Massage

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 realise 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. You may wish to look through the therapy descriptions in the medical information section of badback.com.au or, discuss the style of massage with your health provider or contact the Massage Therapy Association.

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 mobilisation. 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.

John Pedersen has been in practice for 15 years and specialises in Sports, Relaxation, Oriental Massage & Myofascial Release.