Massage Therapy & Stress Reduction

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, "In July 2008, 45 percent of women and 21 percent of men reported having a massage in the past five years." While massage is often used to treat health conditions such as back pain, migraine headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure, studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine indicate that massage produces positive results for stress reduction.

Expert Insight

Massage therapy is a growing field in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth rate of 19 percent by 2018. The American Massage Therapy Association reports that 26 percent of Americans who received a massage gave the purpose for treatment as relaxation or stress reduction, and in 2006, the association published an official statement of position asserting that massage therapy relieves stress.

Features

The American Massage Therapy Association defines massage as "manual soft tissue manipulation, and includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body." Therapists us hands, knuckles, elbows and even feet to manipulate your soft tissue. There are many different modalities, including Swedish, sports and Thai massage. Some modalities, such as hot stone massage, use specially designed tools during treatment, according to the American Massage Therapy Association.

Misconceptions

Massage therapy, especially deep tissue varieties, can be painful, but pain is not necessary for stress relief. Dianne Polseno, academic director and teacher at the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, says, "Relaxation massage--given for general relaxation, the relief of muscle tension and circulation enhancement--is a method that does not cause discomfort."

Effects

A 1992 study conducted by the Touch Research Institute applied massage therapy to 52 depressed adolescents during a five-day period. The study found that participants had lower cortisol levels--a hormone indicating stress levels--in their saliva than a control group who watched relaxation video tapes. A 1997 Touch Research Institute study measured the effects of massage therapy on employees, showing "significant reduction" in participants' blood pressure after receiving 15-minute chair massages while at work.

Warning

When choosing a massage therapist, check for appropriate training and credentials. Not all states have laws regulating massage licenses. As of 2009, 42 states and the District of Columbia did regulate the local massage therapy profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Requirements for obtaining a massage therapy license vary widely from state to state but often include 500 hours or more of schooling as well as passing a certification exam.