By Joe Palumbo
But actual massage therapy is a medical field earning its stripes and one that can be a medical miracle for some and very effective treatment for others. I sat down and met this week with Kathleen Vincent of 214-18 41st Ave. in Bayside, where she shares an office with two chiropractors, Dr. Julie Syat and Dr. Alan Siegel.Vincent has a very impressive resume as a graduate of the New York College of Health professionals and a member of the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapist. She also worked at the US Open and assisted in massage therapy for tennis superstars Jennifer Capriati and the Venus sisters, among others. “I currently treat patients with multiple sclerosis, various cancers, arthritis, tendonitis, severe headaches, depression and anxiety,” she said. Asked about the effectiveness of massage therapy, Vincent said she practiced it on her father, who had been put into a hospice program, and he lived for another two years because the massages helped his circulation and respiration.Improved circulation helps to create new blood cells, which release old toxins stored in the body, she said. Vincent pointed out that “the touch through massage therapy signals the brain to produce endorphins, which are your body's natural pain suppressors.” She said it is illegal to practice massage therapy without a license and “only a licensed massage therapist should assess a patient before administering any treatment.” So how's business in the world of massage therapy? Statistics conclude that consumers spent between $4 billion and $6 billion on massage therapy visits last year. Many primary insurance carriers now recognize massage therapy as a medical necessity in some cases.Joseph J. Palumbo III is the managing director for the Palco Group. The Palco Group deals in Asset Management, Real Estate, Sales Training and Business Consultation. He can be reached at (718) 461-8317 or at palcogroup@aol.com.
