October 19-25 is the Annual National Massage Awareness Week sponsored by American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The purpose of Massage Therapy Awareness Week is to draw attention to the benefits of massage therapy and offer opportunities for the public to learn more about what massage therapy can do for them. In the early 1800’s, rubbing, friction and percussion were the mainstays of manual soft tissue manulipation treatment. By the end of the 19th century, massage had developed into a more sophisticated form of manual therapy, including sliding techniques call effleurage. Numerous studies show therapeutic massage is beneficial to people at all phases of their lives (i.e. infant, child, teen, young adult, adult, seniors) and is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. The following are some ways people in different age groups may benefit from massage therapy:
- Infants – for colic, sleep difficulties, faster weight gain for preemies, fostering connection between parent(s) and child
- Children – stress relief, sleep difficulties, learning disabilities
- Teens/Young adults – student stress relief, pre and post sporting events, injury recovery
- Adults – stress relief, injury recovery, pregnancy relief, workplace stress, TMJ, Carpal tunnel syndrome, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery
- Seniors – stress relief, injury recovery, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from illness/surgery, arthritis, compassionate touch for hospices care
AMTA’s annual survey looked at the growth of massage therapy over 10 years and determined that massage therapy has been a growing trend in American culture, with 39 million American adults – more than one out of every 6 – getting a massage annually. While relaxation (26%) is still a motive for Americans integrating massage into their routines, using massage therapy for medical purposes (30%) such as injury recovery, pain reduction, headache control, and for their overall health and wellness, is even more prevalent. More people are discussing massage options with their doctors and healthcare providers, and more healthcare professionals are recommending massage therapy as part of patient’s overall health. The survey also stated that almost twice as many doctors recommended massage to their patients this year than five years ago. While physicians led the way for recommending massage therapy when asked (59%), nearly half of all chiropractors (48%) and physical therapist (47%) also recommended massage when patients inquired. Whether Americans are getting massage therapy at a spa, as part of their chiropractic visits, at their health club, or even at work, the use of massage therapy has increased form 10 years ago. The number of both men and women who received a massage in the last year has doubled since 1979 but, at 23 percent, women still get the most massages. Gentlemen you don’t know what you’re missing!!! One of the reasons massage therapy’s popularity is on the rise is its use by Americans ages 18 to 34 (Generations X and Y). The surveys points out the acceptance and use of massage as someone ages, and considering the younger generations’ views and use of massage it will likely surpass previous generations as they rely on massage for therapeutic reasons and stress relief. Only 28 percent of Gen Y (18 to 24 year olds) agree that massage is just a luxury, compared to 94 percent that agree it can be beneficial to their health. Gen X agree: 92 percent believe massage can be beneficial to their health. Massage therapy was three times more popular as a form of pain relief among 18 to 24 year olds than medication (34 percent for massage versus 10 percent for medication). Ninety-eight percent of Gen X respondents believe massage can be an effective way to relieve pain and 37 percent have already had a massage to relieve pain, while 48 percent of Gen Y have used massage to relieve pain.
I read there are an estimated 250 different massage/bodywork techniques available. I encourage you to seek out a therapist and get a massage. Join those who believe that massage is the most natural way to heal. While you’re at it refer a loved one and/or friends to one of Rasmussen’s massage clinics. It would be a nice way to help them discover the benefits of massage at a great price…