Most people think of massage as something strictly found in a spa setting as a recreational or relaxing activity akin to going to the swimming pool or the movies. For some people, massage is something much different. Therapeutic massage is an important treatment for medium to severe health conditions such as back pain, headaches and joint injuries.

The differences between relaxation and therapy massage are numerous. Relaxation massage is an enjoyable experience in which the receiver has a lot of input on how or where it is to be performed. A licensed massage therapist uses varying degrees of light and medium pressure to induce a state of physical and mental relaxation. Massages of this sort are often performed in a spa or at a resort. Short, one-time relaxation massages can also be found at a mall or even some natural food stores. The relaxation massage could be as short as ten minutes or part of a full-day package that includes other pampering services such as a facial, manicure or hair styling.

Relaxation massages do have some therapeutic benefits such as improved circulation and stress reduction. Also, some of the massage techniques of relaxation massage are similar to those of therapeutic massage. The recipient of the relaxation massage lies on a specialized table or chair and is usually covered with only a thin sheet. Swedish massage is the most popular type of relaxation massage and can be accompanied by aromatherapy, hot stones and hydrotherapy.

Therapeutic massage, on the other hand, is used for the specific purpose of pain relief and usually takes place in a clinic or physical rehabilitation center. In some cases the massage may take place in a hospital setting. The first session will often include a full disclosure of past medical history and current conditions. As with relaxation massage, elements of therapeutic massage may be extremely relaxing. But the advanced techniques for rehabilitation of chronic pain are deeper and can approach the realm of slight pain. Whereas relaxation massages are often only one session in length, therapeutic massage may be as frequent as three times per week for a period of several months.
Therapeutic massage may be recommended for:

• Chronic pain
• Cancer
• Sports injury
• Strains and sprains
• Whiplash
• Arthritis
• Spinal conditions
• Pregnancy

Types of therapeutic massage can include trigger point, myofascial release and deep tissue. Both relaxation and therapeutic massage offer numerous health benefits to a patient suffering from pain and stress.

A number of procedures and strategies exist for treating cancer, but therapies for providing comfort and improving quality of life for patients are few. One non-invasive therapy that can benefit cancer patients is massage therapy.

Once considered detrimental for those suffering from cancer, massage therapy is now viewed as beneficial when certain guidelines are followed. The American Cancer Society reports that massage therapy appears promising in managing the side effects of cancer treatments such as chronic pain and discomfort. Even the disease itself can cause significant discomfort and pain for sufferers. Pain causes increased stress, which can interfere with healing. A review of studies from around the world conducted by the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medicine at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center concluded that massage can be an effective method of managing pain and reducing stress.

Massage promotes relaxation by improving blood flow and circulation. As a therapist rubs a client’s muscles, blood vessels dilate increasing blood flow, which increases oxygen supply. Massage can be focused on particular areas, such as the feet or the upper body or can be performed on the whole body depending on the needs and condition of the client. When working with cancer sufferers, therapists should keep in mind particular considerations.

Cancer treatments can leave some patients fragile, so therapists working with cancer patients should make sure that a client has clearance from his or her doctor to receive massage therapy and should adjust their normal massage techniques to account for treatment wounds. Therapists should avoid massaging areas directly over tumors or areas inflamed from medical treatments. Massage should be considered a complementary therapy in addition to the client’s other medical treatments, and a therapist should be educated about a client’s condition and what other procedures the client is undergoing.

Radiation patients may be more likely to suffer an allergic reaction to massage lotions or oils, and chemotherapy patients may have low blood platelet counts or be on blood-thinning medications that make them prone to bruising. Massage should be avoided immediately after surgery or traumatic treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Individuals may seek a massage for a host of reasons, such as relaxation, stress relief, improved flexibility and rehabilitative purposes. The power of touch can provide a certain level of healing.  Establishing a comfort level in a professional setting is a two way street. The therapist should set boundaries with the client to avoid a potentially embarrassing situation. Additionally, the client should express to the therapists his or her level of comfort during an intimate situation.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapists have a strict code of ethics that they must uphold in order to maintain a professional and safe environment for both the client and themselves.

Code of Ethics for Massage Therapists

1) No sexual activity between the client and the massage therapist is tolerable.

2) No harm must come to a client’s physical, mental or emotional well-being.

3) Respect the right to privacy and confidentiality

4) Do not discriminate or present prejudicial behavior towards patients or colleagues.

5) Project a professional image and perform all business and professional tasks within the scope of the practice.

6) Commit to providing the highest quality massage therapy.

7) Engage in continued education opportunities. Self-assess strengths, weaknesses and effectiveness on a continual basis.

Individuals who are new to massage therapy always express confusion about how much clothing is appropriate to remove. While it is perfectly acceptable to remove all clothing during a full body massage, some clients feel more comfortable remaining in their under garments. A professional massage therapist adhering to the code of conduct will ask the client to undress to their comfort level. Then the patient will lie on the table beneath a sheet, and the massage therapist will only uncover the part of the body that is receiving therapy.

Unclothed private parts are generally not considered appropriate during a massage therapy session. This restriction is outlined in the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. If the client is touched inappropriately or issues a sexual request, this can result in ethical and legal ramifications.

Privacy should be respected between client and therapist at all times. No one can be refused service for prejudicial reasons. It is not acceptable for a licensed massage therapist to engage in a romantic relationship or date a paying client. In some states, clients are not allowed to date therapists for two years after the last session to protect both parties. The client and the massage therapist should respect each other as if they were colleagues in a professional environment.

Massage is a form of tissue manipulation that has been used since ancient times and in a variety of cultures to alleviate physical pain and provide psychological benefits to the recipient. Massages have proven clinical efficacy and have been shown to provide therapy to muscles, joints, skin, connective tissue and ligaments. Massage can be used on a regular basis throughout life to revitalize the body and provide a sense of wellbeing, as well as provide physical benefits that may slow the natural processes of aging.

Massages can relieve a person of medication dependence by improving his or her range of motion by easing physical pain. This is especially important for people as they age, since often as one gets older muscle and joint pain become chronic issues that normally require the attention of medical doctors. After surgery, it is common for nurses to use deep tissue massage to speed up the repair of fascia, or muscle and bone connective tissue. These massages can help ease a person’s pain and alleviate his or her need to use potentially addictive or dangerous medications to treat post-surgery pain. Also, as muscles begin to atrophy or weaken as a result of the natural aging process, regular massage can help restore strength and self-sufficiency to an individual.

Additionally, massage has been shown to stimulate certain lymph glands of the human body, which increases hormone and lymphocyte production. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are an integral part of one’s immune system, and by increasing the amount of lymphocytes the immune system is strengthened making a person less susceptible to diseases and better able to fight off infections .

As people age they often suffer from depression and anxiety, which usually results in expensive medication and psychotherapy treatment. Massage therapy has been shown to lessen the incidence of both anxiety and depression, especially since the disorders are sometimes linked to physical pain. Regular massage therapy can provide a wide array of positive effects on an aging person. Since massages benefit both an individual’s body and mind, a regular schedule of massage can help a person to stay healthy and feel young throughout life.

Massage therapy is a personal body treatment that is gaining popularity as a method of helping people feel naturally energized, healthy and stress-free. Several popular types of massage therapy are practiced worldwide including:

Acupressure

An acupressure massage utilizes firm pressure, slow motion kneading, hard fast rubbing, and gentle finger or hand taps applied along a person’s body. The massage targets areas of the body where energy is being blocked, thus effectively eliminating pain, illness and stress.

Balinese

Balinese massage therapy uses a combination of techniques including acupressure, gentle skin massaging and scented aromatherapy oils to help increase blood, energy and oxygen circulation within the body. The massage helps damaged areas heal quicker and promotes internal peace, wellness and deep relaxation.

Chair Massage

A chair massage uses acupressure techniques, which are focused on a person’s spine, back, shoulders, neck and arms to increase energy, alertness, and relieve stress and work-related injuries. This massage is also referred to as a seated or on-site massage.

Deep Muscle

Deep muscle massage therapy utilizes steady direct acupressure by pressing, rubbing or kneading various parts of a person’s body to relieve deep-seated pain. This massage relieves chronic tension deep within the core of the muscle and tissue, providing deep relaxation, improved personal wellness, posture and increased oxygen flow.

Facial Massage

A Facial utilizes light finger and hand pressure along a person’s face to relieve headaches, stress, sinus pressure and also promote smooth younger looking skin.

Geriatric

Geriatric massage therapy utilizes light skin rubbing and kneading in combination with joint movement to help improve a person’s blood circulation, relieve pain and increase pain-free range of motion. This type of massage is designed and primarily used for the elderly.

Jamu

Jamu utilizes acupressure techniques such as pressing, rubbing and kneading a person’s skin in combination with fresh flowers, scented oils and soft soothing music in a dimly lit secluded room. This massage provides complete relaxation and increases inner harmony and energy circulation.

Medical

A medical massage utilizes multiple techniques with the goal of resolving a person’s discomfort due to diseases and other afflictions. This massage technique is often necessary to improve painful medical conditions.

Oncology

Oncology massage therapy utilizes acupressure techniques along various parts of the body to aid in the recovery process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Sports

A sports massage uses forceful pressure applied to a person’s muscles and deep tissue using elbows, fingers, fists, hands and knuckles. This massage enhances sports performance through injury prevention and recovery.

Massage therapy comes in two different forms; one is for relaxation only and one is for corrective measures. The more intense therapy is called deep tissue massage, which focuses on the deeper layers of the muscles to relieve deep-seeded pressure and knots buried within. Closely related with classic massage therapy techniques, deep tissue uses slow hand movements and deeper pressure while concentrating on areas that are full of tension and pain.

Deep tissue massage can be used for chronic or ongoing conditions within the muscles or even on the occasional sore muscle. When going in for a deep tissue session all of the work is done on a table, and the body will need to be warmed up prior to the massage. This can be done using blankets, a heating pad or even hot stones. The warming process will take about ten minutes to complete. The start of the massage will begin with slow, flowing motions. This is done to prepare the muscles for deeper pressure sensations and to properly stretch the tissue. The muscles will then be worked with circular motions, vibrations and friction before receiving a more intense treatment.

The muscles being treated will next be moved into a lengthened position and more work will be done to relieve tension. This will help to relieve stiffness deep within the muscle and to increase flexibility. Cross fiber friction is used on muscles that have suffered a recent trauma. This type of friction will break up any scar tissue that may be present. Long, sweeping strokes are done as a finishing touch to help flush out toxins.

After any type of massage, especially deep tissue, plenty of water needs to be consumed to rid the body of all the toxins and to rehydrate tissues. A deep tissue massage is a great way to work sore muscles and get them back into shape. The body may feel sore for a few days afterwards, but the benefits outweigh any slight aches that may be present.

Massage therapy is an effective method of treating stress and painful conditions, but as with any medical treatment safety must always be addressed. Although massage is a simple, straightforward form of treatment there is a possibility of harm if performed by someone not schooled in all aspects of the discipline. Massage training is available for those who wish to learn how to utilize this popular therapy.

Massage involves working the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, to relieve tension and pain. Using their hands, forearms, elbows or feet, massage therapists apply pressure to various parts of the body to achieve the desired results. It is essential, however, to rely on a licensed massage therapist when seeking relief for pain and stress issues. Ailments that would rule out the use of massage therapy include severe burns, a recent heart attack or rheumatoid arthritis. Someone not trained to recognize the potential dangers of improperly performed massages might not recognize this.

It is important to remember that a licensed massage therapist, like a doctor or counselor, is bound by a code of ethics. While training requirements vary from state to state, massage therapists still receive basic schooling in anatomy and physiology, as well as the study of organs and tissues. Massage therapy schools offer well-rounded courses and hands-on practice using various techniques.

Licensed massage therapists must take the time to properly train at an accredited massage school and then pass a national certification exam in order to receive a license to practice. This examination certifies that a therapist knows the best techniques for relieving pain and stress in the safest manner possible. A licensed massage therapist ensures that the art of massage therapy continues to be a safe, alternative way to treat people suffering from stress and pain disorders.