Massage therapy is the application of the muscle tissues through the manipulation. Massage techniques are usually applied with fingers, palms, elbows, toes, feet, legs, forearms or some kind of device. Massages are usually employed to relieve stress or pain in the body. Some of the massage techniques that are used to treat chronic pain include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology and chiropractic.
In the United States and Canada massages are not usually performed in hospitals, although there are some institutions that offer such treatments. However, there is some demand for this therapy especially in senior centers and in sports rehabilitation. Sports athletes are always at risk of sustaining injuries that require medical attention and professional assistance. It is also used to treat patients who have undergone surgery or who have had an accident. Massages for the rehabilitation of injuries may help in reducing pain and suffering, improving range of motion, preventing re-injuring of muscles, and promoting faster recovery from any type of injury or condition.
A lot of people are under the impression that massage therapy is primarily used to alleviate pain or treat injuries. This is simply not true because in the United States and Canada massage therapy is also applied to prevent a variety of conditions such as: headaches, tension headaches, arthritis, muscle pain, neck pain, stress and back pain, digestive disorders, menstrual pain, digestive disorders, depression, anxiety and other emotional disorders, memory loss, and migraine headaches. Massages also reduce stress and anxiety by increasing blood circulation and decreasing stress hormones. Many massage therapists also incorporate other therapeutic techniques into their practice such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, and biofeedback.
One of the most popular forms of massages practiced today is Swedish massage. Massage therapists have the ability to manipulate their clients using pressure points and specific strokes and movements. Swedish massage was originated by two Swedish physicians in the 1920s. Swedish massage therapy uses pressure points to treat specific muscle spasms or imbalances. These massages can be very effective and can eliminate the cause and effect of many conditions.
Reflexology is another form of massages that is used for treating conditions of the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, and reproductive systems. Reflexology uses the use of specific techniques in the hands and feet that will activate the circulatory system and bring blood flow. Reflexology techniques have also been proven to stimulate the lymphatic and digestive systems. Reflexology is known for its ability to stimulate and increase blood flow. This is achieved through stimulation of the skin with a reflexologist needle or other pressure points.
Chiropractic therapy uses the use of various movements of the spine to correct posture and alignment. In chiropractic, chiropractors apply spinal manipulation. This manipulation uses both hands and feet to correct various problems that are occurring within the spine. Chiropractic therapy is also known for its ability to improve the immune system, strengthen the back, improve digestion and help the heart, balance the blood pressure and relieve muscle tension. Chiropractic therapy has also been known to help relieve many of the symptoms of a variety of ailments. Many doctors recommend this type of therapy to their patients because of the relief of pain and discomfort it can provide.
