A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold
Irish Saying

"The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain". (Massage Therapy Act 1991)

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Common Questions on
Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy and Back Pain
Massage Today, July, 2003, Vol. 03, Issue 07
Reinforcing the Value of Massage for Back Pain

Annals of Internal Medicine Report : Massage is a Successful, Cost-Effective Treatment

By Editorial Staff

Researchers from the Seattle-based Group Health Cooperative's Center for Health Studies (CHS) released a report in the June 3 Annals of Internal Medicine that massage therapy is a successful and cost-effective treatment for back pain - possibly even more so than chiropractic or acupuncture treatments.

The report was compiled from an in-depth study of scientific data from recent reviews of randomized controlled trials evaluating acupuncture, massage therapy and spinal adjustments; and other recent trials.

"Many Americans are using alternative treatments for back pain and paying a fair amount of money for them - either out-of-pocket or through insurance," said CHS senior investigator and lead author of the report, Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD. "So, it's important to know whether these treatments are effective and whether they should be made more widely available."

The research report concluded that although the three treatments are all safe in treating back pain, massage therapy was the only one to demonstrate a positive effect on back pain.

The study also noted that while spinal manipulation has some positive effects on back pain, its benefits are similar to those of conventional medicine, such as over-the-counter pain relievers and some forms of physical therapy.

The research on the effects of acupuncture on back pain was inconclusive, although Cherkin and his colleagues are currently conducting a five-year study on the subject.

Researchers also reported that massage may actually reduce the cost of care following initial treatments for back pain. There was insufficient evidence that acupuncture or spinal manipulation could lower health-care costs.

More than half of Americans seek treatment for back pain each year, spending more than $25 billion on medical care, with another $50 billion spent on lost productivity and disability payments. When traditional medicine fails to treat the pain, patients turn to alternative treatments. In fact, back pain accounts for 40 percent of chiropractic visits; 20 percent of massage therapy visits; and 14 percent of visits to acupuncturists.1

Others contributors to the review are Karen Sherman, PhD; Richard A. Deyo, MD; and Paul G. Shekelle, MD, PhD.
For more information on this study, contact the Center for Health Studies at (206) 287-2653 or visit www.ghc.org

References

1. Massage works well for back pain, www.newswise.com/newswise.pp/pparticles/38551.GHC.html.

2. A review of the evidence for the effectiveness, safety, and cost of acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation for back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine. 3 June 2003, V-138,No-11, www.annals.org/issues/v138n11/toc.html

 

What Can I Expect?
The massage therapist needs to know of any medical conditions you may have, even if you feel that they are not related to your area of complaint. This is necessary because massage has a wide range of effects. Next will be an assessment. The assessment may include a postural evaluation, movement evaluation or a special test (for re-creation of pain, strength, sensation etc). The therapist will also discuss your treatment goals and management plan. After your assessment, the therapist will leave the room while you disrobe to your comfortable level. Only the areas that are being treated will be undraped and massaged. Massage techniques will vary depending on the nature of your visit. Usually oil or lotion is used on the skin. Let your therapist know if you have any allergies and if the pressure used is too much or too little. After the treatment, the therapist may reassess any movement or special tests and may give you exercises and stretches to maintain your progress. Feel free to ask questions, before, during and after about any aspect of your massage treatment.

 

 

What are Some Different Types of Massage Techniques?
*Effleurage
*Petrissage
*Tapotment
*Frictions
*Trigger Point Therapy
*Rib Raking
*Myofascial Release

 

What is a Registered Massage Therapist?

A Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) (MT) is a regulated health care professional under the Health Practitioners Act and the Massage Therapy Act.
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), our governing body, sets our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario must complete 2200 hours of education and 150 clinic hours at accredited schools and have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neurology, assessment, manual techniques, and pathology in order to practice as an RMT or MT.
We are educated to accurately assess and treat using various techniques that include massage, joint mobilization, hydrotherapy, stretching and exercise.

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