According to the American Massage Therapy Association, low-back pain is one of the most common complaints of consumers in the country. I’m sure you and I can both name a handful of family and friends who have been taking perscription medication for pain management for a while now. Have you ever stopped to wonder how much a drug regime like this could cost over a prolonged period of time? A $20, $30, $40 co-pay? Once a month or more? Or how much it would cost without health insurance? And what about side effects? What are the long-term effects of potent prescription drug use (even when taken properly in accordance with doctor’s orders)? These are some heavy questions that (literally) weigh on the shoulders of thousands of Americans. In honor of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, we would like to share with you a newly published study that tested the effectiveness of traditional pain therapies.
Courtesy of the American Massage Therapy Association, a study conducted by Dr. Daniel Cherkin, Director of Group Health Research Institute, examined the effectiveness of massage versus more traditional therapies like painkillers and muscle relaxers on lower back pain. According to Dr. Cherkin, “Chronic back pain is among the most common reasons people see doctors and alternative practitioners, including massage therapists. It’s also a common cause of disability, absenteeism and ‘presenteeism,’ when people are at work but can’t perform well.” Here is a quick look at the parameters of the study and the very interesting results:

The study comprised 401 patients aged 20 to 65 years old with nonspecific chronic low-back pain and compared the effectiveness of either relaxation or structural massage versus usual care, including medication and physical therapy. Participants were asked about their abilities to perform daily activities and then randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments.

One group received full-body relaxation massage, often called Swedish massage, and another received focused deep tissue massage, where specific pain-related tissues, ligaments and joints are targeted. The third group received therapies including painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or physical therapy. Those receiving massage were given a one-hour massage once a week for 10 weeks.

After 10 weeks, the researchers again surveyed the participants about their symptoms and mobility, and again at six months and one year. The two groups of patients receiving massage therapy reported their back pain was significantly improved or gone altogether. “We found that patients receiving massage were twice as likely as those receiving usual care to report significant improvements in both their pain and function,” explains Cherkin. “After 10 weeks, about two-thirds of those receiving massage improved substantially, versus only about one third in the usual care group.”

Although previous studies on massage therapy and low-back pain have concentrated primarily on the effectiveness of deep tissue massage, researchers are hopeful about the success of relaxation massage modalities offering significant benefits. Two reasons are that relaxation massage is oftentimes more widely available and more cost-effective.

We at Spa Week have been saying this for a while now – trips to the spa can help make you healthier and happier. Now we have even more proof that there are safe and effective alternatives to “fix-it-all” pills and paying for expensive physical therapy sessions. We’re not saying never go back to your doctor again, but do consider a full-range of health options with your physician and start a dialogue with your doctor discussing the risks before undergoing any new health regime.  And don’t forget – it’s National Massage Therapy Awareness Week so go out there and book a Spa Week Extended appointment and celebrate, pain-free!

We sent dozens bloggers all across the country to preview some Spa Week appointments to give you a sneak peek at Fall Spa Week’s #50dollartreatments everywhere! Now, let’s take a look back at Stephanie from PrettyCity‘s Spa Week Sneak Peek feature. She visited Deva Spa in NYC and tried the 45 Minute Facial that they were offering for Spa Week for just $50 each. NEWSFLASH! Deva Spa is EXTENDING their $50 Spa Week specials until October 30 – all the more reason to find out all about this facial from Stephanie.

Upon Arrival: “After check in, the expertly trained staff escort you into the women’s lounge prepped with everything you would need to primp yourself for the day; showers, sauna, and a get-ready station equipped with hair dryer, hair styling products, mouthwash, etc.”

Relaxing With Snacks: “Once you don your lush white robe and flip flops, you head into the waiting area. The space is a relaxation oasis in itself before you even get to your treatment. You can lounge next to the bamboo waterfall in the wicker chairs with your feet up on the the matching ottomans while noshing on healthy bites like crudité and granola bars.”

In Her Own Words: “Cleo [the esthetician] cleansed, toned, exfoliated, masked, and moisturized my skin with Phytomer, a marine cosmetics line that the spa uses. Cleo explained that since this was a moisturizing facial, it is fitting for all skin types.

The Best Part: “The reason I felt that this facial was so different from any other facial I’ve previously had is because Cleo also worked pressure points around my face and upper neck that put me into the utmost feeling of zen. I cannot remember the last time I was able to let all of the tension out of my body… this is Manhattan after all!”

Why You Should Go: “The treatment was over before I knew it, but I felt that I had absolutely gotten more than I had bargained for and cannot wait for the next time I treat myself there. This is definitely an experience I will be repeating in the near future!”

Deva Spa and Salon
425 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
212.274.8686 or 646.454.4300
Extending $50 Spa Week Specials until October 30

$50 Spa Week Treatments:

• 45 Min Sea Me Full Body Exfoliation
• 45 Min Express Facial
• Express Manicure and Pedicure

We only briefly mentioned in our Fall 2011 Spa Week Media Party post that our coveted gift bags were back this year, better and heavier than ever! We’ve heard reports that these chic, reusable Spa Week totes weighed in at OVER 15 POUNDS — seriously. Are you dying to know what health, wellness and beauty products were packed, piled and stacked inside? Check out the products below… (more…)

We sent dozens bloggers all across the country to preview some Spa Week appointments to give you a sneak peek at Fall Spa Week’s #50dollartreatments everywhere! Hot off the heals of a stressful NYC Fashion Week, we sent Danielle from The Style and Beauty Doctor to Smooth Synergy in NYC to try the 45 Min Integral Lipomassage that they were offering for Spa Week for  just $50. (more…)

We sent dozens bloggers all across the country to preview some Spa Week appointments to give you a sneak peek at Fall Spa Week’s #50dollartreatments everywhere! After Mommy Niri and Angela from Lip Gloss Break, we sent beauty editor, Channing from The Blay Report to The Back Room Hand & Foot Spa at Carol’s Daughter in Harlem, NYC to preview the Sweet Almond Treat Manicure and Pedicure including Cuticle Treatment and Gift with Purchase of Almond Cookie Frappe Body Lotion that they are offering for Spa Week for just $50.

The Best Part: Channing got to choose between a bunch of high-end nail polishes like Ginger & Liz, Chanel and Deborah Lippmann — along with our favorites Essie and OPI. Channing was thrilled to try a top-of-the-line lacquer as she had never had this option at any other spa she’d been to before. Thankfully,  the somewhat daunting task of sorting through hundreds of brands and shades was minimized by a showering of mimosas! Channing got to ask lots of questions and was overjoyed that her manicurist didn’t seem to mind she had lots of questions. She even got some expert advice, below:

Insider’s Spa Tip: The actual treatment was really relaxing with the non-traditional set up. My gorgeous manicurist, Lekendra was super sweet. I asked her how readers can take care of their feet at home. You know, so you aren’t embarrassed when you show up for your appointment. I kid– kind of. “People who have rough patches of skin, can get a foot paddle and rub underneath the sole,” she said. She suggests doing it on dry skin, and clean up the excess after a shower when your skin is damp. But not too often ‘Nistas and ‘Nistos, our girl Lekendra says no more than twice a week. You could actually could make the callous situation worst. After sloughing off your dead skin, load up on the heavy moisturizer and wear cotton socks so the moisture is able to soak in. Then you won’t be so embarrassed to bare your feet for Lekendra.

In her own words: “I can’t tell you ladies how much I enjoyed my time at The Back Room Spa at Carol’s Daughter. My Sweet Almond Treat Manicure and Pedicure with cuticle treatment and gift with purchase of Almond Cookie Frappe Body Lotion (smells soo good) hit the spot!” Read all about Channing’s Back Room adventures on The Blay Report and on her own blog, Channing in the City.

24 West 125th Street
New York, NY 10027
212.828.6757

$50 Spa Week Treatments:

• Haute Chocolate Manicure and Pedicure including Cuticle Treatment and Gift with Purchase of Peppermint Foot Lotion
• Sweet Almond Treat Manicure and Pedicure including Cuticle Treatment and Gift with Purchase of Almond Cookie Frappe Body Lotion