A full-body massage is relaxing but massage therapy offers many health benefits. It promotes healthy living and well-being, from prenatal to geriatric care. As noted by the American Massage Therapy Association, “Ninety-three percent of individuals surveyed view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness, while 83 percent agree massage should be considered a form of healthcare.” During the last few decades, people have increasingly turned to Eastern medicine and natural alternatives when realizing that not all conditions can be cured by their physicians. Massage therapy has a long history, dating to the Shang Dynasty – 16th Century BC – recorded by images and inscriptions on tortoise shells and bones. Today, massage therapy is a common wellness practice and offers pain management as effective as medications, chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy. Massage therapy can be as beneficial as these medical practices, if not more.
PRENATAL MASSAGE
It all begins in utero. When an expectant mother receives prenatal massage, it lowers her cortisol levels, eases back pain, relieves painful swelling in her hands and feet, and reduces stress and anxiety. By elevating the mother’s mood and increasing blood circulation, the benefits are passed to the fetus as it develops. Prenatal massage sessions are recommended to coincide with obstetric visits. This means massage should be scheduled once a month until 27 weeks, and twice a month until 36 weeks. After that, weekly sessions are recommended until delivery. After the child is born, infant massage is available to help aid muscular and skeletal development.
ADULT MASSAGE
There are many modalities of massage: therapeutic, neuromuscular therapy, sports, acupressure, hot stone, myofascial release, assisted stretching, cupping and Reiki. Licensed massage therapists take continuing education courses throughout their careers, training in the most popular – and sometimes unusual – yet inspiring curricula. Three of the most requested massage treatments today are Swedish massage, therapeutic and deep-tissue massage. Swedish massage has been proven to improve health and quality-of-life when received on a regular basis, usually once per month. Therapeutic massage is for adults suffering from chronic pain, structural imbalances or neurological issues. People who exercise frequently and vigorously enjoy massages that incorporate stretching and deep pressure to address the buildup of byproducts in the muscles such as lactic acid. Deep-tissue massage is sometimes referred to as a clinical or medical massage. It is the best massage to relieve stress and muscle tension by loosening knots and realigning the body. This modality works through multiple layers of muscle and fascia using techniques that pin and stretch the muscle groups. Deep-tissue massage can be painful – in a good way – and bruising may occur, but the relief aftewards is worth it. Massage therapists recommend weekly sessions for up to six weeks when working with an injury, concentrating on the connective tissues as well as the muscles.
SENIOR MASSAGE
For the aging population, massage therapy offers numerous benefits for the entire body and can alleviate increased stress that comes with age. As we age, muscles and joints tighten, restricting range of motion. This can make healing from injury or overuse difficult. A monthly massage offers an improved quality-of-life, increased energy and better overall health. It helps keep muscles, joints and ligaments healthy, lessening injuries and reducing pain caused by arthritis and joint swelling. The pressure and pace are light and slow, while focusing on areas of concern. According to local massage therapist, Dana Gunter, LMT, “Geriatric massage is perfect for seniors who enjoy massage but need adaptive techniques to match their loss of range of motion and mobility.” Lymphatic drainage massage is crucial to a speedy healing process post-surgery and is recommended by general surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, alike. It’s different from a regular massage in that long, rhythmic, wave-like strokes are used to open and shut the lymphatic system. Similarly, pressotherapy is a cutting-edge, pain-free treatment to remove excess fluids in the lymph nodes from surgery or certain kinds of cancer treatments. It employs an inflatable suit that squeezes the body to produce the same effect as a lymphatic massage.
YOU DESERVE A MASSAGE
Massage therapy is a wonderful gift to receive at any age, helping relieve anxiety and stress by decreasing cortisol levels. It can increase the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. It can boost your immune system and contribute to better sleep. In addition, your skin will get much-needed attention as the oils and creams are absorbed during the massage session, leaving your skin softer and hydrated.
Publication - The Skinnie 10/22/2022
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