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Why do I need Massage Therapy?
Healthcare systems throughout the world
recognize that therapeutic massage can play an
important role in treating injury, illness or
chronic ailments. Additionally, a massage can
contribute to an increased sense of well-being,
which is often ignored in the fast-pace of
today’s society. However, when a person feels
better, she/he accomplishes more. Massage
Therapy is a key part of general health care for
millions of people.
With an increasing amount of scientific data
regarding the benefits of massage, physicians,
chiropractors and physiotherapists are
recommending therapeutic massage to more
patients for an array of conditions and are
advising patients to include therapeutic massage
in their healthcare treatment plans. If you are
a person who wants to help prevent illness and
encourage wellness, a monthly massage may be
what you seek. If you’re a person who is ill or
injured, consult your physician about adding
massage to your recovery routine.
Which type of Massage Therapy is ideal for
me?
At Simple Balance, we specialize in several
types of Massage Therapy. One session may
include a few types of therapeutic massage.
Swedish Massage
Generally regarded as the most common form of
massage, Swedish massage involves a combination
of five basic strokes and concentrates on the
muscles and connective tissues of the body for
improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief,
and overall health maintenance and well-being.
Swedish massage usually does not involve
deep-tissue work.
Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-tissue massage utilizes slow strokes,
direct pressure or friction applied across the
grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs or
elbows. Deep-tissue massage works deeply into
the muscles and connective tissue to release
chronic aches and pains; its purpose is to reach
the fascia beneath the surface muscles.
We as practitioners have a thorough
understanding of the human body and have been
trained to administer deep-tissue massage, as
injury can occur if the technique is not
performed properly. This technique is useful in
treating chronic pain, inflammation and injury.
Chair Massage
Chair massage, also known as seated massage, is
fast becoming one of the most popular ways in
which to practice. Generally, chair massage is
administered onsite at various locations,
including health fairs, airports, shopping malls
and in corporate settings. Clients remain fully
clothed and treatments generally last from 15-30
minutes. Chair massage is usually limited to the
back, neck and arms.
Geriatric Massage
Geriatric massage involves treating the elderly,
often in resident-care facilities, and
addressing their needs related to aging,
depression and illness. Geriatric massage is
usually shorter in duration, and involves the
application of gentle techniques to facilitate
pain relief, relaxation, and an overall feeling
of wellness.
Sports Massage
Sports massage therapies are both preventative
and therapeutic, and used for athletes during
warm ups, training and competition to treat
and/or aid in the prevention of injuries; help
improve flexibility, range of motion, and
performance; and aid in mental clarity.
Virtually every professional sports team employs
professional sports massage therapists, and are
often privately employed by professional
athletes.
Trigger-Point Therapy
Trigger points are areas of soft tissue in the
body characterized by local pain, tightness, and
tenderness. Often trigger points develop because
of referred pain, or pain from another source
that has manifested itself in a trigger point.
Trigger points rarely refer pain to other areas.
Trigger-point therapy seeks first to identify
trigger points, then apply steady, appropriate
pressure to the point to "release" it. This is
usually followed by massage to the surrounding
area to help treat the cause of the trigger
point. Clients are encouraged to drink a lot of
water following a trigger-point therapy session
to flush out any toxins expunged when the
trigger point is released.
Tuina
Tuina (pronounced "twee nah") is a form of Asian
bodywork that has been used in China for
centuries. A combination of massage, acupressure
and other forms of body manipulation, tuina
works by applying pressure to acupoints,
meridians and groups of muscles or nerves to
remove blockages that prevent the free flow of
qi (pronounced "chee"). Removing these blockages
restores the balance of qi in the body, leading
to improved health and vitality.
Tuina is best suited for alleviating chronic
pain, musculoskeletal conditions and
stress-related disorders that affect the
digestive and/or respiratory systems. Among the
ailments tuina treats best are neck pain,
shoulder pain, back pain, sciatica and tennis
elbow. However, because tuina is designed to
improve and restore the flow of qi, treatment
often ends up causing improvements to the whole
body, not just a specific area.
There is anecdotal evidence that headaches,
constipation, premenstrual symptoms and some
emotional problems may also be effectively
treated through tuina. Because it tends to be
more specific and intense than other types of
bodywork, tuina may not necessarily be used to
sedate or relax a patient. The type of massage
delivered by a tuina practitioner can be quite
vigorous; in fact, some people may feel sore
after their first session. Some patients may
also experience feelings of sleepiness or
euphoria. As with all forms of care, there are
certain instances in which tuina should not be
performed. Patients with osteoporosis or
conditions involving fractures, for instance,
should not receive tuina. Neither should
patients with infectious diseases, skin problems
or open wounds.
Cupping
Massage cupping has been used in traditional
Chinese medicine practices for several thousand
years. Practitioners light an alcohol-soaked
cotton ball with a match and insert the lit
portion into a bulb-like glass "cup" in order to
create a vacuum. The cup is then placed in a
stationary position upon the body or moved using
gliding strokes, depending on the client's
needs. Massage cupping is ideal for performing
deep-tissue massage and helps to drain toxins,
loosen adhesions, facilitate blood flow, and
stimulate the body.
For more information and articles about Massage
Therapy, check out:
www.massagetoday.com
www.amtamassage.org
www.ambp.com
www.imagroup.com
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