Stephanie Macintosh asked:


Massage therapy can offer senior citizens a number of benefits that will greatly improve their sense of health and wellbeing. As the population continues to age, it is important to consider ways that we can work to improve the lives of those affected by the passing of time. A number of studies have shown that massage therapy can have a direct impact in managing the effects of aging. It has also shown promise in bringing comfort to those suffering from arthritis and other physical ailments.

As people age, they naturally become less active. This lack of physical activity can lead to the onset of other conditions which, if not dealt with, can greatly reduce their quality of life. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has been promoting the use of massage therapy for some time now. According to a recent study, there is a general awareness of massage therapy but a lack of understanding of its direct benefits.

In the case of senior citizens, there are a number of benefits that be derived from therapeutic massage. According to the Touch Research Institute, it is extremely useful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients, as it can facilitate relaxation and communication. In the case of arthritis sufferers, it can greatly assist in pain management and help increase range of motion. It also triggers natural joint lubrication, which is extremely important for those suffering from arthritis.

Massage therapy has also shown promise by helping to increase strength and muscle coordination. It can also greatly improve one’s posture by reducing muscle tension, which has the added benefit of assisting seniors with a higher quality of rest. Massage has also been known to boost one’s natural energy levels, along with their mental awareness. Study after study has shown that there is a place for massage therapy within the health care community.

More and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of massage therapy. In an age where the common approach to pain management has been dominated by the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, massage therapy has shown to be an effective and natural solution to the ailments associated with process of aging. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the benefits of therapeutic massage, please visit the website mentioned below.

Alex Olson asked:


Massage therapy covers a large group of techniques and practices. Did you know that over 80 types of massage exist? In all of these kinds of massage, the therapist presses, rubs and manipulates the muscles and some of the other soft body tissues using varying movement and pressure.

Most therapists use their hands and fingers, but some may use their elbows, forearms or feet. The main purpose of massage therapy is to relax the soft tissues and increase the delivery of oxygen and blood to the areas that have been massaged, warm them and thereby decrease pain.

Here are a few of the popular types of massage therapy:

1. Swedish massage – In this type of therapy, the therapist will use long strokes, knead and will use friction on the muscles. He or she will also move the joint to aid in their flexibility.

2. Deep tissue massage – The therapist will use patterns of deep finger pressure and strokes on different parts of the body where the muscles are knotted and tight. The therapist will focus on layers of muscles that are deep under the skin.

3. Trigger point massage – A variety of strokes are used by the therapist and deeper and more focused pressure is applied on knots that will sometimes form in the muscles. These knots are painful when they are pressed and can cause symptoms in other parts of the body.

4. Shiatsu massage – Varying rhythmic pressures are applied by the therapist from the fingers on different body parts that are important for the flow of vital energy which is call qi.

There are many reasons why people use this therapy. Most of these are health related issues such as: the relief of pain, stress, to rehabilitate sports injuries, increase relaxation, aid in the feeling of general wellness and help in the areas of depression and anxiety.

There are some other reasons that scientists may feel that massage therapy is beneficial:

1. Changes occur in the muscles of the body when certain forces are applied to them.

2. Massage therapy may help to block pain signals that are sent to the brain.

3. Massage may help to guide a person’s nervous system away from the sympathetic and move it towards the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system helps the heart rate and the breathing to slow down and the person becomes more relaxed.

4. Massage therapy may stimulate the release of serotonin or endorphins(chemical).

5. Massage may help cause beneficial changes in the body for example, the prevention of scar tissue formation and the increase of the flow of lymph which help in the fight against disease.

6. Massage therapy may help to improve sleep. This plays a role in pain and in healing.

7. It may also provide a health benefit due to the interaction between the patient and the therapist.

If you have never tried massage therapy, and if it is within your budget, then you may want to give it a try. Perhaps you may experience some of the benefits that it has to offer.

MIKE SELVON asked:


The practice of massage therapy has a long and rich history. Cultures from all over the world have had some experience with this form of holistic medicine. Even Hippocrates wrote of how physicians should know how to give, what we now call a therapeutic massage, to someone to ensure their overall well-being.

Obviously, he was right because the job field for massage therapists is booming and there is always a great demand for this form of therapy in a variety of settings. Even though the popularity rises and falls, aromatherapy massage is still going strong.

If you think about it, then massage therapy makes sense. Have you ever pulled a muscle or had an aching back? Did you rub the area and gain some relief? It could have been that the muscle was knotted up and your rubbing relaxed the muscle.

That is what massage therapists do to help relieve muscle aches, sprains, strains and injury when they occur. They work each of the muscles to allow them to become relaxed. This takes a lot of the soreness and muscle ache out of the area of the injury.

Such therapists perform a different function than a typical masseuse. The masseuse will use body lotions that are made from aromatherapy essential oils. This produces either a calming effect or makes the person feel rejuvenation all along their tired and aching body. A very popular essential oil is lavender. Lavender is known for its calming affect which in turn allows the individual, and their muscles, to relax.

Such therapists are typically found in hospitals, physical therapy offices, spas and beauty salons. They also work with professional athletes to help them recover from an injury or from the rigors of their sport. They have begun to find a vital position in the medical field for their work. Considering how long masseuses have been around, it is time for them to be recognized for their profession.

Massage therapy can work for you if you find yourself with a muscle injury. It can also be an incredible way to de-stress from work. Regardless if you are a man or a woman, a massage can help you to feel better and you will find that you have a renewed sense of vigor to tackle your duties and responsibilities. The best place to look for a trained therapist is to go to a local spa and make an appointment with them for a full body massage.

Paul Zayer asked:


Massage therapy has been around for a long time. Massages were used as part of medical and health procedures in ancient cultures in Egypt, Greece, China, India and Rome.

All kinds of medical conditions and disorders were treated by massages. Massage can help you relax and can be used to treat stress Most of the time it promotes a feeling of well being. Massage therapy solicits all aspects of the physical system – the muscular, nervous, circulatory and immune systems.

Beside the physical benefits of massage therapy, the most important one is psychological; the intimate contact with another human being provides the feel-good aspect.

One of the ultimate forms of stress relief is a full body massage. A lot of persons who had a full body massage keep talking about how great the feel afterwards. The first thing that someone usually does after experiencing his or her first full body massage is book another full body massage! A common response from people who’ve experienced a full body massage is that for the first time in their lives they feel they’ve totally relaxed.

In addition to full body massage, massage can be used on specific, individual parts of the body. The foot is one of the main individual body parts that can be obtained through a specialist form of massages. The foot massage is normally called reflexology.

Massage therapy was on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time, but the modern medical experts generally accept the efficacy of massage. In fact, massage therapy in now offered by more than 70% of American hospitals as a part of their treatments.

What do hospitals use massage therapy for? They use it in the treatment of chronic pain symptoms, in cancer cases, pregnancy, infant care, joint and muscle mobility, stress management and many other symptoms and disorders.

New research suggests that massage therapy helps to boost the immune system, manage pain and lower blood pressure.

Massage therapies can also be benefit for people who are receiving drug and alcohol withdrawal cure. Massage therapy can also be associated to other therapies to strengthen their effects – e.g. aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure and reiki.

To see massage therapy going from the alternative medicine field to the mainstream because this means that many more people can now experience the benefits of this very versatile form of treatment and therapy. So if you want to get the benefits of massage therapy you have to do the first step. Get in touch with someone that does massages and find out on your own all the benefits.

Stephanie Macintosh asked:


There are a wide variety of different massage styles available, including the widely known Swedish or Classic massage style, deep muscle therapy, and trigger point therapy, all of which are used therapeutically to promote circulation in the body, loosen tired and sore muscles, and to prevent or eliminate pain.

Often the terms “massage” and “massage therapy” are used interchangeably – however, the two are in fact somewhat different services according to practitioners of massage therapy. While “massage” may be aimed solely at relaxation, massage therapy tends to be approached from a more therapeutic position, as an augmentation or in some cases replacement for more invasive medical techniques in order to deal with chronic disorders or conditions of pain. There are a growing number of hospitals now either partnering with massage therapy centers or offering massage therapy directly within the facility – some sufferers from chronic pain feel that massage therapy is far more effective than therapeutic drug therapy.

Trigger point massage is used on very specific muscle groups which are believed to transmit pain to different areas, in some cases causing a misdiagnosed medical condition, or at least causing the sufferer to believe that the problem is located in a different area than is actually the case. In this type of massage, strong pressure is applied to specific areas, with many patients reporting excellent results up to and including immediate relief of back, neck, and joint pain.

Other types of massage include hot rock massages in which warmed stones are used to apply both heat and pressure a client’s musculature as a way of dissolving muscular knots, providing relaxation, and promoting circulation which is known to have a variety of physiological benefits.

Over 50 million Americans will get at least one massage this year, with many companies now encouraging their employees to make use of massage therapy services as a way of boosting morale and improving productivity. Sufferers of chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome are increasingly encouraged by doctors and physiotherapists to explore the possibilities of massage therapy as a possible alternative to expensive surgery or prescription drug use. Massage therapy is a growing field with potential benefits for many people – if you experience back pain or headaches, massage may be great way to find relief and relaxation at the same time.

Paul Hata asked:


Various influences in massage therapy have cropped up leading to the creation of several methods that differ in techniques but offer the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have different origins and use contrasting styles but contribute a lot to achieve a healthy and relaxed body. With all the kinds of massage therapy programs available today, it has become really difficult for people to choose.

The Swedish Massage, which is also known as the classic or traditional massage is the most common massage therapy method and is usually preferred by the majority of people. It is characterized by long and flowing strokes which relax muscles, improve joint flexibility and aid in better circulation.

The first stroke is known as effleurage, involves long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. It is also done on the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. The therapist uses his whole hand or a thumb pad. This technique is done for familiarization of the person’s body.

Next is petrissage that consists of the gentle lifting of muscles up and away from the bones, then rolling and squeezing them, with a gentle pressure. It generally involves rolling, squeezing, or pressing the muscles to enhance deeper circulation. It increases circulation through eliminating toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

Friction, the third technique and the most forceful one is characterized by deep circular movements using fingertips applied near bony areas and joints and it relaxes the muscle fiber which enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

After friction, another technique called tapotement is done. Tapotement is a series of quick forceful movements made by striking or tapping the muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a closed fist, fingertips and the edge of the hand. It releases tension and relieves muscle cramps.

Lastly, the therapist uses vibration or shaking that entails the pressing of hands on the back or limbs and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. It improves circulation and muscle contraction and is beneficial to people with low-back pain.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated from India and its aim is to create harmony and balance within the individual and it aids in the removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body. It was not practiced publicly until Indian practitioners decided to roam around and give muscle, joint and back massages

Ayurvedic massage is based on a special system that includes the knowledge of Ayurvedic and Greek systems of medicine which is focused on Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. Muslim massage techniques were also adapted in this system.

Ayurvedic massage techniques uses specific oils that suit your dosha and depends on your being. One is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage, Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot massage which is a deep massage where the therapist uses his feet.

Now with enough knowledge on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, a person has of course the privilege to choose among the two which best suits his or her style of relaxation. But with both massages having unique techniques, the choosing part can be a little tricky though.

Paul Hata asked:


Nowadays, massage therapy is recognized by the medical society and is considered by the public because of its health and relaxation purposes. In modern times, a lot of new methods and techniques of massage have emerged and more people are now aware of the value of massage therapy.

In fact, a lot of states are already enforcing laws on massage therapy clinics and practices. Massage therapists are even required to get licenses before they can practice in a specific area. Of course, the law will be different from one state to another and until a federal law is passed, this will remain so.

But with all the massage therapy clinics that have been cropping up in every street corner in the metro, it has become hard to choose among them. Most of the time, what factors in our decision whether to go in or not is not actually the service but the ambiance or the aura that the store has. This is very unfortunate as we are compromising our safety for a great window display.

Below are some of the qualities that a good massage therapy clinic should have.

1. Wide range of massages

One quality that a good massage therapy clinic should have is a wide range of choices for their customers. There are many kinds of massage therapy being done and having some of them in your list of services means that you are not just a too-bit business establishment. Also, a wide selection of services also allow people to try out different things. After all, there is a different massage therapy that is appropriate for every person and for every situation.

2. Professional masseurs

Another important characteristic of a good massage therapy clinic is having professional masseurs. This means that the massage therapists should have at least a license in the kind of massage they are doing and several years of experience. That way, you can be sure that what they are doing is right and good for your body. You see, when done the wrong way, the massage therapy strokes can cause health problems, sprain someone and even maim in some instances.

3. Quality equipment and oil

Another thing that you can look into when determining how great a massage therapy clinic is the equipment and materials that they use for the massage. Remember that what they will be using will determine how good your experience will be during the massage. The oils that they use for instance can help in soothing the muscles and relaxing the body. The more upscale massage therapy clinics will even use oils that have scents. These can be more expensive but at least what you are getting is the real thing.

4. Good location

Believe it or not, the location of a place also determines whether a massage therapy clinic will become a success or not. A good location with a lot of people can mean constant foot traffic. No matter how great your service is, if people do not know that your business exists, it will come to nothing. You need to be in a place where you can be seen by people.

5. Reasonable price

Another important quality of a good massage therapy clinic is of course the price. A reasonably priced service with a good service will definitely be a success hands down.

Gary Gordon asked:


Massage therapy is a quickly growing industry, and it seems that everyone is signing up for massage school and buying their own massage therapy tables. They find the increasing popularity of the field as a reason to enter it. Returning patients and referrals comprise the bread and butter of a therapist’s business, and as a therapist, having the right massage table can make the difference between whether or not patients will return or refer their friends and family. This will determine if the therapist’s practice will succeed or fail.

There are many reasons people seek out massage therapy. Some needs relief from sore muscles, and others have tension in their body they want to have released. All patients turn to a massage therapist for relief and comfort. Patient comfort and relief are the primary goals for any massage session, no matter how long. This is why the massage therapy table should be designed for optimal patient accommodation. Most forms of massage on a table will last between thirty minutes to two hours. Patients will likely complain if during that time, they feel that they have to keep moving to find a soothing position. Patient movement of this sort will not help the therapist, either. A sudden patient jerk or movement could lead to pain or injury.

To keep patients happy and returning, they should have a well-padded massage table on which to lie during their session. The padding should be firm enough to support the patient while providing a comfortable cushion. Many patients remove their clothes and are covered with simply a drape during table massage therapy sessions. With bare skin touching the table, the chances of transference of germs from one client to another is increased. This is why it is vital that the top of the table should be easy to clean and disinfect between patients.

The patient will need to be able to breathe during the session, but this can be difficult if he is lying on his stomach. An open face pad or pillow in the shape of a horseshoe at the top of the massage therapy table will allow the patient to have his head supported, let him breathe easily, and maintain his neck posture while he is lying on his stomach. This head cushion also needs to be easy to clean and disinfect as the patient will have his face in it for the duration of the session.

In selecting your message therapy table it is also note worthy to consider the physical dimensions of your prospective clients/ patients. This coupled with a comfortable range of your own reach and your massage style will enable you to make a better decision when it comes to selecting massage therapy tables. A message table which is too narrow, may prove to be uncomfortable for some of the large patients. On the other hand, a massage therapy table which is too wide may force the masseuse to physically overextend her/himself during the session.

In addition to a comfortable massage table, it is also important to create a relaxing atmosphere for the client/patient. A combination of soothing music, subtle and pleasant air freshener in conjunction with dimmed lights will make it a satisfying experience for your client. This in turn, will ensure repeat sessions and more referrals. Happy massaging!

Paul Hata asked:


What is Swedish massage therapy? It is a technique designed to help the muscles in the body relax by applying pressure and then rubbing it in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

Unlike other methods of massage therapy, this was first developed in the 18th century. It is also called the classic massage because it represents the Western way of relaxing those muscles.

The main purpose of the Swedish massage then and now is still the same. This is to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood so toxins are released from the muscles. These toxins include lactic and uric acid as well as metabolic waste.

When this happens, circulation is increased without increasing the heart load. The ligaments and tendons are both stretched keeping them supple and pliable. This also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves at the same time. As a result, stress is reduced.

There are various techniques in the Swedish massage. Some examples of these are friction, effleurage, kneading, tapping, long strokes, vibrations and shaking motions. The therapist may use the fingertips, hands or palm to achieve maximum effect and of course, a little bit of bending and stretching.

During the session, the person has to undress and lie down on the mattress. He or she is then covered with a blanket and the only time it is opened is when the therapist has to massage that region of the body with oil so this will be absorbed by the body.

If you do not feel comfortable about being nude, bring some old loose clothes because the oil may stain fabrics.

A Swedish massage usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. Before the session begins, the therapist may check your complexion then choose the type of oil to use based on your skin type. If ever you want to increase or decrease the pressure, just say so and the therapist will adjust accordingly.

In the room, you may hear some soothing music playing in the background as this has been known to help people unwind. If you don’t like it, just tell them so they can play something else or just turn it off.

You might notice that the therapist would like to chat while working on you. Just like the music, if you don’t feel like talking, just tell them. Don’t worry, they won’t be offended.

Lastly, some people sleep during Swedish massage therapy. Again, that is perfectly fine because it has been known to happen.

Swedish massage therapy is considered to be the foundation of other types of Western massages. This is because the principles behind it are the same as when you try sports massage, seated chair massage, hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage or aromatherapy. If you like the way you were treated, try out the others the next time you drop by.

Before going for a session, check with your doctor if it is safe for you to do. You should also avoid eating a heavy meal before going in.

Swedish massage therapy is good. Once the session is over, you will feel relaxed and invigorated. Since you will feel thirsty afterwards, you better drink up. Some places offer water while others hand out warm tea. Whenever you are ready, it is time for you to get dressed and head on home.

Paul Hata asked:


The history of massage started during the 3000 BC when the Chinese wrote Cong-Fu of the Tao-Tse, the oldest book written about massage which was later translated to French in the 1700s. In 2760 BC, Nei Ching or the Yellow Emperor’s Esoteric Classic discussed therapeutic touch.

The Egyptians made their contribution in massage when they created reflexology in 2500 BC. Even the Indians participated in the development of massage when they established Ayurvedic massage.

During 500 BC-50 AD, the Greek and Romans used massage on Olympic athletes and to relieve neuralgia and epileptic seizures. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, incorporated massage in medicine. In 130 AD-201 AD, Galen, a Greek physician from the school of gladiators who were rubbed before fighting wrote a book on manual medicine.

In 100s AD, schools for massage therapy were created in China. Then in 600s AD the Japanese developed shiatsu, which uses the fingers to apply pressure on acupuncture points to regenerate energy. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), pediatric massage therapy or tuina evolved into a higher form of therapy which is still used today.

During 1776-1813, Per Henrik Ling, a fencing master and gymnast cured himself of rheumatism through massage and created Medical Gymnastics and later formed the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Then in 1839-1909, Johann Mezger introduced medical massage to the scientific community and the terms effleurage, petrissage and tapotement became familiar.

The effects of massage on anemia were researched by medical doctors and professors in New York City in 1880. Four years later, Professor Charcot, a French physician who taught Sigmund Freud recommended massage therapy in French medicine.

The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed in Britain which offered massage education recognized by schools in 1894. A year after, Sigmund Freud used massage therapy to treat hysteria. During the same year, Harvey Kellog wrote The Art of Massage.

The 1900’s gave birth to different massage therapy methods like Jin shin jyutsu or the art of circulation awakening developed in Japan by Jiro Murai, The Alexander Technique created by F.M. Alexander, an Australian actor, Naprapathy (1907) which originated in Chicago, Bindgewebs massage (1929), created by German Physical therapist, Elizabeth Dicke and Neuromuscular therapy (1930) created by Stanley Leif.

In 1937, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, discovered the healing powers of essential oils accidentally during a laboratory experiment where he burned his hand and used lavender oil to soothe it. He coined the word Aromatherapy. Two years after, The Florida State Massage Therapy Association Inc. (FSTMA) was organized. Today, it is one f the oldest massage organizations with 85 charter members.

The Massage Registration Act was formulated during 1949, and in 1950 Francis Tappan and Gertrude Beard wrote books and articles concerning massage techniques. Two years later, Hoshino Therapy, which is an official medical therapy in Argentina was developed. Then during the 1960s, John Barnes created Myofascial Release Therapy.

In 1977-1978, Aston- Patterning was developed by Judith Aston and Hellerwork was created by Joseph Heller. Both methods are forms of rolfing.

During the 1980s, the Association of Bodywork and Massage Practitioners was established. Also, Watsu or water therapy was developed by Harold Dull followed by Stuart Taws creation of Taws Method or Soft Tissue Release.

In the 1990s, a protocol for fybromyalgia syndrome was defined by the American College of Rheumatology and the Touch Research Institute, which studies the effects of touch therapy was established.