Massage Therapy As Alternative Medicine

The high cost of medical care, long wait times to see your doctor and the risky side effects of costly prescription drugs are all pushing more and more people to seek out alternative medicine such as massage.

Defining Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is considered treatment that does not fit the traditional Western (allopathic) model. This includes chiropractic, acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage, relaxation therapy and homeopathy.

Defining Allopathic Medicine

Allopathic medicine is medicine where injury or disease is treated with the use of surgery or chemical medications. It is what we refer to when we use the term "traditional" or "modern" medicine.

Massage as Alternative Medicine

Massage is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care because the two complement one another. Massage works primarily on the soft tissues of the body, which can cause problems for the bony structures when the muscles are irritated or injured.

Massage As Complementary Medicine

Massage works best as part of a recovery program involving a medical doctor, chiropractor, Chinese medicine doctor or another alternative medicine practitioner.

Misconceptions

It is not within a massage therapist's scope of practice to diagnose injuries or illnesses, nor should massage be used as primary medical care. Massage therapists can identify diseases and disorders and will refer the client to a doctor if there is a problem that requires medical attention.

References

• Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage, 4th Edition; Mark F. Beck; 2006