The Biological Benefits of Frequent Massage
What sets Clinical massage apart from the numerous other massage techniques is the fact that it, itself, is not a specific ‘technique’. Rather, the term ‘Clinical’ is used to refer to the locomotor (Orthopedics) system, as it is used in conventional medicine. An analogy can be made with the phrase ‘Orthopedic Medicine’, which describes a conceptual approach to medical practice, more than just one particular treatment method. Similarly, the phrase ‘Clinical massage’ describes a comprehensive system, rather than a particular technique (though some are attempting to use the phrase to describe a specific ‘technique’). As a comprehensive system, Clinical massage is capable of integrating a variety of massage’s most effective techniques in the treatment of soft-tissue dysfunctions, pain, and injuries. Four component parts characterize the system of Clinical massage: Clinical assessment, matching the physiology of the tissue injury with the physiological effects of treatment, treatment adaptability, and understanding of the rehabilitation protocol.
Clinical massage is a system made up of a variety of different techniques. Despite the difference in techniques, there are several underlying principles that are essential to the system. The first is assessment and evaluation skills. When working with soft tissue pain and injury it is essential the practitioner be able to assess the nature of the condition and understand its physiological makeup. In order to determine if massage is appropriate, and what kind of massage, if any, should be done, the practitioner must have some method of systematic evaluation of the client’s condition.
Not only should the practitioner be familiar with the condition, but also with the most frequently used massage techniques. Therefore, the second component of the Clinical massage system is to match the physiology of the injury with the physiological effects of the treatment technique. There is no single massage modality that will effectively treat all of the diverse types of pain and injury conditions. Rather, in some situations a particular technique will be highly beneficial, yet when used on another condition it may be contraindicated. Therefore, the massage therapist must understand the physiological effects of the treatment that s/he chooses.
The third component of Clinical massage is treatment adaptability. Clearly, with the diversity of conditions, the practitioner should not rigidly adhere to one set of techniques. In addition, each client will provide a unique presentation of the pain or injury condition. As such, the practitioner will most effectively treat their client with a protocol that is individually suited to that person.
Finally, the Clinical massage system recommends understanding the rehabilitation protocol. Rehabilitation protocol is a phrase used to describe the most effective progression through the stages of soft tissue healing. It includes knowledge of proper tissue healing and injury prevention. While it is not appropriate for the massage therapist to prescribe a rehabilitation plan, the practitioner of Clinical massage often works in conjunction with other health professionals and it is important that s/he understand these rehabilitation factors.
Clinical massage is an exciting new approach to the treatment of numerous pain and injury conditions previously treated only with conventional methods. Providing a comprehensive system of treatment that incorporates a wide variety of massage treatment techniques, Clinical massage enables the practitioner to choose the most effective treatment for a particular condition. The Clinical massage practitioner is knowledgeable and skilled in their understanding of pain and injury conditions and massage treatment techniques. This combination of expertise provides for the most effective treatment of soft tissue pain and injury conditions using massage therapy.
- 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.
In addition to soothing sore muscles, massage therapy can reduce bodily pain in people who struggle with chronic pain or any syndrome of which pain is a side effect. Studies show that therapeutic massage can relieve pain related to fibromyalgia, surgery, and more.
Treated Conditions
- Sciatica
- Tennis Elbow
- Neck & Back Pain
- Acute & chronic muscular pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Stress
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
- Headaches & Migraines
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Joint Pain, Arthritis
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder
- Swedish massage. Swedish massage is one of the best known and widely practiced varieties. …
The Swedish massage is one of the most common types of massages you can get. It is performed to energize the body and improve overall health. This type of massage involves actions like percussion, kneading, vibration, tapping, and rolling. Massage oil or lotion is used to protect the skin from friction. In the full-body Swedish massage, your therapist will usually start by massaging your back and neck, then the legs, arms, hands, and sometimes the feet. This massage sometimes includes a relaxing head massage (also known as a scalp massage, Indian head massage, or Champissage).
- Deep tissue and trigger point therapy. …
Deep Tissue Massage is based on Swedish massage and uses similar strokes but, unlike Swedish, it focuses on all muscle layers from the superficial to the deepest ones. Deep tissue massage is a highly therapeutic and specific technique that is very effective in releasing restrictions of the deeper muscles and the underlying connective tissue. Although deep tissue massage can be performed on the whole body, it often focuses on specific affected areas.
Deep Tissue Massage can be very effective in releasing chronic patterns of tension and restoring the structural and functional integrity of the musculoskeletal system. Deep tissue massage can address dysfunctions relating to stress, prolonged computer work, bad posture, sports or any other type of injuries, excessive athletic training, repetitive overuse of muscle groups (which can result in various syndromes, like Repetitive Stress Syndrome, Carpal tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Patellofemoral Syndrome, various orthopedic conditions ( i.e. scoliosis), headaches, etc.
- Sports massage therapy. …
Sports Massage is a combination of massage strokes and techniques combined with flexibility and specific exercise routines geared to increase an athlete’s performance capabilities. The application of Sports Massage is determined by one’s own specific anatomical and physiological needs. Basic musculoskeletal evaluations, orthopedic assessments, and flexibility analyses do this. By determining the athlete’s specific needs, the Sports Massage therapist will not only be able to provide increased strength, speed, and flexibility, but also improve biomechanical efficiency and decrease the potential for injury. This is a comprehensive program with a shared responsibility between the Sports Massage Therapist and the athlete.
- Cupping therapy. …
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. The benefits of cupping include local pain relief and muscle relaxation. Cupping improves overall health by removing the energy blockages that TCM practitioners identify as barriers to the flow of healthy energy or qi. For athletes, cupping may help increase blood flow to a particular muscle region or help reduce pain.
25 Reasons to Get a Massage
- Relieve stress
- Relieve postoperative pain
- Reduce anxiety
- Manage low-back pain
- Help fibromyalgia pain
- Reduce muscle tension
- Enhance exercise performance
- Relieve tension headaches
- Sleep better
- Ease symptoms of depression
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Reduce the pain of osteoarthritis
- Decrease stress in cancer patients
- Improve balance in older adults
- Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain
- Temper effects of dementia
- Promote relaxation
- Lower blood pressure
- Decrease symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Help chronic neck pain
- Lower joint replacement pain
- Increase range of motion
- Decrease migraine frequency
- Improve the quality of life in hospice care
- Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea
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