Massage Therapy – Learn how to relieve your stress
Massage therapy is the treatment of stress, illness, and physical or emotional disorders through manipulation of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissues. The specific targets of this type of treatment may include superficial muscles, tendons, joints, the outer layer of the skin, ligaments, the lymphatic system, and even internal organs. Some of the most popular body parts that are commonly treated include the back, shoulders, hands, and feet.
Originating in China, this type of physical procedure has become a popular treatment modality and is now taught and performed throughout the world. While the benefits are often wide and varied, many medical studies have yet to prove its efficacy or cost-effectiveness. Some of the more common conditions that are referred for this type of treatment include chronic low back pain, arthritis, fatigue, suppressed immunity, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and bursitis. Perhaps the most widely accepted use of massage therapy is for the simple reduction of everyday stress and tension.
Branches of medicine that typically prescribe this type of procedure include physicians who specialize in orthopedics, physical rehabilitation, sports injuries, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychology, acupuncture, or other holistic health subspecialties.
Equipment used in this type of treatment includes: a padded table or chair, hydrotherapy shower heads, dry waterbed, a variety of oils, and/or heated body rocks. There are dozens of different subtypes of massage therapy that emphasize different areas of the body, different treatment modalities, or offer different therapeutic results. Some examples from around the world include Ayurvedic, Balinese, Esalen, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese, and Trigger Point Therapy.
The effects of massage therapy may include pain relief, anxiety reduction, blood pressure control, heart rate reduction, increased alertness, decreased stress hormone levels, immune system stimulation, relief of depression and even improvement of spastic muscle disorders such as cerebral palsy. However, the treatment is often considered controversial in many medical circles. The results remain largely unproven because it is virtually impossible to test this type of treatment against another modality. Any form of contact can be considered beneficial and there is no “placebo” for massage therapy. Still, people who invest time and money in this type of procedure are often satisfied with the results, and many engage in long-term therapy for months, years, or decades.
While relatively safe when performed by an experienced and trained technician, massage therapy is not without its risks of adverse side effects. Most states and countries require professionals to be educated, licensed, and accredited by specific boards with rigorous qualification requirements. Risks include temporary increased pain or swelling, bruising or bruising, and allergic sensitivity to any of the materials used, including oils and lotions.
It is strongly recommended that patients who have deep vein thrombosis, a bleeding disorder, damaged blood vessels, advanced osteoporosis, a recent fracture, cancer, fever, or infection seek this type of procedure. Patients who are pregnant and have fragile heart or skin problems, or connective tissue diseases should seek the advice of their physician.
Consult a qualified and experienced massage therapist in your area today to discuss your state of health and specific needs.