Massage

Massage describes the manual manipulation of soft tissue in an effort to improve health. It is a holistic therapy that is believed to affect all body systems.

Massage techniques have been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures. Practitioners mainly use their hands, but may also use their forearms, elbows, or even their feet in some methods. Swedish massage is the most commonly practiced form of massage. Other types of massage, such as sports massage, Esalen massage, and neuromuscular massage, are modified versions of Swedish massage. Another variation, aromatherapy massage, involves the use of essential oils during massage.

Massage is used for back pain and cancer-related pain. It is also used for other types of pain, scars, relaxation, gastrointestinal symptoms, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

While there are many theories about how massage works, research is limited. Some suggest that massage might reduce swelling, increase the flow of oxygen into the tissues, soften or stretch scar tissue, reduce the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles, allow the muscles to relax, and stimulate the healing of connective tissue or damaged muscles. Many other effects have also been suggested.

People who support massage have suggested that massage therapy can transform nervous energy into a more steady state. This helps restore balance. Also, the nervous system might benefit from the repetition and tempo of a massage. Rhythms have meditative qualities that refresh both the patient and therapist.

Massage is LIKELY SAFE when used in most conditions associated with stress and pain.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

The appropriate or safe use of massage depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.

Most massage approaches begin with the patient lying face down on a platform or table with a sheet covering the lower body. Depending on the technique, sessions may last from 15 to 90 minutes. Many patients fall asleep during therapy. The environment is considered very important to massage therapy and often consists of a comfortable, quiet location. Soothing, repetitive, low-volume music or sounds may be played in the background.

Some therapeutic techniques that might be used during a massage therapy include repetitive passive movement of muscles attached to joints, long stroking or gliding, friction, compression, jostling/shaking, kneading, positional release methods, rhythmic traction, springing ,stretching, Swedish gymnastics, tapotement, and vibration.

Abdominal Massage, Abdominal Meridian Massage, Acupuncture Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Bindegewebsmassage, Chair Massage, Classical Massage, Connective Tissue Manipulation, Connective Tissue Massage, Deep-tissue Massage, Deep Transverse Friction Massage, Digital Massage, Effleurage Massage, Esalen Massage, Foot Massage, Foot Reflexion Massage, Hand Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Ice Massage, Infant Massage, Integrative Massage, Lomilomi Massage, Marma Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Massage, Oil Massage, Perineal Massage, Petrissage, Prostate Massage, Qigong Massage, Roll-stretch Massage, Rhythmical Massage, Shiatsu, Skin Rehabilitation Massage Therapy, Sports Massage, Swedish Massage, Thai Massage, Therapeutic Massage, Tibetan Massage, Trigger point Massage, Tui Na.

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