The use of massage therapy originated thousands of years ago. There is written evidence of its use in ancient China, Japan, India, and Greece. Massage therapy involves the use of touch. A therapist will apply various types of pressures, strokes, and movements with their hands, forearms, elbows, and occasionally feet to manipulate, relax, and stimulate the soft tissue muscles of the body. Massage therapy has many useful applications. It is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as sports injuries, chronic back pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and nicotine addiction. It is also an increasingly popular form of stress reduction and relaxation.
According to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, “…the practitoner of therapeutic massage and bodywork incorporates knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to apply a plan of care for” their client. Massage Therapists speak with their client prior to a session to learn about the person’s medical background and their desired outcome for the massage. This enables the massage therapist to discuss which techniques may benefit the client, which ones should be avoided, and whether or not they should proceed with a massage based on certain medical conditions. You’ll find much more on the subject of massage therapy by entering those keywords at The National Institute of Health and on Pubmed.
The Different Types of Massage Therapy
There are more than 80 modalities or types of massage, and a massage therapist will generally be familiar with a range of modalities, depending on the type of work they do and the setting they work in. The American Massage Therapy Association states that the five most commonly practiced massage modalities are:
Swedish- the therapist uses long strokes, kneading and friction on the muscles and moves the joints to aid flexibility
TriggerPoint/Neuromuscular- the therapist uses a variety of strokes and applies deeper, more focused pressure on “knots” -myofascial trigger points that are painful
Deep Tissue- therapist uses patterns of strokes and deep finger pressure on parts of the body where muscles are tight located deep under the skin
Sports Massage- uses Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage techniques adapted to deal with the effects of intense physical exertion on the body and eases stiffness and pain
Shiatsu- therapist applies varying rhythmic pressure from the fingers on parts of the body that are believed to be important for the flow of body energy
Sessions may range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, with 30-60 minutes being the norm. On an initial appointment, therapists will discuss the client’s medical history, any symptoms they’re experiencing, and the desired outcome. If there are no prohibitive factors, the therapist will discuss modalities and proceed with the massage.
Depending on massage type, a client may be seated fully clothed in a specially designed padded chair, or partially to fully undressed and lying down on a padded table. When undressed, the therapist will drape all parts of the body with towels or sheets, except the area to be massaged. Oils may be used to reduce friction on the skin.
Where is Massage Therapy Commonly Performed?
Massage therapists who handle medical conditions can often be found in hospitals, chiropractors offices, nursing homes, private homes, and sports medicine facilities. Massage therapists may also be found at salons, spas, hotels, and resorts. When a massage is performed in the salon or spa setting, the therapist will often work in a candlelit or dimly lit room, with soothing music in the background to relax the client and put them at ease.
Doctors recommend that you avoid massage therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
Deep Vein Thrombosisa
bleeding disorder, or taking blood thining medication
damaged blood vessels
a fever
weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or recent fracture
a tumor
damaged nerves
an infection, wound, inflammation, or burn on the skin
Massage Therapy Effects and Health Benefits
Some side effects may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling, or allergic reaction to massage oils. Scientists and doctors are not fully aware of all the aspects of massage yet, and are conducting studies to evaluate its effects. Some benefits may include:
increased relation and reduction of stress
may stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins
may prevent fibrosis, the formation of scar-like tissue
may increase the flow of lymph, which carries cells that fight disease
may enhance sleep
Massage Therapy Research
Since massage therapy is considered to be a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), its scientific research has been limited. Its efficacy as a treatment for specific health conditions is hard to measure.
More Information and Advanced Massage Therapy Information
The following websites provide comprehensive databases of medical and academic journal articles:
Massage Therapy Foundation- this site also provides links to helpful publications, government agencies, educational resources, and other massage therapy resources
Massage Therapy
The use of massage therapy originated thousands of years ago. There is written evidence of its use in ancient China, Japan, India, and Greece. Massage therapy involves the use of touch. A therapist will apply various types of pressures, strokes, and movements with their hands, forearms, elbows, and occasionally feet to manipulate, relax, and stimulate the soft tissue muscles of the body. Massage therapy has many useful applications. It is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as sports injuries, chronic back pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and nicotine addiction. It is also an increasingly popular form of stress reduction and relaxation.
According to the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, “…the practitoner of therapeutic massage and bodywork incorporates knowledge of various systems of anatomy, physiology, and pathology to apply a plan of care for” their client. Massage Therapists speak with their client prior to a session to learn about the person’s medical background and their desired outcome for the massage. This enables the massage therapist to discuss which techniques may benefit the client, which ones should be avoided, and whether or not they should proceed with a massage based on certain medical conditions. You’ll find much more on the subject of massage therapy by entering those keywords at The National Institute of Health and on Pubmed.
The Different Types of Massage Therapy
There are more than 80 modalities or types of massage, and a massage therapist will generally be familiar with a range of modalities, depending on the type of work they do and the setting they work in. The American Massage Therapy Association states that the five most commonly practiced massage modalities are:
Sessions may range from 15 minutes to 2 hours, with 30-60 minutes being the norm. On an initial appointment, therapists will discuss the client’s medical history, any symptoms they’re experiencing, and the desired outcome. If there are no prohibitive factors, the therapist will discuss modalities and proceed with the massage.
Depending on massage type, a client may be seated fully clothed in a specially designed padded chair, or partially to fully undressed and lying down on a padded table. When undressed, the therapist will drape all parts of the body with towels or sheets, except the area to be massaged. Oils may be used to reduce friction on the skin.
Where is Massage Therapy Commonly Performed?
Massage therapists who handle medical conditions can often be found in hospitals, chiropractors offices, nursing homes, private homes, and sports medicine facilities. Massage therapists may also be found at salons, spas, hotels, and resorts. When a massage is performed in the salon or spa setting, the therapist will often work in a candlelit or dimly lit room, with soothing music in the background to relax the client and put them at ease.
How to Qualify as a Licensed Massage Therapist
It is best to select a licensed massage therapist who has graduated from an accredited massage therapy school program in your state. You can find information on questions you should ask your therapist and qualifications they should have at the websites for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork , the American Massage Therapy Association , and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation
Massage Therapy and Health Risks
Doctors recommend that you avoid massage therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
Massage Therapy Effects and Health Benefits
Some side effects may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling, or allergic reaction to massage oils. Scientists and doctors are not fully aware of all the aspects of massage yet, and are conducting studies to evaluate its effects. Some benefits may include:
Massage Therapy Research
Since massage therapy is considered to be a Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM), its scientific research has been limited. Its efficacy as a treatment for specific health conditions is hard to measure.
Recent studies indicate that massage might be useful in treating chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia , may help relieve pain and improve mood in cancer patients, and may help relieve symptoms of neck pain. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health funds research on massage therapy, and you can find a wealth of information on massage and these projects at their website.
More Information and Advanced Massage Therapy Information
The following websites provide comprehensive databases of medical and academic journal articles:
Massage Therapy Foundation- this site also provides links to helpful publications, government agencies, educational resources, and other massage therapy resources
The Chiropractic Resource Organization
www.library.tufts.edu/hsl/subjectGuides/cam.html
www.library.cudenver.edu/tools/databases/?letter=M&search- enter the subject “massage therapy”