Massage is an ancient technique used by different societies to seek balance between health and well-being. The practice has not only become a way to apply deep relaxation in the muscles, but it has also turned into the most preferred way to relieve pain. It eventually evolved into an industry with several areas of expertise offering different ways of physical and mental recovery.
The positive effects of massage go beyond rest and relaxation. This is demonstrated through the therapeutic benefits it offers. Aside from stress management, it also helps lessen the pain caused by rheumatic and other physical conditions.
Massage not only works to relieve stress, anxiety or fatigue, but also plays a key role in improving the quality of life of those who suffer from injuries or from diseases that require constant rehabilitation. In the latter’s case, it determines the best way, through a personalized plan, to overcome problems of mobility or tension. As a result, the individual can live an independent and comfortable life.
An added benefit is the improvement of sleep quality. Many people diagnosed with insomnia are advised to have a massage regularly instead of frequently taking sleeping pills as it allows muscle relaxation, which relieves tension and stiffness. On top of that, having a massage helps in blood circulation because it makes it easier to move blood through areas that are congested. This way, the blood vessels become dilated and in turn, facilitate blood flow.
Yet another benefit from massage is range of motion improvement. This is for athletes who want to improve their flexibility. By paying a visit to the therapist on a constant basis, injuries caused by stiffness or prolonged exposure to muscular tension can be prevented. A quick recovery on muscle functions means more training time. Hence, an athlete can focus more on improving his or her performance.
Massage also strengthens the immune system. It helps in detoxification, allowing the body to fight diseases more effectively. Add to that, it enhances the digestive system because it helps increase gastric secretions which in turn, improves stomach and intestinal problems.
The use of massage by physiotherapists has shown significant improvement on some rheumatic conditions and skeletal muscle problems.
There are different techniques for rehabilitation, such as lymphatic massage. Lymphatic massage focuses on specific areas of the body and aims to decrease inflammation of the muscles and joints. This procedure is used at physiotherapeutic level to improve muscular, articular and circulatory systems. Thus, giving the patient the desired mobility.
The best massage is one that gradually increases intensity or strength as the client allows it. It is important to know that it should not be performed with abruptness or great force. If excessive pressure is applied, it can lead to increased pain and inflammation, especially on the neck, back and waist. When the muscle contracts, it needs time to relax or loosen up.
There are cases when one should avoid or not have a massage. Of course, having serious injuries, fever, skin disease, varicose veins or a contagious disease, is an indication that a visit to the doctor makes more sense than going to the massage therapist.
Prior to visiting the therapist, it is advisable that the client be in a relaxed state, like what one would feel when having a vacation. This way, the body is more receptive to the different levels of pressure applied by the therapist.