What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy, provides a relaxing, healing experience by the application of soft
tissue manipulation techniques, such as long strokes, smooth kneading, etc. using massage oil or lotions.
Soft tissue manipulation improves circulation and brings oxygen to the muscular structure tissues, relieving muscle tension and pain, removing lactic acid, restoring normal lymphatic flow and increasing mobility. It is particularly effective in reducing anxiety, stress, and back pain; it is also beneficial in treating inflammatory conditions, headaches, muscle spasm, carpal tunnel, circulatory and respiratory problems and in post-surgical rehabilitation.
What to expect from a massage therapy session?
Before the massage session starts, the therapist will ask the patient about his medical history and desired results. He will then proceed to perform a physical examination to locate tense areas and determine the amount of pressure to apply during the session.
Depending on the modality of the massage therapy, the patient may be required to be fully unclothed. Oriental massage therapy and chair massage do not require nudity. Patients are covered with a sheet, except for the area receiving therapy, at all times.
To position patients during massage therapy, specialized padded tables and chair are used. The table surface must be easily cleaned and sometimes is covered with sheet. Most massage tables and chairs count with a head horse-shoe shaped head rest, to allow breathing while lying face down.
Massage therapists use oils or lotions to facilitate tissue manipulation and reduce skin friction. Massage therapy sessions typically last thirty minutes to and two hours depending on the degree of stress, muscle tension and / or pain.
Massage therapy side effects include temporary pain, swelling and bruising. Patients with bleeding disorders or under blood thinning medication should refrain from getting a massage. Areas of broken skin, open wounds, fractures or bruising should be avoided.
There are more than eighty modalities of massage therapy, including: Swedish massage, prenatal massage, infant massage, deep tissue massage, acupressure, sports massage, reflexology, neuromuscular massage, Bowen therapy, lomi lomi, myofascial release massage, Thai massage, trigger point therapy, Rolfing, watsu, to name a few. The modality of massage therapy used depends on the patients physical condition.
Massage therapy has roots in ancient Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and early Greek, Roman and Egyptian physicians. It is to this day seen as a holistic healing therapy. Today, massage therapy is increasingly popular as more and more people are turning into alternative healing methods in the treatment of stress related health problems.
Many health professionals offer massage therapy as complimentary treatment. Among them: physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, etc.
Massage therapists require a minimum of five hundred hours of training in an accredited school, pass a national exam to become licensed and carry malpractice insurance.
Massage therapy is considered alternative and / or complementary therapy. It is not intended to replace medical treatment. Always discuss any concerns you may have regarding your health with your primary health provider.
Before starting massage therapy, inquire about the practitioners education, experience and credentials. Make sure he indicated the amount of sessions needed the cost of each one of them, and insurance coverage if available.
by: PixelMamma
What Is Chiropractic Therapy? The Reason Why Individuals Pick Bag Filters In Order For There H2o Therapy Four Different Physical Therapy Methods That Strengthen The Leg Muscles Here Is A Brief Explanation Of Exactly What Aromatherapy Is Really Using Cold Therapy Gel To Relieve Pain Advantages Of Topical Therapy For Sinusitis & Rhinitis Treatment New, Effective Laser Therapy For The Treatment Of Gum Disease Trick Your Age With Massage Therapy In Alberta Four Different Physical Therapy Techniques That Enhance The Leg Muscles Laughter Therapy: Beat Remedy To Reduce Stress What Is Art Therapy? Certain Requirements Concerning Cooling Water Therapy For Our Own H2o The Benefits Of Chiropractor Massage Therapy