Massage therapy can be an effective component of wellness plans as well as a pain management modality. Overall, more people are getting massages than in previous years, whether for pain relief or other health reasons. More than one in five adults received a massage within the last year, according to a recent American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) survey. In the treatment of pain conditions including back pain, post-surgical pain, knee osteoarthritis, arthritic hand pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, and other pain syndromes, individuals are increasingly viewing their massage therapists as health care practitioners. Therapeutic massage can reduce body soreness and general aches and pains. A hospital survey co-sponsored by the AMTA found that 70 percent of hospitals offering complementary and alternative medicine therapies among their health care modalities utilized massage therapy for pain management and pain relief.

“These numbers clearly demonstrate that a greater number of people and medical professionals are recognizing that massage is more than a means for pampering or relaxation. Massage therapy has numerous health benefits including the ability to relieve pain—whether it be lower back pain, other muscle or joint pain, or for pain following surgeries,” says Brenda L. Griffith, president of AMTA. “And, an increasing number of people among all age groups seek the therapeutic benefits of massage.”

Health care primary care providers are increasingly recommending massage therapy for their patients. Seniors are also recognizing the benefits of massage for pain relief and injury or muscle soreness. Incorporating massage therapy as a component in physical therapy regimens may result in the greatest pain relief when compared to chiropractic services, physical therapy and other bodywork. Therapeutic massage not only reduces pain temporarily but may also result in complete elimination of pain in some health conditions.

Acupuncture & Massage College offers a Massage Therapy program featuring a Japanese Shiatsu specialization. For more information about the program call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500 or visit AMC’s website at www.amcollege.edu for complete program information and class descriptions.

For more on acupuncture for pain management check out the acupuncture for back pain article.