So, this morning I hopped on-line to finish some work before going in to the office and I ended up following a rabbit trail of controversy. Controversy about my beloved field of massage!
Some of you sent me copies of last week's article about massage and inflammation (thanks!) and today I found a blistering article basically tearing the original study apart. (Click around on the site and see what you think.)
I have to admit being a little sad and defensive that someone would have such passionate vehemence against my career and colleagues. I suppose it was a bit of an eye-opener to see that some people in the medical community still see massage therapists as "quacks" and would actually mention "happy endings." But, also, a little controversy is good to get the wheels turning.
Most of us who choose to commit to therapeutic massage as a career genuinely want to help people; and we rely on our training and ever-better research to continually hone our skills so that we may do so most effectively. I have been ridiculed for saying this, but I would love some sort of Masters track for massage (and maybe even a PhD program) (it doesn't have to be "traditional"). I see great value in quality education.
Furthermore, I look forward to more research about the best ways massage benefits us and, conversely, genuinely want to know when massage will be ineffective. We all know that massage can't fix everything so let's keep exploring and get great at what it can do.
Ok, though, I have to admit, if a valid research study concluded that "massage is the answer! it cures all ills!," I would be thrilled!
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