Massage is frequently used to relieve stress and tension or to address a more specific issue like chronic pain or limited range of motion. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, Indians, and Chinese, were all big fans of massage’s ability to induce a sense of well-being and tranquility. Massage, it turns out, has a plethora of additional health benefits.
The benefits of massage are slowly but surely making their way into the mainstream of conventional medical practice. Across the United States, several hospitals and well-known medical clinics have formally begun to employ massage therapists. To be clear, we do not recommend massage as an alternative to standard medical treatment or as a cure-all for any illness; instead, we consider it a treatment option that can be used with other methods.
Before we explain why our clinic offers massage therapies, we must first define a massage.
What Is A Massage?
Massage therapists knead or otherwise manipulate their clients’ muscles and other soft tissues to improve their health or well-being. This manual therapy involves various techniques, including holding, moving, and applying pressure to the patient’s fascia, tendons, and ligaments.
Even though massage therapy has a long history of application in the medical field, Western medicine hasn’t always been quick to embrace the practice. However, most health insurance policies these days will pay for massage therapy if it is recommended and referred to by a physician. The treatment of illness, injury, and ongoing pain, as well as the rehabilitation process, can benefit from the application of medical massage techniques.
Benefits Of Massage
The first thing that you’ll notice after getting a massage is the profound relaxation and calm it brings. This effect is caused by the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain responsible for a sense of well-being, during a massage.
Nowadays, massage is frequently regarded as a component of integrative medicine. For various medical conditions and circumstances, it is becoming increasingly common practice to provide it in addition to conventional treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and circumstances.
Aside from relaxation, benefits from massages include:
lowering levels of stress while simultaneously boosting relaxation
- lowering levels of pain, stiffness, and tension in the muscles
- lowering levels of pain, stiffness, and tension in the muscles
- reducing both the rate of heartbeats and the blood pressure
- Enhancing immune function
While more studies are required to establish the advantages of massage definitively, some studies have found that massage may also be beneficial for the following:
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Low back pain
- Temporomandibular joint pain
- Upper back and neck pain
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
Massage can be more than just a treatment for a specific medical condition or disease for certain individuals; it can also be a way for those individuals to connect with the people around them. Although there are many benefits associated with massage, it is essential to keep in mind that it is not meant to take the place of regular medical care. If you think massage therapy might help you, discuss the possibility with your primary care provider before beginning any new treatment.
What Happens In A Massage Session?
A massage does not require any special preparation on your part, so go ahead and schedule one today. A massage therapist must inquire about the symptoms the client is experiencing, the client’s medical history, and the client’s objectives for the massage. The techniques used during the massage should be discussed openly by a qualified massage therapist.
During a massage therapy session, it is customary for the recipient to either be unclothed or dressed in loose-fitting clothing. Take off only the number of necessary layers. Most of the time, you will be lying on a table with a sheet draped over it and blankets piled on top of you. Your massage therapist will leave the room while you unclothe before and after completing it.
You can have a massage while sitting in a chair and remaining fully clothed if that is more comfortable for you. Your massage therapist should thoroughly examine your body through touch to determine the appropriate amount of pressure to apply during your massage. This will help ensure that you receive the most benefit from your session.
Your massage therapist will ask which you prefer before using oil or lotion to reduce the amount of friction caused on your skin during the massage. Notify your massage therapist if you have any allergies to the products used during the session if you intend to receive a massage.
A massage session can last anywhere from ten to ninety minutes, depending on the kind of massage being performed and the amount of available time. Regardless of the massage, you receive, both during and after your session, you should experience feelings of serenity and relaxation.
Ensure that you maintain a consistent breathing pattern throughout the massage. Let your massage therapist know if you prefer not to have music or conversation playing in the background while you are getting a massage.
If the massage therapist is applying too much pressure, you should request that they use a lighter touch. It is common for people to experience a knot in a muscle that manifests as a tender spot. You should be prepared to feel discomfort while your massage therapist works out the kinks in your muscles. However, if it becomes intolerable, you need to speak up.
Risks Of Massages
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of massage therapy with your attending physician if you are pregnant, experiencing persistent pain, or have any other health concerns.
The degree of soreness you experience after a massage is directly proportional to your type of massage. On the other hand, massages should not be painful or uncomfortable. If any point during your massage hurts or doesn’t feel quite right, do not be afraid to voice your concerns to your therapist. The most common source of serious complications is massaged that are performed with an excessive amount of pressure.
Takeaway
More and more doctors recognize massage therapy as a beneficial treatment option. Masseuses could theoretically spend their entire careers working in medicine, and even our clinic provides massages to assist a client in achieving their wellness goals. So if you are interested in a massage or other wellness services, feel free to contact us and visit our Med Spa Express clinic anytime!
