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Massage Reference
Massage therapy is recognized as one of the oldest methods of healing, with references in medical texts nearly 4,000 years old. Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine," referenced massage when he wrote in the 4th century B.C.: "The physician must be acquainted with many things, and assuredly with rubbing." In addition to "rubbing," massage therapy refers to the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body that include applying pressure, holding, vibration, rocking, friction, kneading and compression using primarily the hands, forearms, and elbows. All of the techniques are used for the benefit of the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. Massage therapy positively influences the overall health and well-being of the client. |
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In this exert from the article on WebMD, Alison Palkhivala explores the effectiveness of massage for back pain and the integration of multiple therapies for the most effective treatment.
Health News from 
Massage May Be Best Approach for Back Pain
Combination of Treatments Often Necessary
by Alison Palkhivala
May 31, 2001 -- Georgia Richardson has been fighting back
pain for a long time. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, and the effects from a fall down the stairs
have created such a painful condition for her that she hasn't been able to continue to
work as a teacher in the Philadelphia school system.
Fifteen years ago, her pain specialist suggested she try aquatic therapy because medical
treatment couldn't bring her relief. The exercises got her moving, but the day after a
session, the extra activity just added to her pain.
But as a patient of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital, she now is receiving two hourly sessions of massage therapy each week, right
along with her medications and herbal therapy. The strategy,
she says, has allowed her to return to the pool three times a week to continue her
aquatics in the longest sessions she's ever had.
"I feel great. I know, definitely, massage has been great for me," says the
energized patient -- who first says she is "39 and holding," then later adds
that she'll be 60 this August. All told, her routine has cut her pain in half, Richardson
says.
For those who want to go the alternative route to treat their back pain, massage may be
the best bet. A new study demonstrates that it is superior to both acupuncture and
self-care for this frustrating and debilitating condition. Experts agree that often the
best way to manage chronic back pain is to use several therapies at once, and therapeutic
massage may be an important part of the package.
"This provides some scientific evidence that massage may be useful for people with
chronic back pain," investigator Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD, tells WebMD.
"Therefore, it's certainly something that one with chronic back pain should consider
trying."
But massage isn't the only option for back pain.
Chiropractor Ralph Templeton, DC, agrees that massage therapy is important for fast relief
of back pain but says that it does not get to the root of the problem. At his clinic, they
use chiropractic manipulation and also offer other supportive care to alleviate discomfort
while the back heals, including massage and medication. Templeton is chairman of the board
of directors of the Georgia Chiropractic Association.
For those having trouble getting rid of back pain, Hirt recommends trying several things
together for optimum benefit, like massage, medication, and acupuncture.
By working with a healthcare practitioner experienced in treating back pain, you can find
the best combination of available therapies based on your individual problem.
Advice on finding a good therapist for your back pain is the following:
- Make sure the therapist is trained and experienced in dealing with your kind of problem. Ask about credentials and check them out. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork offers a locator service for trained experts in your area. You can visit their web site at www.ncbtmb.com.
- Your therapist should ask you detailed questions about your injury and the location of the pain before starting therapy, in order to determine which therapy is best. "Someone might come to me and say my back hurts, but the reality is they did something in their arms or neck," says Cohen, "and the lower back pain is the referred pain."
- A good therapist usually has a host of things to offer a back-pain sufferer. In addition to massage, Cohen offers stretching, muscle rotation, joint rotation, cross-fiber friction, and ice.
- A massage therapist should know never to work on a swollen or inflamed area, as this can make the injury worse. Such an injury requires ice and rest before massage can be given.
Read the complete article here: http://www.hunterdonhealthcare.org/WebMD/Conditions/Back_Pain/Massage_Back_Pain.asp
Massage Resources on the Web
Massage treatments for pain
Most people commonly associate therapeutic massage treatments for pain control with conditions that involve the neck, shoulders, and back. Here is an example list of some of the most commonly requested treatments using massage for neck, shoulder, and back pain.:
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(650) 861-5880
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All information herein provided is
for educational use only and not meant to substitute
for the advice of a local TCM practitioner or Medical Doctor.
Copyright © 2004 -2007 Silicon Valley Acupuncture and Massage
Last Modified:
September 02, 2007