What is massage therapy?
Massage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
Is massage therapy scientifically unsupportable?
They define themselves in opposition to the “mainstream” and distrust of The Man more than by their scientific and clinical knowledge and skills. If scientifically unsupportable practices are surprisingly among common medical massage therapists, they are close to universal among barely-trained and untrained bodyworkers.
Do massage therapists need research?
Research in the massage therapy field is still in infancy partly due to a lack of research infrastructure and a research tradition. The result is that most registered massage therapists are not accustomed to reading, analyzing, conducting, writing case studies or applying research in their own practice.
What are the health benefits of massage?
Massage researcher and psychologist Dr. Christopher explains that the only confirmed benefits of massage are its effects on mood (“affect”), 38 specifically: This is a big deal.
Is there scientific evidence for massage therapy?
There's some evidence that massage therapy may have benefits for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in people with HIV/AIDS, but the amount of research and number of people studied are small.
Is deep tissue massage proven?
Research has reported that deep tissue massage is more effective for relieving chronic pain than medication or other medical treatments, and is usually more cost-effective as well.
Do doctors recommend massages?
One study showed that deep tissue massage performed daily for 30 minutes for 10 days reduced pain in patients. The American College of Physicians now lists massage as a treatment for low back pain that lasts up to 12 weeks.
Do massages actually work?
Massage benefits can include: Reducing stress and increasing relaxation. Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension. Improving circulation, energy and alertness.
Does massage have long term benefits?
Some studies show that massage therapy can provide long-term benefits for patients. According to one analysis, a single massage therapy session can reduce the anxiety caused by a particular situation. It can also lower the patient's heart rate and blood pressure.
Are massages placebo?
Some review studies have found only weak evidence that massage offers pain-reducing benefits. Also, when it comes to proving a massage is good for you, there's one big hurdle Field and other researchers have trouble clearing: it's almost impossible to design a massage study that eliminates the placebo effect.
When should you not get a massage?
Here are the conditions that fall into these category;Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. ... Contagious Diseases. ... Blood Clots. ... Pregnancy. ... Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. ... Cancer. ... Inflammation. ... Uncontrolled Hypertension.
Can a massage bring out an illness?
While it's certainly not everyone's experience, massage therapists say nausea and other flu-like symptoms can come up – no pun intended — as a common side effect of massage in the hours and days that follow. In some cases, clients who are feeling sick after a massage may even vomit and experience muscle aches.
Who should avoid deep tissue massage?
You should also hold off on deep tissue massages if you're pregnant. Gentler types of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be a better option. If you have an open wound or skin infection of any kind, you'll need to reschedule to avoid developing a new infection or making an existing one worse.
What are the side effects of deep tissue massage?
Most Common Side EffectsLingering Pain. Due to the pressurised techniques used in a deep tissue massage, some people have suffered from some version of pain during and/or after their therapy session. ... Headaches/Migraines. ... Fatigue or Sleepiness. ... Inflammation. ... Nausea.
Does deep tissue massage release emotions?
Deep tissue massage can often bring about major emotional releases of negative emotions that have been stored in the body for years. Craniosacral massage techniques are also helpful in getting negative emotions to release.
Does deep tissue massage break up fat?
Studies show that deep tissue massage contributes to improved metabolism and fat reduction. Receive massage in the area with excess fat accumulation and it will break up the fat stores, making it ready for absorption inside the body.
What is massage therapy used for?
Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. It involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.
What to do if you are unsure about massage therapy?
If you’re unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your health care provider, who may also be able to help you select a massage therapist.
What are the different types of massage?
The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques. The most common form of massage therapy in Western countries is called Swedish or classical massage; it is the core of most massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions derived from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Tuina.
Can massage therapy be helpful for people with HIV/AIDS?
There’s some evidence that massage therapy may have benefits for anxiety, depression, and quality of life in people with HIV/AIDS, but the amount of research and number of people studied are small.
Does massage help baby growth?
There’s evidence that premature babies who are massaged may have improved weight gain. No benefits of massage for normal full-term infants have been clearly demonstrated.
What are the requirements to become a massage therapist?
State regulations typically require graduation from an approved program and passing an examination.
Is massage good for back pain?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in a 2016 evaluation of nondrug therapies for low-back pain, examined 20 studies that compared massage to usual care or other interventions and found that there was evidence that massage was helpful for chronic low-back pain but the strength of the evidence was low.
When massage isn't even massage?
When massage isn’t even massage: non-massage treatments . Massage therapists choose from literally hundreds of different ways of trying to help people with their hands, and many of these ways are not actually “massage” as we usually think of it. The majority of these manual therapies are nearly untouched by science.
What is the problem with massage therapy?
It is especially troubling that so many proprietary techniques are hyped as “advanced” and taught in place of genuine continuing (academic) education. This is the serious problem of certification rackets or “modality empires” — selling credibility to therapists in the form of certifications for a treatment method. These techniques are proprietary and profit-motivated, and usually championed and promoted by a single entrepreneur who gets treated like a guru and has legions of dedicated followers (who tolerate criticism rather poorly).
What is fascia therapy?
Many massage therapists are selling “fascial therapy” to patients. The main idea is that fascia — sheets of tough connective tissue found throughout the body — can get tight and restricting, and needs to be “released” by pulling on it. Fascia science is considered an exciting frontier in manual therapy.
How long does it take to become a massage therapist?
In general, these are the “licensed” or “registered” massage therapists, although the standards vary widely. Two years of training isn’t exactly like going to medical school, and it doesn’t even come close to what physical therapists or chiropractors and some osteopaths do, but it is well above average for massage. A massage therapist with this level of education is certainly the kind that patients should seek out if they want massage as a treatment for anything.
What is Swedish massage?
Most massage is Swedish massage, which is mostly about lubricated kneading of muscle, and a few other clichéd techniques. Swedish methods are remixed extensively into a variety of styles, like relaxation massage versus sports massage, and even the culturally distinctive massage styles, like Thai massage or Hawaiian lomi lomi, are very similar to Swedish in principle.
What are manual therapists?
The other “manual therapists”: chiropractors, osteopaths, and a few physiotherapists. A few physiotherapists, some chiropractors, and quite a few osteopaths also “dabble” in massage, and a few even devote their careers to it.
Does massage help with depression?
massage reduces depression. massage reduces anxiety. This is a big deal. One does not simply reduce pull a reduction in anxiety/depression out of thin air — it is bound to be just the measurable part of a complex web of psychological effects and benefits.
Why is massage important?
Massage benefits can include: While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for: Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.
What is massage?
Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, including these common types:
What to do if a massage therapist pushes too hard?
If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.
What is a massage technique?
It helps you feel relaxed and energized. Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
How long does a massage last?
Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients. A massage session may last from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage.
How to reduce friction in massage?
Depending on preference, your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients.
What is the best massage for muscle damage?
It's commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries. Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it's geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries. Trigger point massage.
Why is massage important?from mayoclinic.org
Massage benefits can include: While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for: Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.
What is massage?from mayoclinic.org
Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. There are many different types of massage, including these common types:
What are the different types of massage?from self.com
There are a bunch of different types, but here are a few of the more common massage therapy styles: 1 Swedish massage is a more gentle massage that helps you relax, the Mayo Clinic explains. During this massage, your therapist might try using long strokes, kneading, and deeper circular movements. 2 Deep massage involves a little more pressure with slower strokes meant to get to deeper muscle layers and tissue, the Mayo Clinic says. This might be the type of massage you ask for when you have an injury. 3 Sports massage is very similar to Swedish massage, the Mayo Clinic explains. Athletes who are recovering from injury, and those who might want to prevent injuries, can find benefits in this type of massage, the Mayo Clinic says. 4 Trigger point massage, according to the Mayo Clinic, focuses on areas where there is tightness and tension and works to alleviate that pressure. 5 Self-massages can help you relieve tension and manage post-workout soreness whether you reach for a massager like the Theragun ($399, Theragun ), a foam roller, or you simply use your hands.
What is a Swedish massage?from self.com
Swedish massage is a more gentle massage that helps you relax, the Mayo Clinic explains. During this massage, your therapist might try using long strokes, kneading, and deeper circular movements.
What to do if a massage therapist pushes too hard?from mayoclinic.org
If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.
What is a massage technique?from mayoclinic.org
It helps you feel relaxed and energized. Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
How long does a massage last?from mayoclinic.org
Tell your massage therapist if you might be allergic to any ingredients. A massage session may last from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and how much time you have. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage.
What is massage therapy?
The relaxation of muscles and increasing blood flow are the cornerstone of most types of massage therapy, whether it is simple relaxation, relieving tight tired muscles after a hard days work, or as part of a rehabilitation program.
Why is vibration massage so effective?
Vibration massage is an extremely effective treatment because it is scientifically proven to address all three issues at once.
What frequency does a massager work?
Various studies have shown that the application of vibration massage in the range of 20-60 Hz causes muscles to relax. This is the therapeutic range our massagers work in. Vibrations from 100-200 Hz have been shown to cause muscles to contract (1).
How does vibration massage help with pain?
The main way vibration massage helps reduce pain is to help address the causes of pain, such as tight sore muscles and trigger points (tender lumps in muscles). However, the application of stimulation at 100 Hz has been shown to neurologically block pain, which is the same principle used by a TENS machine (8). ...
Can vibration be used on ankles?
An example would be while an injured ankle was healing. Conventional stretches could no be used as they would further damage the joint, however, vibration could be applied to the calf muscles to prevent them shortening.
Who built the Dr.Graeme massager?
DrGraeme massagers were originally built by Dr Graeme for use in his clinic, and to prescribe to his patients for additional self use at home. Now these are used by colleagues and other professionals for similar purposes. If you are a professional and wish to know more about this therapy, or possibly get a sample massager to trial please check out our practitioner page.
Is vibration stimulation good for bone fractures?
The clinical trial results are truely amazing. Vibration stimulation is used already to help the healing of bone fractures, but this shows it would be incredibily beneficial for muscle, wounds, nerves and other tissues.
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- For many years the best review of the science that was available, by Furlan et al., had a cautiously optimistic conclusion, declaring that massage is beneficial.38 But then, in 2015, Furlan et al. added another dozen studies to the pool of data, and actually changed their tune: now they have very little confidence that massage is an effective treat...
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