Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68185
SOMATIC RESEARCH standard randomized controlled trials—that adequately evaluate the massage experience verses reducing massage to individual techniques. A request for integrative opportunities in health care—team approaches to care with consistent and respectful open dialogue between massage therapists and all health-care providers—rather than parallel care were declared as critical and defining of true integration. Breakout sessions provided a venue for topic-related clusters of research data. Breakout sessions took place each afternoon in two different forms: three research presentations and two experiential workshops—a unique format for translational research mentioned earlier. The research presentations were divided by topics, such as Massage Therapy in Collaboration with other Health Care Systems, Massage Therapy Research and the Musculoskeletal System, and Massage Therapy Research on Pain and Anxiety. Five research projects were presented per breakout, with adequate time allotted for questions and discussion. The three-hour workshops were led by a single presenter, and focused on research that defined specific assessment techniques (as in Leon Chaitow's session) or modalities (Masahiro Takakura and Kinesio Taping for inflammatory conditions). The final day of Highlighting positioned two reports from the profession in lieu of a panel presentation. John Balletto reported on the Best Practices Symposium held immediately prior to the Highlighting conference, and Chip Hines and members of the Body of Knowledge Task Force announced the release of the profession's first body of knowledge document and shared the work of creating the document. A body of knowledge document often defines a profession and contains the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of the profession. In this case, the information describes the massage Provocative statements abounded from the podium. therapy profession, outlining the KSAs necessary for therapists to be safe and effective practitioners. Best practices draws from the body of knowledge of the profession and attempts to outline decision-making processes for massage-specific client presentations, such as low-back pain or stress. Both are huge undertakings, the results of which become living documents that inform the profession and all its stakeholders; they will shift and expand based on new information as it arises. HIGHLIGHTS OF HIGHLIGHTING Provocative statements abounded from the podium. One stirring bit of data came from Dan Cherkin, PhD, from the Group Health Research Institute (GHRI), during his talk "Is Massage Effective for Back and Neck Pain—Applying the Research to Your Practice." The following statement was made based on research findings: "Relaxation massage is at least as effective as structural massage." The GHRI recently completed a study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), that investigated whether the type of massage matters for low-back pain. The study compared relaxation massage to structural massage in more than 400 people with chronic back pain. Relaxation massage was defined as, "Swedish techniques intended to help back pain by inducing a generalized sense of relaxation." Structural massage consisted of "various techniques (including neuromuscular and myofascial) intended to identify and alleviate musculoskeletal contributors to pain." The participants were randomized into one of three arms: relaxation massage, structural massage, and a "usual care" group. Those randomized into the two massage groups received up to 10 massage treatments over 10 weeks. Assessments were done after 10, 26, and 52 weeks. Both the relaxation and the structural massage groups performed better than the usual care group on the Roland Score, measuring at least 3+ point gains in function. Other benefits that persisted through the 52 weeks included a decrease in the number of days with reduced activity, global ratings of improvement, and satisfaction with overall care for back pain. The study concluded that relaxation massage is an effective treatment for chronic back pain, with benefits lasting at least one year, and that relaxation massage is at least as effective as structural massage. The study's results confirmed findings of smaller trials. The study has not yet been published, but when it is, more debate is anticipated and a flurry of activity is sure to follow. Due to the high level of controversy already expressed, studies will likely be launched to verify the results. The implications of data such as this are far-reaching to clinicians and researchers. Therapists invest dollars and time annually to learn advanced skills to better treat conditions such as back pain. Researchers frequently analyze specific techniques to determine if one more effective than another. On the other hand, results such as this may encourage researchers and clinicians alike to look at other components of a massage session to better understand the benefits of massage: the therapeutic relationship, the quality of communication (listening and educating), and the environment. There is much to learn about what makes a good massage. connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 119