What is Massage Therapy?
Remedial Massage is a treatment modality that manipulates the soft tissues of the body including movement for a specific therapeutic effect, rather than a general therapeutic effect. It uses relevant techniques, lubricants and movements according to the client’s needs and response.
This leads to the healing process, which begins at the cellular level aiding soft tissues in repairing, restoring functional integrity and adapting back to health. Let’s look at some interesting massage therapy facts!
Ancient Healthcare
Did you know that massage is quite possibly the oldest and simplest form of healthcare? After all, a kiss and a hug, the comforting touch of another, the warmth of friend nearby…these all have healing qualities.
- It is depicted in Egyptian tomb paintings.
- It is mentioned in ancient Chinese, Japanese, and Indian texts.
- The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates describes the practice of anatripis or “rubbing up.”
Benefits for Many Conditions
Remedial massage is reported to help so many common conditions like back and neck pain, sports strains, tension, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.
How Does It Work?
It is suggested that a single session of massage therapy can reduce “state anxiety” (a reaction to a particular situation), blood pressure, and heart rate, and multiple sessions can reduce “trait anxiety” (general anxiety-proneness), depression, and pain. In addition, recent studies suggest that massage may benefit certain conditions like joint pain by increasing circulation, helping drain waste, freeing up scar tissue and dismantling trigger points.
There are numerous theories about how massage therapy may affect the body. For example, the “gate control theory” suggests that massage may provide stimulation that helps to block pain signals sent to the brain. Other theories suggest that massage might stimulate the release of certain chemicals in the body, such as serotonin or endorphins, or cause beneficial mechanical changes in the body.
Can It Be Harmful?
Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks – if it is performed by a properly trained therapist and if appropriate cautions are followed. The number of serious injuries reported is very small. Side effects of massage therapy may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling, and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils.
What Should Be Avoided?
Cautions about massage therapy include the following:
- Vigorous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts, and by people taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
- Massage should not be done in any area of the body with blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, or weakened bones (such as from osteoporosis or cancer), or where there has been a recent surgery.
- Although massage therapy appears to be generally safe for cancer patients, they should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged. Cancer patients should discuss any concerns about massage therapy with their oncologist.
- Pregnant women should consult their health care provider before using massage therapy.
Who Can Provide Massage Therapy?
Remedial massage is defined as the application of manual
massage techniques to treat musculoskeletal disorders or
dysfunctions in a systematic way. It requires education and practice under supervision to become a qualified massage therapy practitioner.
In addition to massage therapists, health care providers such as chiropractors, osteopaths and physical therapists may have training in massage. In our clinic, massage therapists practice alongside other health professionals and a team approach often assists treatment plans.