Massage Therapy 101

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue (skin, muscle, ligaments, tendons and joints) using the hand, forearm, elbow, or foot. To apply fixed or moveable pressure. The basic philosophy of massage therapy encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix nature, which is aiding the ability of the body to heal it self, and is aimed at achieving or increasing health and well-being.

Massage isn't capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorders, but it can provide welcome relief from the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, and stress, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain, and some forms of chronic pain. It's also frequently recommended for the treatment of minor sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries, and for the enhancement of physical conditioning. Some people find that it even relieves such digestive disorders as constipation

There are dozens of specialized massage techniques in use today; the most widespread variation builds upon the five basic strokes of Swedish massage

Effleurage: Slow, rhythmic, gliding strokes, usually in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, for example, from wrist to shoulder. Usually the massage therapist uses the whole hand (palm and fingers), gradually applying an increasing amount of pressure. Variations of effleurage involve strokes applied with the fingertips, heel of the hand, or knuckles.
Petrissage: Kneading, pressing, and rolling muscle groups. The massage therapist will take hold of the tissue and alternately tighten and loosen his grasp.
Friction: Steady pressure or tight circular movements across muscle fibers without moving across the skin, often used in areas around joints.
Percussion (Tapotement): Drumming hand movements on broad areas of the body, particularly the back. Techniques include beating with the side of loosely clenched fists; cupping or striking with the fingertips and heel of the hand; hacking, rapid chopping motions with the edge of the hand; and clapping, using the flattened hand to clap rapidly over fleshy areas.
Vibration and Jostling: Vibration entails rapid movements by the therapist to transmit an oscillating action to the patient; mechanical vibrators are also used for this purpose. Jostling requires rapid shaking of a muscle back and forth, usually for a brief period

During any technique I use the strokes listed above. I am also trained to use some of the following special techniques listed below. I either incorporated them in to my therapeutic technique or I use them alone to receive results on injuries

Neuromuscular Massage: Also known as trigger point therapy, this technique applies concentrated finger pressure to painful areas in muscles called trigger points.
Deep Tissue Massage: Slow strokes and deep finger pressure on areas of the body suffering from chronic muscle tension or areas that simply ache or feel contracted. Deep tissue massage is especially effective with tense areas such as stiff necks or sore shoulders.
Sports Massage: This rapidly expanding field, popular among professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, focuses on the use of massage to assist training, prevents injury, and aid healing in case of soreness or injury. It is used both before and after exercise, as well as in the treatment of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis.
Manual Lymph Drainage: This rhythmic pumping form of massage stimulates the movement of lymph fluid through the lymph vessels. It is used to treat lymphedema, a side effect of any surgery in which the lymph nodes are removed or of radiation administered in the area of the lymph nodes.

BENFITS OF MASSAGE
1. Promotes deeper and easier breathing
2. Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids
3. Reduces blood pressure
4. Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
5. Enhances capillary functions and the health and nourishment of skin
6. Strained muscles and ligaments are loosen and gently stretched reducing pain and improving mobility
7. Reduces muscle spasms
8. Provides greater flexibility and range of motion
9. Enhances athletic performance
10. Reduces healing period for injuries caused during sport or work
11. Improves posture through the reduction of improper muscle tension
12. Strengthens the immune system
13. Stress relief

The Wide Ranging Benefits of Massage
· Relieves physical problems associated with repetitive tasks
· The Deep relaxation provided by massage balances the effects of stress in our lives thus reducing tension headaches, reducing anxiety level and restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being by:
o Triggering the Relaxation Response
o Relaxing tense muscles groups
o Reducing anxiety levels though the release of endorphins and increased blood flow and oxygen levels
o Normalizes blocked energy flow
Improves immune system functioning though the increased production of white blood cells and improved lymphatic system functioning.
o Restores a calm mind and feeling of well-being
· Reduces the creation and perception of pain
· Reduces the effects of aging
Psychological Benefits of Massage Therapy
· Increased sense of energy and well being
· Improves your body's ability to recognize stress signals and respond appropriately
· Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
· Helps relieve mental stress which enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
· Reduces levels of anxiety
Massage Indicator
People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
· joint Allergies
· Anxiety and stress
· Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
· Asthma and bronchitis
· Carpal tunnel syndrome
· Chronic and temporary pain
· Circulatory problems
· Depression
· Digestive disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
· Headache, especially when due to muscle tension
· Insomnia
· Myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)
· Reduced range of motion
· Sinusitis
· Sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments
· Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ)

Therapeutic massage may not be recommended in some cases, such as in people with:
· inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)
· infectious diseases
· certain forms of cancer
· some skin conditions
· some cardiac problems
· diabetes
If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.