Massage & Bodywork

May/June 2013

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somatic research 3. B. Moradi et al., "Efficacy of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Patients with Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Prospective Clinical Study in 395 Patients," Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 18, no. 2 (2012): 76–82. 4. J. Artner, "A Pilot Study." 5. L. Brosseau et al., "Ottawa Panel EvidenceBased Clinical Practice Guidelines on Therapeutic Massage for Low-Back Pain," Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 16, no. 4 (2012): 424–55. Relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness exercises are considered effective in managing pain and improving sleep.8 Breathing exercises are easy to include on and off the table, and many variations exist. There are even apps available to support your breathing and provide meditation homework suggestions (eg., Breathing Zone, Long Deep Breathing, etc.). Aromatherapy and music are other ways to address relaxation. One study found trigger point therapy, when combined with music and an aroma selected by the client, reduced the symptoms of fibromyalgia.9 Tiffany Field, PhD, conducted a study comparing the benefits of selfmassage and movement exercises to relaxation techniques. Self-massage tools included wooden dowels and tennis balls rolled across the surface of the limbs, stimulating the pressure receptors. The self-massage was combined with yoga-like stretches. The movement/massage therapy group was compared to a progressive relaxation therapy (instructions on tensing and relaxing large muscle groups moving from the head to the feet). Both groups showed reductions in pain and anxiety, but only the movement/massage therapy group experienced improved mood, decreased anxiety, and lower pain results.10 In a recent study, Field builds on her previous results, theorizes that yoga is a form of self-massage, and finds both massage and yoga to have similar effects on prenatal depression.11 6. M. Lemstra et al., "Effectiveness of Multidisciplinary Intervention in the Treatment of Migraine: A Randomized Clinical Trial," Headache 42, no. 9 (2002): 845–54. What is the Client Willing to Do? Self-care education is a common practice for bodywork therapists. We first ask our clients if they have time to help themselves, gauging what they are willing and able to do on their own. We then ask what they already do to take care of themselves, and tailor our suggestions to support what they already fit into their daily practices. Then, we offer customized tips on postural awareness, relaxation, and pain relief. We have topical ointments, pillows, and self-massage tools for sale to ensure their compliance. When possible, we recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to support newfound changes in their body. We would be wise to practice these self-care routines ourselves, and stay productive, healthy, and pain free despite our physical jobs. As expressions of calmness and vitality, we can be shining examples of what is possible. Notes 1. J. Artner et al., "Intensive Interdisciplinary Outpatient Pain Management Program for Chronic Back Pain: A Pilot Study," Journal of Pain Research 5 (2012): 209–16. 7. J. Artner, "A Pilot Study." 8. Y. Nakamura et al., "Investigating Efficacy of Two Brief Mind-Body Intervention Programs for Managing Sleep Disturbance in Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial," Journal of Cancer Survivorship (January 22, 2013), accessed April 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23338490. 9. B. Demirbag et al., "The Effects of Sleep and Touch Therapy on Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Depression," Iranian Journal of Public Health 41, no. 11 (2012): 44–53. 10. T. Field et al., "Movement and Massage Therapy Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain," Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 7, no. 1 (2003): 49–52. 11. T. Field et al., "Yoga and Massage Therapy Reduce Prenatal Depression and Prematurity," Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 16, no. 2 (2012): 204–9. A licensed massage practitioner since 1984, Diana L. Thompson has created a varied and interesting career out of massage: from specializing in pre- and postsurgical lymph drainage to teaching, writing, consulting, and volunteering. Her consulting includes assisting insurance carriers on integrating massage into insurance plans and educating researchers on massage therapy theory and practice to ensure research projects and protocols are designed to match how we practice. Contact her at soapsage@comcast.net. 2. M. Maiers et al., "Integrative Care for the Management of Low-Back Pain: Use of a Clinical Care Pathway," BMC Health Services Research 10 (2010): 298. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 61

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