In a highly dubious press release dated November 3, 2009 Massage Envy declares that it has been voted the “Best Massage” and “Best Day Spa” in Phoenix, by Phoenix Magazine.  While “The Highest Volume of Massage” may be an award that Massage Envy could rightfully “win”, many area residents and massage therapists are wondering how a local mass massage clinic could be awarded “Best Day Spa”, when the clinic itself does not even call itself a day spa. Read full article.

Subscribe to be notified each time we post something new. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Foot massages feel great put don't cure diseases

Reflexology is the practice of massaging or applying pressure to parts of the body (usually the feet and sometimes the hands and ears) in the belief that specific areas on the feet or hands correspond with other body parts, particularly internal organs.  Reflexologists believe that by treating the feet and hands, they can affect changes in the corresponding organ.  There is no consensus among reflexologists as to how this works.  Some believe that reflexology affects the body’s “energy field” while others say that nerves from the internal organs actually end in the hands and feet.  Neither of these beliefs is based on modern science.

Reflexology can be practiced by a “reflexologist” or a massage therapist.  In the State of Arizona there is no licensing for reflexologists therefore anyone is legally allowed to perform reflexology, regardless of their training.  Some massage therapists also incorporate reflexology into their practice, and include reflexology treatments as part of a full body massage.  There are major differences between seeing a reflexologist and a massage therapist in the State of Arizona;

Reflexologist

• Unlicensed – Anyone can claim to be a reflexologist. No license is required.
• Training – Because there is no licensing your reflexologist can have little or no training and still legally operate.
• Body areas – It is illegal for a reflexologist to work on any area other than the hands, feet, and head.  If you go to a reflexologist and he works on any other area of your body he is committing a Class I misdemeanor.

Massage Therapist

• Licensed – Massage therapists are licensed by the State of Arizona.  Prior to receiving a license, massage therapists must submit records from an accredited massage school and submit to a background check.
• Training – Massage therapists must have 700 hours training in anatomy, physiology, and related subjects.  Students normally complete 100 or more massages on the public under the supervision of an instructor before graduating.
• Body Areas – Your massage therapist can work on any appropriate area of your body to treat your condition.

Warnings

• While a foot massage may feel great, do not go to a reflexologist to treat any medical condition. It is illegal and dangerous for reflexologists to claim that they can treat diagnosed disorders in your kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.  All they can do is give you a nice foot, hand, or head massage.
• Inquire as to the training of the reflexologist.  If you visit a reflexologist be sure to go to one that has formal training.  200 hours of training is desirable.
• If your reflexologist works on any area besides your hands, feet, and head they have violated A.R.S. 42 and have endangered you.  Massage therapy has many contraindications and the Arizona massage therapy laws were created to protect you from injury by unlicensed “therapists”. Violations should be reported to the local police.

More Information: Therapeutic Massage Therapy

IMPORTANT  – All articles on our blog are general in nature only. You should always consult with a doctor for any specific medical advice.

Check out this article about the spa on Examiner.com.  If only we could get it picked up by the New York Times and CNN…

By: Steve Ibach

As a massage therapist with a strong medical focus I encounter many interesting questions and stories regarding health, fitness, and the general state of our medical system. People with chronic pain and other symptoms that have been through the medical system (sometimes for years) finally end up, often by accident, seeing me or another therapist on our team.  Using neuromuscular and other advanced massage techniques, along with common sense and general health advice, we are often able to provide relief to their symptoms that they have not found elsewhere.  We have hundreds of client testimonials attesting to this fact.

The purpose of this blog is to share my knowledge and incites on health, fitness, and pain relief and to share as many helpful tidbits of information as possible.  I will explore where I believe the medical system has failed (based or my client’s experiences) and where it is succeeding, and what you can do to help yourself when you encounter a medical problem – especially one involving any type of pain.  I will also post tips on general fitness, weight loss, anatomy and physiology, and much more.

All information provided in this blog is obviously general in nature. Nothing posted by me is intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. I have a strong appreciation for the education and training of health care professionals in all fields of scientifically based medicine and believe that everyone should work with a qualified physician in managing their own health care.

I am not a doctor, but that really is the whole point of this blog – exploring heath and fitness from a different perspective.  My greatest hope is that the information I am able to provide will help people have a healthier, happier, and more pain free life.