Therapeutic Massage

Questions

• WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

  Therapeutic massage is a type of massage therapy in which pressure is administered to the body using the hands, fingers, elbow, knees, forearm, feet, or mechanical devices in order to achieve corrective or rehabilitative goals.

• WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?

  Massage eases pain and promotes the body's natural flow of energy. It has several other therapeutic benefits, such as:

  • Decreases pain.
  • Increases movement.
  • Eases muscle tension.
  • Improves blood flow.
  • Improves functionality.
  • Promotes relaxation.
  • Relieves stress.

• HOW DOES IT WORK?

  The lymphatic and blood systems provide the body's cells with nourishment and oxygen while also eliminating waste products and pollutants from the body's various regions. Massage improves lymphatic and blood flow, which benefits general wellness. Various forms of massage can be used to various body areas for therapeutic effects. During a massage, pressure is given to the body's muscles and joints either by stroking, or by applying heavy pressure with the hands in an attempt to heal.

• WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

  The following are the principles of Therapeutic massage:

  Depth of pressure:
  The force exerted on the tissue by stroking is known as the depth of pressure. Carefully and gradually raise the depth of pressure while keeping an eye out for any symptoms of pain.

  Speed of the stroke:
  Speed of the stroke is how fast or slow stroking is performed. Depending on the desired response any stroke may be applied slowly and quickly.

  Rhythm:
  The regularity or consistency of the stroke application is known as rhythm. The type of rhythm used might vary according on the ailment being addressed.

  Duration:
  The duration of a stroke refers to how long it stays on a particular body region or how long it lasts when applied.

  Direction:
  The stroke's direction is always in the direction of the heart.

  Frequency:
  Frequency is the number of times each stroke is performed.

• WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

  Effleurage:
  Effleurage is a gliding stroke that is smooth and can be deep, moderate, or light. For effleurage, lubricant is applied gradually moving from light to moderate and finally deeper tissues.

  Physiological effects:
  It improves tissue drainage, which lowers swelling, and tones muscles by speeding blood and lymph flow.

  Petrissage:
  Petrissage is squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage. It can be applied by two hands or one, done towards the heart on the extremities. The depth of the pressure is deeper than the other strokes.

  Physiological effects:
  Through vasodilatation, it stimulates increased blood flow and the flow of tissue fluid. It lessens inflammation and edema.

  Friction:
  Layers of tissues rub against one another during a friction massage, which is performed in a parallel, cross-fiber, deep circular motion with little time due to the forceful nature of the stroke. The state of the patient determines the frequency. It aids in boosting blood flow and destroying scar tissue.

  Physiological effects:
  In order to release the adhesions in the scar tissue and allow the fibers to naturally realign for more freedom of movement, it is applied at the site of injury to mobilize the underlying tissues and muscles.

  Tapotement:
  Tapotement is a brief, alternating tap that is performed with the hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand. It begins with a blow to the muscle and is instantly removed as soon as the hand makes contact with the tissue.

  Physiological effects:
  Tapotement can relieve lung congestion and induce relaxation and desensitization.

  Vibration:
  A rapid, rhythmic shaking motion is called vibration. The pace at which you work might vary based on how long it takes.

  Physiological effects:
  In addition to reducing hypertonicity, vibration promotes nerve fibers and neuromuscular reeducation.

  Deep tissue massage:
  Pressure is applied to layers of tissues beneath the skin during a deep tissue massage using slow, purposeful strokes. For therapeutic purposes, deep tissue massage can assist with back sprains and other types of muscular injuries as well as issues with discomfort, imbalance, and damage. It aids in the release of tense and sore muscles.

  Physiological effects:
  To release tension from the deepest levels of the muscles and connective tissues, deep finger pressure is used. This relieves anxiety, chronic muscular pain, and tense muscles.

  Trigger point massage:
  A trigger point is a tight spot on the body that produces pain and limits range of motion. Target regions for trigger point massage therapy are those with tense muscles; the technique combines lighter and firmer strokes. It aids in releasing tension and discomfort in the affected regions.

  Physiological effects:
  It has instantaneous effects on the alleviation of pain and is intended to release endorphins and remove toxins from the muscle.

  Sports massage:
  All levels of athletes can benefit from sports massage. It was created to support athletes in their pre-, during-, and post-event training. Some athletes may have sports massages as a warm-up before to an intense practice or competition. It reduces the risk of injury and increases flexibility. also speeds up recovery from sporting injuries.

  Physiological effects:
  These massages can speed up healing times, increase blood flow, and shield against injuries.

  Lymphatic Drainage Massage:
  A light tissue massage with the goal of promoting increased lymph fluid circulation in the body is known as lymphatic drainage massage. Typically, lengthy, light-pressure strokes are used along the skin during a massage to promote lymphatic flow throughout the body.

  Physiological effects:
  Massages using lymphatic drainage remove protein-rich lymph fluid. Throughout the body, lymph veins carry the lymph fluid. It removes waste products, viruses, and other harmful substances and transports them to the lymph nodes.

• WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED BY THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE?

  Numerous medical disorders can benefit from massage therapy as an adjunctive treatment. The following is a list of conditions that may be treated with massage therapy alone or in combination with it:

  • Neck, shoulder, elbows, back, or knees pain,
  • Tendinitis,
  • Nerve injuries,
  • Muscle tension,
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome,
  • Rotator Cuff Syndrome,
  • Sciatica,
  • Tennis Elbow,
  • Frozen Shoulder,
  • Osteoarthritis,
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis,
  • Muscle sprains and strains,
  • Sports injuries,
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome,
  • Fibromyalgia,
  • Poor circulation.

• WHAT ARE THE CONTRAINDICATIONS OF MASSAGE THERAPY?

  Conditions for which massage may interact negatively and might prove to be harmful.

  These conditions are:

  • Contagious diseases,
  • Vomiting,
  • Diarrhea,
  • Fever,
  • Severe pain,
  • Kidney disease
  • Thrombosis.