Studies show massage offers real medical benefits.(Health & Fitness)(Alternative approach)

Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL), December, 2006 by Massey, Patrick B.

Byline: Patrick B. Massey, M.D. When we think of massage, most of us envision a well-appointed spa located in the mountains or by the beach. In reality, massage therapy is an integral part of every culturally based medical system in the world, except ours. In the U.S., massage therapy is considered to be a reward rather then a medical therapy.

As a result, massage therapy is not commonly prescribed for the treatment of physical conditions such as arthritis, back pain and neck pain. Although Medicare and other insurers might reimburse for massage therapy for very specific medical ...