September 2005 [Volume 4, Issue 9]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Public Gives Massage Consistently High Marks
• Have You Had a Chair Massage Lately?
• Answers to Your Massage Questions: Highlights From This Month's "Ask a Massage Therapist" Online Forum

In the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports, readers ranked massage as one of the most popular forms of alternative care, with both doctors and patients finding it extremely valuable in the treatment of certain conditions. In treating back and neck pain, deep-tissue massage ranked a close second to chiropractic treatment, with nearly three-fourths of readers saying massage either "helped me feel much better" or "helped me somewhat."

Women were more likely than men to have tried (and liked) "hands-on" treatments such as massage, chiropractic and acupuncture. Massage also appeared to have gained popularity and approval from doctors as well. Of those readers who used an alternative therapy, approximately 75 percent told their doctors about it. Twenty-five percent of those readers told Consumer Reports their doctor suggested the alternative treatment in the first place. Massage was the second most frequently recommended alternative treatment by the readers' doctors.

If you haven't had the time or inclination to treat yourself to a massage, now's the time! And remember, increasing research evidence suggests massage can have more than just therapeutic benefits -- it also can help manage a wide range of physical conditions. To find a massage therapist in your area, visit www.massagetoday.com/locator.

Chair massage, also known as seated massage, is fast becoming one of the most popular massage options. Generally, chair massage is administered onsite at various locations, including health fairs, airports, shopping malls and in corporate settings. Clients remain fully clothed and treatments generally last from 15-30 minutes. Chair massage usually is limited to the back, neck and arms.

Many workers who sit behind a desk all day are considered prime candidates for the benefits of chair massage. Chair massage can help counter the problems that occur in those who spend most of their time behind their desk. It helps the blood and lymph flow throughout the body and decreases susceptibility to repetitive stress injuries such as carpel tunnel syndrome.

One indication of the gains in the popularity of chair massage is the first International Chair Massage Conference, held in Toronto June 18-19. The theme of the conference was "Relaxation Matters" and for the first time, chair massage practitioners had an opportunity to discuss the benefits of their work in a public forum, network and share ideas and insights to help build their businesses and increase the reach of massage.

Question: How can massage help me deal with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Answer: Many people suffering from multiple sclerosis are looking for alternative therapies that will help delay the advancement of this disease and are finding massage is a helpful option. MS is a degenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing a hardening of the tissue throughout the brain, spinal cord or both.

Heat seems to aggravate the condition in most who suffer from the disease, so it is recommended that patients make sure to request a cool room for their comfort. Most MS massage patients prefer a firm or deep-tissue massage to help alleviate the muscle spasms and cramping that can occur as a consequence of the disease.

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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