Massage can warm and relax back muscles and improve blood flow. While gentle massages may be pleasurable, no improvements in self-rated pain were found among sufferers of acute low back pain.
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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1 AnswerA
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered
Aston-Patterning, an offshoot of Rolfing, is a muscle manipulation system developed by dancer Judith Aston with the goal of re-educating muscle movement Aston combined exercises, much like an ergonomics lesson, with a gentler form of Rolfing. Because it targets chronic muscle problems, it is highly regarded by dancers and athletes.
The Aston-Patterning practitioner examines you for muscle tightness and structural formation, then depending on the findings, uses a combination of massage and education techniques to teach you how to retrain your muscles. Using a special "spiraling" technique, the therapist will work to relax your muscles and loosen tight joints, permitting the body to revert to a healthier posture. The therapist will also teach you special fitness exercises to help keep muscle patterns healthy as well as make environmental suggestions, such as changing the height of your computer chair or side supports to keep the spine aligned.Find out more about this book:
Miracle Touch: A Complete Guide to Hands-On Therapies That Have the Amazing Ability to Heal
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2 AnswersA
Dr. Tasneem H. Bhatia, MD , Pediatrics, answeredSee All 2 Answers
Targeted massage can help relieve pain by releasing muscle tension, says integrative medicine specialist Dr. Tasneem Bhatia. Find out more by watching this video.
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1 AnswerA
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered
The vigorous deep-tissue massage known as Rolfing isn't aimed at any specific injury or ailment. Instead, it promises to relieve stress, improve mobility, and boost energy, thus improving your general well-being.
Although research is limited, a controlled study conducted by the Department of Kinesiology at UCLA found that people who underwent Rolfing demonstrated a greater range of motion. They were able to move more easily, smoothly, and energetically. Their posture was improved, and they were able to maintain this posture more comfortably--in other words, they could stand in a given position without straining themselves to hold that position.
Researchers at the University of Maryland obtained similar results. They found that Rolfing resulted in greater physical strength, less stress, and enhanced nervous-system response. This study also noted an improvement in subjects who had curvature of the spine. Children with cerebral palsy benefited from Rolfing, as did people with whiplash and chronic back pain.Find out more about this book:
Miracle Touch: A Complete Guide to Hands-On Therapies That Have the Amazing Ability to Heal
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1 AnswerA
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered
With Thai Yoga Massage, the therapist uses his or her own hands, arms, elbows, feet, and legs and gently guides the client through yoga postures. This is like a therapeutic dance of postures that helps to boost relaxation and spiritual energy.
Because yoga is a type of mind/body therapy, the postures or movements are structured to stretch the mind and body beyond their normal limits, then make them act in unison again. Using deep breathing, concentration techniques, and body poses, you learn to calm your mind and increase flexibility and strength. Pranayama, which is the conscious focus on and control of breath to heal disease, is an important part of yoga.
Thai Yoga Massage can help relieve mild aches and pains, menstrual cramps, endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, and lower back pain. They can also increase flexibility and coordination, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation. Breath exercises done with different yoga positions can increase blood circulation.Find out more about this book:
Miracle Touch: A Complete Guide to Hands-On Therapies That Have the Amazing Ability to Heal
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1 AnswerA
Ben Kaminsky , Dermatology, answered
Getting regular massages helps to increase relaxation, which can help to calm anxiety and improve sleep problems. In fact, some studies have shown that the brain boosts the production of endorphins, chemicals that regulate the activity of a group of nerve cells in the brain that relax muscles, dull pain, and reduce panic and anxiety. Massage therapy may also trigger serotonin, a brain chemical that generates calm and serene feelings. It makes sense that when stress is alleviated, peaceful sleep comes.Find out more about this book:
Beyond Botox: 7 Strategies for Sexy, Ageless Skin Without Needles or Surgery
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1 AnswerA
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD , Healthcare, answered
Massage stimulates the flow of lymph. This bodily fluid carries wastes and impurities away from tissues and needs muscle contractions to move efficiently through out the body. If you are sedentary, it may result in stagnant lymph flow. Or if you are too active, your body may not be able to carry away all the waste that is produced.
With Swedish massage, the practitioner uses a system of long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques to massage the more superficial layers of the muscles. This hands-on touch is combined with active and passive movements of the joints, and oil is usually used, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body, thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. The therapist applies pressure and rubs the muscles in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage is said to help flush the tissue of lactic and uric acids and other metabolic wastes, as well as to improve circulation without increasing the load on the heart.Find out more about this book:
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1 AnswerA
A table and lotion are used for massage. A firm table is preferred so that you are able to really work into the tissues without the table moving. If the table moves, you won't be able to penetrate the tissues as well.
While lotion is the most common medium to use, you can also peanut or olive oil, balms, or products such as Icy Hot.
(This answer provided for NATA by the Washington State University Athletic Training Education Program.) -
1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
Massage works by stimulating feel-good endorphins and oxytocin, and decreasing blood pressure. It's also been shown to reduce stress during labor. So whether it comes from your mate or a professional, make it a habit of being on the receiving end of a rubdown now that you're expecting.Find out more about this book:
YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy
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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.)