Maximizing Exercise
With Massage

Doctors Recommend Exercise
and Massage Therapy Combination

MCLEAN, Va., March 22, 2004-- For consumers hoping to maximize their exercise routine, buying into the "no pain, no gain" concept might not be the best strategy. In reality, hard work at the gym doesn't pay off if muscles are overly stressed.

A new study released by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) reveals that more and more consumers recognize the many benefits of combining workouts with massage therapy, yet few are actually using the combination.

Massage can benefit everyone from the elite athlete, to the casual athlete, walker, runner or the average gym-goer. Benefits of integrating massage into an exercise routine can include:

• Improved range of motion and strength;

• Increasing oxygen in muscles to allow muscles to endure longer periods of exercise;

• Preventing injuries to muscles and tendons;

• Increasing energy and endurance; promoting endorphin release to reduce pain caused by constricted muscle fibers;

• Maintaining good physical condition, which can help improve overall performance.

The study conducted by Harris Interactive for National Massage Safety Week 2004 (March 21st - 27th), also reveals that three in ten Americans have received a massage in the past and yet only 27 percent of Americans getting massage ask if their practitioner is Nationally Certified. In order to maximize the benefits of massage, health experts suggest that consumers be selective when choosing a massage therapist.

"Choosing a massage therapist is like choosing your family physician," said Judy Dean, RN, NCTMB, chair-elect of NCBTMB. "You want someone who is credible and who has a high level of knowledge and competency. That's what National Certification helps assure."

The poll including more than 2,300 adults found that respondents who exercise on a weekly basis are also more likely to have had a massage than those who don't. The poll also found:

• Respondents are most likely to get a massage at a private practice or clinic (19 percent);

• Stress relief was the leading reason cited for getting a massage (59 percent) with general health and well-being cited by 37 percent of
  respondents and sport-related reasons cited by 17 percent;

• Nearly two-thirds of respondents claim they exercise on a weekly basis (63 percent) and a majority of those who exercise (53 percent) consider their approach to exercise to be informal (i.e. walking, running or biking on their own or with a group of friends).

"Ensuring public safety is the primary goal of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and National Massage Safety Week," said Christine D. Niero, PhD, executive director, NCBTMB. "By making sure that their massage therapist is Nationally Certified, consumers know that they are putting their body into the hands of a trained and competent practitioner."

As part of National Massage Safety Week, "Massage Works Out", consumers can find a fact sheet on exercise and massage, a safety checklist of questions that consumers should ask before receiving a massage and a list of Nationally Certified practitioners on our site.