When I began chiropractic practice in 1995, there were only a few massage therapists in our area.  Since then, many more people have entered this profession.  Indeed, massage therapists of Georgia have achieved passage of a long-awaited licensure law that established a licensure board and the professional standards that define the profession. 

Massage therapy is not only a specific therapeutic procedure in our clinic, but also an important part of the overall wellness plan for many of our patients. 

The American Massage Therapy Association tells us this about the profession:

·        Massage has been shown to increase range of motion and flexibility as well as to improve measures of anxiety, depression, vitality, and perceived stress.

·        It can also increase feelings of wellness, calm, relaxation, and a sense of belonging.

·        In a study of the effect of massage therapy on patients receiving Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT) it was concluded that those who received massage therapy had a better quality of life.  These patients rested more easily, had less depression and anxiety and were more able to communicate with loved ones during this crucial treatment.

·        Massage helps overcome the feelings of fatigue.

·        Massage has positive side-effects in addition to those that affect the musculoskeletal system.

·        A study of adolescents showed an increased sense of well-being after receiving massage.

·        Massage increases a sense of well-being and decreases stress in older adults.

·        Massage reduces nausea in chemotherapy patients.

·        Caregiver[s] reported an improvement in physical and emotional states after chair massage.

·        Massage in combination with mental training (in a stress management program) has a positive effect on women's health.

According to the American Psychological Association:

·        43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.

·        75--90% of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.

·        Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death - heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.

·        The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has declared stress a hazard of the workplace.

·        It is logical that if stress is decreased, then wellness will increase.  Massage has been shown to decrease stress; therefore massage will increase wellness and should be included in everyone's health management plan.