There is a wide range of massage techniques that are utilized for a variety of purposes, from relaxation to relieving pain and muscle soreness. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) reports that although most massage falls under the alternative medicine category, more and more traditional medical practitioners employ massage in conjunction with conventional treatments.
Stress Reduction
While various massage techniques, such as deep-tissue, Swedish and shiatsu, are designed to provide specific physical benefits, they can all help a patient relax. A single massage therapy session can significantly reduce tension and eliminate anxiety, NCCAM researchers report.
Stress reduction is accomplished in a number of ways. First, the client lies down on a comfortable table with a padded headrest. The massage therapist typically builds a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music, dim lights and aromatherapy scents. The rubbing and stroking reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate to reduce the physical aspects of stress. The therapist may speak in gentle tones to help the patient feel relaxed.
Pain Relief
Massage techniques stimulate endorphins and other chemicals in the body that serve as pain blockers. Patients with chronic lower back pain and advanced stages of cancer receive pain relief and often require fewer pain medications as a result. Musculoskeletal pain can be successfully treated with massage techniques, report doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Canter. Conditions that can benefit from massage include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle strains. The most effective techniques for pain control include integrative touch, trigger point massage, sports massage and myofascial release.
Soft Tissue Stimulation
In addition to stimulating various muscles, massage can also stimulate other body systems and aid in healing. When the abdominal area is massaged, it can relieve constipation. Improved circulation is a beneficial side effect of massage that can relieve the swelling following a mastectomy. They lymphatic system is stimulated to encourage the release of toxins and wastes in the body. The immune system also receives a boost that can aid in disease prevention. Massages techniques that work on other soft-tissue organs include cranial sacral, lymphatic massage and shiatsu massage.
Increases in Energy
Sports massage and chair massage techniques are designed to improve energy levels. On-site chair massages are often provided at offices, trade shows and other locations where energy levels tend to decrease as the day goes on. In addition to relieving muscle strains, sports massage can also improve energy levels by releasing endorphins and serotonin. Sports massage can also help to prevent injuries and give athletes more energy and better stamina.
