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Generating Excitement about Research

Self disclosure, I'm one of those MT's who steers away from the research classes. I'm a science geek at heart but up to now have turned more towards hands on classes, and teacher track info. I have just accepted a high level position as a director of a massage program in a major hospital where research projects are implemented. In go my toes to the waters of double blind. Why haven't I done this before? Economy. What's going to enhance my practice right now? Instant gratification possibly, but a necessity in a tight economy. Are there jobs in research? Not really. What's the pay like? Not great usually. In the words of the venerable Harvard University Union of Professional and Technical workers, "We can't eat prestige."

So what if, hypothetically, we start talking about the more practical matters of research? Such as, sure, the pay may be low per hour. What are you making after taxes and expenses really? Is it that far off? How does this specifically benefit your practice? How can you market your efforts of having participated in a research study to boost a) your resume b) use that prestige to publish a blurb on yourself in small or larger media venues, c) educate educate educate your clients and anyone who will listen to you talk about the exciting changes in the field? Can you do a local talk? Can you do a "lunch and learn" at a doctor's office, health center, support group related to that research project? Your work has to translate into dollars and cents for it to be relevant to us all struggling to stay afloat. It's nice to be altruistic, and say to ourselves, it's for the good of the profession. There are many opportunities to brainstorm about beyond scientific enlightenment to assist massage therapists (like me!) to see the benefits of why research is so important.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Angela Palmier on November 6, 2009 at 9:13am

Thanks for posting this Lisa, and the timing is great. I'm sitting in a hotel room in Emeryville, CA doing some final touch up on my power point presentation for "Teaching Research Literacy" to a group of instructors. The question "Why haven't I done this before?" is a question that I wish each massage therapist woud ask themselves every day. Thank you for recognizing the importance---and more than anything---thank you for posting it and bringing attention to the wonderful world of research!!!!!

Permalink Reply by Ruth Werner on November 6, 2009 at 10:38am

Lisa, there are so many answers to this that I don't know where to begin!

First, thanks for bringing it up.

Second, MTs don't necessarily have to PARTICIPATE in research (the likeliest options there are to be consultants or therapists in a University or NIH study), but they really need to USE research. That means finding it, reading it, interpreting it, and putting it in action. So when we learn something like that fascia is embedded with contractile cells and essentially has a life of its own, that changes our approach to working with fascia, doesn't it? That idea: of taking something from the lab and finding a way that it impacts our work-- and then going back to the lab with a new question to pursue-- that is translational research at its best.

Any MT that DOES want to get involved in the research world is wise to start with a really good case study. The Massage Therapy Foundation's Practitioner Case Report Contest (massagetherapyfoundation.org) has a terrific set of guidelines for how to do this. Even if it's not for the contest, a good case study teaches a lot about key concepts like controlling variables, and linking cause to effect.

Third, the accumulation of credible research about massage opens lots of doors. If you have a chance to address other health care providers, being armed with good studies about massage and headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, sleep disorders, blood glucose levels, etc-- can create opportunities for massage to be seen as a health care intervention as well as an occasional luxury. This can go beyond referrals to other things like insurance billing and having a seat at the table for making decisions about the future of cost-effective, non-invasive health care.

Thanks for the chance to vent!!

Permalink Reply by Pat Ward on November 6, 2009 at 3:04pm

Lisa,

I would say yes to all of the above and more! If you could get into a hospital setting and talk to doctors, nurses, PTs and other healthcare workers about research in massage therapy, this would certainly help you to obtain more clients in your practice through referrals. If you like to speak in front of groups,you can offer lectures at libraries, book stores,schools, chiropractor's offices, women's luncheon groups etc. Once again the immediate payoff may be small but in the long run you will be getting a great network of health care professionals and clients that you can count on to keep coming back to you since you have stressed the importance of massage in a scientific manner.

Permalink Reply by Kim Goral on November 15, 2009 at 5:48pm

Lisa- first, congratulations!! Second- if you don't mind my asking, where will you be working? It sounds exciting and fantastic (and like my dream job! lol). Good luck with it. Everyone has already given great advice. Reading the research is an excellent way to learn new things and new ways massage can help people. Learning research literacy is important to understand those articles more thoroughly (see my upcoming article in the MA chapter newsletter on this ;) ). There is a lot of great research out there, and there is some research that is not as great or accurate. Learning about research can help you when you are weeding out the good from the bad.

As far as what opportunities does it open up- I'd say many if not all of the ones you mentioned. I can't speak on the financial end of it as I'm not there yet but I'm hoping that obtaining a good position and then also being available as a consultent or educator would supplement whatever income you are making in a steady job. Some of that might depend on what your education or training is.

So, best of luck in the new position and if you get a chance, either on here or email or a private message, I'd love to hear all about it!!!! :)