Perhaps a friend, family member, coworker, or healthcare provider has recommended a massage. If your reaction was “No, that’s not for me”, it’s time to reconsider. The team at Integrative Medicine at APD clears up some myths about massage therapy.
MYTH: Massage is only for injuries.
FACT: “Massage is great for relieving stress. Tension creeps up on us, but massage once a month or once a quarter will help you not feel burnt out, stressed or sick,” said Nancy Rizner, massage therapist at Integrative Medicine at APD.
MYTH: You may have pain in one area, but rarely one area is to blame. Massage can root out the culprit.
FACT: “The body is made up of connective tissue. If you are tight in one area, it will affect another area. You may have lower back pain, but it could have started in your ankles or your shoulders,” said Matthew Harrington, massage therapist at Integrative Medicine at APD.
MYTH: Massage is not just for the wealthy elite.
FACT: “Soldiers received massage therapy during WWI,” said Matthew Harrington, massage therapist at Integrative Medicine at APD. “It’s included in healthcare plans in the Netherlands and you’ll find spas and massage therapists on every corner in the Far East.”
MYTH: Massage isn’t covered by healthcare plans.
FACT: “You need to ask,” said Cindy Reuter, director of Integrative Medicine at APD. “It’s often a hidden benefit. You can also use health savings account funds to pay for massage and other holistic therapies.”
MYTH: Massage doesn’t have real health benefits.
FACT: In November 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended massage and acupuncture over opiates and medications for managing chronic pain.
Cindy Reuter ND, MSOM, LAc, MPH, is the medical director of Integrative Medicine at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital. Matthew Harrington and Nancy Rizner are massage therapists at Integrative Medicine at APD. Combined, the team has 17 years of experience. Learn more: https://www.alicepeckday.org/services/massage-therapy