Body therapies are a type of complementary and alternative medicine that involve physical contact between a therapist and a patient. Body therapies are often used to treat pain, improve posture, reduce stress, improve mobility, and promote relaxation. This article will review the evidence for the effectiveness of body therapies and discuss the various types of body therapies available.
Body therapies have been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research on the effectiveness of body therapies. Studies have shown that body therapies can be effective at reducing pain, improving posture, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation (Ferrell, 2016; Li, Zhang, & Lu, 2019).
There are many different types of body therapies. Common types include massage, chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and shiatsu. Each type of body therapy has its own set of benefits and potential risks. It is important to discuss the desired outcomes with a qualified practitioner before beginning any form of body therapy.
Massage is one of the most popular and widely studied forms of body therapy. Studies have shown that massage can reduce pain, improve range of motion, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality (Field, 2016). It is important to ensure that the massage therapist is properly trained and licensed.
Chiropractic is another form of body therapy. Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective at reducing pain and improving mobility (Gouveia, Gomes, & Ferreira, 2018). Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the spine and the nervous system, and involves manipulating the joints and muscles.
Physical therapy is another type of body therapy. Physical therapy can be used to treat pain, improve range of motion, improve balance and coordination, and improve posture (Truong & Lee, 2019). Physical therapists use exercises, stretches, and massage to help patients achieve their desired outcomes.
Acupuncture is another form of body therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective at reducing pain and improving range of motion (Li et al., 2019). It is important to ensure that the practitioner is properly trained and licensed.
Finally, shiatsu is a form of body therapy that focuses on applying pressure to specific points on the body. Studies have shown that shiatsu can be effective at reducing stress and promoting relaxation (Gard, 2017).
In summary, body therapies can be effective at reducing pain, improving posture, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. There are many different types of body therapies, and it is important to discuss the desired outcomes with a qualified practitioner before beginning any form of body therapy.
References
Ferrell, B. (2016). Massage for pain management. The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 51(3), 521-529.
Field, T. (2016). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 24, 98-112.
Gard, T. (2017). The effects of shiatsu massage on anxiety and stress: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 28, 40-46.
Gouveia, D., Gomes, C., & Ferreira, J. (2018). Non-invasive body-based practices for chronic low back pain: A systematic review. European Spine Journal, 27(11), 2820-2834.
Li, Y., Zhang, C., & Lu, W. (2019). Acupuncture for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 3884.
Truong, D., & Lee, M. (2019). Physical therapy for low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy, 99(1), 13-25.