Mind, body and soul

Who should one to turn to for a body massage?

KARACHI:

Body massage, one of oldest forms of therapeutic treatment, is ever so popular in Pakistan where local massage walis make house calls and work the magic of their fingers. One of the main reasons for this is because massage is recognised as a healthy way of relieving stress and promoting relaxation. Additionally, it’s is also known to play a role in releasing chronic muscle tension and pain and reducing physical fatigue. Hence, from physiotherapists at hospitals to private chiropractors to people running their own spas, all have a certain degree of faith in the benefits of massage. 

On the recent rise in the trend, Afreen Shiraz of Elle’mint (which houses a spa, boutique and a salon all under one roof) says, “The massage culture has recently picked up in the city. Until very recently, this was considered a luxury, but I often tell my clients that it is rather a necessity in these stressful times.”

However, who should one consult for a massage — a physiotherapist, a chiropractor or the lady running the luxurious spa — is grey area and needs to be delved into.

Dr Usman Sadiq, a physiotherapist who runs his private practice at Taj Medical Complex in Karachi, says, “There are almost 100 different types of massage techniques for beauty, tissue healing and relaxation.” He also adds that massage therapy requires knowledge of anatomy, characteristics of the tissues and hands-on training in various techniques. “The main tool for a massage is a pair of trained hands and some oils and creams,” while adding that people turn to massage therapy these days as they have become wary of the chemicals and alternative medicine.

However, Sadiq believes that spas are not essential for special massages needed for orthopaedic treatment. “Usually a physiotherapy centre or home environment is good enough. Spas, on the other hand, are best suited for the massages given for relaxation and general well-being.”

Shiraz, on the contrary, purports, “Massage at a spa brings about equilibrium between the mind and body. A body massage leads to overall well-being.”

But when asked if her employees are professionally trained, Shiraz asserts, “I often visit Far Eastern countries to learn news techniques so that I can come back and train my staff. Otherwise, I bring acclaimed massage therapists in town, who then teach the tricks of the trade to my employees.”

Know the difference

Meanwhile, Sadiq also urges people not to confuse chiropractic and physiotherapy. “Chiropractic and physiotherapy are two different specialties and each one has its own services to offer. Chiropractors mostly help with the manipulation of spine and joints. Meanwhile, pre-operative, post-operative and traumatic cases of orthopaedic nature require the services of a physiotherapist.”

However, another physiotherapist Ahmed Ali, a recent graduate from Jinnah Postgraduate and Medical Centre throws a little bit of caution when consulting the local chiropractors, “They say they are relieving the pain, but rather they aggravate the pain with their hands.” Sadiq believes this happens because chiropractors here are not registered.

Hence, due to lack of professional training and qualification, the possibility for accidental injuries is present. One must be cautious as deep muscle massage can cause dermal and subdermal bruising, an acute muscle soreness that lasts for several days, and in extreme cases, nerve damage.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2012.