Dynamic massage therapy disciplines function to leave patients invigorated rather than calming them. The overall massage style selected, along with the massage therapist's choice of strokes, techniques, oils or lotions, create the energizing effect. Dynamic massage entails the use of quicker and often shorter strokes to create increased friction and blood flow rather than the long, slow strokes that relax muscles and calm the nervous system. Dynamic massage therapy incorporates the use of many different techniques from several different origins that combine to bring the patient a sense of alertness and a feeling of strength and well being.
Massage for Health
In the latter half of the 1800s, health spas became popular places across Europe and the United States for those struggling with weakness or illness to go to recover from their ailments. At that time, it was thought that vigorous activity was a cure-all, and vigorous massage was often provided for those who were unable to perform active movement themselves. According to Judi Calvert, author and co-founder of "Massage Magazine," Swedish massage is based on the work of Per Henrik Ling at his Royal Central Gymnastic Institute in 1813, and is one of the first examples of these brisk and invigorating health massages. This style of massage frequently incorporates extensive stretching in addition to stroking.
Massage for Sports
Sports massage is another type of brisk, invigorating massage style. Sports massage expert and author Patricia Benjamin explains the importance of vigorous friction to sports massage practice in her book, "Understanding Sports Massage." Friction is used in sports massage to increase the circulation to the target area, to stimulate lymph flow, and to warm muscle tissue. These effects are particularly sought during the pre-event phase of sports massage, during which athletes prepare their bodies immediately prior to competing.
Massage for Orthopedic Correction
Other forms of dynamic massage therapy include those used to rehabilitate injured tissue. Medical massage therapists frequently work in conjunction with medical, osteopathic and chiropractic doctors as part of the patient's health care team. Although medical massage may not be quite as active as sports or health spa work, it often involves very precise, deep pressure work and is very different from relaxation massage. It is usually practiced at the doctor's office or in a hospital setting.
Misconceptions
While many people think of relaxation work when they think of massage, there are many forms of massage that are designed to have the opposite effect. Another common misconception is that dynamic massage causes injury and that patients will experience extreme soreness for days after receiving the massage.
Contraindications
People seeking to receive dynamic styles of massage should consult first with their physician if they have any health problems, particularly those that could be adversely affected by a significant increase in blood and lymph flow, deep pressure or vigorous friction. This type of massage is contraindicated for women who are pregnant, due to the potential for damage to fragile tissues or injury to the fetus. It is also not recommended for people who are uncomfortable with physical touch, unless working in conjunction with a mental health practitioner during the dynamic massage therapy sessions.
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