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Less Pain
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HANDS ON HEALING: Less Pain By Katherine Griffin Choose any ten Americans, and chances are that seven or eight of them will someday suffer serious back pain. Michael Weintraub, a neurologist at New York Medical College, spends much of his time trying to help these people cope. A couple of years ago, frustrated that so many of his patients weren't getting better, Weintraub decided to give massage a try. Working with a massage therapist, he designed a treatment combining traditional Swedish massage, the Japanese technique shiatsu, and compression of sensitive "pain points" deep within muscles. Fifty-two patients, most of whom had tried physical therapy, chiropractic, and other techniques without success, got eight massages over the course of a month. "We got a superb response," Weintraub says. "Eighty-six percent felt dramatically better." Indeed, patients whose pain had persisted for up to six months reported less pain at the end of the study. Those who'd been suffering for six months or more didn't have less pain, but they did have an easier time moving around. The study had shortcomings, Weintraub says, chiefly that there was no comparison group. "Still, there's something positive here needs to be chased down." Massage seems to relieve other types of pain, too. Over a period of several weeks, massage lessened pain in children with rheumatoid arthritis or burns, and in adults with fibromyalgia. One possible explanation: Massage may raise levels of enkephalins, one of the body's natural painkillers. I can tell my time is almost up when the massage therapist stops the deep strokes and starts brushing his/her hands down my back with quick, light movements, as if he's whisking off lint. Finally, he rests one calming hand on my lower back and the other on top of my head. After he lifts them away, I stay motionless for a moment, slowly remembering where I am and what comes next. Oh, yes. The rush-hour taxi ride to the airport. The cross-country plain trip. But something odd has happened. Instead of grumbly thoughts about the journey ahead, I'm looking forward to what will be waiting for me when I step off the plane: another massage therapist with a strong pair of hands. |
Massage Therapy and Healing Arts Center & Day Spa |
2100 Padre Blvd. Suite 3
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