shape.

Answer: Do not let your physical condition stop you from studying massage therapy. A common misconception is that a good massage therapist is a strong massage therapist. What separates a good massage therapist from others are refined palpation skills and directed intention. Palpation performed with a gentle touch can provide information concerning a patient's physical, mental and emotional well-being. The lighter the touch the deeper the work can be. CranioSacral Therapy is one modality in which light touch can have a profound effect on the body.

Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. The forum is located online at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.

This edition of To Your Health is co-sponsored by:

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