According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the term “massage therapy” encompasses a number of different techniques that involve, in a general sense, the manipulation of the body’s muscles and soft tissue in order to promote relaxation or healing. Several types of massage are widely practiced within the United States, including Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage.
Massage is becoming increasingly popular across the country, particularly as the mainstream medical community is beginning to pay more attention to the potential benefits of massage therapy. In fact, a US Department of Labor report predicts that employment for massage therapists will increase 20% (faster than most other occupations) from 2006 to 2016 as more people become aware of the benefits offered by massage therapy.
Who Needs Massage Therapy?
Many people seek massage therapy when stress, job-related or otherwise, has begun to negatively impact their overall quality of life. The state of deep relaxation that can be achieved by a talented massage therapist is highly sought after by tension-ridden executives and overtired homemakers alike. Of course, there are certainly those who get massages simply to feel pampered, enjoy some peace and quiet and indulge themselves once in a while. After all, massage has long been a staple at day spas and resorts, and a good 60-minute Swedish can make any day feel like a special occasion.
A growing number of people are also turning to massage therapy to supplement their medical treatment for a variety of conditions. Common reasons people see a massage therapist include low back pain, muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety, headaches and sports injuries.
The Potential Benefits
Although massage is often associated with luxury and self-indulgence, massage therapy appears to have real health benefits. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reports benefits ranging from stress relief to pain reduction and improved healing times.
Massage therapy also appears to benefit those suffering from sleep disorders. A natural sleep aid, massage has been shown to improve sleep patterns in individuals experiencing stress-induced insomnia.
Studies indicate that massage may be helpful in treating certain types of chronic pain that have not responded to conventional treatments. AMTA cites studies indicating that the effects of massage may help alleviate the perception of pain, and may also help individuals with chronic pain conditions more effectively cope with their pain.
Interestingly, research is also being done on the effects of massage therapy on newborn babies, particularly those that are pre-term. Results indicate that regular massage may help improve the infants’ sleep quality and weight gain, improving their overall health outlook.
Because massage therapy is becoming more widely recognized as a legitimate supplemental treatment option for a variety of conditions, many insurance companies offer coverage for massage in situations where it has been recommended by an individual’s primary care doctor.
Risks
Because massage therapy is still considered an “alternative” therapy, not every insurance plan covers it, nor is there a guarantee that your doctor will recommend it for your condition. As most massage therapists will tell you, the best way to experience the benefits of massage is to undergo regular treatment (usually one or more times per month). Footing the bill for weekly or bi-weekly massages on your own will definitely take a toll on your finances over the long term.
Although solid scientific evidence on the topic is limited, the NCCAM web site states that, when properly performed by a licensed professional, massage therapy appears to be associated with few risks. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the oils that are commonly used in massage, and certain types of medical conditions make some people poor candidates for massage therapy. These conditions include bleeding disorders, blood clots, skin infections, recent surgery or weakened bones.
The Bottom Line
Whether you simply want to feel pampered or are suffering from a medical condition that has not responded to conventional treatment, there are lots of reasons to give massage therapy a try. Assuming that you can afford it and have access to a qualified massage therapist, you can expect to, at the very least, enjoy a few moments of relaxation. You may even experience some excellent benefits to your physical health and overall wellness.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
