About this topic
Massage is a kind of alternative therapy. The massage therapist will rub, press, and move your skin, muscles, and other tissues. For your massage, you will most often lie on a table to get this treatment. Some therapists will use a special massage chair or a mat on the floor. A sheet will cover you. You may also be dressed in loose comfortable clothes. The therapist may use a lotion or oil when massaging your skin. You may become very relaxed and fall asleep. Your massage may take from 15 to 60 minutes. ‚
Before you have a massage, the therapist will ask about your health and if there are any places that are sore. This is a good time to talk about what you want to get from your massage. Also, talk about how much pressure you would like the therapist to use during the massage. ‚
Some people use massage to help with: ‚
- Injuries, sprains, and strains
- Headaches
- Problems with worry and not being able to sleep
- Generalized pain or fibromyalgia
- Addictions
- Mental health
- Lowering blood pressure
- Infant care
- Swelling
General
There are many kinds of massage. The therapist uses the hands and fingers most of the time, but may also use the lower arm or elbow. Your therapist may use one or more of these kinds of massage. ‚
- Deep tissue massage uses slow, strong strokes to reach your deeper tissues.
- Trigger point massage applies pressure on a place where your muscles are tight. This can be from an injury or from overuse.
- Swedish massage combines long strokes, kneading and moving your tissues in a circle gently to help you relax.
- Sports massage uses both deep and Swedish massage methods to relax muscles used in sports. The focus is more on stretching and flexibility.
- Cross friction massage is a special kind of rubbing massage used to prevent scar tissue from forming. It involves rubbing against the way tissues are aligned.
- Shiatsu is a kind of Japanese massage. It uses pressure on certain points to release the flow of energy like an acupuncturist would do.
- Thai massage also uses pressure on certain points to release energy flow but adds movement to stretch your muscles.
- Hot stone massage uses smooth stones that have been heated and are placed on your body. These warm you and relax your muscles.
- Aromatherapy massage adds scented oils to your massage to help you relax.
- Reflexology is a type of massage done on the foot using pressure to affect other parts of the body.
- Prenatal or pregnancy massage is used on pregnant women targeting areas of discomfort.
- Manual lymphatic drainage is a special type of massage designed to reduce swelling in an area of the body.
What will the results be?
Massage may help you to relax and lower your stress level. It may help your blood flow to certain areas. Massage may help with healing. Massage may help with managing your pain and lower blood pressure. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
It is important to know that massage should not take the place of seeing your regular doctor. You may use massage therapy to complement or help other kinds of care. ‚
What problems could happen?
Massage is not for everyone. Take extra care and talk with your doctor first if you have: ‚
- A bleeding problem or take blood thinners
- An open sore or burn
- A broken bone or osteoporosis
- A blood clot or deep vein thrombosis
- Certain skin diseases
- Contagious diseases
- Fever
Massage should not hurt if done the right way. You may be a little sore the next day. Rare side effects of massage include: ‚
- Bruises
- Nerve damage
- Allergy to the massage lotion or oil
- Moving blood clots or stroke in people with clotting problems
Helpful tips
Be sure to talk to your regular doctor about all kinds of care you are getting, including alternative care like massage. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine ‚
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚