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More Than A Luxury
Articles More Than A Luxury The Lifelong Value of Massage Therapy
By Lee Picciuto
Originally published in Body Sense, Autumn/Winter 2009. Copyright 2009. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if it's worth the expense? Massage is not just a simple back rub, nor is it just a "luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage therapy is a valuable component of a well-rounded healthcare regimen, combating everything from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Not Just a Back Rub
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy education. I have had friends of mine express great surprise upon learning that I had to take anatomy, physiology, and other science-based classes during the course of my massage therapy education. When I explain my massage school curriculum to them, these friends usually utter variations of "Wow! I had no idea your studies were so involved!"
If you are trying to educate others about massage, have them consider the profession's educational and regulatory requirements.
Education
Ask your massage therapist to tell you about the extent of his or her massage school curriculum and completed courses.
Regulation
Most states regulate the practice of massage therapy with licenses, certificates, etc. Usually, the completion of a comprehensive examination is also required for state or national certification.
Continuing Education
Many states and professional organizations require massage therapists to complete continuing education courses each year. This ensures that therapists learn about emerging modalities and current issues pertinent to the field.
Professional Standards
Many massage therapists belong to professional organizations and commit to upholding rigorous standards of practice and codes of ethics.
Through stringent educational standards, state and national regulation, continuing education requirements, and professional affiliations, the massage therapy profession has evolved beyond the "basic back rub" stereotype into a well-respected healthcare modality.
More Than a Luxury
The misconception that massage therapy is just a luxury is also prevalent. Some people believe that massage therapy is either an indulgence for the wealthy or a "treat" for special occasions. Most therapists have some clients who only come in once a year, usually for a birthday or special holiday.
I have also encountered clients who have been influenced by others and made to feel guilty for spending money on a monthly massage session. These clients seem to think of massage therapy as a frivolity they don't deserve. They will say: "I try to explain the benefits I get from massage therapy to my spouse [friend, family member, etc.], but all they can focus on is the money being spent on a 'luxury.'"
Admittedly, massage therapy has a monetary cost, but that should be weighed against the benefits of the treatment--diminished stress, decreased pain, improved moods, etc. There is usually a way to budget for a monthly massage with a bit of reprioritizing.
Insurance Recognition and Employee Benefits
With the healthcare benefits of massage therapy increasingly being touted, many health insurance companies are choosing to include coverage for massage in their plans. Massage therapy is also included as a healthcare option in personal health savings accounts being offered to some employees, while many employers are providing coverage for various alternative health benefits, including massage. With this expanded recognition in the medical realm, massage therapy is definitely shedding its former perception as a luxury and embracing its new role: necessity!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line I share with my clients is you do not need to be in pain or discomfort to benefit from massage therapy. In addition to being effective for pain relief, massage is also beneficial as a stress-reducing and wellness measure. In reality, massage therapy is an integral component of an overall health maintenance plan.
Lee Picciuto, LMT, NCTMB, author of Ethics in Practice: A Handbook for Modern Massage Therapists (DayOne Publishing, 2009) is excited about the evolution of the massage therapy profession. She can be reached at [email protected].
By Lee Picciuto
Originally published in Body Sense, Autumn/Winter 2009. Copyright 2009. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if it's worth the expense? Massage is not just a simple back rub, nor is it just a "luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage therapy is a valuable component of a well-rounded healthcare regimen, combating everything from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Not Just a Back Rub
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy education. I have had friends of mine express great surprise upon learning that I had to take anatomy, physiology, and other science-based classes during the course of my massage therapy education. When I explain my massage school curriculum to them, these friends usually utter variations of "Wow! I had no idea your studies were so involved!"
If you are trying to educate others about massage, have them consider the profession's educational and regulatory requirements.
Education
Ask your massage therapist to tell you about the extent of his or her massage school curriculum and completed courses.
Regulation
Most states regulate the practice of massage therapy with licenses, certificates, etc. Usually, the completion of a comprehensive examination is also required for state or national certification.
Continuing Education
Many states and professional organizations require massage therapists to complete continuing education courses each year. This ensures that therapists learn about emerging modalities and current issues pertinent to the field.
Professional Standards
Many massage therapists belong to professional organizations and commit to upholding rigorous standards of practice and codes of ethics.
Through stringent educational standards, state and national regulation, continuing education requirements, and professional affiliations, the massage therapy profession has evolved beyond the "basic back rub" stereotype into a well-respected healthcare modality.
More Than a Luxury
The misconception that massage therapy is just a luxury is also prevalent. Some people believe that massage therapy is either an indulgence for the wealthy or a "treat" for special occasions. Most therapists have some clients who only come in once a year, usually for a birthday or special holiday.
I have also encountered clients who have been influenced by others and made to feel guilty for spending money on a monthly massage session. These clients seem to think of massage therapy as a frivolity they don't deserve. They will say: "I try to explain the benefits I get from massage therapy to my spouse [friend, family member, etc.], but all they can focus on is the money being spent on a 'luxury.'"
Admittedly, massage therapy has a monetary cost, but that should be weighed against the benefits of the treatment--diminished stress, decreased pain, improved moods, etc. There is usually a way to budget for a monthly massage with a bit of reprioritizing.
Insurance Recognition and Employee Benefits
With the healthcare benefits of massage therapy increasingly being touted, many health insurance companies are choosing to include coverage for massage in their plans. Massage therapy is also included as a healthcare option in personal health savings accounts being offered to some employees, while many employers are providing coverage for various alternative health benefits, including massage. With this expanded recognition in the medical realm, massage therapy is definitely shedding its former perception as a luxury and embracing its new role: necessity!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line I share with my clients is you do not need to be in pain or discomfort to benefit from massage therapy. In addition to being effective for pain relief, massage is also beneficial as a stress-reducing and wellness measure. In reality, massage therapy is an integral component of an overall health maintenance plan.
Lee Picciuto, LMT, NCTMB, author of Ethics in Practice: A Handbook for Modern Massage Therapists (DayOne Publishing, 2009) is excited about the evolution of the massage therapy profession. She can be reached at [email protected].
Benefits of Body Work
- Enhances General health - Relaxes muscles and improves joint mobility. It also improves circulation, energy, and encourages general relaxation
- Alleviates problem conditions - Body work can help relieve common physical problems such as: general muscular tension and aches, tension headaches, muscle back pain, poor circulation, and stress and anxiety.
- Relieves the effects of stress - massage helps balance the effects of stress and avoids stress related disease and dysfunction by relaxing tense muscles, reducing anxiety levels, and triggering the relaxation response from the body. Massage can also improve your immune system functions and restores a calm mind and feeling of well being to your body, mind, and soul.
- Special cases - Massage can help in certain temporary or long term situations which cause unique physical and mental challenges: mothers to be during pregnancy, infants (especially premature and other developmentally challenged babies), disabled (especially for those that are in a wheelchair), and for the elderly.
- Massage is especially beneficial for: caregivers, physical workers, desk workers, and travelers.
Article Resources
Why Touch Matters: 10 things you should know
Stress Recess: How Corporate Chair Massage can Benefit Your Employee Wellness Program
10 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know
Stress Recess: How Corporate Chair Massage can Benefit Your Employee Wellness Program
10 Things Your Massage Therapist Wants You To Know
Benefits of Pregnancy Massage
courtesy of Heather Murphy LMT
- Reduces swelling in hands, feet and ankles
- Lessens sciatic pain
- Eases muscular discomforts in areas like the low back & neck, calf cramps, it also helps with tension and tightening that can be experienced throughout the body
- Tones lose muscles relaxes tense muscles and can help increase flexibility.
- Helps with relaxation which in turn can decrease insomnia
- Increases blood and lymph flow which can help increase the elimination of toxins through the circulatory and lymphatic systems, this can also help with fatigue.
- Increases oxygen in the blood, sometimes on up to 10-15% after a massage.
- Strengthens the immune system
- Stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, into the brain and nervous system.
- Helps relieve anxiety or depression
- Helps increase blood circulation, which in turn delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the mother and baby.
- Can be used during the birth as well as after making both experiences easier and more comfortable
- Eases stress mothers often feel after the birth