(Including Sports Massage, Myofascial Therapies, Neuromuscular Massage, Swedish Massage)
The Philosophy
Massage Therapy is a bodywork modality designed to help one achieve or maintain a state of wellness. This therapeutic modality can be beneficial for healthy individuals as well as for the chronically ill or injured.
The deeper forms of massage are used with the intent to release adhesions in the fascial layer, ligaments and other soft tissues. Lighter or more superficial forms of massage are suspected to have a more neurological effect acting as a “counter-stimulant” that may interrupt pain perception and the neurological stimulation cycle that perpetuates chronic pain.
Massage is thought to work by increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. Massage may also help by stimulating the lymph system, the body's natural defense against toxic invaders. Massage is also believed to release endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, and provides passive exercise and stretching for shortened or atrophied muscles to improve range of motion.
The Art
Massage therapy is an assortment of techniques involving manipulation or mobilization of the soft tissues of the body through techniques including kneading, percussion, pressure and movement. Clients disrobe to the degree that they are comfortable. The client typically is lying down on a special massage table and modestly draped. Oils or lotions are used to help the practitioner feel and work deeper muscle levels and improve comfort for the client. A full massage usually lasts about an hour.
Chair massage is a variation performed with the client in a specially designed massage chair, fully clothed. Chair massage usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and is commonly used in the workplace for stress relief breaks or at health fairs for brief demonstrations of massage.
The Science
There is a considerable body of literature regarding the clinical effectiveness of massage therapy. A search of PubMed, a free library of life science journals, on 02/13/2005 under “massage therapy” found 7,238 citations including 372 randomized clinical trials. Of those, 132 are clinically relevant. The best evidence is for the use of massage therapy as an adjunct to conventional procedures and for relieving pain, anxiety and psychological effects associated with chronic disease and invasive medical procedures. There also seems to be good support for massage as a therapy for back pain, back pain associated with labor, depression and improving weight gain and survivability of at-risk newborns.
The Practitioners
Ohio has state-specific regulations for Massage Therapists, including 650 hours of training and graduation from a credentialed massage therapy school and passage of the state licensing exam administered by the Medical Board.
Rhonda Crockett, LMT
Jean LaPolla, LMT
Berit Nilsson, LMT