Rehabilitation & Massage Therapy

The word massage may conjure images of spas and soft music, but the uses of this therapeutic practice go much further than just a way to find relaxation. Massage therapy plays an important role in physical rehabilitation, particularly during recovery from sports injuries. In fact, many physical therapists and health-care professionals use massage to bring relief to and promote healing in clients. Even demand in nursing homes is growing as older individuals recognize the benefits of massage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Massage Therapy

Massage has been used for its therapeutic purposes in Asia and the Middle East for thousands of years, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Sports, Swedish, trigger point and deep tissue massage are a few of the more well-known techniques. Massage therapy can be used in a variety of ways, including for stress relief and mental wellness. After popularity waned in the United States in the early to mid-20th century, massage experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, particularly among athletes.

Sports Rehabilitation

One important use of massage therapy is for sports injury rehabilitation. Sports physical therapists use massage to not only help athletes heal from musculoskeletal injuries but also to recover from physical strain put on the body after intense exercise. Possible therapeutic benefits in these cases include improvement of back pain, knee pain and blood circulation. Adequate research, however, has not sufficiently explained how -- or if -- massage therapy is truly effective in sports rehabilitation, according to Jason Brummitt in a 2008 article published in the "North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy." Because massage therapy is used in conjunction with other treatments, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions on what the benefits are in rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation for Burns

Although massage's use in rehabilitation is typically associated with sports injuries, this therapy is also useful for burn victims -- both physically and mentally. In addition to the mental anguish associated with sustaining such an injury, individuals with burns typically experience considerable pain and itching. A 2007 study on this subject, published in "The Korean Journal of Hepatology," found that participants who received skin rehabilitation massage therapy for three months had decreased itching and improved skin healing, as well as less depression.

Precautions

Risks associated with massage therapy are minimal, but possible side effects include soreness, bruising and swelling. It's vital that the therapist understands your medical history, especially if you have an injury or other health problems. For example, vigorous massage could be unsafe if you have a blood disorder, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine. In addition, massage techniques should not be used on areas with open wounds, fractures, poor bone health or skin infections, including cancer.

Choosing a Therapist

Because of these potential risks, it's vital that you choose a reputable, licensed professional when seeking therapeutic treatment. Although licensed massage therapists may specialize in injury rehabilitation, others -- including physical therapists and chiropractors -- may also specifically work with clients who have sports injuries. Find out about prospective therapists' training, experience and credentials. One key credential to look for is board certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.