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.

Sports massage therapy improves the condition of the athlete’s muscles, according to research. For many athletes, massage therapy has become as essential to their workouts as strength training, cardio routines, stretching and icing. Massage therapy is an important facet of a well-rounded exercise program and one that should not be limited only to professional athletes. Athletes of all sports and skill levels can reap the benefits provided by massage therapy.

Sports massage therapy adds an aspect of repair and recovery to an athlete’s training regiment. Through massage, an athlete’s range of motion and flexibility can be increased, which is something that can enhance their physical abilities. Massage helps the muscles and tissues recover after a grueling workout, allowing for the athlete to push themselves further the following day. Additionally, massages have shown to reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, a common complaint for many athletes. The scheduled and frequent implementation of massage therapy has also been shown to reduce injuries in athletes by the proper stretching of muscles.

There are several techniques used in sports massage therapy. Typical techniques used for sports massages are deep Swedish massage, compression massage, cross-fiber massage, trigger-point massage and lymphatic massage.

A planned sports massage program is beneficial to athletes of all levels. There are several different times one can employ massage therapy into their athletic routine. A few examples of these types of sports massages are:

• Scheduled Maintenance Massages
• Event Massages
• Rehabilitation Massages

Scheduled maintenance massages are completed at routine, scheduled appointments. The goal of this type of massage is to improve flexibility and motion, which can help the athlete achieve their peak performance level.

The next type of massage program is event massages, which incorporates pre-event and post-event massages. Both of these massages aim to promote circulation and lengthen tightened muscles. Pre-event massages are given to warm-up athletes’ muscles and to enhance mental clarity and calmness. A post-event massage, administered at the end of physical competition, can significantly reduce the length of recovery time an athlete experiences.

Finally, athletes that are recovering from an injury can benefit significantly from rehabilitation massages. Sports massages specifically focused on rehabilitation can aid in the healing process of muscle tears, cramps, bruising and aches.

Adding regularly scheduled sports massage therapy to an athlete’s workout routine can aid recovery and enhance performance, taking an athlete’s performance capabilities to the next level.

When to Avoid Massage

Prenatal massage therapy isn’t right for every pregnant woman. The first trimester, when the body is becoming used to carrying new life, isn’t the ideal time to begin a massage regimen. Instead, the pregnant mother should focus on relaxing and becoming used to the changes that are happening so quickly. Many women also need this time to get through the normal feeling of being morning sick. Touch and smells can contribute to nausea and new experiences aren’t as welcome. Also, mothers who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure or preeclampsia, among other conditions, should avoid prenatal massage therapy. Finally, those that are familiar with foot reflexology are aware that different pressure points on the foot correspond with other areas of the body. The massage points that relate to the uterus and vaginal area should be avoided with patients that are pregnant.

Benefits to the Pregnant Mother

There are many benefits of massage to the pregnant mother. Prenatal massage therapy focuses on relaxing the expectant mother and helping her to feel nurtured and cared for. Unlike other disciplines of massage, prenatal massage focuses less on deep tissue stimulation and more on the emotional state of the patient. Because deep cleansing is prohibited during pregnancy, gentle motions are used to offer comfort and relief. Pregnant women are also extremely flexible and loose in the joints and muscles to accommodate the growth of the baby. This means that they are very responsive to movements that would not have as much of an effect in other patients. While prenatal massage therapy definitely does not replace standard obstetrical care, it can provide another level of patient care, especially when used in conjunction with the regular prenatal visits.

Using Special Adaptive Equipment

Most qualified massage therapists have equipment that helps the patient stay relaxed and comfortable during the massage session. As massage is most often accomplished with the patient flat on their back, or lying on their belly, it’s no surprise that there are special adaptive tables that are preferred for pregnant women. For offices that wish to offer prenatal massage therapy, be sure that provide the proper equipment. The massage table should feature a belly cut out that will cradle the pregnant woman and allow her to rest comfortably. Some tables can be adjusted, depending on the size of the pregnant belly and the preference of the client.

Shiatsu massage therapy, also known as acupressure, is a massage and healing technique that focuses on the meridians of the body to support the flow of energy, or ki. The technique originated in Japan and does not involve needles, only the use of pressure from the palms of the hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, and even knees and feet. Since its introduction to the Western world it has grown in popularity and many people have benefited from it.

The culture in which Shiatsu developed believed that one of the keys to health was the proper flow of energy, or ki, throughout the body. Energy flows through the body on specific pathways known as meridians. The goal of Shiatsu massage is to clear any energy blockages and restore a healthy flow of energy. Shiatsu is a licensed type of medical therapy in Japan, and modern Shiatsu consists of a combination of Japanese traditions, Chinese medical practices and modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

A typical Shiatsu massage session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and is performed while the patient is fully clothed and does not incorporate massage oils. The patient will typically lie on a padded mat, a couch, or a Shiatsu chair, which many find to be the most convenient position. Prior to beginning the massage, the practitioner will interview the patient to learn about their medical history and symptoms. With this knowledge they will determine the points of the body that need to be focused on and use a variety of massage techniques to manipulate the meridians including rubbing, tapping, stretching and applied pressure. Throughout the massage at least one of the practitioner’s hands, known as the mother hand, is in contact with the body.

Patients claim many benefits from the massages and often continue to receive them even after their symptoms have subsided. A paper published by Andrew Long of the University of Leeds School of Healthcare reported that many patients showed a statistically significant improvement of stress levels and muscle and joint problems. Other benefits include increased energy levels, increased circulation, reduced stress, relaxed joints and increased flexibility. Some patients report muscle soreness or mild headaches after a massage, but these are normal occurrences and generally go away after a couple of hours. Many people continue to return is simply because it feels good and helps them go through each day with improved energy and well-being.

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 has been used for providing relief from sore, aching muscles, but can it reduce stress? According to the Mayo Clinic, yes.

Today, there are few people who are not facing some form of stress, whether it is related to finances, family, work, or health. Stress can contribute to poor health, lead to insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue, promote pain throughout the body, and generate emotional problems. Many people use massage to greatly reduce their stress and consequently other ailments they experience as a by-product of that stress.

Massage therapy is the process in which trained therapists use their fingertips, fists, or hands to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages. Through using the skilled, controlled application of pressure and the rhythmic movement of touch, therapists treat the soft tissues.

Twenty years ago massage was not considered a viable option in battle to reduce stress, but that has all changed with the many academic studies that have been conducted over the last decade. The Touch Research Institute at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine has carried out more than 100 studies on the benefits of massage therapy. Their findings overwhelmingly have demonstrated that massage decreases the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Researchers have found massage has reduced cortisol levels by as much as 53 percent. Their research has found that patients receiving massage therapy and a reduction in cortisol have experienced
1. Diminishing pain
2. Decreasing autoimmune problems
3. Increasing alertness and performance

In addition to the studies at the Touch Research Institute, Cornell University is encouraging the use of massage therapy to reduce stress. Their research has found massage therapy reduces stress through physical, mental, and emotional aspects.

Physically, massage loosens, relaxes, and expands the soft tissues. Massage heightens blood flow and circulation, and boosts oxygen releasing into the soft tissues. It also promotes lymph movement in the tissues. Too much lymph in the tissues can cause swelling, but the right balance equalizes the body’s fluids and takes away bacteria and waste. Additionally, massage therapy encourages endorphins to release into the nerves and this naturally decreases pain and the other negative effects of stress.

Mentally, massage promotes a feeling of relaxation and calmness. It helps the mind to quietly let go of pressures and problems. The endorphins also help to create a happier state of mind.

Emotionally, massage therapy works because it is a hands-on technique; it appeals to a basic human need for a nurturing touch. Massage therapy naturally diminishes anxiety through skilled hands-on touching.

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.

Therapeutic massage has countless benefits, and more people are choosing to take advantage of the relaxation it can bring, along with the relief of tension, stress, and pain. Even an occasional massage can do wonders for both your physical and mental well-being.

Some of the benefits that therapeutic massage is most commonly associated with are:

1. Relaxing Muscles – Muscles that stay tense for any amount of time can cause knots and pain that end up spreading from the original location. Massaging helps relax the internal muscles while training the body to relax. When done regularly, this can help the individual be conscious of stress levels and know what it feels like to be relaxed. Eventually, the body can restore that relaxing sensation automatically before the stress takes over again.

2. Improving Flexibility – One of the many things that happens to the body with age is the tightening of joints and loss of range of motion. This all has to do with changes in the connective tissues due to loss of fluids. A therapeutic massage that works on not just the muscles, but the tendons, ligaments and joints can trigger the body to begin producing more of its own natural lubrication – the result being a body that moves and stretches better.

3. Improving Posture – Years of bad posture caused by slouching over a desk, not standing up straight, and any number of things can bring on aches and pains. Regular massage therapy can loosen tight and painful spots in muscles and free up the joints, allowing the body to attain a more natural posture.

4. Relieving Stress and Anxiety – Therapeutic massage has been proven to provide individuals with peace of mind, mental acuity, and relief from stress. There have been studies that show that when students were massaged before an important test, their respiratory rates and anxiety were appreciably reduced.

Regular therapeutic massages can provide benefits other than the relaxation and loosening of tight muscles. It can improve circulation because the pressure used in a massage helps to move blood through areas that have poor circulation. When the pressure is released, new blood flows in.

Therapeutic massages after an injury or surgery can significantly speed up recovery and rehabilitation time. With an injury, when the circulation is improved and the muscles are relaxed, the body can get more oxygen and vital nutrients into tissues and organs.

Regular therapeutic massage can help those who live with chronic conditions. A massage can bring about physiological and chemical changes in the body that decrease the aches, pains, and stiffness of arthritis; increase lung function and airflow in asthmas patients; and reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.