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Massage Therapy
Summary:
Massage - the "scientific manipulation of soft tissues" -- includes a number of therapies which use kneading, pressing and stroking, along with pressure and movement, upon the muscles and joints of the body for therapeutic purposes. These massage types include: Therapeutic, Holistic, Swedish, Sports, Neuromuscular, Bodywork, Oriental, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Esalen, Reichian, Polarity, and Reflexology, among others. Massage may be used to improve general health, for relaxation, in sports, for pain relief; for physiotherapy, and as part of chiropractic treatment.
The basic kinds of soft tissue manipulation techniques include: the long flowing strokes toward the heart called effleurage; the kneading, lifting and rolling strokes of petrissage; circular friction strokes; vibration; and percussion or tapping. The practitioner can also rotate, extend or flex the limbs. Oils or lotions are used as lubricants, and the patient lies unclothed but covered by a towel or sheet on the massage table, with only the body part being worked on uncovered.
Massage promotes muscle relaxation, eases painful spasms; improves muscle tone and slows atrophy; increases blood circulation and lymph flow, promoting healing; stimulates excretion by the kidneys; separates muscle fibers, preventing or undoing adhesions; disperses edema; and improves circulation to inflamed or swollen joints, relieving pain.
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