Massage is the manipulation of skin, muscles and underlying tissue and can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Considered to be one of the oldest forms of medicine, massage cannot be attributed to one origin, as evidence of massage has been found in ancient Egypt and Rome, China and India. Massage can be performed without any equipment but there are some items that can make massage more effective and enjoyable for both the therapist and client.
Massage Couch
Although it is possible to perform a satisfactory massage using the floor, a couch allows you to perform a much wider variety of massage moves. Using a massage couch also enhances your comfort and that of your client. It is important that your massage couch is the correct height. If it is set too high or too low, you may find you begin to develop back pain. To check the height of your couch, stand next to it with your arm straight and your fist clenched. The knuckles should just brush the surface of the couch. Protect the surface of your couch from oil and sweat by covering it with paper couch roll or towels. These should be changed between treatments.
Bolsters and Props
Bolsters and props are shaped cushions that are placed under or around a limb while you are massaging to enhance your client's comfort. If you are performing a back of leg massage, you should place a prop beneath your client's ankle to support the lower leg. If you are performing a front of thigh massage, you should place a prop under your client's knee to support the knee joint. Using props in this way means that you will not place any dangerous pressure on a joint that could result in injury.
Massage Aids
Some massage techniques require you to place a lot of pressure onto your clients body using your thumbs and/or fingers. These techniques are commonly used for treating trigger points, old scar tissue and fibrous adhesions within muscles. While using your fingers and thumbs is an effective form of treatment, there is a risk that you could develop a repetitive strain injury. There are a number of wooden and plastic massage aids that you can use to spare your fingers and thumbs from strain. Some are designed to deliver very localized pressure and are ideal for trigger point therapy, while others cover a broader area and are more suitable for myofascial release.
Skin Lubricants
Massage without skin lubricants can be very uncomfortable. A lubricant allows your hands to glide over your client's skin and minimizes dragging. There are a number of lubricants that you can choose from. Oils such as olive, sweet almond and grape seed provide lubrication and nourishment to the upper layers of the skin. In aromatherapy massage, oils can be scented with essential fragrances, each of which has a specific function of benefit. Massage creams are easy to work with but tend to be absorbed quickly, so frequent applications are necessary. Some therapists and clients prefer baby powder, as it leaves no greasy residue. Most massage therapists offer a range of skin lubricants to allow for client preference.
References
- "The New Book Of Massage"; Lucinda Lidell; 2000
- "An Introductory Guide to Massage"; Louise Tucker and Jane Foulston; 2008
- "Book of Step-by-step Massage and Aromatherapy"; Mark Evans, Rosalind Oxenford, and Suzanne Franzen"; 2010
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