Massage Therapy
Transcript: Massage Therapy Manipulation of muscles and their tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue by applying pressure to the body. How is it used? Therapists use hands & fingers, but may also use forearms, elbows & feet. Ranges from light pressure to deep tissue. How does massage impact the body... boosts immunity, stiffness, sports-related injuries, improves circulation, increases joint flexibility, enhances skin condition, helps with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers mind... relaxation, stress relief, managing anxiety & depression spirit... relaxation, meditation, rejuvenation good for the soul! Types: There are many, many different types and techniques used in massage therapy. A few examples: Relaxation- A smooth, flowing style that promotes general relaxation, improves circulation and range of movement, and relieves muscular tension. Swedish- This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you. Sports- This is similar to Swedish massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries. Deep Tissue- This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries. Thai- Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor instead of on a table, instrumental in the effective use of the practitioner’s body weight. Hot Stone- Specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well, but they can be other types. The heat is both deeply relaxing and helps tight muscles release. Evidence of efficacy There are many clinical studies & journals on the efficacy of massage therapy. reduces systolic & diastolic blood pressure, reduces heart rate, back pain, burns, cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic illness or pain, immune function, infants & children, pregnancy, sports medicine, stress reduction Potential side-effects *Licensed massage therapist- if not done correctly could cause more damage. *DRINK LOTS OF WATER! Integument (skin): stimulates glands, leading to improvement in condition of skin. Muscular system: relieves muscular tension, soreness, fatigue, increased flexibility. Skeletal system: increased mineral retention, faster healing of fractures (due to increased circulation to blood vessels around the break). Nervous system: reduction in stress, anxiety & level of pain (due to increase of endorphins in body). More restful sleep. Endocrine System: triggers release of hormones in body. EX- dopamine = reduced level of stress or depression. Decreases cortisol levels = lowers stress levels & boosts immunity. Circulatory System: helps circulation of lymph = decreased swelling & weight loss (body stops retaining fluids). Respiratory System: strengthens respiratory muscles (vital capacity of lungs, peak expiratory flow) Digestive System: relieves constipation & gas, helps stimulate overall digestive process. Contra-indications abnormal body temperature- greater than 37.5 C Infectious & acute disease- influenza Inflammation- recently sprained ankle *Even though massaging directly on that are will be contraindicated, it may be very beneficial to a person to massage not on the area but around that area so that you can relax the muscles and prompting the body to naturally heal itself. After a person has had the inflammation subside after 72-96 hours, having a massage can dramatically help a person's mobility of joints as well as helping reduce scar tissue forming. varicose veins-Massaging legs which have large bulging varicose veins has the risk of releasing blood clots in the body's circulatory system osteoporosis- brittle bones high blood pressure fracture, burns, or bleeding blood clots opened sores or lesions systemic infections cancer Seek medical advice before having a massage if you suffer from phlebitis, thrombosis, varicose veins, severe acute back pain, or fever. Swellings, fractures, skin infections, or bruises should not be massaged. Lumps and swellings should be checked by your doctor. Massage of the abdomen, legs, and feet should not be given during the first three months of pregnancy. Cancer patients are best treated by specially trained practitioners who know which areas to avoid and which kind of massage is appropriate. *you do not want your therapist administering the massage to worsen any medical condition you may have, and you do not want to give anything contagious to your massage therapist. Qualifications licensing- Licensing is the strictest form of professional regulation, making it illegal for anyone to work as a massage therapist unless he or she has a license. national certification- Individuals who meet standards of education, training and/or experience and pass the examination are entitled to use the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork