massage therapy Various techniques of kneading, stroking, pressure and similar movement of the hands over the skin in order to relax the muscles, sedate pain, improve circulation, and before/dur- ing childbirth to help stretch the perineum and ease the pain of contractions. Used since ancient times and in many non-Western cultures, massage in the United States was valued mainly by athletes, dancers and victims of stroke or paralysis until the second half of the 20th century, when it was embraced along with other body therapies by those seeking out alternative healing methods. At this writing 33 states issue licenses to massage therapists, indicating in most cases that they have had 500 hours of training and passed an examina- tion. The American Massage Therapy Association certifies and promotes massage therapy.
There are numerous kinds of massage technique, ranging from light stroking to deep pressure, and most massage therapists use a combination of them. Among the most frequently used techniques are Swedish, which uses a set of routine strokes to work over the whole body; Esalen, a blend of Eastern and Western techniques, mainly Swedish, acupressure and shiatsu, the latter two applying pres- sure to energy points along the same meridians as ACUPUNCTURE; sports massage, used as part of athletic training and focusing specifically on muscle recov- ery rate to relieve aches and pains; rehabilitation or medical massage, developed after World War II for amputees and other wounded veterans, focus- ing on relieving pain from neurological problems; reflexology, based on applying pressure (stroking, pressing, rotating) to designated areas of the hands and feet that are believed to correspond to spe- cific interior organs. Among the movements used are effleurage, light, firm and gentle stroking, used during the first stage of labor to ease the pain of contractions; kneading, rhythmic lifting and squeez- ing of flesh; tapotement, light hacking, tapping or clapping over muscles and fleshy parts of the body; vibration, rapid shaking and pulsating, done by hand or with a machine; brushing, light fingertip contact done slowly and rhythmically; range of motion, passive exercise by rotating, flexing and extending the body and limbs to mobilize joints and boost secretion of synovial fluid; and nerve compression, exerting firm pressure to relieve pain at nerve points. Various studies have found massage helpful in lessening the pain of hospitalized cancer patients, reducing anxiety in cancer patients, and relieving symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Massage has also helped alleviate LYMPHEDEMA.
While massage appears to be beneficial in numerous ways, there are definite contraindications to its use. Among these are phlebitis, thrombosis (obstructive blood clots), aneurysm (weakness or dilation of an artery) and varicose veins (avoid massaging both legs if present in one); skin infec- tions or skin that has thinned due to burns, injury or frostbite. Further, it is advisable to check with one?s primary-care physician before receiving deep pressure or soft-tissue manipulation if one has osteoporosis, an arthritic condition, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, tumors, is pregnant or has an unhealed fracture or recently torn ligaments, muscles or tendons. Although massage therapy can benefit some of these conditions, it also can be harmful if not correctly applied, so a physician?s guidelines may be needed.
Source: http://www.girls-fitness.com/massage-therapy/
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