Overview

Trager therapy is a form of massage (body work) that involves rhythmic touch and movement exercises. The goal of the treatment is to generate positive feelings that connect mind and body, resulting in relaxation, better mobility, and a clearer mind.

Trager therapy is used for pain, stress, lung disease, muscle rigidity in people with Parkinson disease, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Trager therapy involves two aspects. The first aspect is referred to as "table work". The patient lies on a table and the Trager therapy practitioner applies rhythmic movements. Before touching or applying the movements to the patient, the practitioner enters into a meditative state that is referred to as "hook-up". Practitioners believe that this places them in touch with a vibratory energy or life energy or "qi". The second aspect is called "Mentastics". This involves individual movements or "self-care" movements. Patients receive training individually or in groups on how to conduct these movements.

How does it work ?

Trager therapy involves two aspects. The first aspect is referred to as "table work". The patient lies on a table and the Trager therapy practitioner applies rhythmic movements. Before touching or applying the movements to the patient, the practitioner enters into a meditative state that is referred to as "hook-up". Practitioners believe that this places them in touch with a vibratory energy or life energy or "qi". The second aspect is called "Mentastics". This involves individual movements or "self-care" movements. Patients receive training individually or in groups on how to conduct these movements.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Headache. There is some early evidence that Trager therapy might significantly reduce headache frequency and medication use in people with recurrent headaches.
  • Parkinson disease. There is some evidence that Trager therapy might help reduce muscle rigidity in people with Parkinson disease.
  • Shoulder pain. Developing research suggests that receiving 10 Trager therapy treatments over a 5-week period can reduce ongoing shoulder pain in people who use a wheelchair due to spinal cord injury.
  • Lung disease.
  • Stress.
  • Fatigue.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Trager therapy for these uses.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Trager therapy is POSSIBLY SAFE when used appropriately. Side effects have not been reported.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Trager therapy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Trager Therapy overview.

Dosing

The appropriate or safe use of Trager therapy depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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