What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities, but the main reasons for introducing massage as therapy have are client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the process by which the muscles and soft tissues of the body are manipulated and rubbed, with particular focus on muscles and pressure points to a state of relaxation. Massage therapy may also focus on pressure points of the body that are thought to give relief from pain or health problems in other parts of the body.

Massage Therapy Benefits

The physical benefits of massage therapy are significant as far as reducing muscle spasms and muscle pain. The massage also helps the muscles and tissues to have better circulation of oxygen and blood flow.

Studies have shown the benefits of massage therapy go far beyond alleviating the physical discomforts of aging or providing pain management. Massage therapy often reduces stress and depression while increasing a feeling of emotional well-being.

Massage Therapy Techniques

There are many different of massage therapy techniques, Swedish massages are the most popular known in the US. This technique emphasizes long stroking of the muscular groups, and soft tissue therapy, which has pain management and soft tissue healing as its goal. Thai massage is the other types of massage technique, also Shiatsu and Trigger point therapy. To adequately address the needs of a client some massage therapist usually combines one more technique, while others practice only from one school of thought.

Precaution

There are some warnings you should be aware of. Anyone who is on a medication that thins the blood should not have strong massage, nor should anyone with a bleeding disorder or a blood platelet count that is low. People with a blood clot, a fracture, a wound, a skin infection, or fragile bones, and people who immediately after surgery should not have massage. People immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, should not have massage unless recommended by the doctor, and pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. They should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.

By: Yusuf Brown Smith

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