Frequent
Questions and Answers
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy spans a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, working to improve an
individuals health and well-being through the hands-on manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body.
What are the key benefits of massage therapy?
Physical -- Massage therapy is designed to stretch and loosen
muscles, improve blood flow and the movement of lymph throughout the body, facilitate the removal of metabolic wastes resulting from exercise or inactivity, and increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and
tissue. In addition, massage stimulates the release of endorphins -- the
body's natural painkillers -- into the brain and nervous system.
Mental -- Massage therapy provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress and enhances capacity for calm
thinking and creativity.
Emotional -- Massage therapy satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch, creates a feeling of well-being and
reduces anxiety levels.
What do research studies say about massage therapy?
Myriad research studies confirm that massage therapy
provides physical, mental and emotional benefits at all stages of life.
How is massage therapy regarded by the medical community?
In many countries, massage therapy is an integral
and important part of the healthcare system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors. While many physicians support the discipline, America is the only developed country where
massage therapy is not yet an official part of the healthcare system. However, as U.S. health insurance providers increasingly look to prevention, they are beginning to extend coverage
on some plans to include complementary medicine and the practice of massage therapy.
How popular is massage therapy as a form of medical treatment?
According to a 1993 article in the New England
Journal of Medicine, massage therapy is estimated to be the third most prevalent type of alternative/complementary medical treatment sought by adult Americans -- following relaxation
techniques and chiropractic.
Is massage therapy a luxury?
This is a mistaken perception that is rapidly changing as massage therapy
becomes increasingly accepted as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, according to one media characterization, "massage is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car.
It provides a physical boost to the weary, sore and stressed."
What is fueling the growth of massage therapy?
The health and fitness movement is a driving force behind the growth
of the massage therapy profession, as is America's growing emphasis on wellness. Athletes and performing artists praise massage for the way it helps to improve performance and enhance recovery; doctors increasingly
recommend it for stress relief and as part of treatment programs for chronic pain and other medical conditions; and, businesses have begun to recognize its potential to boost worker productivity and morale.
When might the use of massage therapy be inappropriate?
If you suffer from certain circulatory ailments (such as
phlebitis), infectious diseases, certain forms of cancer, cardiac problems, certain skin conditions, or any inflamed or infected tissues, be sure to consult your physician before initiating any massage program. An
experienced massage therapist will also be able to tell you when massage in not indicated.
What should a consumer expect when they receive a massage for the first time?
At first contact, the massage
therapist should ask questions about the reasons for getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle and stress level and experiences with specific areas of pain. If necessary, undressing
takes place in private and a sheet, towel or gown is provided for draping during the massage. The therapist will undrape only the part of the body being massaged, insuring that modesty is respected at all times. The
massage takes place on a comfortable padded table.
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