The many benefits of massage therapy - St. George Daily Spectrum

[massage]

Terrie McArthur(Photo: DVT)


Humans thrive on touch. It is part of who we are. Knowing that, the fact that massage therapy has been around for centuries is hardly surprising.

References to massage appear in writings from around the world: China, India, the Middle East, Greece.

It has been used in Europe since Renaissance times. Early in its history in the United States, massage therapy was used for a number of health-related issues, and then fell out of favor in the 1930s. But, in the 1970s, it regained popularity.

Today, more than 18 million adults and 700,000 children enjoy the benefits of massage yearly.

Although scientific evidence is limited, casual (non-scientific) evidence suggests great benefits can be derived from massage therapy.

My personal experience supports this.

And, it appears that there are few serious risks if the massage is performed by a trained professional.

While it is generally considered an alternative, or complementary, to general medicine, doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists often prescribe it. Why?

Massage therapy can help:

• Anxiety

• Digestive disorders

• Fibromyalgia

• Headaches

• Insomnia related to stress

• Myofascial pain syndrome

• Soft tissue strains or injuries

• Sports injuries

• Temporomandibular joint pain (jaw pain)

If none of that plagues you, you can still enjoy a nice relaxing massage as a treat to yourself.

While most people can benefit from massage, if you suffer from any of the following, it may not be for you:

• Bleeding disorders or prescribed blood-thinning medication

• Burns or healing wounds

• Deep vein thrombosis

• Fractures

• Severe osteoporosis

• Severe thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)

As we have evolved, so has massage; there are now many modalities.

To decide which one is best for you, you will need to decide what your motivation for the massage.

Swedish: The most common massage. Swedish massage consists of long fluid strokes combined with short strokes and some joint movement. For all around relaxation, this is the massage for you.

Neuromuscular therapy: This massage manipulates soft tissues to treat the underlying causes of chronic pain. It addresses tender muscles points, circulation, nerve compression, posture issues and repetitive movement injuries.

Deep tissue: This is my favorite. It addresses sore, painful spots in your body. Whereas Swedish massage is primarily used on the top-most layer of muscles, deep tissue massage seeks to make deeper contact and can often relieve chronic tension and muscle injury.

Sports: This modality uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training.

Chair massage: You will often encounter this at fairs or conventions, and even in airports and malls. For 15 to 20 minutes, a therapist massages your neck, back and shoulders.

Shiatsu: This is the Japanese word for finger pressure. The therapist uses rhythmic pressure on acupressure points, which are believed to control energy through the body. This energy is called chi. Shiatsu unblocks stuck energy.

Thai: During this massage, the therapist uses her/his body to move you into a variety of positions that compress muscles and mobilizes joints.

Hot stone: Warmed stones are placed on certain areas of the body and left there or used to massage the body. This can be very soothing and relaxing.

Reflexology: This is based on the belief that all nerves end in the feet and hands. Points on the hands or feet correspond to different parts of the body. These points are massage to help with any problems in that area.

If you've never had a massage, you might want to be prepared for a wonderful and different experience.

Your therapists will ask why you are there and what symptoms you are experiencing. They should also learn about your medical history.

Then the therapist should explain the kind of massage techniques he or she will use.

In a typical session, you will be asked to remove your clothes and crawl under a sheet while the therapist is out of the room. Only undress to the point where you are comfortable, but you will always be covered by a sheet.

Your session may last from 10 to 90 minutes and you can even enjoy a couples' massage.

By now, you are aware that massage is not just for a feel-good experience. In fact, there are many medical benefits to massage.

But, for me, the best benefit of all is the relaxed, serene feeling that follows a really good massage.

Resources: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743?pg=1

http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits

Terrie McArthur is a freelance writer, artist and interior designer who lives in Mesquite. Call her at 702-345-8714.

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