Ricky's blog: "Massage"

Benefits of Massage for Advanced Cancer Patients Even in a professional hospice environment, those suffering from advanced cancer are consistently, if not constantly, plagued by fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite. Cancer patients and health professionals at hospice programs are anxiously awaiting the results of a study to be conducted by the Health Sciences Center at the University of Colorado at Denver. Researchers hope to show that regular massage therapy decreases pain, improves quality of life, and reduces physical and emotional distress among patients suffering from advanced stages of cancer. Jean Kutner, MD, MSPH, associate professor of internal medicine at the CU School of Medicine and principal investigator in the study, is optimistic. "Hospice programs are very interested in the study because they believe massage works, and we anticipate that the study will show that patients who receive the massage therapy will experience a better quality of life during end-of-life care." Dr. Kutner also feels that patients suffering from advanced cancer are made to rely too heavily on drugs to treat symptoms that massage can treat more thoroughly, and without all the side effects and interactions. Now, researchers have to provide hard evidence as proof. "Most complementary therapies have not undergone rigorous scientific review," she said. "People believe it works, but data are needed to prove if patients are truly benefiting, and a study of this magnitude will help us gather that data." The National Institutes of Health awarded a $1.2 million grant to conduct the study. As of March 2006, a total of 299 patients with advanced cancer have been enrolled. Registered participants have been enrolled from several sites around the country as part of a national hospice research network. Dr. Kutner and the team hope to have 440 patients enrolled in the study by August. Hospitals Starting to Recognize the Value of Massage Therapy With millions of baby boomers entering their proverbial "golden years" and interest in complementary and alternative medicine growing exponentially, it's no wonder that hospitals across the United States are beginning to embrace massage therapy as a viable and important component of patient care. Patients are requesting additional treatment options and hospitals are beginning to realize the benefits of not simply treating the condition or disease a patient has been diagnosed with, but also treating the person suffering from the disease. With studies being conducted that suggest the effectiveness of massage in helping cancer patients and others facing debilitating illness, hospitals are beginning to add therapists to their staff. And hospitals are utilizing massage therapists with pregnant patients and other special-needs patients as well. Massage is becoming one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicine therapies offered in hospitals. "Massage therapists are helping to heal patients, staff and the entire medical system by simply and profoundly reminding people, through touch, of the place of stillness and compassion within us all - the inner spark and connection with divinity from which all healing flows," said Laura Koch, founder and director of the Hospital Based Massage Network, an organization that "supports massage and touch therapists pursuing integration of complementary care into mainstream medicine through their work." Diabetes and Massage Because of the many physical complications that can occur due to diabetes, massage therapists need to question their patients concerning several factors such as appetite, thirst, fatigue, sleep patterns, high blood pressure and numbness of the hands and feet. The therapist can then make an assessment as to the muscles, joints and tissues. Massage can promote relaxation while acting on the nervous system. Massage helps to eliminate the surpluses of adrenalin and of noradrenalin, two hormones often related to a high glycaemia. It also can decrease the frequency of swelling of the feet and increases the contribution of nutriments and oxygen to the skin and muscles. Massage in the Workplace MASSAGE MIGHT REDUCE HEALTH COSTS Kathryn Bishopric is manager of counseling services at Baptist Health, ranked 18th in Fortune's 2005 "100 Best" companies. Bishopric, who directs the behavioral and collaborative medicine program under which workplace massage resides, firmly believes that massage therapy can be expected to lower employers' health-care costs. "Baptist Health is self-insured, so we have a really strong interest in wellness," Bishopric says. "We promote anything that helps employees take care of themselves. Studies clearly show that if employees are healthy, they'll use less in health insurance benefits and be more productive." Massage at the workplace is helping employees manage and overcome stress. When mtj compared the responses from Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" with other companies' responses, it found that massage is an employee benefit at 90 percent of the "best" companies. Another company that echoes the belief that workplace massage is an important part of its overall health and fitness program is S.C. Johnson, of Racine, Wisconsin, who moved to seventh-place rank in Fortune's "100 Best" in 2005. This company's workplace massage program is more than 10 years old, and is extended to retirees and to employees' families as well. Spokesperson Therese Van Ryne says, "We are seeing more and more managers who recognize the benefits of offering massage to employees and thus are picking up half the cost. This seems to work especially well in departments such as customer service, where the employees deal with a lot of stress."

Getting the most from your massage..... Initially, a stiff neck or an even stiffer schedule may have sent you to a massage therapist. But chances are your repeated returns will be a result of the overall sense of well-being you experience from this healing bodywork. At first, your therapist may seem to be doing all the real labor. But clients soon discover the quality and scope of relief they receive during a therapy session is very much in their own hands. Your influence and attention can boost the benefit of each and every massage. To reap the optimum benefits from this renewing ritual, here are some simple strategies. If you arrive early for your appointment, use the extra time to decompress. Focus on something in the room -- a picture, the music or a ray of light -- and breathe slowly. Relax your shoulders and quiet your mind. Let this place and time become your sanctuary in a frantic world. Communication is the ultimate tool for enhancing your massage experience. The most vital information your therapist needs involves your primary intention regarding your massage. Did you schedule the massage to reduce anxiety? Are you searching for relief from an injury? Or do you need to release some suppressed emotions? Your therapist will rely on your comments to devise the best plan of action to accomplish your goal. Just as an informed doctor has a better chance of honing in on health issues, an enlightened therapist can target trouble zones and generate solutions. Use the brief conversation with your therapist at the beginning of each session to create your own hybrid experience. On your first visit, mention any chronic conditions, bothersome injuries or serious ailments during this consultation. The greater the insights into your individual history, the more tailored your treatment will be. For instance, migraine sufferers might receive some myofascial release therapy, while the therapist might employ shiatsu techniques to relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. Lymphatic drainage treatments can help ease cancer pain. Your therapist can ease many diverse conditions, but only if he or she knows of your concern. When going for repeated visits, fill your therapist in on any new developments -- a new job, a recent fall, a death in the family -- which might have an affect on the session and your health. Be clear about whether you'd like some focused attention on tender areas or whether you'd like those sensitive spots avoided altogether. If you do request some pointed concentration -- on a touchy back, for instance -- expect some discomfort as your muscles release. But always let the therapist know immediately if the massage crosses your pain threshold at any time. Cold muscles are tense muscles. Since body temperature can fluctuate throughout the massage, don't hesitate to say something if you need more or less coverage. Tell the practitioner when the room needs to be warmer or if you're easily chilled. Some clients have difficulty enjoying their massage because they feel self-conscious undressed. Therapists are trained clinicians and, in many ways, share the ethics of medical professionals. They work with burn victims, mastectomy patients and disfigured people. In their practice, they've seen un-movie-star-like bodies and less-than-athletic physiques. Clients will not receive comments on their cellulite, criticisms on their lack of muscle tone or commentaries on calorie control. Indeed, these corporal qualities pass by many skilled practitioners' eyes completely unnoticed. Therapists are trained to care for each and every body, yours included. If you still feel you will be unable to enjoy the massage unclothed, inquire about treatments -- like reflexology -- which allow clients to remain dressed. Another alternative is to have just the upper part of your body worked on until you're willing to indulge in a full body massage. Talk your options through with your therapist. The therapist will check with you several times during the massage to verify the pressure feels just right. But, if at any time you would like more vigorous action or less intense effort, don't be afraid to speak up. Because everyone has a different tolerance to touch, therapists depend on their client's instructions and reactions to determine the depth of pressure to apply. And, although therapists are trained to note visual clues for a client's discomfort -- tense facial expressions, curled toes, tightened tendons -- your feedback ensures clear communication. After all, moans and groans can signal both agony or bliss. Depending on sighs and other sounds to convey your current state of pleasure or pain is an iffy tactic at best. Other than that occasional dialogue, your massage experience might be a wordless one. Unlike salons, where continuous conversation seems to be a requisite, massage rooms are quiet places. Therapists will let you lead the conversation, but they do not expect you to talk. Not all therapists are trained in every mode of massage. Depending on their specific schooling, practitioners may specialize in certain types of therapy. Add to that variable the unique educational background of each therapist, as well as their individual styles and strengths, and clients have the opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of approaches and techniques. Tracking what works and what doesn't ensures favorable outcomes in the future. Use every session to build your knowledge of massage, to learn what feels good to you and to observe which procedures improve your state of mind. When certain maneuvers or manipulations feel wonderful -- or if you'd like to avoid them in the future -- ask your therapist to describe or name the movement. Then, armed with this information, you can replicate or evade similar results in the future. While the classical strokes of Swedish massage are familiar to all therapists, more complex techniques (such as the Feldenkrais Method) will be known to only a select subgroup of practitioners. If you decide to experiment with more specialized types of bodywork that are unfamiliar to your therapist, he or she will be glad to refer you to a trained professional in that area. Embarrassing as it may be, bodywork can produce some interesting bodily noises. It's possible with the release of so much tension, your body lets go of something else. Therapists are accustomed to flatulence. In fact, it's a healthy side effect of massage. Often a client will be so relaxed that they fall into a quasi-sleep mode, often awakening to their own snoring. Again, therapists respect each and every body and all that comes with it. When the body is touched in a healthy and safe environment, there oftentimes can be an emotional impact. Some clients find themselves crying during or immediately after a massage. If this happens to you, think of this reaction as a positive one. Therapists are familiar with this kind of release and will help guide you through it. If you hold a lot of trauma within, it is often helpful to pair your bodywork sessions with talk therapy sessions to process what has just happened to you on the massage table. Many massages end with the client asleep on the table. So, when your time is up -- and that moment always comes way too soon -- your therapist will make certain you know they are leaving the room. The therapist will also advise you to take your time getting up. They do this for a number of reasons, one being that raising your head too quickly after a lengthy therapeutic session can cause dizziness. At your leisure, dress, retrieve your belongings and exit the room leaving the door open. Be aware that because of an elevated metabolism, clients often need to visit the restroom after their massages and menstruating women will likely experience an increased flow. Allow time for a gentle re-entry into real time. Be tender with your body -- and your mind -- immediately after your massage. And be sure to drink lots of water. Massage is a detoxifying rite and you'll want to flush your system of the freed contaminants. If there is a hot tub available, a 10-minute soak is just what the therapist ordered, but be conscious of your water intake so as not to dehydrate. Or -- in high-altitude environments -- take a break in the steam room. Sea level residents may find the sauna more agreeable. The actual massage may be over, but you will carry its positive effects with you throughout the day -- and night. Utilize massage on a frequent basis, and you might just get accustomed to "feeling good."

10 Most uncomfortable Questions about Massage. Do you tip? Are you supposed to be nude? Do you say anything if the pressure's not deep enough? What if you're self-conscious about your body? Here are the answers to ten massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to. 1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist? If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services. On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting. Some massage therapists and massage associations I asked said tipping isn't appropriate in a medical or clinical setting. If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face. If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist. 2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage? Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you. If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick. In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered. 3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage? Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table. Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue. 4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress? In North America, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet. Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room. 5) Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage? Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party! Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do. Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of Massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable. Be sure to speak up if: the room is too hot or too cold you experience pain you have any questions related to the massage there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation 6) What if I get an erection during the massage? Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear. But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage. Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it. If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers. 7) How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic? Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places. If you're trying a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions: Do you offer therapeutic massage? Is the massage therapist certified or licensed? Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients? A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage. 8) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do? Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective. Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up. Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven. 9) I'm self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don't want the massage therapist to see me. What can I do? People are self-conscious for various reasons. Some of the more common concerns are: I'm overweight. I have excessive hair growth on my body. I've got acne on my face or back. My feet are ugly. I have scars. Being self-conscious should never keep you from seeking health care, whether it's visiting your doctor or seeing a massage therapist. If you're self-conscious about a certain part of your body, you can ask the massage therapist to avoid that area. Or, you can opt for a therapy that is done through clothing, such as Shiatsu or Thai massage. Because no massage oil or lotion is used, you remain fully clothed during the session. You can even bring your own comfortable clothes to wear. Just remember to provide complete and accurate information on your health history form, so that the massage therapist is aware of any precautions or contraindications. 10) I'd rather see a female massage therapist. Should I request this? Some men don't feel comfortable having a massage by a male massage therapist. It may be due to outdated social and media stereotypes of the profession or the fear of getting an erection during the massage. Erection is a common physiological response that happens when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated by touch anywhere on the body.) Some women also prefer a female massage therapist because they say they feel more comfortable. This doesn't just apply to massage therapy. A University of Michigan study found that 43 percent of women preferred a female doctor for a colonoscopy. Of these women, 87 percent said they would be willing to wait more than 30 days to get an appointment with a female colonoscopist, and 14 percent would be willing to pay more for one. Unfortunately, men who choose to become massage therapists are often unprepared for the discrimination they face. When clients request female over male therapists, spas stop hiring them, however skilled they are. Each Therapist, regardless of gender brings their own unique gift to the table. That's why I believe it's important to challenge your preconceptions. Here are some tips to help you: If you see other practitioners in the clinic or spa, ask if you could meet the massage therapist before you book the appointment. Try booking a massage at a health club or a clinic, where there's usually a higher percentage of male clientele and staff. You may wish to start with an active form of massage, such as deep tissue or sports massage or a type of massage that is done fully clothed, such as shiatsu or Thai massage.

Massage for Low Back Pain Gets a Boost The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recently approved financial support for the Integrative Healthcare Policy Consortium (IHPC) to propose that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) hold a consensus conference on massage for low back pain. The IHPC is a coalition of health care professional organizations advocating public policy to ensure access to safe, high quality medical care for all Americans. The latest survey from the AMTA provides evidence of the increasing popularity of massage for therapeutic purposes and suggests the tides may be changing in favor of insurance coverage for massage. Massage has been credited with alleviating a wide variety of aches and pains, from migraines and carpal tunnel to anxiety and low back pain. More than 100 million Americans suffer from low back pain and nearly $25 billion a year is spent in search of relief. In the Centers for Disease Control's 30th annual report on the health status of the nation, Health, United States, 2006, low back pain was the most commonly reported type of pain, the most common cause of job-related disability, and a leading contributor to missed work and reduced productivity. Today, massage therapy is one of the most common ways people relieve back pain. Research is increasingly showing that millions of Americans regularly use complementary and alternative health care approaches. Because most of this complementary care is paid for by the patients themselves, without any assistance from Medicare or other forms of insurance, it is not accessible to all Americans. Only those who can afford the out-of-pocket costs have access to broader choices in their health care. Massage patients, massage therapists and affiliated health care organizations remain hopeful that the NIH consensus conference will convince the health care community and insurance providers of the benefits of massage therapy – a treatment that already provides much needed relief to millions of Americans.

Massage and Exercise Complement Each Other More and more gym rats and weekend warriors are discovering that regular massage therapy visits can benefit them in a variety of ways. Not only does it help any level of athlete to recover from injury more quickly, it also can be used as a great preventative tool for those who like to push their bodies to the limit. For fitness diehards and those of us just trying to get back into shape, soft tissue damage can set us back for days and sometimes weeks. Chronic tension or injured muscles can result in decreased flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. Combining massage therapy with whatever exercise regime you adhere to can increase the blood flow and promote healing. The benefits of massage include relieving muscle tension and chronic pain, reducing blood pressure, swelling and stress through increased blood circulation. Regular massage therapy also can help people who suffer from neuropathy, diabetes, rotator cuff problems, stroke, edema, tendonitis and arthritis. The sometimes painful symptoms of lupus and fibromyalgia also can be reduced with the regular use of massage therapy. So, whether you compete in weekend triathlons or just need a technique to help relieve your work place stress, regular massage therapy sessions, along with improved diet and exercise can have you well on your way to a more healthy and relaxed lifestyle.

Massage Helps Relieve Stress-Related Pain We've all had the warning signs; the stiff neck and back muscles, soreness around the shoulders, possibly followed by a headache. These signs of stress appear in countless numbers of workers everyday. Most of us ignore the symptoms, take some aspirin or just complain. Perhaps, we should be making an appointment for a much-needed massage. Shiatsu is one method used by massage therapists to help relieve the painful side effects of stress. A certain amount of stress is a healthy, but too much stress can lead to pain in areas such as the neck, shoulder or arm. Shiatsu uses fingertip pressure on these points to reach energy meridians and relieve pain in that area. There are other massage techniques used to relieve the painful side effects of stress. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Reiki, Thai Yoga & Sports Massage can also be effective in relieving pain associated with stress. Instead of suffering through the pain, get out your calendar and book yourself an appointment to get a massage and find some relief. Our stressful lives might never completely get under control but we can help manage the pain with regular massage therapy treatments

A few Types of massage you might like to try. Swedish Massage: A general full body massage, which is most beneficial in general relaxation, relaxing the muscles and nerves for an overall feeling of well being. Deep Tissue Massage: This technique goes deeper into the muscle tissue to reduce spasms and scar tissue that often result from chronic injury or overuse. The therapist will use a combination of Swedish and deep tissue massage to enhance circulation and bring relief to the affected areas. Aromatherapy massage: Essential oils from plants are massaged into the skin in order to enhance the healing and relaxing effects of massage. Essential oils are believed to have a powerful effect on mood by stimulating two structures deep in the brain known to store emotions and memory. Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release