Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77400
To succeed in an integrative model, Healey says most massage therapists have the right academic knowledge, but not necessarily the environmental experience and considerations. member of a team of colleagues, have a high level of professionalism, and be willing to collaborate and learn." THE PERFECT STORM The growth of integrative medicine is on the rise, Weil says, in large part because of the number of practitioners being exposed to its tenets. He says this comes from the commitment of major medical universities to integrative medicine, the establishment of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine, and the presence, albeit sometimes small, of CAM courses in nearly all US medical schools. Weil says AzCIM has developed a model integrative medicine curriculum that exposes medical residents to new ways of thinking about health and healing. "The curriculum is in use at a number of medical institutions, with the expectation that one day it will be adopted by medical schools and residency programs around the country," he says. "No future doctor should leave training without a working concept of health, an in-depth understanding of the importance of healthy dietary and lifestyle measures, and an honoring of the body's innate healing capacity." Healey sees opportunity rising on the crest. "We're reaching a 'perfect storm' of clinical and economic forces, which is creating a real sea change in acute health care settings," he says. "If I were a betting man, I would say massage therapy will play a significant role. The health-care system is collapsing—insurance rates are increasing by double digits every year, patient outcomes are not reflecting patient investment, baby boomers are retiring and will soon need advanced care … and there is an increase in obesity, diabetes, and cancer care. People are scrambling for solutions." The role of the MT is going to be to "respond to the increased attention and awareness that has come to this idea that you can't poke, prod, and drug in isolation and expect any kind of realistic outcome," Healey says. The evidence is building for clinical outcomes MTs can achieve in areas of pain, anxiety, and stress reduction. "Pain control is the number one reason for prescriptions in the hospital, so it's no small thing if we can have an impact on pain and anxiety," he says. "Also, from the patient perspective, there is a growing demand and growing awareness. I think patients have easier access to information and are feeling more empowered to make decisions about their health care. Those decisions are not 'I want more drugs and surgery,' it's 'I want a kinder, more gentle approach to my health.'" Massage is aligned with that request. AFTER THE SHIFT As a member of a successful integrative medicine team, Mathews is not only fulfilled in the challenging work she does, but sees a bigger picture in her role as an MT. "This is a new field of practice and I feel it is my responsibility, as a pioneering therapist, to do my best so that the opportunities in hospital systems continue," she says. "We are needed there." If consumers, patients/clients, doctors, health-care practitioners, clinicians, and administrators continue to embrace the paradigm, more and more practitioners like Mathews will be needed to meet the demand. For advocates, this would be a very good thing. "It is important to note that integrative medicine is not a field unto itself, nor a medical specialty," Weil reminds us. "It represents an attempt to bring health care back to its roots in relationship and healing. When that is achieved, the word integrative will no longer be necessary—it will simply be good medicine." editor for Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com. Karrie Osborn is the contributing earn CE hours at your convenience: abmp's online education center, www.abmp.com 41