Massage
treatments aid rehabilitation from injury; reduce pain; relieve stress and
anxiety; relax muscles; and promote general health. A massage is a very
hands-on experience involving rubbing, kneading and working soft body tissues,
such as muscles, connective tissue tendons, and ligaments.
Here are
some simple things you can do before and after your massage to ensure that you
enjoy optimal benefits.
Before
The Massage
- General
Hygiene
A shower
might be best, but using a moist rag or washcloth to refresh your underarms
isn’t a bad idea. Cover wounds and plantar warts but don’t be overly concerned
about acne, psoriasis, eczema and other non-communicable skin conditions. Just
ensure to note them on the intake form. Get a doctor’s’ clearance if you have
open sores or a communicable condition.
- Food
Intake
The massage
stimulates your body’s digestive processes and might leave you feeling hungry.
Also, the relaxation massage can lower your blood sugar level. Have a light
snack about an hour before the session and if you’ve had a big meal, allow your
body to digest first. Avoid any alcohol prior to the massage session.
If the gender of the practitioner matters, let the office know
beforehand.
During The Massage
- Communication
It is in
your best interest to communicate your needs before the session. Share your
reasons for getting the massage (for relaxationor for specific injury) and your reservations (if any)
about the massage process itself.
- Personal
Comfort
Undress as
much as you are comfortable with, bearing in mind that exposing more of the
areas to be worked allows for uninterrupted access to them and for the flow of
the massage.
If the music or lighting is not working for you, speak
up. Some therapists may engage you in a constant conversation. If you prefer
silence, then say that too.
You may
feel drowsy and dose off during the relaxing massage. While it is ok to doze
off for a short period, avoid completely falling asleep for the most part of
your massage session. It would not only diminish some of the therapeutic
benefits, it might also affect having a quality sleep at night for some
individuals.
After The Massage
- Take
Your Time
Don’t get
up too quickly, you may feel lightheaded. Sit on the edge of the table and
relax a while.
- Have Some Water And A Snack
The
detoxifying effect of the massage may leave you a little dehydrated. You can
reverse this with a bottle of water. The water will also helps to relieve
soreness caused by lactic acid build-up in the muscles (a natural effect of the
massage).
Your
digestive system was still at work, so don’t ignore the hunger pangs. Help keep
your blood sugar levels even with a light snack.
- Communicate
(Again)
The massage
therapist will ask how you’re feeling. Be honest – say what worked and what
didn’t. Scheduling another appointment is always a good idea, since the
benefits of massage are better felt over time.
- Things
to Avoid
Avoid any
alcohol or caffeine after the massage session. It is also advisable to avoid
vigorous exercise on the day of the treatment.
- Things
to Do
Just go
home and relax. Try having a relaxing Epsom salt bath. Then, go to bed early and have a
good sleep.
Remember that much of what you do before and after your massage will
impact overall benefits you derive from the massage itself. If you are
scheduled for a repeat procedure, try as much as possible to incorporate many
of the lessons learnt from the previous ones.
A deep tissue massage is a
technique that focuses on realignment of deep layers of muscle, connective
tissue and tendons. It incorporates some of the strokes found in classic massage
therapy, but concentrates on areas of
tension and pain utilizing slower movements that apply deeper pressure.
What You Should Expect
In giving a deep tissue
massage, the massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and
forearms to work on the affected areas. The therapist may require you to
breathe deeply as certain tense areas are worked. The massage may cause some
pain and discomfort and it is important that you make the therapist aware of
when this happens. There is no need for you to suffer through soreness or pain
that is outside of your comfort zone. A deep tissue massage may leave you with
stiffness or pain, but this should wear off within a couple of days. The
therapist may suggest that you apply ice to these areas.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
Bands of painful rigid tissue
called adhesions are usually found where there is chronic muscle tension or
injury. These adhesions can block blood flow, leading to pain and limited
movement. A deep tissue massage breaks down adhesions, relieving pain and
restoring normal movement.
It is an effective treatment
for injured muscles as it facilitates the removal of toxins from muscle tissue.
It helps to stretch tight tissues and enhance recovery from muscle fatigue. The
deep tissue massage is often used as a rehabilitative step in treating sport
injuries.
A deep tissue massage is more
affordable and effective at giving relief from chronic pain than most
conventional medical remedies. It achieves this by increasing blood flow
through the body, thereby helping to reduce inflammation that causes pain.
Persons who are recovering
from surgery are urged to undergo deep tissue massage therapy as it can relieve
pain and stiffness associated with scar tissue. Since the deep tissue massage
improves lymphatic circulation and drainage, it leads to better flexibility and
range of motion in areas where there is scar tissue inside the body. With
repeated treatment, it can break up and ultimately erase scar tissue in the
body.
The deep tissue massage may
also improve high blood pressure by helping to ease stress and tension. It
increases the body’s production of oxytocin and serotonin, hormones known to
promote feelings of well-being. It is therefore useful to persons who suffer
from tension headaches, stiff shoulders and tight muscles. Other conditions
that may benefit from deep tissue massage therapy are osteoarthritis pain;
fibromyalgia; tennis elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; and sciatica.
While you may not be able to
completely relax during the deep tissue massage session, you can rest assured
that within days of the treatment you are most likely to be feeling a
tremendous relief from whatever complaint caused you to seek one in the first
place.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger
point therapy is the use of various methods to relax and release trigger points
in the body.
Trigger
points are hypersensitive areas in muscles, tendons or connective tissue that
usually are tender to the client.
The pain
from a trigger point usually radiates in a distinctive pattern near or around
the trigger point. Trauma is a common
cause of these points. Trauma can be
from an injury or from excessive stretching or repetitive motions.
Trigger
point therapy works by relieving and relaxing these hypersensitive areas. Often trigger points are located by the
location of reported pain and by massaging an area. Clients can often give feedback on the exact
location of the point, the amount of pain experienced and when the pain has
decreased due to deactivation of the point.
Trigger
point therapy is especially good for people who tend to overwork their muscles. Athletes, musicians and some workers are prone
to developing trigger points.
Clients
with trauma, poor posture, repetitive injuries and those who overwork
particular muscles benefit from this therapy.
Massage
therapists often use trigger point therapy with other forms of massage as a
specific technique to relieve hypersensitive ‘knots’ in the muscles.
Physical
therapists, chiropractors and medical doctors also use trigger point therapy to
treat musculoskeletal problems.
Why get a massage?
Therapeutic massage is a proven remedy and health practice. From the ancient Greek gymnasia and Roman baths to modern day spas and health clubs, massage has been recognized for its health enhancing effects.
Done properly, massages: enhance health, reduce stress, relax muscles, relieve pain, and encourage relaxation. So whether you are looking to improve your sense of well being or to fix a problem area, a therapeutic massage will do wonders.
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