The Power of Therapeutic Massage

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Therapeutic massage utilizes a variety of pressures and strokes to the fascial coverings, the muscle belly and the muscle tendon (bone attachment) to effect a change in the tissue. This change may be for increased blood flow, lymph flow, inflammation mobilization, to reduce adhesions, or to alleviate tension. Once the tension leaves the muscle, it can relax; active range of motion increases, function improves, and symptoms abate. Massage has been used for centuries in all cultures to relax muscle spasm, reduce pain in targeted areas, reduce overall stiffness, reduce or eliminate tension headaches, assist the immune system and lymph flow, increase range of motion and increases circulation. The therapists at Suncoast Healthcare Professionals additionally incorporate active and passive stretching protocols, gentle manual traction, aromatherapy, and anti-inflammatory herbs into their massage lotion for patient comfort and better clinical outcomes.

Whether utilizing full body massage, or regional massage, the therapist should always work the muscles toward the heart. This is the anatomical direction of venous blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Both the veins and the lymph vessels have one-way flow valves to preserve proper fluid movement towards the heart. The focused light, medium pressure of a massage increases the movement of the body liquids. Deep pressure works more on remodeling adhesions and scar tissue. Given that the lymph is carrying waste products of cell metabolism and inflammatory mediators, massage facilitates the elimination of the wastes from the body. Consequently, levels of inflammation are reduced and pain levels are decreased. While performing specific lymphatic stimulatory massage, lighter pressure is utilized and the technique begins from the distal extremity gradually moving toward the body and heart.

The power of touch is amazing. Therapeutic massage has the ability to effect positive changes in your immune function. Blood tests have been performed on cancer patients before and after a massage. Findings included an average of 20% increase in the quantity of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the blood after massage. The NK cells are the ones that destroy invading viruses, bacteria, and malignancies. This results in an increased fighting capacity of the body to rid itself of noxious intruders.

Once you analyze and appreciate several of the medical effects of massage it appears fairly clinical, but many people enjoy massage just because it feels good and gives them a sense of calmness or wellbeing! Whatever your reason, therapeutic massage has multiple health benefits.

Below you will find descriptions of ten different forms of therapeutic massage. It is common to use three or four separate techniques during one massage session for the benefit of the patient, and this may be modified from patient to patient, or visit to visit depending on the individual need or goal of treatment.

Swedish Massage Therapy:

This is the most common type of massage in the United States. It is also known as simply massage therapy. Massage therapists use long smooth strokes and kneading on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Aromatherapy Massage:

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.

Hot Stone Massage:

Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.

Deep Tissue Massage:

Deep tissue massage works the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from sports injury or crash injuries. This type of massage is the most prescribed by physicians than other types of massage. People may feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

Shiatsu:

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

Thai Massage:

Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure. You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage.

Pregnancy Massage:

Also called pre-natal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques. Pregnancy massage helps to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs.

Reflexology:

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

Sports Massage:

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. Combinations of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Back Massage:

Some massage clinics offer 30-60 minute back massages. This type of massage focuses on the specific muscle interaction of the back and neck and how they interrelate with daily function, posture, and support of the spine. This is generally found more in a clinical setting than a spa.

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