Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is defined as the manipulation of soft tissue on the body to help improve circulation, decrease stress and fight fatigue, according to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. In most states, massage therapists are required to be licensed. If a physician or chiropractor prescribes massage therapy, your health insurance may pay for it. Always discuss any type of alternative treatment with your doctor before starting.

History

Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years in Japan, China, Egypt, Greece and other countries, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website. In the mid-1800s, American doctors brought it to the United States. Popularity of massage dwindled when medical treatments used more advanced science during the 1930s. Interest returned in the 1970s, and it has continued to grow since then.

Sessions

Massage therapists can be found in private centers, clinics, doctors' offices, gyms, hospitals and nursing homes. They may travel to your home or business. A key element to an effective massage is a relaxing environment, claims the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

You'll either lie on a massage table for a full massage or sit in a massage chair for a neck and shoulder massage. If you're getting a full body massage, you'll need to undress, but you'll be covered by a sheet or hospital gown. Most massage therapists use oils or lotion to reduce the friction.

Massage therapists rub the skin and manipulate muscles, ligaments and tendons with different degrees of pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic website. They may use their hands, fingers, arms, elbows and sometimes, feet, during the massage.

Types

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are many types of massage. The most common are Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage and trigger point massage. Swedish massage is gentle and relaxing, with the massage therapist administering long strokes, circular movements, kneading, vibration and tapping. With deep tissue massage, the therapist uses firmer strokes to muscle layers and tissues to provide relief from injury. Similar to the Swedish massage, sports massage is relaxing and helps to decrease the pain and stress from sports. When administering trigger point massage, the therapist concentrates on specific areas that may be sensitive and tight.

Benefits

According to the Mayo Clinic website, massage may be offered as a complement to other medical therapies or used alone as alternative therapy. Some of the benefits you may receive from massage include pain relief, stress relief, lowering anxiety, improving mobility and cancer treatment. You shouldn't use massage therapy to replace medical care, advises Mayo Clinic. Consult your doctor for any health concerns before starting any alternative therapy.

Cautions

Massage therapy is generally safe, as long as it is administered by a trained massage therapist. You may experience some side effects such as temporary discomfort or bruising. If you have a bleeding disorder, or if you are taking medication to thin your blood, you shouldn't use massage therapy. Avoid massage in areas where you have open wounds, skin infection, fractures or blood clots. Cancer patients and pregnant women should always consult their doctors before having a massage.