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A Few Words of Caution
If performed by a properly trained therapist and appropriate cautions are followed, massage therapy appears to have few serious risks, according to the NCCAM. Even so, be mindful of NCCAM’s cautionary advice:
- Don’t use massage therapy to replace your regular medical care or as a reason to postpone seeing a healthcare provider about a medical problem.
- If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether massage therapy is appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. (Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before using massage therapy; cancer patients should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure.)
Explore the practice and benefits of massage, Bay Area style
An estimated 18 million U.S. adults and 700,000 children received massage therapy in the previous year, according to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey. As popular as it’s become, this type of therapy is anything but the latest craze. In fact, references to massage have turned up in ancient writings — from ancient China, Japan and India to Egypt, Greece (Hippocrates defined medicine as “the art of rubbing”) and Rome, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
If you’ve been trying to figure out if a massage would be good therapy for you, check the following Q&A with Pennie Sempell, J.D., CMT, a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (www.massagetherapy.com) and an integrative medicine therapist who’s worked for 15 years in association with physicians at California Pacific Medical Center and other facilities and programs.
What are some of the reasons that folks should make time for a massage?
One of the long-recognized benefits is that massage promotes relaxation in the body and reduction of stress, which is in itself very helpful for the body’s natural ability to heal. It’s also preventive medicine and why many people keep coming to my office. They may have come initially for a specific problem — virtually all are referred by doctors and psychologists — but once they realize how good they feel, they may come in once a month just for a tuneup.
What are some common types of massage?
Swedish massage is what many people consider traditional massage. It’s done with the client’s clothing removed and the body draped. The strokes vary between long and smooth and deep work — the amount of pressure also will vary, carefully weighted toward what the client likes. It’s applied in a variety of circumstances — including for general relaxation of tense, spastic muscles; various kinds of pain conditions; and scar work. Shiatsu, based in the Oriental tradition, often involves very deep pressure and may use different body parts, such as elbows and knees, to apply pressure on parts of the body that are believed to be involved in the creation of tension. Sports massage involves the application of appropriate techniques for injuries, improving mobility. It’s typically done under the supervision of a physical or orthopedic therapist and follows what’s been medically prescribed. In chair massage, the person sits fully clothed in a specially designed chair for massage of the back, shoulders and arms. For a comprehensive glossary of types of massage and body work, visit www.massagetherapy.com/glossary.
Massage at CPMC
The Women’s Health Resource Center (WHRC) at California Pacific Medical Center offers several types of massage, including Swedish, deep tissue and prenatal massage.
The cost is $40 for a half-hour; $70 for one hour; $90 for an hour and a half. 3698 California St., Lobby Level, San Francisco.
For more information, call 415.600.0500 or visit The Women’s Health Resource Center online.
How important is it that the person who gives you a massage is certified?
The way I see it, if you’re going to see a dentist, you want to see a dentist who’s properly licensed. The same is true with massage therapists — you should see someone who’s certified.
If you’ve never had a massage before, how do you know which type to choose?
I would encourage first timers to have maybe a half-hour back massage or foot and leg massage, particularly if they’re uncomfortable disrobing. A foot and lower leg massage can be incredible. You can achieve profound relaxation and if you like it, try it again.
