Massage therapy is a form of physical therapy that involves a variety of methods of manipulating the soft tissue of the body, particularly superficial and deep musculature. Massage offers benefits for many conditions that affect the musculoskeletal systems, and can provide pain relief, increase range of motion and induce relaxation.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage involves the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Therapeutic massage is administered by a licensed massage therapist, physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and may be used as a form of medical treatment or as a means of stress reduction. Massage therapists use their hands, and occasionally elbows or forearms, to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The therapist chooses specific types of movements to address the individual needs of each client. Such techniques include the use of manual kneading, stroking and compression that is targeted at specific muscles, tendons, ligaments or connective tissues.
What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including muscular imbalances and strains, sports injuries, tight muscles, decreased range of motion and chronic pain that occurs as a result of conditions such as fibromyalgia. Therapeutic massage increases circulation to tissues while increasing the rate at which toxins are released from the muscles and other tissues. In addition to targeting specific medical conditions, massage increases relaxation throughout the body, resulting in a decreased heartrate and lower levels of stress hormones.
What Are the Different Types of Massage?
Massage therapists are trained in using a variety of different types of massage. The most commonly used technique is the Swedish massage, which consists of long strokes, kneading and friction that are applied to the superficial layer of muscles. In deep tissue massage, the therapist uses similar movements, but focuses on the deeper layers of muscle. In trigger point massage, the therapist focuses deeper work on myofascial trigger points, which are areas that can become sore and involve an entire group of muscles. Other therapeutic massage techniques include shiatsu, hot stone massage and reflexology.
What Are the Risks of Massage Therapy?
Although there are contraindications for massage, there are very few other "side effects" or risks of massage therapy when it is performed by a trained professional. Massage therapy should not hurt, although some individuals, particularly if injured, may experience soreness during and after a massage. Contraindications for massage include open wounds or infections, weak bones due to conditions such as osteoporosis or as a result of injury, tumors that are in an area to be massaged, nerve damage and blood disorders such as deep vein thrombosis or problems with blood clotting.
Who Are Massage Therapist Providers?
Massage therapy may be offered in a private practice or through a number of different health care settings such as physical therapy or orthopedic practices, chiropractor's offices and inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation facilities. There are three different types of basic certification for massage therapists: LMP: licensed massage practitioner, CMT: certified massage therapist and LMT: licensed massage therapist. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are also able to perform certain types of massage therapy as part of a patient's treatment plan.
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