Training requirements for massage therapists vary from state to state in the United States. As of January 2011, all but 7 states provide regulation of massage therapists. Each state's regulation laws and rules vary and are based on legislation that has been passed and some states designate their therapists to be either licensed, registered, or certified massage therapists. The number of training hours (usually between 500-1000), testing requirements, and minimum coursework requirements are dictated by the state massage therapy boards. Not all states require a massage therapist to take a national certification board examination (NCETMB), therefore, unfortunately national certification is not always the standard. Maintaining a massage therapy license also varies from state to state and most continuing education hour requirements fall between 12-20 hours biennially. A group of massage therapy profession stewards recently (May 2010) agreed upon a massage therapy body of knowledge (www.mtbok.org), which defines the knowledge, skills and abilities of an entry-level massage therapist.
Massage Therapy
Massage is often used as an adjunct therapy for a number of conditions, including back pain and chemotherapy. It has been shown to be an effective means to relieve stress. Massage can be an important part of sports medicine as it helps to improve circulation and alleviate muscle cramping.
Specific techniques for self massage may help with tired eyes, neck and even hands. Therapeutic massage from a competent therapist is sometimes combined with chiropractic care.
Take care when selecting a massage therapist, as the adult entertainment industry is well known for non-therapeutic massageit's important to draw the distinction if seeking healthcare-related work.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 3 AnswersIf you're plagued by muscle pain, try a technique called Rolfing, which is even deeper than a deep-tissue massage.
This technique, which was developed by Dr. Ida Pauline Rolf, aims to separate bound-up connective tissues (or fascia), which link the muscles. When you talk to folks about the impact it has on them, a lot of them just stand taller. A lot is just freeing you up to live the way you're supposed to live.
Certified Rolfer Jonathan Martine says this massage method works with the body instead of on it. The procedure may seem painful, but Jonathan says he works within the body's limits. "If I'm trying to force you into position to be upright, and you're not ready to be there, it's going to be challenging," he says.
You don't have to strip down to have this procedure. You can wear whatever clothing you're comfortable wearing.
This content originally appeared on doctoroz.com -
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Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answeredSee All 3 AnswersA study reported in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found that oil massage, particularly sesame oil, improved infants’ growth and helped them sleep better. Oil massage is a time-tested method of infant care practiced all over the world and is known to have beneficial effects. In this study, researchers from the University College of Medical Sciences in Delhi studied the effect of oil massage on 125 healthy infants. The infants were approximately 6 weeks of age and were divided into five groups. Four groups received oil massage with herbal oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, and a mix of mineral oil with vitamin E, respectively. The fifth group served as "control group" and did not receive any massage.
In the study, the mothers were taught to massage the infants’ legs, back, arms, chest, abdomen, face and head with oil for a total of 10 minutes daily. This practice was continued over a period of four weeks. When the study was over, researchers noted that the weight, body length, head circumference, girth of arm and leg was increased in the four groups that received oil massage, and the most significant increase was seen in the group that received massage with sesame oil. A significant increase in the blood flow through the femoral artery, the main artery supplying the leg, was also seen in this group. Researchers found the infants who received the oil massage also slept better. The beneficial effects on growth and sleep are probably due to increased blood flow and increase in levels of growth promoting hormones like growth hormone and insulin. -
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredMassage works by stimulating feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, and decreasing blood pressure. It's also been shown to reduce stress during labor. So whether it comes from your mate or a professional, make it a habit of being on the receiving end of a rubdown now that you're expecting.
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Dawn Saunders , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answered"Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet." ~from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/
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Jara Soost , NASM Elite Trainer , Athletic Training, answeredThis is an excellent question. However, it is different for everybody and it depends on what techniques are being used and for what reason.
A relaxation massage will use long even strokes. Generally light to moderate pressure is used for this. This is a good time to just go to your happy place and let your body melt into the table.
Sometimes people go in to have pain or a medical condition worked on. This will feel different. While no massage should ever hurt, sometimes they can be uncomfortable in order to manipulate the tissue. It is always important to let your therapist know how you are feeling and if the pressure is too much. When going in to have something specific worked on, two things may happen:
- You may feel the release right away as your therapist works on you.
- You may feel some discomfort during the massage. After your body takes a day to adjust to the changes, the initial pain you came in to relieve will disapate.
Either way, make sure to drink an extra couple glasses of water that day. Massage therapy does release the toxins in your body and you want those flushed out right away. Because massage therapy relaxes the body, you may feel a little light headed when getting back up, so always take things slow.
A good massage, regardless of the purpose should make you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed!
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Jara Soost , NASM Elite Trainer , Athletic Training, answered
Massage therapy is very valuable for many types of conditions, however these same conditions do need special attention so that the massage therapist does not make the condition worse. Always make sure to tell your therapist if you are on any medication espeicially blood thinners that may cause you to bruise more easily. Conditions that result in decreased or increased sensation will need to be made aware of. Massage therapy helps to reduce the healing time of injuries but make sure you and the therapist know what kind of injury it is and how old it is so that proper techniqes are used. If you have swelling or are recovering from lymphadema special techniques need to be used to reduce the swelling or lymph and not increase it.
Make sure you have given a good health history to your therapist and make sure your therapist has experience and knowedge in the type of massage you need to make massage therapy a good and healthy experience.
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Dr. Mosaraf Ali, MD , Integrative Medicine, answered
If you have arthritis or fibromyalgia, there's a surprising treatment you may want to consider: massage therapy. It doesn't just feel great -- it can also help relieve several chronic conditions. To find out more, watch this video featuring integrative medicine expert and Dr. Oz Show guest Mosaraf Ali.
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredPhysical therapists use massage, a form of manual therapy, as one treatment component for their patients. Manual therapy is an excellent way to reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion, and correct postural or movement imbalances.
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredSee All 6 AnswersWhether done by a professional or yourself at home, massage is an important part of your health and fitness program. A qualified massage therapist can help reduce tension in muscles. Massage can also help with stress reduction by promoting relaxation. If your financial situation does not allow for the expense of professional massage therapy, you can employ a self-massage technique using a foam roller called self-myofascial release. To perform this technique, place a foam roll on the ground under the target muscle and use your body weight to apply pressure. Slowly roll along the muscle until you feel an area of tenderness or a knot. Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds to allow your muscle time to relax. You can find a foam roller at most sporting goods stores or with the other flexibility equipment like floor mats at your health club or gym. However, it should be noted that a foam roller will never replace the what a skilled therapist can do.