Clinical Massage Therapy Is Not A Frivilous Luxury
Massage Therapy has been around for thousands of years. The word "massage" comes from the Greek root "masso" -- to touch. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is done to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Its benefits are varied and far-reaching. Many people consider massage a pampering experience, but it has important health benefits. In fact, you get the greatest benefit when it is part of your regular wellness routine.
Manual Therapy (generally, Bodywork) resembles massage therapy in many ways, but exceeds it in its attention to biomechanical and structural functioning. Manual therapists may use non-chiropractic manipulation, movement, stretching and/or re-patterning to affect structural changes to the body. The benefits from manual therapy tend to be more specific to regions of the body or conditions of dysfunction. As such, manual therapy/bodywork works as an ideal adjunct to chiropractic treatment.
Nurses began to use massage therapy and manual therapy in the 1960's and 1970's to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility as a valid form of health care. Subsequently, it became an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs. In fact, massage and manual therapy are covered by nearly all PPO health insurance plans provided by a chiropractor.
Well-trained massage therapists have an advanced knowledge of the body's structure, beyond the muscles. They are aware of other soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons, and many are adept at evaluating joint issues. Of course, the more experience a massage therapist has, the finer their understanding of what needs to be done to remedy your ailments. Aches and pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure all respond favorably to therapeutic massage. Diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, depression and many varieties of low back pain or neck pain also respond well to massage therapy. Please note: Massage and bodywork specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, orthopedics, physical therapy, or osteopathy.
As millions throughout the world will attest; massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness. Thus, massage therapy works from a preventative role in addition to treating symptoms.
If you wish to try massage therapy, consult with your physician or chiropractor. They can refer you to a reputable professional massage therapist who will manage your health care needs comfortably and appropriately.
Manual Therapy (generally, Bodywork) resembles massage therapy in many ways, but exceeds it in its attention to biomechanical and structural functioning. Manual therapists may use non-chiropractic manipulation, movement, stretching and/or re-patterning to affect structural changes to the body. The benefits from manual therapy tend to be more specific to regions of the body or conditions of dysfunction. As such, manual therapy/bodywork works as an ideal adjunct to chiropractic treatment.
Nurses began to use massage therapy and manual therapy in the 1960's and 1970's to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility as a valid form of health care. Subsequently, it became an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs. In fact, massage and manual therapy are covered by nearly all PPO health insurance plans provided by a chiropractor.
Well-trained massage therapists have an advanced knowledge of the body's structure, beyond the muscles. They are aware of other soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons, and many are adept at evaluating joint issues. Of course, the more experience a massage therapist has, the finer their understanding of what needs to be done to remedy your ailments. Aches and pains, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure all respond favorably to therapeutic massage. Diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, depression and many varieties of low back pain or neck pain also respond well to massage therapy. Please note: Massage and bodywork specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, orthopedics, physical therapy, or osteopathy.
As millions throughout the world will attest; massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness. Thus, massage therapy works from a preventative role in addition to treating symptoms.
If you wish to try massage therapy, consult with your physician or chiropractor. They can refer you to a reputable professional massage therapist who will manage your health care needs comfortably and appropriately.
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