- Research has found that massage therapy alleviates pain and discomfort, while providing mental relaxation
- A survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association found that in a 12-month span, 19% of adults received at least one massage
RESOURCES

Massage Therapy Pocket Guide
Massage therapy is a healing practice that is thousands of years old. It is the manual administration of pressure to the body’s soft tissue including muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Massage therapy is typically performed to loosen and relax tissue but can also be performed to treat serious health issues, like chronic pain. Massage has been shown effective for the following: If you or your healthcare provider would like to read more research on massage therapy’s effect on a particular health Prior to your first massage, the clinic or therapist will provide you with some form of a medical consultation. This will either be a written or verbal questionnaire where you detail the reason you have chosen to visit a massage therapist, your medical history, any physical or mental conditions you are currently suffering from and any medications you are taking. Inform your massage therapist of any open wounds, broken bones or allergies you have so that you do not experience any negative side effects. Once you have completed your consultation, the therapist will discuss with you the treatment you will receive and the concerns s/he plans to address through massage therapy. Massage therapy is used to treat both physical and mental health conditions and address symptoms related to chronic health concerns including: Massage therapy is widely considered a safe practice when performed by a trained and qualified practitioner. Nevertheless, there is potential risk involved as there is with all conventional and integrative medicine practices. Precautions Side Effects Massage therapy should be used along side any conventional treatments you are receiving; massage therapy is not meant to take the place of conventional care. However, it is possible that overtime you could reduce your dependence on traditional forms of treatment and/or medication. Any decisions regarding treatment should be discussed with your doctor(s) prior to making changes to your treatment plan. Massage therapists are regulated by 44 states and the District of Columbia. In some states, there may be regulations at the county and/or city level. If you would like to see the specific guidelines required by your state, county or city, please visit the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). When looking for a massage therapist, make sure to receive information about his training and what conditions he treats. The AMTA provides a search by location and technique. The cost of massage therapy treatments vary based on location, provider, and services needed. In some rare cases, hospitals and health centers offer massage therapy that can be covered with health insurance. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you see a practitioner they recommend. Swedish Massage—Gentle massage that involves long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibrating and tapping Deep Tissue Massage—Slower movements while applying more force on the body’s soft tissues to help muscles heal from injury Sports Massage—Designed to treat injuries and soothe the bodies of athletes and others who are very physically active Trigger Point Massage—Breaks down tight muscle fibers that typically form on muscles that are overused or have been injured Chair Massage—Performed using a special chair while the client is fully clothed and sitting up; Addresses the upper body Integrative health is the pursuit of personal health and wellbeing foremost, while addressing disease as needed, with the support of a health team dedicated to all proven approaches – conventional, complementary and self-care.Fast Facts
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
HOW DOES MASSAGE THERAPY WORK?
What is the evidence?
concern you would like to treat, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides an in-depth look at the effectiveness of massage therapy: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/massageWhat can I expect to happen at my first Massage Therapy session?
What conditions does Massage Therapy treat?
Are there precautions, side effects or safety concerns I should be aware of before I start massage therapy?
– Bruises
– Open wounds
– Areas of weak skin
– A blood clot in a vein
– A bleeding disorder
– Low blood platelet counts
– You take a anticoagulants (blood thinning medication)
What training/certifications does a massage therapist need?
How can I find a massage therapist located near me?
How much will a massage therapy session cost?
What are the Different Types of Massage Therapy?
What is integrative health?
Sources
Topics: Anxiety | Back Pain | Blood Pressure | Chronic Pain | Complementary Medicine | Depression | Fatigue | Headaches | Hypertension | Inflammation | Integrative Health | Pain | Pain Management | Palliative Care | Post-traumatic stress disorder/PTSD | Relaxation | Stress | Stress Management
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