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Learn More
about Therapies and Treatments for Back & Joint Pain
On this site you can find comprehensive descriptions
about many of the natural therapies and traditional treatments
available in the US. Reading about these is the first learning
phase for you, then contacting a practitioner will guide you
toward the healing experience.
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March 9th, 2007
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Massage is the most fundamental of all healing techniques and the
profession of massage has been practiced since time immemorial. It
was indeed one of the most effective and important forms of relaxation
and sports medicine available to ancient civilizations, and still
is today.
What is massage therapy?
It's a hands-on approach for the evaluation and application of various
techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human
body.
But what can it do to help your aching back? And
what kind of massage should you try?
The Benefits
Massage is essential for good health and well-being. We may not realize
it, but from the time we are born we receive massage - stroking a
baby's back to pacify it … is massage; rubbing a sore tummy
… is massage; people of all ages love to be touched, and by
extension of this to a form of structured therapy, we have professional
massage.
Massage provides:
• Stress relief for busy people
• Rapid recovery from injury
• Relief from tension
headaches
• Increased mobility and therefore reduces likelihood
of injury
• Increased circulation of blood and lymph (fluid
in our body tissues) throughout the body
• A state of relaxation
for the entire body and mind, mobilizes new health and energy.
Techniques
There are a myriad of massage styles and techniques available today.
Each form of massage has specific techniques for specific ailments.
As a starting point, there are basically two types of massage therapy
- Massage for relaxation and Massage for relieving pain.
Make sure you explain your pain symptoms to the massage therapist
to ensure that you receive the most appropriate therapy for your condition.
Various movements may include rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping,
rocking, compression, vibration, friction, and pressure to the muscular
structure or soft tissues. The massage therapist may also use oils,
lotions, heat rubs and powders.
In addition, technology has enhanced the work of the massage therapist
in recent times by providing equipment that enables additional effective
treatment such as Electric massagers, TENS machine, Heat & Infra
Red lamps.
The Research
A growing body of research confirms that massage therapy can be an
effective part of pain relief and management. This should encourage
health providers and massage therapists to work more closely together.
A 2001 survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association
found that the number of adults receiving massages from a massage
therapist more than doubled since 1997. And a study conducted at the
University of Miami (2001) found that massage lessened lower back
pain, depression and anxiety and improved sleep. The massage therapy
group also showed improved range of motion and their serotonin and
dopamine (hormones) levels were higher (International Journal of Neuroscience,
106, 131-145).
Training
Massage therapists are trained in the principles of anatomy, physiology,
pathology, massage theory and practical uses of massage. They are
also skilled in stretching techniques, remedial exercise and gentle
mobilization. Much training and practice are required to achieve the
necessary skills and competence to work in the field of massage therapy.
The value of REGULAR massage
Massage on a regular basis is a brilliant strategy for personal TLC
and as a preventative measure to ensure that muscular aches and pains
are kept away, and the result of any injury is kept to a minimum.
We tend to mistreat our bodies, expecting them to continue on regardless.
And when they break down we want a quick fix. Wouldn't it be much
better, and wiser if our muscles and tendons were keep in 'good condition'.
Our recovery time from injury would be much shorter and there's a
good chance that the injury may not occur in the first place.
Occasions when massage is not appropriate
Before commencing a massage it is crucial that the massage therapist
knows of any medical condition the patient may have.
For example – the following are some conditions for which massage
is not recommended: Recent fractures, malignancies, varicose veins,
infections, and areas of broken skin. And Diabetics should have eaten
or taken medication shortly before having a massage.
"Massage
is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car. It provides a physical
and mental boost to the weary, sore and stressed" - Chicago Tribune. |
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