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Healthbeat: Beware Your Massage
During these times of high stress, there's nothing more relaxing than a good massage. But beware, sometimes a massage can be dangerous for your health.
This week, during National Massage Safety Awareness Week, those
seeking relaxation are urged to find a nationally certified massage
therapist. Massages not done by a trained professional can cause serious pain and injury. And there are certain medical conditions for which a massage is not recommended, including:
Severe high blood pressure
High fever
Acute pneumonia
Nationally certified massage therapists must undergo intensive training, education and testing in order to provide safe and effective massages - part of that training and education teaches them when or when not to give a massage in order to protect the consumer. However, in a new
survey released by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work, only 43 percent of people who have gotten a massage in the past year have asked whether their practitioner is certified.
The benefits of massage are well documented: it can reduce stress,
relieve aching muscles, and calm the mind. It also can strengthen the
immune system and increase circulation. However, that is only if the
massage is done right.
For more information about massage safety or how to find a nationally
certified practitioner in your area, log onto www.ncbtmb.com
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