What is massage?

Throughout history hands-on healing techniques have played an important role in the health practices of major societies. It is said to be the most natural and instinctive means of relieving pain and discomfort. In modern times, massage has become widely recognized as an effective means of reducing the incidence of stress related disorders as well as relieving soft tissue pain and dysfunction. Massage therapy has earned its place as an important and respected part of the healthcare industry.

There are many types of massage. The most commonly recognized form is the Swedish massage. It consists primarily of long, gliding strokes that induce a state of relaxation. In contrast to that is Sports massage, which targets specific muscles, tendons and ligaments. It helps prepare for sports activities as well as aiding in recovery after a strenuous activity or injury. It can help the participant to attain their highest potential by accelerating the body's restorative processes and by identifying areas that are at a potential risk for injury. Myofascial Release is a technique that focuses on the fascia which is a web-like connective tissue structure made up of micro-tubules of water that cover and wrap every muscle fiber, muscle, muscle group and organ. It is gaining popularity among physical therapists in rehabilitative settings. Cranial Sacral therapy is a gentle light touch, energetic technique that involves correcting and stabilizing the hydraulic (cerebrospinal fluid) system of the body back to its correct rhythm. It can be a useful adjunct to therapies for everything from childhood behavioral problems to jaw pain and headaches. Shiatsu is an eastern form of massage that has withstood the test of time. It involves slow pressure point work focused on the body's energy meridians. It is also known as acupressure massage. Trigger Point Therapy is a neuro-muscular technique that is valuable for reducing pain and improving function in the location of the trigger point (an area of hyper-contracted muscle fiber which can refer pain to another area when pressure is applied). It can also reduce pain in the affected referral zone.
Lymphatic Drainage techniques help the body to rid itself of toxins and wastes and is also useful to help treat diseases which involve lymphedema (swelling). Pre-Natal massage assists the mother to be by promoting relaxation, soothing nerves and relieving strained muscles. An Infant massage research program conducted at Jackson Memorial hospital in Miami Florida concluded that premature infants, drug addicted and fetal alcohol syndrome newborns all benefited with daily massage. They gained weight faster, their nervous systems improved and they were released from the hospital sooner than those babies who did not receive the massages. On-Site or Workplace Massage is quickly gaining popularity. Major corporations as well as small business owners are allowing employees to have a "massage break" during the workday. As little as a 15 minute seated back massage has been shown to improve morale and decrease sick days.

The above brief descriptions are by no means a complete list of all the types of massage work that are available, but they all share things in common. The benefits of massage include but are not limited to: increased circulation (aids in tissue repair following injury), increased lymphatic flow/drainage, improved immune function (increased levels of macro and microglobulins and T cell response time), increased joint range of motion, decreased muscular/tissue tension, breaks down scar tissue, decreased cortisol levels, increased serotonin levels and relief from headaches and repetitive motion injuries. It is widely used for pain management and rehabilitation. Although massage is not a "cure all" it is a safe and effective health aid for everyone from infants to the elderly, except when there are certain contraindications present such as internal bleeding or fever. An experienced licensed massage therapist will know how to work around other contraindications such as localized rash, varicose veins and edema (swelling).

It is important when choosing a massage therapist to make sure that they have met standards and criteria that have been established by the state's board for technical knowledge and ethics. Even if the state you are in does not have massage licensing requirements, it is in your best interest to select a licensed or certified therapist. To be certified by The National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, it is required to attend an accredited massage school and to pass the National Board Exam. Continuing education requirements include 50 hours of approved courses every 4 years for certification renewal.

Much of the clinical evidence for the benefits of massage has come from the Touch Therapy Research Institute which is part of the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. You can go to their website at WWW.MIAMI.EDU/TOUCH-RESEARCH for more detailed clinical information.