Massage Therapy

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• QHow can massage therapy enhance my breast cancer treatment?

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  A Johns Hopkins Medicine answered

  Therapeutic massage incorporates a variety of techniques to enhance the body's natural restorative ability. Massage therapists use light to firm touch to release tension, relax muscles, increase blood and lymph circulation, and impart a sense of calm. Therapeutic massage serves as a collaborative, supportive addition to conventional medical treatment of illness and injury, alleviating pain and stress, aiding soft tissue healing, and revitalizing the body. Also, regular massage can enhance health, providing relaxation, release of muscle tightness, relief from anxiety and tensions, and balancing aspects of body/mind/spirit.
  Therapeutic massage techniques can include:

  • Swedish Massage- This includes flowing, kneading, and passive joint movement techniques. Swedish massage promotes release of tensions and general relaxation. It also stimulates nerve endings in the skin and connective tissue, increasing blood and lymph circulation.
  • Deep Tissue Massage - This refers to work that is done deep within the muscles and connective tissue. Slow strokes and deep finger pressure work to release contracted areas of muscles and surrounding tissue.
  • Reflexology- In this technique, pressure point holds stimulate reflex channels. This can be effective for areas of tension or pain. A therapist massages hands, feet, and ear pressure points to promote general well being.
  • Neuromuscular Massage - This is an advances massage technique that effectively treats chronic pain and injuries. It can improve muscular and postural imbalances.
  • Craniosacral Therapy- This form of light touch works within the natural flows of the body. It can result in deep relaxation, encourages the body's alignment, and natural healing ability.
  • Lymph Drainage Therapy - In this technique, light pressure facilitates increased movement of lymph fluid. This technique specifically complements cancer treatments and surgery, and contributes to wellness through improved immune response.
  • Reiki - This light touch technique accesses Universal Life Energy. It can speed healing, reduce pain, and decrease symptoms.
  • Hot Stone Massage Therapy - This technique uses a variety of large and small smooth heated stones to melt away tension and stress, resulting in deep relaxation.
• QIs there anyone who shouldn't use massage therapy?

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  A Johns Hopkins Medicine answered

  Massage is generally safe, except for people with the following problems:

  • Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Advanced osteoporosis
  • Bone fractures
  • Skin infections, burns, or eczema.

  Even if you don't have one of these problems, you should check with your doctor before trying any type of massage therapy as a treatment for a specific condition-and never use massage as a substitute for your regular treatment.
  Also make sure you get referrals to certified specialists. Besides asking your doctor for a qualified professional, look for help in integrative medicine centers (often found in major medical centers). To find a qualified massage therapist, talk to your doctor and check with an integrated health center (many major medical centers now offer these).Also look online; there are national associations for massage therapists and they offer provider locator searches.
• QWhat are the benefits of massage therapy?

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  A Dr. Linda A. Lee, MD , Gastroenterology, answered on behalf of Johns Hopkins Medicine

  Massage therapy offers you a wide range of physical and mental health benefits including:

  • Relieving anxiety and tension
  • Relaxing muscle aches and pains
  • Providing a sense of calm and emotional well-being
  • Alleviating pain and stress
  • Increasing blood and lymph circulation
  • Aiding soft tissue healing

  Massage is even more useful when you add it to more conventional medical treatments.

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• QWhat should I know before I try craniosacral therapy?

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  A RealAge answered

  Craniosacral therapy has not yet been proven to treat any condition, although it is still under study and has shown some promise, especially in pain relief. However, because of its massage and manipulation of the head and neck area it is not recommended for toddlers or babies, anyone recovering from head or neck injuries or diseases, or those with clotting or blood vessel disorders. Craniosacral therapy should not take the place of standard medical care, and you should let your doctor know you are thinking of trying it. 
• QWhen should massage not be used?

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  A National Athletic Trainers' Association answered

  Massage should not be used on acute injuries, open wounds, or when a fracture is suspected. It should also not be used if a patient has cancer.
  
  (This answer provided for NATA by the Washington State University Athletic Training Education Program.)
• QIsn't there just one type of massage therapy?

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  A Dr. Linda A. Lee, MD , Gastroenterology, answered on behalf of Johns Hopkins Medicine

  No, there are actually many different types of massage therapy. Some therapies emphasize a very light touch, others apply deep pressure. Some use external implements, including hot rocks. Among the massage therapies that people can choose from:

  • Swedish Massage: This is the one with which most people are familiar. Its flowing, kneading, and passive joint movements release tensions and promote general relaxation.
  • Reflexology: Hands, feet, and ear pressure points are massaged to promote general well-being.
  • Lymph Drainage Therapy: Light pressure facilitates increased movement of lymph fluid and enhances your body's immune response. It's used to complement treatment of auto-immune disorders, cancer treatments, and surgery.
  • Hot Stone Massage Therapy: This uses a variety of large and small smooth heated stones to melt away tension and stress, resulting in deep relaxation.

  Remember, if you just need to relax, then you can probably rely solely on massage as your form of therapy. But if you're fighting a specific health problem (physical or mental) then you should understand that massage is not a substitute for your regular treatment; it's a positive add-on.
  To find a qualified massage therapist, talk to your doctor and check with an integrated health center (many major medical centers now offer these).Also look online; there are national associations for massage therapists and they offer provider locator searches.

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• QWhat are the benefits of the Alexander Technique?

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  A Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered

  The Alexander Technique (AT), a hands-on teaching method that encourages all the body's processes to work more efficiently, can be very helpful for people dealing with chronic pain, excessive stress, or injury, and is also used at many conservatories by performing artists to enhance performing techniques.
  
  There are some reports that the Alexander Technique may help increase respiratory function. In a study published in the journal Chest, researchers reported that adults who did proprioceptive musculoskeletal education with the AT experienced enhanced respiratory muscular function. Adult volunteers in the study were given 20 private AT lessons, including both verbal instruction and hands-on touch therapies, at weekly intervals. Spirometric tests, including maximum static mouth pressures, were assessed before and after each course of lessons. The adults using AT increased length and decreased resting tension of muscles of the torso. This was thought to increase the strength, increase thoracic compliance, and enhance coordination of the respiratory muscles.
  

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• QCan a massage help with muscle soreness?

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  A National Academy of Sports Medicine answered

  Absolutely! Though research is limited, some studies show that massage can reduce post-exercise inflammation and help muscle cells recover more quickly. Soft tissue massage is also thought to increase blood flow, helping speed up the recovery process.

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• QWhat is TENS?

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  A Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered

  Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrodes attached by pads to control pain. From 10 to 35 percent of patients with chronic back pain may have increased relief from this therapy.
• QWhat is craniosacral therapy?

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  A Dr. Linda A. Lee, MD , Gastroenterology, answered on behalf of Johns Hopkins Medicine

  In craniosacral therapy, light touch holds work within the natural flows of the body. This type of massage results in deep relaxation and encouragement of the body's alignment and natural healing ability.

  Remember, you should never use craniosacral therapy as a substitute for more conventional treatments you're receiving for a specific problem. Instead, seek it out as a helpful add-on to current therapies. Also, make sure a qualified professional is treating you. To find a qualified massage therapist, talk to your doctor and check with an integrated health center (many major medical centers now offer these).Also look online; there are national associations for massage therapists and they offer provider locator searches.

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