Massage Therapy Gets a Modern Makeover
In the past Massage Therapy was portrayed and thought of as just a way to relax, loosen up a stiff back, or something that only happens at the spa. It wasn’t one of the first things people thought of when they were hurt, massage was to pamper- not rehab. Up until the last few years if you ‘threw your back out’ you went to a chiropractor, or sprained an ankle meant a trip to physiotherapy- massage wasn’t previously thought of in that ‘medical health’ way.
Now, most modern-day Massage Therapists are highly trained in soft tissue corrections from nerve entrapments to whiplash and TMJ pain, to assessing gait patterns after a hip or knee injury. On top of regular massage techniques, many MTs also study Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics, Pathology, Orthopedic Assessments (that a chiropractor or doctor would do to assess the movement of a joint), and even Psychology to understand the mind and mental state of the person they are treating. Massage Therapists treat pain and discomfort from motor vehicle accidents to prenatal massage to help manage chronic pain syndromes. And the list doesn't stop there.
A few of the most notable advancements in Massage Therapy include:
Integration of technology: Previously Massage Therapists (MTs) were only allowed to work with their hands, hot or cold stones, and myofascial suction cups, but now most therapists are increasingly incorporating tools like percussion therapy guns, infrared & redlight devices, to PEMF and Frequency Specific Microcurrent or Shockwave to target specific areas of tension and monitor progress. The addition of supplemental mechanical devices enables MTs to get more resolution per session, with less wear and tear on their body and the patient’s.
Focus on Customization & Specialization: Message therapy is evolving to be more personalized instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. While a general massage can always be beneficial, many therapists now customize sessions to meet individual needs by using a combination of techniques and modalities. These may include Chinese Medicine Acupressure Meridian Therapy, cold stone therapy for treating Sciatic pain or applying principles from osteopath training to understand how the body's biomechanics contribute to gait or hip dysfunction. By training in various modalities, therapists can better target specific issues to address the root cause of dysfunction and resolve problems more efficiently. There's a growing focus on massage for specific conditions, such as sports injuries, prenatal care, youth, infant/birth trauma, and chronic pain management now more than ever.
Public and Health Care Awareness of Massage Therapy Benefits: In the last few years massage therapy has quickly caught on as an effective way to help lower stress levels, keep the immune system operating more efficiently, and optimize the function of the body as a whole. If the pandemic taught us anything it’s that our health needs to be taken more seriously, and massage therapy is an easy way to do that. Most private insurance policies cover massage therapy for its members, and it is often recommended after sustaining an injury, or motor vehicle accident, or to be utilized in place of pain medications. Massage therapy can benefit anyone from 12 hours old to the end stages of life, from athletes to persons with immobility, and acute injuries to palliative care.
In the end, there are many benefits to these progressions in the massage therapy field, and it's the patients who benefit the most. Higher trained therapists lead to enhanced effectiveness of treatments, a more personalized and effective massage experience, and greater recognition of massage as a legitimate healthcare modality.
