Massage Services: Indications, Types, Techniques, and More

Are you sitting at the computer all day long? Or driving a car? Have a pain in the back and the neck? Mankind has long discovered the benefits of massage. With its help, people have cured various diseases and restored health for many centuries. In modern medicine, massage techniques are also widely used. In this article, you will find some interesting facts about this treatment and prophylactic method.

What is massage?

Massage is a preventive and therapeutic method of exposure to the human body. The word “massage” comes from the Greek word “massein”, which means “to crumple”. This medical procedure was known back in the days of Hippocrates, who considered massage “healing the body and soul.”

Massage is a treatment through touch. It is a combination of dosed mechanical effects on various parts of the body. Due to physiological safety (if used correctly) and sufficient efficiency, this method has been successfully used in medical practice. For the best effect of massage on the body, it is recommended to conduct a course of 5 to 15 sessions, depending on the characteristics of the body.

When is the time to get a massage?

There are a number of indications in which the use of massage therapy is extremely effective:

• Diseases of the nervous system: cerebral atherosclerosis, neuralgia, radiculitis, neuritis, neuropathy, cerebral palsy;
• Impairment of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, bruises, arthritis, a curvature of the spine, clubfoot, sprain;
• Respiratory diseases: asthma, pneumonia, allergies;
• Change in the state of the cardiovascular system: heart disease, hypertension, myocarditis; Dysfunction of the digestive system: gastric ulcer, dyskinesia of the esophagus;
• Genital inflammation: prostatitis, urethritis, inflammation of the appendages, infertility;
• Otorhinolaryngological diseases;
• Dental diseases: gingivitis, periodontal disease;
• Eye diseases: myopia, hyperopia, conjunctivitis;
• Psychiatry disorders: insomnia, mild neurotic conditions after stress, headaches.

Why do you need a massage?

The benefits of a body relaxing massage have been known for a very long time. Masseurs are developing ever new pain treatment programs with massage therapy. Let’s consider several reasons why massage is very effective.

1. Pain relief. The best massage therapists use massage to help the body fight pain naturally. During the procedure, the body produces serotonin, which is its natural production of painkillers. The production and release of serotonin relieve pain, relaxes the body. Massage, in this case, becomes a very effective method of treating pain;
2. Sleep recovery. One of the most unpleasant things that accompany pain is sleep deprivation. The body rests and restores itself during sleep. Lack of restful sleep can aggravate pain and significantly affect performance. Massage promotes deep sleep and reduces discomfort. The deeper the sleep, the less pain.
3. Other health effects. In addition to relieving pain, massage also increases the range of motion, reduces anxiety, improves mood;
4. Solving several problems at once. Massage will help not only relax the body but also get rid of a wide range of problems: arthritic pains, knee pains, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pains, depression, anxiety, migraines, headaches;
5. An integrated approach. Massage is part of an integrated approach. In addition, this manipulation is a relaxing procedure that allows you to relax and feel much better. In combination with other procedures that are beneficial for the body, it gives a strong therapeutic effect;
6. Awareness. Another advantage of massage is that it helps patients to learn more about their organs. Masseurs not only help relieve muscles and other soft tissues from pain but also affect the patient with soothing touches. For example, massage after surgery helps patients to feel more comfortable. It can increase their self-confidence and will allow them to better cope with pain.

Types of massage

There are two main varieties of therapeutic massage:

• general – an effect on the entire surface of the body;
• local – work with individual parts of the body: limbs, neck, head, areas of the back, etc.

Any kind of procedure is performed using various techniques:

• Stroking is a gentle effect that begins with any massage. It is aimed at stimulating blood flow and muscle relaxation;
• Rubbing is an intensive action in which skin is shifted and during which deposits soften, blood vessels expand, tissues are regenerated;
• Kneading – impact by squeezing and pulling. It helps to cope with stagnant phenomena, increases muscle tone;
• Vibration – impact through vibrational movements. It stimulates muscle activity, improves blood flow, is one of the methods of adjuvant therapy for flaccid paralysis.

Contraindications

Medical massage is performed only by experienced professionals who have in-depth knowledge in the field of medicine, which eliminates the slightest negative effect on the patient. However, this procedure also has some contraindications, in particular, it’s contraindicated to patients with:

• intoxication;
• fever;
• acute and chronic infectious diseases, including tuberculosis;
• oncological pathologies;
• an inflammatory process in the body;
• varicose veins;
• severe forms of diabetes;
• wounds, hematomas, fractures;
• severe swelling.

Massage therapy can solve various problems and its results are always positive. Yes, sessions with professionals are often expensive, but you can always find an option that suits your budget. Pamper yourself with a massage, because we all deserve the opportunity to get rid of anxiety and discomfort.