Massage is a potent instrument to assist you in taking control of your health and well-being. See if it’s right for you.
Massage therapy was once offered only at luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Nowadays massage therapy can be found in clinics, offices hospitals, airports, and even clinics. If you’ve never had the pleasure of massage take a look at its potential benefits for health and what to anticipate during a massage session.
What is massage?
Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing , and manipulating your muscles, skin, tendons and ligaments. Massage can range from gentle strokes to intense pressure. There are a variety of types of massage. These include the following commonly used types:
Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses prolonged strokes of pressure, the kneading long circular motions, vibration and tapping. It makes you feel calm and rejuvenated.
Deep massage. This technique employs slower, more-forceful strokes to reach the deep layers of connective tissue and muscle. It’s typically used to help with muscle damage from injuries.
Massages for sports. This is similar to Swedish massage, however it’s designed for people involved in sports activities to avoid or treat injuries.
Trigger point massage. The massage targets the areas of muscle fibers that are tight which can develop in your muscles following injuries or repetitive use.
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Benefits of massage
Massage is often thought of as an integral component of medicine. Massage is increasingly being provided along with traditional treatments to treat a variety of medical issues and conditions.
Massage benefits can include:
Reduce stress and increase relaxation
In reducing muscle soreness, pain and tension
Improved circulation, energy and alertness
Reducing heart rate and blood pressure
Improving the function of the immune system
While more research is needed to verify advantages of massaging therapy, some studies have found massage may also be helpful in the following areas:
Anxiety
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Insomnia related to stress
Lower back discomfort
Myofascial pain syndrome
Pain in the nerves
The strains of soft tissue or injuries can be caused by
Sports injuries
Joint pain in the temporomandibular region
Upper back and neck pain
Beyond the benefits for specific ailments or conditions, some clients enjoy massages because massage can often bring feelings of comfort, care and the feeling of being connected.
However, despite its many benefits it’s not intended to be an alternative to regular medical treatment. Tell your doctor you’re using massage, and make sure to follow any recommended treatment protocols you’ve been given.
Massage is a risk
The majority of people can profit from massage. However, massage may not be appropriate if you are:
Blood-thinning disorders, or taking blood thinners
Burns or wounds that heal
Deep vein thrombosis
Infections
Broken bones (fractures)
Severe osteoporosis
A small platelet count (severe thrombocytopenia)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for massages with your physician especially if you’re pregnant or have cancer or unexplained pain.
Certain forms of massage might cause you to feel a little sore the next day. But , in general, massage shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If a part of your massage feels good or hurts be sure to let your doctor know immediately. The most serious issues stem from too much pressure in massage.
What you can expect during a massage
There is no special preparation to massage. Before your massage therapy session begins, your massage therapist should inquire about any signs as well as your medical history. They should also ask what you’re hoping to get from massage. Your massage therapist should be able to explain the type of massage and techniques that he will use.
In a typical massage therapy session, you dress or put on loose-fitting clothing. You should only dress so that you feel comfortable. You usually lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet. The massage therapist leaves the room after you take off your clothes prior to your massage and after you dress after it. You may also get massage while at a table fully clothed. The massage therapist must conduct an assessment using touch to identify tense or painful zones and decide how much force to use.
If you prefer, your massage therapist may apply lotion or oil to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you’re allergic to any ingredients.
The duration of a massage can range between 10 and 90 minutes, based on the type of massage you want and the time that you have. No matter what kind of massage you pick you must be relaxed and calm during the massage as well as after. Take a deep breath throughout your massage.
Your massage therapist could be able to play music during your massage or talk to you however, you are able to tell the therapist if you prefer silence.
If the massage therapist presses too hard, ask for lighter pressure. There are times when you’ll have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels similar to a knot. It’s possible to feel uncomfortable as your massage therapist works on it. If it gets too painful then you need to speak up.
The search for an experienced massage therapist
Ask your doctor or someone whom you trust for advice. Many states regulate massage therapists through registration, licensing or certification standards.
Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist any questions such as:
Are you certified, licensed or registered?
What’s your educational background and experience?
How many massage sessions do you think I’ll need?
What’s the price, and is it covered by health insurance?
The take-home message about massage
Put aside any misconceptions that massage is just an enjoyable way to relax or pamper yourself. In reality, massage is a potent instrument that will help you take charge of your overall health and wellbeing, regardless of whether or not you have a particular medical issue or seeking a stress-relief. You can also learn to do self-massage or how to massage with a friend at home.