Massage therapy is regarded as one of the famous and oldest methods of healing, with various references in medical texts for nearly 4,000 years old. In fact, the venerable Hippocrates, who is known as the “father of medicine,” recognized massage when he wrote, in the 4th century B.C.: “The physician must be familiar and acquainted with many things, and is associated and assuredly with rubbing.” Massage therapy, which is also known as Swedish massage, is referred to as one of the most common form of massage therapy not only within the United States but even around the world.Massage therapists ordinarily use repeated long, smooth strokes, circular or kneading and other movements focused on the superficial layers of muscle using various massage oil or lotion.
How Does Massage Therapy Work?
Massage therapy will generally improve your circulation by bringing more oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. Massage therapy can relieve all forms of stress, muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and enhances mobility. It also helps clear lactic acid and other bad waste, which can definitely reduce pain and stiffness in your muscles and joints.
Why Do People Get Massage Therapy?
People usually get massage therapy for relaxation purposes or for a variety of health conditions such as: back pain, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis, stress relief and stress-related conditions, headaches and migraines, muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains, repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, circulatory and respiratory problems and post-injury and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Massage therapy surely relieves stress. It is thought and even proven to help the body’s stress response by lowering of the levels of hormones such as cortisol.Massage therapy also seem to enhance and improve immune functions.
What a Typical Massage Therapy Session is Like?
A typical massage therapy session is usually from 40 and 90 minutes. Your massage will start with a short consultation and review of symptoms, medical history, and even with your lifestyle.
You will be asked to remove or clothes or undress (though a lot of people keep their underwear on) while the massage therapist is temporarily out of the room, then you will lie face down under a sheet on a padded massage bed or table.
The massage therapist will then knock on the door to see to it that you are ready for the massage session. The massage therapist will now re-enters the room and will eventually adjust the face rest and pillows to make sure that you are finally comfortable and is properly positioned. You can now tell the massage therapist if you are feeling too warm or cold.
The massage therapist usually uses a light oil or lotion to sooth your skin and eventually begins the massage. A full body massage will start usually on the back and then moves down to the thighs and the legs. You will then be asked by the therapist to turn over so you are face up. The massage will then continue on your arms, shoulders, legs, neck, and abdomen.
You are basically underneath the sheet at all times, and in North America, only the particular part of the body being treated at any one time is uncovered.
After your massage session, the massage therapist leaves the room so you can get changed.
Take your time getting up, relax well first. Otherwise, if you sit or stand too quickly you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Will Massage Therapy Hurt?
Massage therapy shouldn’t normally hurt. Occasionally, there is very mild aching when the massage therapist starts to apply pressure over “knots” and other parts of muscle tension. If the pressure is very strong for you, then, let the massage therapist know.
How Will I Feel After a Massage?
Most people will feel calm and relaxed after a massage treatment. Occasionally, people experience mild but temporary aching for a day. Then after wards you will feel very relieved.
Precautions:
Massage therapy is not recommended for certain people:
- People with various infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after sessions of chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor.
- People prone to types of blood clots. There is a great risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have a heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage.
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first before considering or getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should only be done by massage therapists who are truly certified in pregnancy massage.
Best Reading:
As a conclusion, you can always resort to experiencing a massage therapy for as long as you consider and take into account the precautionary measures. Massage therapy will relax you and give you all the benefits health wise, thus as much as possible you must seek one once time permits. See to it too that you are undergoing such therapy in order to uplift your health and not to do it as often as you like. You must always seek the advice of your physician before getting a massage in order for you to get the benefits.
Comments on this entry are closed.