Research has shown that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase blood circulation and lymph flow. It also relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins, which all can enhance medical treatment.
Full Answer
What is massage therapy and how does it work?
Feb 12, 2021 · Studies of massage benefits have found massage can: Help reduce stress Lessen pain and muscle tension Increase relaxation Improve immune function
How does massage therapy help with arthritis pain?
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 are the physical effects of massage therapy?
Mar 04, 2016 · Massage therapy and the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee One condition that has been shown to respond to massage therapy is osteoarthritis of the knee. According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, participants with knee arthritis who received hour-long therapeutic massage sessions for eight weeks showed improvements in pain, stiffness, and …
Is massage therapy right for You?
Jan 12, 2021 · While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for: Anxiety Digestive disorders Fibromyalgia Headaches Insomnia related to stress Low back pain Myofascial pain syndrome Nerve pain Soft tissue strains or injuries Sports injuries ...
How does massage bring about treatment?
Massage benefits can include:Reducing stress and increasing relaxation.Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension.Improving circulation, energy and alertness.Lowering heart rate and blood pressure.Improving immune function.
How do massage therapists promote healing?
During a remedial massage, muscles are encouraged to relax and loosen providing a therapeutic effect. Healing can be reduced when muscles are tight and tense, increasing pain and the time taken for the injury to heal. Relaxing muscles therefore improves healing. A Swedish massage can help increase healing.
What is the effectiveness of massage therapy?
A 2013 review of 12 studies (757 total participants) found that massage therapy was more helpful for both neck and shoulder pain than inactive therapies but was not more effective than other active therapies. For shoulder pain, massage therapy had short-term benefits only.
What is a massage add on?
Add-on Services A hemp-infused oil that relaxes the body and soothes the mind. Experience the magic of cannabidiol. This herb reduces pain, muscle soreness, and inflammation. Our blend is applied directly on the skin and does not contain THC, so you don't have to worry about any psychoactive effects.
What are the 5 benefits of massage?
5 Health Benefits of Therapeutic MassageMassage reduces muscle pain and soreness. ... Massage relieves stress and anxiety. ... Massage can help you sleep better. ... Massage can improve your immune function. ... Massage can increase your flexibility and range of motion.
Does massage help healing muscles?
Massage has been shown to improve blood flow, decrease inflammation and help muscles recover after intense exercise, but it also helps muscles grow.Jul 18, 2019
Why do we need massage therapy?
One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing. Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced.
What do massages actually do?
Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. To understand this, consider that when muscles are contracted, they sometimes compress the nerves around them.
How would you describe massage therapy?
Massage is a type of integrative medicine in which a massage therapist manipulates your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. In massage therapy, a trained, certified medical professional (massage therapist) manipulates the soft tissues of your body — muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin.Feb 12, 2021
When is a massage service not performed on a client?
Total Contraindications Fever. Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, no matter how mild it may seem. Under the influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication. Recent operations or acute injuries.
What is an elemental massage?
A customised massage experience to relieve tension and mental stress. General fatigue is eliminated by pure essences blended to meet your physical and mental condition and massage techniques to suit your needs. This therapeutic massage will increase circulation, eliminate toxins and reduce stress.
What is a Swedish relaxation massage?
A Swedish massage is designed to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But the benefits of Swedish massage go beyond relaxation. It can help increase the level of oxygen in the blood and improve circulation and flexibility.
What You Can Expect During A Massage
You don't need any special preparation for massage. Before a massage therapy session starts, your massage therapist should ask you about any sympto...
Finding A Massage Therapist
Ask your doctor or someone else you trust for a recommendation. Most states regulate massage therapists through licensing, registration or certific...
The Take-Home Message About Massage
Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to hel...
What is massage therapy?
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 is the most common form of massage therapy?
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.
What is PubMed in medical terms?
A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.
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.
Can massage therapy help with ankle sprains?
If massage can be helpful as a component of a nondrug approach to pain management in veterans. If massage therapy can target sensory pathways that can help people with ankle sprains avoid chronic ankle instability (which can affect as many as 40 percent of people who experience this type of injury).
Can you use massage therapy to postpone seeing a health care provider?
Don’t use massage therapy to postpone seeing a health care provider about a medical problem. 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.
Is massage good for HIV?
More recently, a 2013 study of 54 people indicated that massage may be helpful for depression in people with HIV, and a 2017 study of 29 people with HIV suggested that massage may be helpful for anxiety.
Why is massage therapy important?
The improved mobility and tolerance of the soft tissue better allows the muscles and joints to perform more effectively through movement re-education exercises during physical therapy. Usually only a few sessions of massage therapy is needed to produce the desired effect. One significant factor that contributes to the success ...
How long does it take for a massage to help knee pain?
According to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, participants with knee arthritis who received hour-long therapeutic massage sessions for eight weeks showed improvements in pain, stiffness, and physical function (sessions were given twice per week for four weeks, followed by once per week for another four weeks).
What factors contribute to the success of our patients' outcomes?
One significant factor that contributes to the success of our patients’ outcomes is the ability of the patient, massage therapist and physical therapist to directly communicate with each other in the same environment.
Does massage therapy prepare the body for physical therapy?
Our experience. The experience of our staff is that massage therapy prepares the body for physical therapy. Soft tissue issues such as stubborn and chronic tension, swelling, and sensitivity can be dealt with first by an experienced massage therapist. The improved mobility and tolerance of the soft tissue better allows the muscles ...
Does massage help with immune system?
Most of us feel a great sense of relaxation and well-being after receiving a massage. But did you know that massage therapy also has a role in treating certain medical conditions by providing symptom relief and possibly even improving the immune system?
What is massage good for?
Massage: Get in touch with its many benefits. Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being. See if it's right for you. Massage used to be available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs.
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 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 do people like massage?
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care.
Why is massage important?
Massage is believed to improve blood and lymph circulation. This is probably due partly to the physical manipulation of soft tissue and partly to the chemicals released as part of the relaxation response. Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscle cells.
What are the effects of massage?
The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects: 1 Increase in blood and lymph circulation 2 Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues
How does massage help with spasms?
Massage therapy relaxes muscle tissue, which reduces painful contractions and spasms. Massage can also reduce nerve compression. To understand this, consider that when muscles are contracted, they sometimes compress the nerves around them.
How does massage affect the body?
The physical manipulation in massage has two major physical effects: Increase in blood and lymph circulation. Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue (muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments), which releases nerves and deeper connective tissues.
What is the relaxation response of a massage?
The relaxation response is a state in which your heart and breathing rate slow, your blood pressure goes down, your production of stress hormones decreases, and your muscles relax.
What happens when muscles are relaxed?
When these muscles are relaxed, the nerves are no longer compressed, and, in theory, can get proper nutrients and operate more efficiently. The nerves can assume their normal work of transmitting messages to and from the brain, which improves functioning of the muscles and organs.
Why do organs need massage?
Organs can also benefit from massage, as they share neurological pain pathways with muscles, bones, and nerves. When muscles, bones, or nerves are distressed, organs can sometimes reflect distress and dysfunction. For example, low back pain can intensify menstrual cramps and menstrual cramps can cause low back muscles to tense.
What is aromatherapy in spa?
Aromatherapy. This particular spa treatment speaks to the client’s olfactory senses. Clients respond well to aromas that remind them of positive memories or sensations, and this, in return, will enhance their session experience. Of course, aromatherapy also works on a molecular level, with essential oils’ molecules entering ...
How long does a scalp massage last?
Scalp massage can be performed for an additional time of 10 or 20 minutes with or without a product.
How long should I massage my feet?
Think about it: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults get an average of 150 minutes of moderate activity every week, and the feet carry the weight of the body. Even if you aren’t that active, the feet are under daily stress. Foot massage is a safe treatment and can be given to a wide variety of clients. A good foot massage, with an optional foot soak beforehand, is an easy add-on to a massage session. Consider offering the client 20 minutes as an add-on spa treatment.
Why do people use body scrubs?
Body scrubs can help maintain fresh, bright skin and also allow the client to feel refreshed. If your client has dull skin due to dryness, a product with some form of exfoliator will revitalize the skin. (Check your regulations to make sure body scrubs are in your scope of practice.)
How long should I massage my hands for arthritis?
Hand massage can also benefit clients with arthritis by reducing pain. Adding on an additional 20 or 30 minutes to the massage session with paraffin or a soothing hand cream will help relieve the stress and strain in your client’s hands.
How to help arthritis patients?
We all need caring touch, and for tired hands that are constantly typing on a computer or cellphone, a simple hand massage can help stressed-out individuals relax, increase range of motion and improve strength. Hand massage can also benefit clients with arthritis by reducing pain.
How long should I scrub my hands for a massage?
Using a scrub will also allow for better product penetration from the massage. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a full-body exfoliation. If only spot-treating hands and feet, add 10 minutes onto the massage session.
What are some add ons for massage?
Massage – For massage therapists, traditional add-ons may include reflexology of the hands or feet, acupressure for the face or head, aromatherapy, Reiki energy treatments, crystal healing, sound treatments, cellulite massage, stone massage, steam treatments, and sunless tanning applications. Many of these add-on treatments will be great ...
Why add on treatments to salon?
Always remember that you are in a position to enhance your client’s salon or spa experience and add-on treatments are a great way to offer them added results. You will dramatically increase your income, create more balance in your work and life, and add value for your clientele.
What are some add on treatments for aestheticians?
Skin Care – For aestheticians, add-on treatments may include scalp massage, facial, hand and foot treatments, aromatherapy, makeup, collagen eye or lip masks, lip or facial bleaching, and eyebrow or lip waxing.
What should I include in anti aging treatments?
When recommending anti-aging treatments to clients, always include the hands, which tend to reveal age quickly. You should create a series of add-on treatments just for hands with exfoliation, masks and hyperpigmentation treatments.
How to increase revenue from add on treatments?
Plan for a Revenue Boost – To really increase your profits from add-on treatments, start to plan them into your day. Arrive at work half an hour earlier and go over your schedule. Look at any available openings and visualize them as opportunities to create multiple services.
Can you use mud for dry treatments?
Dry treatments can also be provided with body wraps and mud or clay products that can be peeled or toweled off. During a normal facial or massage service, you could give an add-on that inspires clients to try a full spa body treatment by just treating the hands or feet.
Can an aesthetician remove hair?
Hair Removal – Aestheticians should offer professional hair removal, as it is a very simple, fast and profitable add-on service. Offer eyebrow and upper lip waxing to every facial client. You could also add underarm or lower leg waxing quite easily to your facial routine.
