Massage in the News

Interesting article from the Washington Post:

Alternative therapies almost always pay off 

Hospitals offer these treatments not only because they work, but also because they attracts patients. Who knew?

'via Blog this'

Low Back Pain: Five Tips for Massage Therapy Clients

Massage therapy has been a coveted way to relieve low back pain for as long as historical documents on the subject exist. However, a new study commands an even greater level of respect for massage's effectiveness at helping this problem. As published in a July 2011 edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine, a study funded by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy for chronic low back pain.

In this study, over 400 participants with chronic low back pain either received weekly whole-body massages for relaxation, weekly massages that focused on specific muscle problems around the lower back and hips, or usual care. Those receiving usual care typically took pain medications or muscle relaxants, saw doctors or chiropractors, received physical therapy or simply did nothing. The researchers found that both types of massage therapy were much more effective at relieving low back pain than usual care. After 10 weeks of intervention, the following was reported:

• 36 percent of patients receiving weekly whole-body relaxation massage said their pain was nearly or completely gone.

• 39 percent of patients receiving weekly massage that focused on specific muscle problems around the lower back and hips said their pain was nearly or completely gone.

• Just 4 percent of patients receiving usual care said their pain was nearly or completely gone.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain
Massage therapy's ability to relieve back pain is rarely disputed, but therapists can also help their clients prevent low back pain recurrence. The following suggestions can help prevent low back pain from returning:

1. Quit Smoking - Smoking cigarettes seems to worsen just about every known health condition, including low back pain. Likely because smoking hinders blood circulation, experts assert that smokers are 30 percent more likely to suffer from back pain than non-smokers.

2. Get Up and Move - Whether behind a wheel, in front of a computer or just watching TV, sitting for extended periods of time is one of the worst positions for the low back. The spinal discs are spongy and cushion the vertebrae, but they naturally have poor blood supply. Upon getting up and moving, fluid circulates around the discs. On the other hand, sitting starves the discs of fluid making them vulnerable to damage.

3. Stretch and Strengthen Core Muscles - Most physicians agree that regular stretching and strengthening of the core muscles constitute the most important lifestyle practices for preventing back pain. Advise clients in a safe stretch and strengthen program with a focus on back, abdominal, oblique and leg muscles.

4. Lift Properly - Those who lift heavy objects for a living are well aware of the importance of body mechanics, but the rest of us may not be. Always engage abdominal muscles during a lift, bend the knees, keep back straight, don't bend at the waist, keep object close to the body, do not hold an item higher than armpits or lower than knees, don't move something over 20 percent of your body weight, don't pivot, twist or turn while lifting, point feet at the item being lifted, and only change direction with the feet (not the waist). These instructions will help prevent back muscles from being strained.

5. Wear Back-Friendly Shoes - Supportive, low-heeled or flat shoes are crucial for preventing back injury. Although high heels may be high fashion, they increase the arch in the low back. This spinal alignment change increases one's susceptibility to low back injury.

Source:

Low Back Pain: Five Tips for Massage Therapy Clients

Recently, in my massage life ...

Earlier this week, I gave a presentation to the members of the Hunt Valley Rotary Club Chapter in nearby Hunt Valley, MD. I spoke about the benefits of massage and how it affects the nervous system, as well as some of the different bodywork modalities. I also gave a brief history of massage therapy and how it got to its status today as a growing viable routine health practice (hint: it's has to do with clinical research!).

It was a lot of fun and I think the group really enjoyed it. Plus, I got to have a delicious lunch and talk to some of the members one-on-one, answering their questions and discussing massage. I enjoy talking to anyone about massage as much as I love to eat, so it was a win-win for me!

 These are pictures of me with the Chapter President, Eric Miller, after my presentation.

Less Stress Could Lead to Weight Loss

Check out this interesting article on stress and weight loss. While it points out that massage therapy induces relaxation and reduces stress, it doesn't mention studies that have shown massage to reduce the stress hormone cortisol for up to two weeks.

Less Stress Could Lead to Weight Loss

Valentine Sale!

Gift certificates for couple’s massage lessons and aromatherapy massage are 20% off until 2/14/2011. Print or email certificates instantly, or have a physical certificate mailed at no additional charge. Click here for more details and to buy!