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| Posted: 14 May 2005 07:05 | ||
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You might think of a massage as a luxury found in exotic spas and upscale health clubs. But did you know that massage, when combined with conventional treatments, can reduce anxiety and promote healing in people with various health conditions?
During a massage, a therapist manipulates your body's soft tissues — your muscles, skin and tendons — using his or her fingertips, hands and fists. Massages can be performed by several health care professionals, such as a massage therapist, physical therapist or occupational therapist. Several versions of massage exist, and they're performed in a variety of settings. If you're interested in massage, learn about the different styles available and what to expect. Set realistic goals. A massage is likely to make you feel more relaxed, but it isn't likely to cure everything that ails you. And, if performed incorrectly, it might even hurt you. Learning about massages before you give one a try can help you make sure the experience will be one you'll enjoy. Types of massage: Several types of massage exist. What style you choose depends on your personal preferences and goals. The types of massage differ in the hand strokes used on your body and the pressure applied with each stroke. Some common massage types include: 1. Swedish massage. This is the most common form of massage in the United States. During a Swedish massage, your therapist uses long, smooth strokes and kneading movements along your skin. All parts of your body can be worked during this type of massage. A Swedish massage concentrates on the soft tissues near the surface of your skin and doesn't involve the heavier pressure needed to massage soft tissue deeper in your body. 2. Deep massage. This method uses slow, heavy strokes to create direct pressure and friction on your muscles. The target of this massage is your deep muscle tissue. You might prefer a deep massage if the tension in your muscles feels more severe than your average, everyday muscle strain. 3. Sports massage. Athletes use sports massage because it focuses on the specific muscle groups needed to participate in their sport. If you're a runner, for instance, a sports massage therapist might use some strokes from Swedish and deep massage to focus on the muscles in your legs that you use for running. 4. Craniosacral massage. The goal of this style is to correct what practitioners refer to as imbalances or blockages in your head, neck and spine. The massage focuses on your spine — from your head all the way down to the end of your spine (sacrum). Some practitioners claim removing blockages with this technique can improve problems with your senses, body movement and intelligence. 5. Neuromuscular massage. Also called trigger point therapy or myotherapy, neuromuscular massage concentrates on painful areas in your muscles. Massage therapists use deep massage techniques to locate and release tender points in your muscles. 6.Rolfing. This technique focuses on the connective tissue that forms a web of support throughout your body. Practitioners oftentimes use significant pressure in an attempt to realign your connective tissues, which they say are pulled out of line by everyday stress on your body. Rolfing is generally done in 10 sessions by a practitioner who uses his or her hands, knuckles and elbows. Many other varieties of massages exist, including some in which the massage therapist uses his or her elbows, knees and feet to bring relief to your sore muscles. Some massages combine other touch therapies such as acupressure and reflexology — which practitioners say release your natural energy by stimulating pressure points in your body. |
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| Posted: 29 Apr 2010 18:54 | ||
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You may not believe this, but sometimes having the right programmable thermostat can be key to relaxing the pain away. The right amount of heat in the environment can have an extremely positive effect on the pressure points of the body and how one FEELS pain. Think about how the weather alters your perception of pain! If it's storming outside and you alter the thermostat, it may change the way you feel.
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| Posted: 30 Apr 2010 04:17 | ||
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Posts: 10 Join Date: Apr 2010 |
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| You may not believe this, but sometimes having the right programmable thermostat can be key to relaxing the pain away. The right amount of heat in the environment can have an extremely positive effect on the pressure points of the body and how one FEELS pain. Think about how the weather alters your perception of pain! If it's storming outside and you alter the thermostat, it may change the way you feel. | ||
