25.04.2005
Massage involves applying pressure to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. The theory is that massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain, improving blood flow, and encouraging relaxation. Massage is usually done by applying pressure with the hands, but it can also be done using the forearms, elbows, or feet. Massage techniques can affect the muscles, blood flow, nervous system, and other systems of the body. There are at least 80 different types of massage. Some are gentle, and some are very active and intense. For example, Swedish massage is very gentle and is often used to promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and relieve muscle tension. Long, gliding strokes and kneading and tapping techniques are used on the top layer of muscles in the direction of blood flow to the heart. This may also include moving the joints gently to improve range of motion. Deep tissue massage is more active and intense. It is used to treat long-lasting (chronic) muscle tension. Slow strokes are applied (with the fingers, thumbs, and elbows) using intense pressure to reach deeper layers of the muscles than those reached with a Swedish massage technique. Some people feel that massage works because the touch is healing. Touch also communicates a sense of caring. What is massage used for? Massage is used to promote relaxation and relieve pain. It is also used to relieve muscle tension and may improve blood flow, relieve pressure on nerves, and restore normal joint movement. Most studies on massage provide good evidence that massage reduces anxiety and some evidence that it improves blood flow and decreases muscle tension.1 However, there is little reliable evidence that massage reduces pain, improves movement, or improves athletic performance.1 Is massage safe? When done properly, massage is considered safe. Certification by the American Massage Therapy Association ensures a certain level of training and the use of certain practice guidelines. Keep in mind that massage may be expensive, is generally not covered by insurance, and requires a time commitment. Always tell your health professional if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on an alternative therapy.