Massage Information

What is massage therapy?

Massage Therapists assess and treat physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints of the body, mostly by hands-on manipulation. Assessment and treatment can include orthopedic and neurological testing, soft tissue manipulation (Swedish massage being the most commonly used technique), hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs and client educational programs.

-CMTO

 Types of Massage:

  • Swedish massage – Swedish massage is the manipulation of the superficial and deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. It is most often performed by using the hands, forearms and elbows.  The types of techniques and pressures utilized can very significantly. 
  • Sports Massage – Sports Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to prevent injuries, assist the body in the restoration of damaged tissue, reduce the discomforts from intense training and assist in the maintenance of healthy tissue.
  • Deep Tissue Massage – Deep Tissue Massage is used to relieve severe tension in the deeper muscles and connective tissues of the body.  A deep massage can be very beneficial and have long lasting effects.  However it is only applicable when the superficial tissues and other bodily systems are healthy.
  • Lymphatic Massage – Lymphatic Massage is used to assist and increase lymph flow.  This can help reduce swelling, chronic edema, remove harmful substances from the tissues, decrease delayed muscle soreness from working out, and assist the functioning of the immune system. This is a very light, pain free and non invasive treatment.
  • Myofascial Release – Myofascial Release is a type of soft tissue therapy that helps to increase range of motion by reducing / breaking down the restrictions throughout the interconnecting fascia of the body.

Additional Therapies / Modalities Utilized Throughout Massage Therapy:

 Remedial Exercises or Home Care – Is an essential aspect to your treatment plan.  Your therapist can teach you appropriate stretches and exercises that will help correct length / strength imbalances and that will compliment the treatments you receive on the table.   

 Cold / Hot Therapies (hydro)-Is the therapeutic application of cold or hot compresses to areas of the body.

  • Cold Therapy – The reasonable application of a cold compress is one of the most important steps in first aid.  Cool or cold applications can help to reduce inflammation, flush blood / toxins out of the area and even encourage a previously stretched muscle to retain its new length for a longer period of time.  This is generally, one of the best things one can do for an acute injury (0-48 hours).
  • Hot Therapy – A warm or hot compress will bring more blood to an area, which will aid in the healing process and help make the muscle more pliable.  This promotes a better stretch and decreases the likely hood of injury. This is most often applied in chronic conditions (3 weeks or older).
  • Contrast Therapy – A contrast therapy is the application of heat then cold or the alternating of applications.  This method is very useful during the sub acute stage of healing (48 hours to 3 weeks).  Used correctly, it can also dramatically improve the results of a massage therapy treatment.

Massage Therapy be utilized to help with the following:

Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

  • – Treats musculoskeletal problems
  • – Rehabilitation after injury 
  • – Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
  • – Aids in healing of strains/sprains
  • – Reduces pain and swelling
  • – Can breakdown scar tissue 
  • – Reduces muscle spasms
  • – Rehabilitation post operative
  • – Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
  • – Reduces blood pressure
  • – Improves posture
  • – Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
  • – Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
  • – Enhances athletic performance.
  • – Strengthens the immune system
  • – Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
  • – Promotes deeper and easier breathing
  • – Helps relieve tension-related headaches
  • – Enhances the health and nourishment of skin

 

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy

  • – Reduces levels of anxiety
  • – Creates body awareness
  • – Fosters peace of mind
  • – Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
  • – Helps relieve mental stress
  • – Improves ability to monitor stress signals, improving ones ability respond appropriately
  • – Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
  • – Emotional Benefits
  • – Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
  • – Fosters a feeling of well-being

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