Massage

Definition:
Massage is derived from the Greek word meaning "to work with the hands, as in kneading dough". Massage is the practice of manipulation of the soft tissues of the body in order to fulfil any of several physical, functional/mechanical, and/or emotional goals. This may be achieved via structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving pressure, tension, motion, or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids.

The target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as, lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet and there are over 80 different types of massage. There are many beneficial effects of massage, including pain relief, stress reduction but also relief of many diseases.

Many theories exist behind what massage might do, including blocking pain signals to the brain (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep.

Where can I get a Massage?
Massage can be performed by a professional Massage Therapist, or by other health care professionals, such as Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Athletic trainers, and/or Physical Therapists. Massage therapists work in hospitals as Allied health professionals, nursing homes, sports and fitness facilities, spas, beauty salons, cruise ships, private offices, and travel to private residences or businesses. Contraindications to massage include deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever.

What does a massage entail?
In professional settings, massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. Except for modalities such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage client is generally unclothed or partially unclothed and their body would be "draped" with towels or sheets.

The client and therapist should discuss the type of massage treatment expected which includes the intention of the massage (relaxation, invigoration, etc.), preferred techniques, areas to be massaged and to be avoided, and the amount of pressure that is comfortable prior to the treatment. They will then gather the client’s medical history, informed consent, and data on their current physical condition.

There are many different varieties of massage available today such as Swedish, Hot Stone Massage, Thai Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and the list continues.