Massage Therapy & Problems

Massage is often thought of as a pampering treatment with no concrete benefits beyond relaxation. It is actually a useful therapy for a wide variety of physical and mental problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. A good massage therapist can improve various physical issues, and people with certain mental disorders often see their conditions improve after bodywork. Massage is not a cure-all, but it can have an important place in an overall wellness plan.

Definition

A massage is a hands-on body treatment in which a trained therapist rubs and manipulates muscles and soft tissues. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, explains that massage therapy dates back thousands of years. It was used in ancient times in Greece, China, Japan, Egypt, India and several Arabic nations. A 2007 study revealed that 18 million adults and 700,000 children in American had received massages during the prior year, according to NCCAM.

Physical Problems

The Mayo Clinic states that massage is effective at relieving stiffness and muscle pain and improving certain injuries. It also supports optimum immunity and lowers blood pressure. It is even used in certain cancer treatment programs, the Mayo Clinic explains. Studies have shown that bodywork is effective for chronic neck and lower back pain, according to NCCAM. For example, a 2001 study by researchers from the Group Health Center in Seattle, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, showed that massage is superior to self-care or acupuncture for treating lower back pain.

Emotional Problems

Massage is good for stress relief, and it also fights anxiety and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic. A study of 380 patients with advanced cancer, published in the Annals of Interal Medicine, showed that massage improved their mood and helped relieve their pain. A 2010 study by Seattle researchers, published in Depression and Anxiety, showed that it reduced anxiety in all of the participants who received massage therapy.

Considerations

Therapists offer different kinds of massage therapy for different purposes. People who want treatment for muscular issues, recovery from sports injury and similar problems generally need deep tissue massage or another kind of targeted therapy. Those seeking relaxation or improvement of emotional issues respond well to a Swedish massage or indulgent varieties such as hot stone massages or treatments that incorporate aromatherapy oils. Physical therapy clinics and chiropractic offices are often geared to massage clients with physical problems, while spas focus on pampering and relaxing.

Warning

Massage is safe for most people, but the Mayo Clinic warns it can cause problems for certain individuals. It advises people with open wounds, burns, broken bones, rheumatoid arthritis, blood clots and severe osteoporosis to avoid massage unless it is recommended by a doctor. Pregnant women should also exercise caution. Massage risks include allergic reactions to lotions, oils or creams used during the treatment, nerve damage, temporary paralysis and internal bleeding, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some massages can cause soreness if the pressure is too hard, although this goes away within a few days.