Talking to Your Physician About Massage

Talking to Your Physician About Massage
According to the results of a recent survey conducted by the American Hospital Association’s Health Forum and Samueli Institute, a nonprofit research organization, 40 percent of hospitals indicated they offer one or more alternative therapies—up a full 37 percent from 2007.

Responding to patient demand and the increasing cost of health care, more and more hospitals are taking a good look at complementary and alternative therapies—including massage therapy—to help patients with a variety of issues. From back and neck pain to stress relief, doctors and hospitals are beginning to think a little differently about how they might help patients better deal with some of these conditions.

“Today’s patients have better access to health information and are demanding more personalized care,” says Sita Ananth, study author and director of knowledge services for the Samueli Institute. “The survey results reinforce the fact that patients want the best that both conventional and alternative medicine can offer, and hospitals are
responding.”

Of the hospitals that responded to the survey, 64 percent reported using massage therapy as part of outpatient care, and 44 percent use massage therapy as part of inpatient care.

These results dovetail nicely with the findings of a reader survey published in the September issue of Consumer Reports, where three out of four adults reported using some form of alternative therapy for general health. Chiropractic, deep tissue massage and yoga all dominated the lists of helpful alternative treatments for conditions such as back pain, neck pain and osteoarthritis.

According to the report, survey respondents indicated that yoga, deep tissue massage and Pilates rated the same as prescription medications for help with back pain. And some of the respondents initially looked to complementary and alternative therapies upon the suggestion of their physicians. “Twenty-eight percent of readers who used deep tissue massage, usually for back or neck pain, said their doctors had recommended it,” the report explains.

What This Means For You
As we begin to learn more about the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies, don’t be afraid to talk with your doctor about how these options might fit into your overall health care regimen.

Additionally, talk to your massage therapist openly and honestly about the benefits you want to receive from massage therapy. Take some time to gather information on your own. There are quite a few resources out there that can help you better understand the research being done on the benefits of massage therapy, as well as the different techniques and modalities your massage therapist might use.

More Resources
AMTA has a wide variety of information fo consumers—including clinical research on the efficacy of massage therapy, how to find a qualified massage therapist, as well as tips for getting the most from your massage.

Massage Therapy for the Pain of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Massage Therapy for the Pain of Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Research supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) showed that sixty minute sessions of Swedish massage once a week for those with osteoarthritis of the knee significantly reduced their pain. Each massage therapy session followed a specific protocol, including the nature of massage strokes. This is the latest published research study indicating the benefits of massage therapy for those with osteoarthritis of the knee.

The study involved a total group of 125 subjects, with 25 receiving the 60-minute massage over 8 weeks, while others received less massage or usual care without massage.
Previous studies on massage for the pain of osteoarthritis of the knee showed similar results, but were on a more limited number of subjects.

massage finder

Consumer E-Newsletter
AMTA's e-touch is a quarterly, e-newsletter geared toward massage therapy consumers. Regular features include massage in the news, health and wellness tips, and massage in your community.

Consumers can subscribe to this free, e-newsletter to keep on top of the latest trends in massage therapy and wellness. Or, massage therapists can email this informative e-newsletter to their clients.

Living Right: Practicing Presence
Dec 11, 2012
Your body gives you a lot of information about how you need to take care of yourself—if you take the time to listen. Read on and find out how recognizing cues from your body can be an important aspect of your overall wellness routine.
In Season: Avoiding Burnout
Dec 11, 2012
The demands of an over-scheduled life, especially during the busy the holiday season, can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. The loss of energy and commitment, coupled with exhaustion and frustration, can be the first sign that burnout is settling in.
The Gift of Massage
Dec 11, 2012
Show your friends and family you have a stake in their health and wellness by giving them the gift of massage. There's no better time of year to treat those on your nice list to a massage, a proven stress reliever.
Living Right: Integrate Massage Into Your Exercise Routine
Apr 18, 2012
After a winter spent mostly indoors, an increase in physical activity and exercise can leave muscles feeling sore and overworked. Now, a new study shows massage therapy can reduce inflammation after exercise.
Living Right: Talking to Your Physician About Massage
Dec 6, 2011
Responding to patient demand and the increasing cost of health care, more and more hospitals are taking a good look at complementary and alternative therapies—including massage therapy—to help patients with a variety of issues.

massage finder

Philadelphia - Massage Therapy Finder


If you are looking for a massage therapist in Philadelphia, this directory can get you started. The links below contain listings of massage therapists in Philadelphia.

The American Massage Therapy Association - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
The American Massage Therapy Association, the largest national massage therapy association, is a good place to start. You can search their directory of member massage therapists in Philadelphia, and click on the massage therapist's name to find out hours and areas of specialization.
Go to the American Massage Therapy Association massage listings for Philadelphia.

Massage Network - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
The Massage Network was created in 1998 to help professional massage therapists share and learn how to build a successful practice.
Go to the Massage Network's listings for Philadelphia.

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
This organization was established in 1987 and is comprised of more than 40,000 practitioners across the United States and Canada. Verifies that practitioners have graduated from a recognized training program. Go to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage and Bodywork Search Engine and enter your zip code.

Massage Register - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
Search Massage Register to find massage therapists in Orlando. Organized alphabetically.
Go to Massage Register's listings of massage therapists in Philadelphia by entering your city or zip code.

I Want a Massage - Philadelphia Massage Therapists
I Want a Massage is an online directory of massage therapists. Member massage therapists pay to be included in this listing.
Go to I Want a Massage's listing of massage therapists in Philadelphia.

massage finder

Spa

Take a break and treat yourself with an online gift card. Many spas offer a wide range of body wraps, massages, manicures, and pedicures; some have saunas and whirlpools.

Massage

Those in need of some kneading are in good hands with a SpaFinder Wellness Email Gift Card. There are many health benefits as well as stress relief with multiple massage types and techniques.

Pilates

SpaFinder Wellness Instant Gift cards help you enjoy being healthy. The popularity of this core strengthening workout has spread around the world. The focus on flow and movement becomes a form of meditation and de-stressing.

Yoga

Yoga is a discipline that utilizes the mind-body connection to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and enhance well-being. SpaFinder Wellness email gift cards are accepted at Spas and fitness centers offering a number of yoga modalities to suit you.

Massage Insurance Coverage

Massage Insurance Coverage, Cost and Benefit Comparison

Part of being a massage therapist is maintaining the necessary insurance to protect you and your massage practice. We have compiled a list of the necessary data for you to make an informed choice as to what massage insurance provider is best for you.



When comparing pricing, be sure you’re clear on what type of insurance you’re purchasing
*Shared Master Aggregate means that all the members of the association (for example: AMTA’s 56,000+ members) share insurance coverage up to the $10 million policy limit each year. If other members’ claims add up to more than $10 million in any year, the next member filing a claim will not have insurance coverage as the master policy aggregate has been exhausted.
**Claims Made vs. Occurrence From Liability Insurance Coverage:
Claims made policies are typically less expensive because they provide less extensive coverage. Claims made coverage requires claims be made while your policy is in effect. If your policy has expired and someone makes a claim against you - even 24 hours after you’ve expired - you will have no insurance coverage. In fact, it’s like not having had insurance at all.

Some claims made policies offer extended reporting options that would allow you to extend the length of your liability insurance coverage. However, what is not made clear is that there is an additional charge to extend the coverage (200% of the original policy premium, states one insurance policy) and you have to provide written notice within a specific time period in order to access that extended reporting option – it is not automatic coverage.

Occurrence form coverage means coverage continues even if a claim is filed at a later date for an incident that occurred while you were an insured member. Experience tells us many claims aren’t filed until the statute of limitations has nearly run out (two years after the incident, in most cases). Occurrence-form coverage provides protection for these late-filed claims (which are far from rare) – claims-made does not. This added feature helps safeguard your business, your assets -and your peace of mind.

Insurance Massage

Insurance
Perhaps you’ve heard that AMTA offers broad liability coverage, but you're not sure what that means. We have built a robust insurance product that protects you for covered losses, giving you the advantage of knowing your association has you covered. You can put your trust in us.

At AMTA, we hope you'll never need the insurance we provide, but we want you to know we're here for you. We view professional liability insurance as an essential safety net.

To ensure good, quality coverage, AMTA has contracted with a trusted insurer to provide you with the top quality protection you need for your practice. With AMTA's insurance, you receive $2 million per occurrence/$6 million aggregate for professional liability, general liability, products coverage and personal injury.

AMTA has worked hard to provide our members with broad liability insurance coverage. We want you to thrive in your practice, and that not only means building it, but also protecting it.

Student and Graduate Members
Student members are covered with AMTA’s professional and general liability insurance for school-sponsored or sanctioned activities while a student.

Upon graduation, upgrade to Graduate Membership for extended insurance coverage.

Graduate Members qualify for the extended insurance coverage if they have:

1) graduated from their initial massage therapy training program of 500 or more in-class hours; AND

2) met applicable state or local licensing requirements. Please note that for any state or locale that requires licensure, it’s imperative that Graduate Members do not practice until their license has been obtained. Where licensure is required, successful graduation from a massage therapy training program may not be sufficient for professional liability coverage to apply.

If you have additional questions about your AMTA Professional Liability Insurance Plan, adding an additional insured, reporting a claim, or would like a copy of the insurance policy, please call our insurance administrator, Healthcare Providers Service Organization (HPSO), toll free at 1-888-253-1474.

Massage therapists’ insurance

Massage therapists’ insurance tailored to your business needs

Massage therapists ease the stress and tension in others. However, running a business can give you a bit of stress of your own. The last thing you need when it’s time to renew or buy your business insurance is to spend hours shopping around for quotes or filling in forms for a broker.
Our insurance service lets you do it all in one go. We offer clear information about the types of insurance cover suitable for you, a simple form to complete, a range of quotes to compare, and competitive prices. You can be covered in no time by an insurer you trust.
Buying massage therapists’ insurance with Simply Business
Build your ideal policy using our simple form
Compare quotes from a range of trusted insurers
Choose a quote and buy your policy online
Speak to our UK insurance team if you get stuck
Access your documents online instantly
Compare quotes

Building your business insurance policy
Massage therapists may need several types of insurance cover. These should help you get started.
Public liability insurance – if a customer is injured or their property somehow damaged because of your business, you could face a claim for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. This insurance will cover the cost of such a claim.
Why do you need public liability insurance?
Business equipment – you may need cover for the equipment you use at work, such as your massage table. This insurance will cover the cost of replacements if your equipment is damaged or stolen.
For further covers suitable for massage therapists, see the covers box on the right.
Details to look out for
Check the documents of a policy for exclusions and excess before buying. With Simply Business you can instantly see this information with each quote.
You will need employers’ liability insurance if you have any employees.
If you offer other health or beauty therapies, you should state these on the quote form to ensure you are fully covered.