The Miracle of Therapeutic Massage
By: Barry Lycka
When muscles ache and backs give out, there are many different approaches towards healing
and treatment that doctors may recommend. But, you really do not need a physician to tell
you that massage is a beneficial course of action to aid in a multitude of ailments,
conditions and diseases.
Throughout the years and across numerous cultures, therapeutic massage has been highly
regarded as a positive aid in the maintenance and achievement of better health. Although a
wide range of options are available to choose from, there are various techniques and
methods that will provide the best results on an individual basis.
When receiving a massage from a well-trained professional, you will encounter a set of
hands that have been molded into sturdy tools of health. It is the job of the massager to
promote the wellness of a client. The healing properties of a therapeutic massage are
undeniable. Offering relief from a variety of ailments, from poor circulation to a muscle
tear, it can be found in spas, resorts, rehabilitation clinics and doctor offices. It is
such a popular form of stress relief and healing that many people offer therapeutic
massage in private settings, such as sessions given in the home.
Why Therapeutic Massage?
One of the main reasons a client may seek out massage is to achieve relief from a pain in
a specific part of the body or to eliminate the effects of something causing discomfort in
the body. But, there are many different benefits that a client may receive from having a
massage. Therapeutic massage increases the range of motion associated with various joints,
as well as speeds up the recovery time from overexertion in physical activity.
Have trouble sleeping? Massage can help. Slumping too much? Therapeutic massage improves
posture. Suffer from high blood pressure? This type of massage has been known to reduce
high blood pressure levels. Have a big test or job interview coming up? Massage can
improve concentration and help people to focus better. Overall, therapeutic massage
encourages and promotes an increased feeling of wellness and calm.
Massage Services
When visiting a spa or massage clinic, you will encounter an array of exhilarating options
to help ease your tension and relax your muscles. For instance, aromatherapy can be used
in therapeutic massage to intensify the stress-reducing properties of the practice.
Essential oils are slathered on the skin during the massage, promoting increased
detoxification and tension relief. While lying on a table is considered quite a common
practice in giving and receiving a massage, there is also a therapeutic massage approach
that is given in a chair. While the fully clothed, the client sits in a special massage
chair, their shoulders, arms, neck, upper back and head receive attention.
Sometimes, a therapeutic massage uses heated lava rocks to increase circulation, as well
as treat joints and tendons. There is even therapeutic massage that provides a wealth of
relief to a pregnant woman. Two different kinds of massage exist in this category of
relief. Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, there are therapeutic massage techniques
that allow a client to relax and get relief from some of the common discomforts associated
with this important milestone. The second selection in pregnancy massage helps women when
they are experiencing labor. Various techniques and positions are used to provide comfort
throughout this trying process.
For those who suffer from chronic muscle tension, a deep tissue massage may be chosen.
Slow strokes and increased direct pressure and/or friction characterize this type of
massage. The hands run across the grain of the muscles in such a way that promotes
enhanced relaxation and tension relief.
Two types of popular massage you may encounter include Swedish and Shiatsu techniques.
Swedish massage provides relaxation through a mixture of long, light strokes, coupled with
kneading techniques. This type of massage is good for the elimination of toxins, increased
circulation, decrease in muscle tension and a noticeable boost in the immune system.
Shiatsu massage, which originates from Chinese health treatments, involves the stretching,
rubbing, chopping and massaging of the body.
What Else Can Therapeutic Massage Do For Me?
Besides easing the aches and pains associated with tight, swollen and rundown muscles,
there are numerous benefits that a client can enjoy. Below is a brief mention of some of
the positive results that come from therapeutic massage:
Relieve Stress & Achieve Relaxation: When muscle tissue is transferred from a position
of contraction, relaxation is achieved. The movement of blood throughout the body
encourages this relaxed state.
Medical Massage: Massage aids in the treatment of a variety of health problems that could
slow up daily activities with painful and stressful ailments. It is often used to treat
back problems, as well as straighten out kinked nerves. Varicose ulcers, strained bowel
movements and muscular atrophy can also be treated with therapeutic massage.
Aid Sports-Related Injuries: Whether you are nursing a healing broken bone or dealing with
chronic strains and sprains, therapeutic massage can provide relief. The pain and
inflammation attached to these sports-related injuries can be eased with the techniques of
this kind of massage. Therapeutic massage not only helps weak or injured body parts, but
also makes the healthy ones even stronger.
Treat Disease: When suffering from a serious disease or chronic condition, therapeutic
massage, when properly administered, is rather beneficial. This is especially true when it
comes to diabetic patients. Not only can diabetic clients achieve relaxation through
massage, but it also improves poor circulation that often leads to serious complications
with the disease. Massage especially provides much-needed relief to the hands and feet of
those suffering from diabetes.
Tone the Body: Whether you are trying to lose weight or working on improving the overall
appearance of your physique, you will find that therapeutic massage aids in the quest of a
better body. Muscles become more toned and the increase in circulation allows harmful
toxins and chemicals to flow away from vital body parts. Improved range-of-motion, as well
as increased flexibility is also a welcome outcome associated with therapeutic massage.
Author Resource: Barry A. S. Lycka is one of North America's foremost authorities
on cosmetic and laser surgery of the skin. You can find out more at
Http:// www.barrylyckamd.com and http://www.restoringyouthonline.com. He is founder of the Ethical
Cosmetic Surgery Association (http://www.ecsaonline.com)
Article From Mister Article