Massage and its uses.

Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain, improving blood flow, and encouraging relaxation. Massage therapists usually apply pressure with their hands, but they can also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. There are at least 80 different types of massage. Some are gentle, and some are very active and intense. For example, Swedish massage is very gentle and is often used to promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and relieve muscle tension. The therapist uses long, gliding strokes and kneading and tapping techniques on the top layer of muscles in the direction of blood flow to the heart. This may also include moving the joints gently to improve range of motion.

Deep tissue massage is more active and intense. It is used to treat long-lasting muscle tension. The therapist applies slow strokes (with the fingers, thumbs, and elbows) using intense pressure to reach deeper layers of the muscles than those reached with a Swedish massage technique.

Trigger point massage is less gentle and can sometimes be uncomfortable. The therapist applies firm pressure to knots or tight, tense muscles that have been overused or injured, continuing until the muscles relax. Let your massage therapist know if you feel any discomfort during the massage. Some people feel that massage works because the touch is healing. Touch also communicates a sense of caring.

People get massages to alleviate, prevent or relieve a variety of conditions:

Back pain

Headaches and migraines

Circulatory and respiratory problems

Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis

Muscle and related conditions such as spasms, strains and sprains

Post-injury and post surgical rehabilitation

Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Stress and stress-related conditions.

People use massage to promote relaxation and relieve pain. It can also relieve muscle tension and may improve blood flow, relieve pressure on nerves, and restore normal joint movement. Most studies on massage show that massage reduces anxiety, improves blood flow, and decreases muscle tension. (Thank you to the writer of the extracts used here - source unclear)