New Study Tests Efficacy of Shiatsu and Medication to Treat Headaches

A single-blind, randomized, pilot study published in the March 2017 issue of Neurological Sciences sought to test the efficacy and safety of combining shiatsu massage and amitriptyline to treat refractory primary headaches.

Subjects were randomized into three groups: one receiving shiatsu plus amitriptyline, one receiving shiatsu alone, and one receiving amitriptyline alone. All three groups improved in terms of headache frequency, visual analogue scale score, and number of pain killers. However, there was no evidence found of a synergistic effect of combining shiatsu and amitriptyline.

In reducing the number of pain killers taken per month, shiatsu (alone or in combination) was superior to amitriptyline. No side effects were reported related to shiatsu treatment, while 19 percent of subjects reported adverse events attributable to amitriptyline.

The researchers conclude that shiatsu is a safe and potentially useful alternative approach for refractory headache, but stress that the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample size of the population included in the study (37 subjects).

Read the abstract here.

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News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

Perform Your Best with MassageBook

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MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

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As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

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