Massage

About massage

Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient peoples – including the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Indians – were convinced of the therapeutic properties of massage and used it to treat a variety of ailments.

Massage therapy is the practice of kneading or manipulating a person’s muscles and other soft-tissue in order to improve their wellbeing or health. It is a form of manual therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.

The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied.

Massage for treatment of some disorders

Research indicates that massage is effective in managing:

• subacute/chronic low back pain
• delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• anxiety
• stress
• soft tissue injuries
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• osteoarthritis
• headaches.

They can also be effectively used to support people with:

• a chronic disease
• a life threatening illness, such as cancer.

Benefits of massage

One of the immediate benefits of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing.

Levels of stress hormones, such as adrenalin, cortisol and norepinephrine, are also reduced. Studies indicate that high levels of stress hormones impair the immune system.

Some of the physical benefits of massage and myotherapy include:

• reduced muscle tension
• improved circulation
• stimulation of the lymphatic system
• reduction of stress hormones
• relaxation
• increased joint range of motion
• improved skin tone
• improved recovery of soft tissue injuries
• heightened mental alertness
• reduced anxiety and depression.

Different types of massage

Typically, massage practitioners use either oil or talcum powder to allow their hands to slip over a person's skin. Sometimes, a sheet or thin piece of cloth might be used for the same effect.

Different types of massage may include:

• Remedial – is the objective assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of the signs, symptoms and causes of biomechanical dysfunction or injury, using specific mobilisation techniques, in order to restore normal health and function.
• Therapeutic – also known as 'Western' or 'Swedish' massage. One of the most popular forms of massage in Australia, this technique is designed to promote relaxation and improve blood circulation.
• Lymphatic drainage – a gentle whole-body treatment which relaxes the nervous system and aids the body's immune system.
• Aromatherapy– essential oils made from selected flowers and plants are added to the massage oil for their particular therapeutic properties. For example, the scent of sandalwood is thought to reduce nervous tension.
• Reflexology – based on the principle that certain parts of the body reflect the whole. Reflex points, which relate to all parts of the body, can be found in the feet, hands, face and ears. These points respond to pressure, stimulating the body's own natural healing process.
• Shiatsu – an oriental massage technique that aims to improve energy flow by working certain points on the body. The underlying principles of shiatsu massage are similar to those of acupuncture.
• Sports – this is an application of massage, not a particular massage technique. The type of technique or treatment applied is dependent on the nature of the stage of training or competition, sports injury or condition and the assessment of the remedial massage therapist. Sport massage is a blend of techniques that aim to enhance performance and help overworked muscles to recover quickly.
• Deep tissue massage – this technique concentrates on the deeper layers of muscle tissue with the aim to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body, through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on contracted areas, by either following or crossing over the muscle fibres, fascia and tendons. The techniques can include Trigger Point Therapy, deep tissue massage and stretching, thereby creating an improved range of motion through the joints.

Massage – special considerations

There are some instances where massage and myotherapy may not be recommended, or a GP (doctor) or specialist referral should be obtained, including (but not limited to):

• during pregnancy
• if skin rashes, cuts or infections are present
• if fractures or broken bones are suspected
• if the person has a life threatening illness
• if the person has a chronic condition.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Massage & Myotherapy Australia (Australian Association of Massage Therapists)
• Australian Massage Directory – Find a qualified massage therapist, remedial massage therapist or myotherapist