Massage Therapy - An Alternative Treatment for What Ails You

Sep 21
06:06

2010

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

The benefits of massage therapy are numerous. Stress relief is not the only reason you may want to pursue this kind of treatment. Other physical and psychological issues can also be addressed and alleviated after only a few sessions with a properly trained masseuse

mediaimage
Getting a massage may seem like the type of pampering you would receive when you go to the spa. This may be the case in some instances,Massage Therapy - An Alternative Treatment for What Ails You Articles but it can also be a very beneficial therapy which can alleviate many common ailments. More than 250 types of massage therapy are available. The techniques employed may include kneading, compression, vibration and pressure applied to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. Usually these techniques are applied to the back, but other parts of your body can also benefit from being massaged. The part of the body and the technique used often depend on which type of therapy you are seeking.

Massaging your muscles increases oxygen flow and improves circulation. It promotes tissue regeneration by pumping nutrients into the muscle. Massaging your muscles also causes the body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. It is not surprising then that many people want to get massages because they suffer from low-back pain, spasms or cramping. Having the affected area massaged can alleviate the pain and improve range of motion. Athletes, too, will often get massages after strenuous workouts to help them recover faster. Migraine sufferers may find relief through massage therapy, and others who experience chronic pain have been able to ease their dependence on medication through bodywork of this sort.

Swedish massages are one of the most commonly practiced therapies. This vigorous technique stimulates circulation and increases energy. During your session, the masseuse will use five different strokes which flow out from the heart. These strokes are a combination of kneading and rolling, as well as vibrational tapping. Oils are used to reduce friction between the masseuse’s hands and your skin. This type of therapy is very relaxing and due to its ability to increase circulation, it can help speed up healing and dissolve scar tissue.

Deep-tissue massaging is another common therapy. A deep-tissue masseuse should have an advanced understanding of human anatomy and physiology, because he or she will be working on your deep-tissues and deep-muscles to alleviate pain. In order to begin, your muscles must be in a relaxed state for the practitioner to be able to reach the deeper tissues and muscles being targeted. If you aren’t relaxed enough, the masseuse may need to start off with other techniques to loosen you up for the deep-tissue treatment. This technique is effective for those that experience chronic pain in their muscles or who suffer from arthritis and tendonitis pain caused by inflammation.

When choosing a practitioner, be sure they have had proper training and are accredited according to your state’s regulations. Most states require that massage therapists are licensed by the state, or that they carry a state-issued certificate. Once you’ve found the right therapist, you will be ready to begin healing whatever ails you. There are so many different types of massage therapy to choose from, and different techniques will be used for different ailments. Even if you aren’t an athlete or aren’t in any particular kind of pain, being massaged is incredibly relaxing and can reduce stress you didn’t even realize you had.