Dear Physicians and Other Health Care Partners,
My name is Laura Allen. I am the owner of THERA-SSAGE and I would like to make you aware of the services that we perform here. Our office is staffed by North Carolina Licensed Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers who are trained in many different modalities of bodywork, including orthopedic massage, pregnancy massage, TMJD massage, working with oncology patients, and other disciplines. We also have a registered nurse available who is certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a modality that is very helpful in assisting the treatment of lymphedema.
As a physician, you know personally how many of the body’s ills are caused or contributed to by stress. Massage relieves stress, relieves muscle pain, can help restore flexibility and muscle tone after injury, and has many other health benefits. We are not a replacement for medical care. We are a compliment to it. Some of the problems we see great improvement with are TMJ Dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other syndromes or any conditions that involve neuromuscular pain. Our staff is well educated to contraindications, and when in doubt, we consult the doctor. We will also be diligent in following up with you after any referrals you may send us.
We are proud of our diversity and professionalism. If you have never received massage therapy yourself and are not sure of the value of it, we can provide you with references from other physicians and healthcare providers who are already referring to us. I am also enclosing a couple of research articles about the benefits of massage therapy. I am committed to our staff members staying abreast of the evidence-informed practice of massage.
In the 75+ years they have been in existence, the American Massage Therapy Association has adopted 12 position statements that are backed up by peer-reviewed research published in credible medical journals. Those statements are:
• Massage therapy can help improve sleep.
• Massage therapy can reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
• Massage therapy is a beneficial part of an integrative treatment plan for fibromyalgia.
• Massage therapy can be effective for low back pain.
• Massage can reduce symptoms of depression.
• Massage therapy is beneficial for those who exercise.
• Massage therapy can be effective for tension headaches.
• Massage can aid in pain relief.
• Massage therapy can improve quality of life for those in hospice and palliative care.
• Massage therapy may benefit newborns.
• Massage therapy can be a valuable component of a wellness program.
• Massage therapy can relieve stress.
All of these position statements, including the journal references to support them, can be accessed online.
In addition, there are over 1000 articles about massage therapy indexed on PubMed. The Massage Therapy Foundation has many research links as well.
You are welcome to stop by and inspect our facility at any time. If you would like to speak with me personally, please call first to make sure I am available; otherwise, our office manager will be glad to show you around and answer any questions.
Sincerely,
Laura Allen, BA, NC LMBT # 1042
