What is Therapeutic Massage?
A type of complementary and alternate medicine (CAM), therapeutic massage can be used to treat stiffness, muscle pain, injury, or other conditions. Massage therapy can also be used to treat mental and emotional issues, such as stress and anxiety.
Massage therapy is also a relaxing technique that may help to reduce tension, calm the mind and induce deep relaxation. Massage therapy may also be used to reduce anxiety and fear, and help with other panic disorder symptoms.
These CAM practices are becoming more popular and often combined with traditional medical treatments. Acupuncture, yoga, and aromatherapy are all common CAM practices.
Different types of Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapists offer many types of massage. Massages can vary depending on their style. They may differ in the pressure or focus of each muscle group. The following are some of the most popular types of massage:
- Swedish Massage: Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage therapy. It is designed to relax the mind and body. This type of massage involves a full body massage. The client lies down on the massage table and the therapist works slowly through the different muscle groups. Swedish massage can also help to increase blood flow, reduce tension, and relieve mental stress.
- Deep tissue – In deep tissue massage the therapist applies more pressure and intensity to the muscles. This massage is designed to release tight and painful muscles knots, which are often associated with stress, pain, and headaches.
- Sports massage – This type of massage is often used by athletes to aid in their training. This massage focuses on strengthening the muscles in preparation for intense training. Sports massage can also be used to aid muscles after injury or intense performance.
- Shiatsu – Often referred to by acupressure, Shiatsu massage is very similar to acupuncture. Shiatsu, which means “finger pressure”, originated in Japan. Instead of using needles for acupuncture, the practitioner applies pressure to the points with their fingers. These pressure points are thought to release energy and restore balance to the body and mind.
Techniques
Massage therapy is a technique that involves manipulating muscles through kneading and rubbing. These techniques include:
- Effleurage – This is a technique that uses light strokes or deep strokes to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
- Petrissage – This technique involves kneading muscles. It can be used to relieve muscle spasms or tightness.
- Tapotement – This involves tapping the skin or cupping it to create a percussion effect.
- Friction – This technique uses small circular pressures to target specific areas of the body.
Massage therapists use their elbows, forearms and hands to massage various muscle groups. Massage therapists may also use aromatherapy oils or tranquil music to create a deeply relaxing and peaceful experience.
What can therapeutic massage do for you?
Massage therapy is used to relieve pain and muscle tension. You can use it on its own or in combination with traditional pain treatment. The therapeutic massage in auckland can also help with the symptoms of certain conditions, such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression5
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia6
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Panic disorder
- Stress
Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and help with anxiety.
Therapeutic massage has many benefits
Massage therapy can relax the body, which can in turn help you let go anxious or fearful thoughts. Massage can reduce muscle tension and pain, increase flexibility, and improve circulation. Massage therapy can be used to relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Fearful thoughts and reactions can often outweigh any threat to the environment. People with agoraphobia fear panic attacks in large crowds or areas that are difficult or embarrassing to escape.
It is common for the fight-or-flight response to lead to discomforts such as chest pain, shortness of breath and increased heart rate. The opposite effect of the fight-or-flight response can be achieved by massage therapy. It can reduce tension, lower heart rate and general calmness.
- Physical benefits There is less muscle tension and pain
- Improved circulation and flexibility
- Lower heart rate
- Mental Benefits Less anxious thoughts
- Trained fight-or-flight response
- More calm and less tension
Effectiveness
Evidence suggests that massage therapy can be used as an adjunctive treatment to treat conditions like depression and anxiety. Take, for example:
- A study concluded that massage therapy is a cost-effective, non-invasive and effective way to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, pain, and depression in people with cancer.
- A second study showed that patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), who received therapeutic massage, experienced significant reductions in their symptoms. These improvements were similar to those seen in relaxation-based treatments. This suggests that GAD sufferers can benefit from relaxation.
- An analysis of all research from 2018 found that there was at least some benefit to therapeutic massage as an adjunctive therapy for depression and anxiety. According to the authors, therapeutic massage can be beneficial for people with psychiatric conditions because it is popular.
Things to Consider
Massage therapy has very few side effects. Most people feel some discomfort in the first few days after a massage. 4
You should not feel any pain or discomfort after or during a massage. Some medical conditions may make massage unsuitable. If you aren’t sure if massage is right for you, consult your doctor.
There have been studies that support the safety and effectiveness massage therapy in treating anxiety, depression, stress and panic disorders. However, if you experience panic attacks or any other symptoms of panic disorder, consult your doctor before using this or any other CAM therapies.
Your doctor can help you with traditional treatment options such as medication or therapy. While massage may help you manage your condition, it is not an alternative to traditional medical care. 2 Massage therapy can be included in your regular treatment plan to aid you in managing your symptoms.
How do I get started?
Many spas, salons and wellness centers offer massage therapy. Massage therapy is becoming a mainstream treatment option for mental and physical health issues. It is also offered in many hospitals and clinics. Massage therapy is covered by some insurance companies.
Discuss your medical history with your massage therapist when you meet for the first time.
This ensures that you are scheduling these services with a certified or licensed massage therapist. This will ensure that you receive treatment from a licensed practitioner who has met all the requirements of their state licensure.
Website directories include the American Massage Therapy Association and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. If you have concerns, let the massage therapist knows. Also, be sure to talk about what you want from the massage.