Little Known Facts About Massage Therapy

Studies show:

• Massage therapy is the most often prescribed treatment for musculoskeletal ailments and is especially useful in managing discomfort and pain.

• Over 9o percent of massage therapy patients questioned, said that massage therapy improved their symptoms.

• Almost 90 percent of back pain sufferers who received a massage therapy session said that they felt dramatically better afterwards.

• Premature infants who had received daily massage sessions gained over 45 percent more weight and leave the hospital an average of six days sooner, compared to premature infants who didn’t receive a massage session.

• Cancer patients who have received massage therapy treatments experience less swelling, less pain & improved mobility.

• Massage therapy significantly reduces stiffness & pain in fibromyalgia patients.

• People who receive treatments for tension headaches experience significant long-term improvements.

• The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase up to 15% after a massage therapy session.

History of Massage

• Massage can be traced back to the Greeks in 2000 B.C..

• Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) advocated the use of massage

• Julius Caesar had daily massage treatments to treat headaches & neuralgia

• Chinese, Japanese, Greek & Roman cultures developed & promoted massage as an important component of healthcare

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the assessment & treatment of the soft tissues of the body by a qualified professional to gain a therapeutic response.

Massage therapy will assess, treat & prevent physical dysfunction & pain of the soft tissues & joints.

Physical, Mental & Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Increase circulation of blood & lymphatic fluid
• Relieves muscle spasms & tension
• Decreases stress
• Increases joint flexibility & Range of Motion
• Decreases blood pressure
• Improves digestion
• Nourishes the skin
• Improves body awareness
• Creates a calmer mind
• Relieves fatigue
• Satisfies the need for touch
• Creates a feeling of well-being
• Decreases anxiety

Massage Therapy Techniques

A variety of techniques are used in Swedish Massage:

• Effleurage (light, rhythmic)

• Petrissage (kneading, wringing)

• Shaking/Rocking (mobilizations)

• Stroking (superficial)

• Vibrations (fine or coarse)

• Tapotement (stimulating)

Non-Swedish techniques commonly used:

• Fascial work

• Lymphatic drainage

• Joint mobilizations

• Trigger point therapy

Other modalities that may be included in the massage therapy session:

• Hydrotherapy
• Stretching
• Cupping Therapy
• Accupressure
• Remedial exercise