If you enjoy the feeling of a relaxing neck and shoulder rub after a hard day at the office, you're in good company. The art of massage therapy is "older than recorded time," the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine reports. Before modern drugs, rubbing the body was a form of healing, and the practice is making a comeback today, according to the Institute.
Benefits
Rubbing and kneading the muscles encourages them to relax, and it stimulates glands beneath the skin that help cool and moisturize the skin, according to X-Plain: The Patient Education Institute. As tense muscles loosen, stiff joints may experience a greater range of motion. Some people use massage therapy to help control their blood pressure, boost their immunity, relieve pain and reduce depression, reports MayoClinic.com.
Process
A qualified massage therapist is a professional who employs various massage techniques focusing on specific areas of the body, or on the entire body. A standard massage therapy session lasts about 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending upon the scope of the massage. The massage is not sexual in nature, and the massage therapist may use oils, lotions or powders to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Function
Your muscles make up more than half of your body weight, according to X-plain, but they can contract and stiffen if you repeat the same movement numerous time or if you strain or injure a muscle. Massage therapy not only eases the tension in stiff muscles; it may leave you in a better frame of mind when the accompanying pain and stiffness is gone.
Types
Not all massage therapists use the same techniques. A Swedish massage consists of relaxing strokes that gradually become more intense as the muscles relax. Trigger point massage concentrates on specific areas of pain and stiffness, while sports massage targets the muscles that an athlete will use in his sport to prevent injury, according to MayoClinic.com.
Training/Accreditation
Not every state requires a license or a certificate to practice massage therapy, but training and certification through a reputable program increases competency. Northwestern Health Sciences University lists the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and the National Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) commission as two professional affiliations that a massage therapist may join after passing minimum requirements.
Considerations
As wonderful as a good massage feels, some risks exist. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or if you're pregnant. Forego a massage if you're experiencing pain unrelated to muscle tension or if you have a history of blood clots. Tell the massage therapist if you have any known allergies to lotions or oils, and if there are special areas to concentrate on or avoid.
Member Comments