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. ( Please note that we do not condone chiropractic manipulator therapy due to safety and quality concerns)
 
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.

Ninety percent of individuals surveyed perceive massage as effective in reducing pain, according to the 15th annual consumer survey sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®). This number is up from 86 percent in both 2009 and 2010.
 
This increase may be attributed to the increasing number of people who consult doctors and health professionals about massage.
The percentage of all surveyed adults who had a massage in the previous 12 months remained consistent at 18 percent in 2011, the same amount as in 2010.
All survey respondents were asked what they used for pain relief and in 2011, more than 30 percent indicated that they had used massage at some point. This trend has been growing over the last four years:

Americans’ Use of Massage for Relaxation is Declining
30 percent of those surveyed in 2011 sought their last massage for relaxation and stress reduction, down from 42 percent last year. This dramatic reduction is likely a combination of the economic hardships that continue to plague the nation and the increasing perception that health benefits are a main reason for paying for a massage.
Those with a household income of $50K - $75K (the middle income range of those surveyed) had the highest number of massages in the last year, with an average of 6.2 per household, while the highest income range of $100K+ only had 2.8 massages per household surveyed. This nods at the reduction of massage for relaxation and increased use for specific health needs. (Please note that when used under medical supervision, most insurance plans will cover massage therapy as opposed to going to a commercial facility)
Recommending Massage to Others
69 percent of Americans have or would recommend massage therapy to a relative or someone else they know.
 

Here is an unedited article from FOX News about exercise. We have made many changes in our practice concerning our approach to exercise and fitness over the past 3 years for our patients’ benefits.
Yes. all programs are supervised by Dr. Mishner and staff.
Yes, we have a dietician.
Yes, we have in house physical therapy.
Yes, we have massage therapy.
Yes, we have certified fitness trainers using our in house gym consisting of state-of-the-art low impact fitness equipment that is exclusive to Southwest Florida.
Yes, we are seeing incredible results.
Yes, some programs may be covered by insurance.

Exercise making its way to doctors’ prescription pads

So, your doctor told you to exercise, giving you what many physicians are recommending nowadays, “walking” orders” or an “exercise prescription.”
There is a reason he or she advised you to not be sedentary and begin a fitness regimen. Exercise has been proven to prevent injury and ward off disease.
The latest research documenting these benefits was reported by the Centers for Disease Control last week and featured in an article by Associated Press writer, Mike Stobbe, who wrote: “A government survey found nearly 33 percent of adults who saw a doctor in the previous year said they were told to exercise. That was up from about 23 percent in 2000.”
The CDC study reported that diabetics were among the most likely to get these orders than others with chronic conditions. Ladies, women also received this advice more than men according to the organization’s research.
The survey consisted of 22 thousand adults in the United States with many receiving recommendations to get moving, regardless of their age. “The most dramatic — and surprising — increases were reported in patients age 85 and older. In 2000, about 15 percent were told by doctors to exercise. By 2010, almost 30 percent were getting such a recommendation.”
The CDC said that in addition to “reducing the risk of chronic health conditions,” exercise has many other benefits as well, “Engaging in regular physical activity can reduce medication dependence, help maintain functional independence, and improve the quality of life for older adults.”
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) took this advice a step further in a separate study reported last year. Their research proved that in addition to the exercise prescription a counselor would also see better results overall and improved vital signs. “Research showed that patients who were given a tailored exercise prescription and behavior change counseling program by their family physician, rather than an exercise prescription alone, had a higher level of fitness and physical activity and lower systolic blood pressure.”
The lead author of the study, Dr. Robert Petrella, was also quoted on the ACSM site stating, “To really make an impact, patients need a personalized exercise plan or a recommendation to a qualified professional who can guide them along the way.”
As a trainer who has worked with many who have received these recommendations to exercise, I suggest starting off on a plan in a physical therapy setting if you have a chronic orthopedic or heart condition. That way, you can be sure you’re doing what is safe for you.
If you qualify for physical therapy the next step would then be to bridge into working with a personal trainer. A good personal trainer will do an entire health history evaluation and assessment. From there he or she will discuss your goals with you, guide you and of course motivate you.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/23/exercise-making-its-way-to-doctors-prescription-pads/#ixzz1nXATmIlQ

"Kaizen Total Wellness® stands out amongst competitors due to two main factors ... Health Protocol and Training Equipment. At Kaizen, we take a progressive approach to treating clients. We believe in small steps towards long-lasting results. Further, we utilize a holistic protocol encompassing Physical Therapy, Nutrititional Therapy, Exercise Therapy, professional Medical services and Massage Therapy. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and one of a kind in our neck of the woods. We combine Vibrational Training on the Powerplate with Isometric Instrumentation via the bioDensity to give a unique modality of physical training unlike anything else around.
We are effective due to a few attributes - Compliance, Consistency and Compassion. Our treatment sessions run for 30 minutes and we have many working individual come on lunch breaks or after work. Most clients find the 30 minute session more than enough time to accomplish their personal and health goals. A certified exercise specialist is always with the client through the session, correcting and modifying based on the needs and wants of the client and therapist. Even though each session is varied and personalized for the client, they know we strive to meet their treatment and wellness agendas every time. Clients are trained with specific goals in mind per session. Finally, we just plain care about the health and well-being of our clients. The ultimate goal is client satisfaction, and happiness with the program on their continued journey towards wellness."

Jason Balducci has his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology and is certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine. After completing specialized training with bioDensity and Power Plate equipment, Jason became certified in utilizing isometric and high vibration technology unique to our physician-supervised wellness center gym. His background includes being the Coordinator for a non-profit multifunctional health center in Virginia, 'Sheltering Arms', working with doctors and physical therapists on rehabilitation and fitness improvement for underpriviledged populations. Jason is acquiring his Masters Degree at the East-West College of Natural Medicine.