Discover Massage Therapy Benefits

What is massage therapy? As a general term it is used to cover a variety of disciplines administered by a trained therapist for the manipulation of soft tissue, the muscles, tendons and ligaments, for therapeutic purposes. It is recognized as being one of the oldest methods of healing, dating back B.C.

Although massage is often done with the hands, other parts of the therapists body, such as the forearms, elbows, shoulder or feet, may be used to apply pressure or rotation to the soft tissues. In addition mechanical instruments might be used.

Research is increasingly showing the tremendous physical AND psychological benefits of touch-therapy, its role in prevention and treatment of illnesses and injuries, and its ability to increase an individual's sense of well-being.

Because of the wide range of massage therapy benefits it is recognized by many traditional healthcare systems. Many hospitals, hospices and nursing homes include massage therapy as an integral part of treatment plans. The nurturing touch of another's hands is found to be equally beneficial at every life-stage, for both babies born prematurely and people who are in their final stages of life.

Chiropractors often recommend massage as an alternative treatment for patients with back pain, and neck and shoulder pain.

Another term used in reference to massage therapy, bodywork, includes all forms of massage techniques. However, bodywork also incorporates many other types of touch and healing therapies.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

• relaxes muscles
• reduces stress
• relieves pain, including arthritic pain
• increases flexibility
• improves circulation
• promotes recovery from illness
• calms the nervous system
• strengthens the immune system
• increases sense of well-being
• improves muscle tone
• enhances skin tone

Okay, so you've been sneaking off to a massage strictly for a bit of pampering, not even realizing all of the associated health benefits. Keep it up!

Much has been written about the physical and emotional benefits of doing things that are good for us. Just as a balanced diet, exercise and adequate sleep are necessary for your overall health - a bit of stress relief pampering can also make a significant contribution.

So, keep enjoying all of the massage therapy benefits, along with the pampering. You may be better off for it!

You may also be interested in:
Neck Massage Technique, Neck and Back Massagers

Massage Tips

You may need to experiment to find the type of massage therapy that works best for you, but here are some of the most common.

Swedish massage: The most commonly found massage therapy that is used for relaxation and revitalization.

Deep tissue massage: Often used for muscle damage from an injury or to relieve excessively tightened muscles. A very deep kneading of the soft tissues takes place.

Sports therapy massage: Used by athletes for preventative and curative measures to keep the body flexible and to heal injuries.

Ice Massage Therapy: Ice therapy can be applied using a massage method. Simply rotate the ice application on the skin in circular movements, covering a six inch area around the injury.

Heat Massage Therapy: Although paraffin wax is most commonly associated with spa manicure and pedicure treatments, it is also used for heat therapy. Because of their warming effect, both paraffin wax and heating oil effectively relax muscles and help reduce pain.

Chair massage: This is done on the upper back and shoulders while the individual is seated in a specially designed portable chair. This type of massage has become popular at airports, malls and in many office environments, whereby a therapist may stop in on a weekly basis.

Use a qualified massage therapist. To help you determine a therapists qualification the American Massage Therapy Association, AMTA, suggests questions to be asked.

1. Did you graduate from a program accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, COMTA, or from an AMTA member school?
2. Are you a registered or licensed massage therapist in this state? Not all states license massage therapists.
3. Are you a member of AMTA?
4. Are you certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
5. Do you have training in any specific massage modalities?

When not to have a massage...

The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, NCCAM, states that health care providers recommend patients not have massage therapy if they have one or more of the following conditions:

• deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs)
• a bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin
• damaged blood vessels
• weakened bones from osteoarthritis, a recent fracture, or cancer
• fever
• any of the following in an area that would be massaged: an open or healing wound, a tumor, damaged nerves, an infection or acute inflammation, inflammation from radiation treatment

Furthermore, the NCCAM says that if you have one or more of the following conditions, be sure to consult your health care provider to determine if massage therapy is right for you: pregnancy, cancer, fragile skin, as from diabetes or a healing scar, head problems, heart problems, dermatomyositis (a disease of the connective tissue) or a history of physical abuse.

Hopefully, you too can experience some great massage therapy benefits!