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About MassageMassage is one of the oldest and most well known of the healing arts.
From Chinese records dating back more than 3,000 years ago documenting its use; to
ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians who used forms of massage for treating many ailments.
Even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, headaches, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and many more. As millions of satisfied patients will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and illnesses. There are over 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and/or somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin. Types of MassageDeep tissue massage: generally designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. This is the recommended approach in this modality since each person experiences pressure differently. If the pressure is applied too deeply or too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin. The most commonly used 'tools' during deep tissue massage may include, 3 and 6 fingers, reinforced fingers, knuckles, a flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of the hand or foot, and the forearm.Chair massage: also known as corporate massage, can be a convenient method of massage therapy. A chair massage session typically lasts 10-25 minutes, and is performed while fully clothed. Chair massage promotes better circulation, muscle stimulation and stress relief. This form of massage reduces tension in the back, neck, shoulders, head, arms, hands, legs or feet, providing a deep relaxation effect. Chair massage are also advantageous because chair massage practitioners will frequently make work- or housecalls. Chair massage can also be done in hotels, airports and convention centers. Certain chairs, invented for this specific purpose, massage the seated person robotically by means of motors which have been inserted within the body of the chair. Effleurage: (from the French effleurer, 'to skim over') consists of long, flowing or gliding strokes, performed with open hands. In many massage sessions, effleurage is used as the initial type of stroking, as it has a calming effect when performed slowly. Effleurage is usually performed in the direction of the heart to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. Hot Stone Massage: the use of heated stones upon the human body as a tool for healing has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. The application of heat to the body and the relaxing effects this has on muscles and the nervous system has been recognized by numerous ancient civilizations. Heated stones were used by Egyptians, Native American Indians and in Lomi Lomi massage in Hawai'i. During an authentic hot stone massage, stones are heated in hot water and then used in two ways. Some stones will be laid under a towel or pillowcase placed under the back along both sides of the spine and ontop of the torso (on a towel) to heat the chakra centers. Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes of the muscle tissues. The heat from the stones helps to relax the muscles which then permits greater overall results from the massage. Medical Russian Massage: is a combination of therapeutic and sports massage by combining a variety of soft tissue manipulations. Prior to 1860, massage was not studied or used in Russia as a healthcare treatment option. Following World War II, Russia began to employ doctors with Ph.Ds to study the benefits of natural healing modalitis. Based on these studies, they developed a form of Petrissage (see below for a description of Petrissage) to help reverse muscle atrophy and promote new growth. Unlike other forms of massage, Russian massage is based on the physiology of dysfunction rather than the anatomy. The benefits of Russian Massage is diverse and can specifically affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal neurological, gynecological systems as well as improving internal disorders and post-surgical conditions. It has been used to increase circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, increase production of enorphins, reduce physical and mental stress and increase range of motion. Some conditions that have shown significant improvement with Russian massage include: myofascial pain, rotator cuff injuries, asthma, insomnia, arthritis, bursitis. Carpal Tunnel, spran/strains, disorders of the TMJ, headaches, spastic colon, colic, constipation and immune function disorders. Russian Massage, however should not be performed on individuals with burns, history of blood clots or those who suffer from an infectious disease. Myofascial Release: refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and integument, muscles, and bones, with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and balancing the body. Injuries, stress, trauma, overuse and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. Myofascial release frees fascial restrictions, and allow the muscles to move more efficiently. This is usually done by applying shear, compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling. This is one of the techniques used by sports massage therapists and physical therapists. Myofascial release originators come from Physical Therapy and from Structural Integration (Rolfing). Petrissage: (from the French pétrir, 'to knead') is one of the five basic strokes of a Swedish massage. It is performed with kneading movements with the whole palm or finger tips, wringing, skin rolling, compression and lifting. Petrissage is usually applied vertically to the muscle tissue. The benefits include the warming of tissue for deeper work, increase circulation, increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen to muscle, softens superficial fascia, decreases muscle tension, and restoring mobility by decreasing adhesion. Swedish Massage: refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. It was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling. Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes (Effleurage), kneading (Petrissage), friction, tapping, percussion (Tapotement), vibration, and shaking motions. The benefits of Swedish massage are it can shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes, it increases circulation without increasing heart load, and it stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. It can also stimulate the skin and nervous system and soothe the nerves themselves at the same time. It can reduce stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested/recommended in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses. Tapotement: (from the French tapoter, 'to tap' or 'pat') is one of the five basic strokes of Swedish massage. It is a percussion-oriented massage involving the striking of soft tissue with repetitive blows by using both hands in a rhythmic, gentle, and rapid fashion. Numerous variations can be defined by the part of the hands making an impact with the body. The benefits of tapotement can include stimulating the skin and/or muscle reflexes and has been shown to improve conditions such as bronchitis, and pneumonia. |
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The information contained on this page is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition but is provided for information only.
Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.