Massage is a popular hands-on healing method that has been practiced for thousands of years. Limited studies have shown that massage may be beneficial for reducing muscle tension, improving digestion, relieving anxiety and depression, and decreasing low back pain. The effects of massage on the immune system are unclear, although immune stimulation has been cited.
Massage Therapy
Massage is often used as an adjunct therapy for a number of conditions, including back pain and chemotherapy. It has been shown to be an effective means to relieve stress. Massage can be an important part of sports medicine as it helps to improve circulation and alleviate muscle cramping.
Specific techniques for self massage may help with tired eyes, neck and even hands. Therapeutic massage from a competent therapist is sometimes combined with chiropractic care.
Take care when selecting a massage therapist, as the adult entertainment industry is well known for non-therapeutic massageit's important to draw the distinction if seeking healthcare-related work.
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RealAge answeredCraniosacral 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. -
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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.) -
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Jara Soost , NASM Elite Trainer , Athletic Training, answeredMassage therapy encompasses a variety of hands on techniques that each have specific goal to achieve. Swedish massge uses long superficial strokes for relaxation. Deep tissue massage uses more pressure to release tight points inside the soft tissue. Trigger point therapy and strain counter strain both release over active sites with in the muscle tissue. Myofascial release focuses on releasing the fascia around the muscle tissue and the cells. There are many other forms of massage therapy. For best results most of my sessions are integrated massage using a variey of tecniques togther. -
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Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answeredSee All 2 AnswersThe 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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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredSee All 3 AnswersAbsolutely! 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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Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answeredTranscutaneous 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.
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredCraniosacral therapy is a form of bone manipulation, derived from chiropractic and osteopathic medicine. Focusing primarily on the bones of the skull, spine, and pelvis, craniosacral therapists strive to obtain an unhindered flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the watery liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) through massage. They believe that this improves functioning of the central nervous system, immune system, and other bodily processes.
Craniosacral therapy sessions generally last from 30 to 60 minutes and are usually performed by osteopaths, chiropractors and massage therapists. Adverse side effects include mild headaches, dizziness and spasticity. -
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredSee All 4 AnswersThe foam-rolling technique, called self-myofascial release (SMR), works similar to massage therapy, only rather than a therapist applying manual pressure to your muscles, you apply your body weight to the foam roller. The idea is to seek out tender spots in your soft tissues, also known as knots or trigger points, and apply pressure for 20-30 seconds. You then roll your body over the foam roller to massage out the tight spots and relieve pain and pressure.
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National Academy of Sports Medicine answeredSee All 6 AnswersWhether done by a professional or yourself at home, massage is an important part of your health and fitness program. A qualified massage therapist can help reduce tension in muscles. Massage can also help with stress reduction by promoting relaxation. If your financial situation does not allow for the expense of professional massage therapy, you can employ a self-massage technique using a foam roller called self-myofascial release. To perform this technique, place a foam roll on the ground under the target muscle and use your body weight to apply pressure. Slowly roll along the muscle until you feel an area of tenderness or a knot. Hold this position for approximately 30 seconds to allow your muscle time to relax. You can find a foam roller at most sporting goods stores or with the other flexibility equipment like floor mats at your health club or gym. However, it should be noted that a foam roller will never replace the what a skilled therapist can do.