You At Your Best

BY KAREN RICE YOU AT YOUR BEST Massage therapy has grown in popularity in recent years as a tool for healing and relaxation. A recent consumer study sponsored by American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) indicates that 67 percent of individuals surveyed claim the primary reason for receiving their last massage in the previous 12 months was medical (41 percent) or stress (26 percent) related. In addition, research points to the efficacy of massage therapy for a variety of health conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies of massage benefits have found massage can: Help reduce stress Lessen pain and muscle tension Increase relaxation Improve immune function At Mayo Clinic, medical professionals may recommend massage therapy to help people cope with the pain and stress of various conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, stomach problems or fibromyalgia. Why get a massage? Increasingly massage consumers report getting massage for health and wellness reasons, and not just "pampering." In 2020, 30% of consumers who got a massage for health and wellness reasons stated it was part of a treatment plan from a doctor or medical provider. Pain relief or pain management was a top concern when consumers discussed massage with a doctor. Men are more likely than women to discuss massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider. And as the United States struggles with an epidemic of opioid use and its devastating effects on lives, society and the economy, it may be time to consider the role massage therapy can play in relieving pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from prescription opioids—drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone—have more than quadrupled since 1999. For that reason, a number of health organizations and governmental agencies are looking at new ways to manage pain. According to the CDC, 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, and it affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Research continues to support the health benefits of massage therapy for pain relief, including low back pain, post surgical pain, fibromyalgia and arthritis. In the United States, almost half of adults will experience a mental health challenge during their lifetime. A growing body of research validates the positive impact of massage therapy for relief of stress, anxiety, and depression. Talk to your health care professional about the potential benefits of massage therapy, and the healing power of touch. 65% OF MEN 61% OF WOMEN got a massage for HEALTH OR WELLNESS REASONS 26% OF MEN 32% OF WOMEN got a massage for PAIN RELIEF OR MANAGEMENT 30% of consumers who got a massage in 2020 for health and wellness reasons state it was part of a treatment plan from a doctor/ medical provider. Men are more likely than women to discuss massage therapy with their doctor or health care provider. touch THE POWER OF www.amtamassage.org 8 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | YOUATYOURBEST.NWAONLINE.COM SEPTEMBER - THE 5 SENSES | SUNDAY, AUGUST 29, 2021

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