Archive for the ‘ Massage Therapy ’ Category

Massage Therapy Shown To Be the Best Choice of Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Massage therapists often gush about the therapeutic properties of massage therapy, saying it can lower levels of anxiety and stress, improve wellness, and even reduce pain. And for the most part, they’re right.

Indeed, many academic studies have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of massage, but these studies are usually small in their number of participants, and often massage is indicated as a complementary treatment, for example, as a non-invasive pain reliever for cancer patients. A study in the July 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine is therefore a breakthrough for massage therapists as it concludes that massage isn’t just a good complementary therapy, rather, it is the best choice for treating lower back pain.

The study, titled A Comparison of the Effects of 2 Types of Massage and Usual Care on Chronic Low Back Pain, is so newsworthy because it concludes that general massage therapy is more effective than standard medical treatment when dealing with back pain. This means that a weekly massage can do more to ease chronic back pain than painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs (think Advil) and physical therapy.

According to The USA Today (1), the study monitored 410 women with chronic lower back pain. The women were randomly assigned to three groups, with one group receiving standard medical care as outlined above, one receiving an hour-long, weekly structural massage therapy session, and the final group receiving a standard, hour-long Swedish massage.

The results showed that women who received either form of massage were two times as likely to have spent less time in bed due to pain, used less pain medication, and generally were more active than the women who did not receive massage therapy. Stunningly, more than one-third of the women who received massage reported their back pain as much improved or completely gone, while only four percent of women who received standard medical care could say the same thing.

What does this mean for massage therapy and its practitioners? First and foremost, it is thorough proof that massage can do what therapists have been saying it can do all along: Provide effective pain management and improve people’s quality of life. Second, this claim can be made by all massage therapists – from the highest trained to the recently graduated – as almost all therapists are well versed in Swedish massage. Finally, this should motivate therapists to continue to promote massage as an effective, non-invasive therapy to people in areas where lower back pain is common, providing therapists with another reason to market, for example, chair massage therapy to office employees.

Massage Just for the Wealthy – Invest in Yourself

Many people look at massage as a luxury, something to treat yourself with once a year for your birthday or anniversary, or even something that only the ‘wealthy’ do. I’ve had many people ask, or even state and assume that my clients must only be wealthy clients. Their expectation is that only the ‘rich’ can afford massage. If that’s the case, then why are their so many spas and massage therapists? There can’t be that many ‘rich’ people keeping these places in business can there? Ya, I don’t think so.

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Massage is for most everyone including kids and animals (and yes I’ve massaged kids, dogs, cats and a horse). It doesn’t matter what your checking account balance is, it’s a whole variety of people that get massages. For my business I have the range of clients that yes others would consider wealthy. I also have middle-income as well as the other end of the spectrum of clients that live solely on disability and social security income. Would they be considered wealthy? Not in a financial sense, no. In a healthy, well-being sense? Absolutely! And that goes for all my clients, the amount of money they have doesn’t factor into the massage I do. I consider every client I have wealthy in who they are and the type of person they are. There is a quote I heard a while ago that I think relates to this topic: First Wealth is Health ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Massage is something people do for themselves, it is an investment into their own health, something that you do for you to help keep your body and mind in check. What one person may consider expensive another doesn’t. I may consider paying $60 or more for pants expensive while someone else freely spends their money on $100 pants. Part of it really comes down to what you want to spend your money on. Do you want to spend money on you? Do you think you’re worth the cost of massage? Do you think your health is worth it? Well you should think you’re worth it, because you are! What I really think it comes down to is that we are taught not to ever be selfish and we consider massage a selfish act. Again, it’s not and your first wealth is your health and it’s an investment into you! So go ahead, make that investment! Aren’t you worth it?

Amusing Massage Packages Offered at Your Comfort

Massage is not simply the action of fondling or making you flexible. It has some amazing benefits to offer you. It gives a soothing and relaxed experience along with improving your blood circulation. It is proven that gentle massage can keep you beautiful and young. Lots of beauty benefits with a facial massage… Stretches tissues, enhances collagen production, and rejuvenates your skin. Other than beauty benefits, massage offers excellent health benefits. Pleasant touch along the spine and waist has the power to reduce back pain. Gentle massage cures swelling of joints and muscle pains, improves breathing, regulates the nerve cells and also enhances the immune system. Moreover, massage is the great reliever of stress and tensions. Massage brings harmony to your mind and body. That’s why the system of massaging has been in existence from ancient times and is getting familiar among people nowadays.

Do you know the excellent benefits of massage in pregnant women? It’s because during pregnancy, a woman suffers more from pains and aches. The body experiences considerable changes in times of pregnancy and so a good massage provides enough relaxation and thus benefits both the mother and the child. People opt for a day spa to get massages and other beauty therapies like manicure, pedicure and more. The prices may be expensive and varies with different massage therapies but professional massage therapists offer excellent services for their clients. The silent atmosphere with all the possible facilities for relaxation provides you excellent spa experience. Soothing music, freshness of nature and the ambience of light is something extraordinary for everyone. If you don’t have time to spend in a spa or massaging centers, there are services which offer you spa experience in the comfort of your home. Just by making a call

It is now possible to gift your special ones with an excellent massage package. Available separately for both male and female, it is easy to purchase and print gift vouchers in little time. The massaging spas have beauty therapists as a team to satisfy the clients’ needs at their comfort. How nice it would be to present someone with gift certificates in minutes? Your friends will be surprised with this wonderful gift. Luxury packages are available for special events and occasions. Facial and beauty packages for kids would make your little princess look charming during her birthday party and other festive occasions. Get the dazzling look to attract the guests in times of parties and night events. Health and massage spas get popular and are found in large numbers in Brisbane. Book for your packages and enjoy the spa experience with mobile treatments at your convenience.

Three Main Importances of Having a Massage

Some people think massage or going to Spa is a luxury. Well, in a way yes this is a luxury that the body definitely deserves, but the notion that this is a luxury because of the excessive amount of money you spend for it is a wrong notion. There are various Spa clinics that offer affordable rates that most people in the working class can avail. There are even massage chairs that one can buy to have full and immediate access to a great massage in the comfort of their home.

Massage is not just a luxury in fact there are different advantages of having a great a massage and here are three of those advantages:

To help you get more energy - no matter how tough you may think you are, you still need some ways to vent out all the stress and worries you have in your mind. For some people it is through a great massage. They go to Spa salons and massage parlors to avail Swedish, Thai, shiatsu or Deep Tissue massage because they feel relaxed during and after the massage session. The body receives different kind of relaxation when the masseurs perform those various massages to target the muscles in different parts of the body. As a result, these people become more energetic and happy to face another day in their lives. So if you want to experience this and be energetic once again try to get a massage.

To forget about stress – work, school, relationships and other factors in your life can cause you so much stress and this is not good and healthy for you. You can start to have wrinkles all over your face because of the stress. So try to say goodbye to stress by having your favourite massage. When you are having a massage, not only your body is receiving the pleasure but also your mind. You will receive peaceful feeling while enjoying a good massage. This is definitely better than drinking alcoholic drinks to forget about your worries and stress.

To treat injuries and pains in your body – do you feel some pain in your back or neck because of long day at work facing the computer and dealing with different proposals and assignments that your boss tasked you to do? Well do not try to downplay this pain because this can even lead to worst injuries so do something about it and consult a physical therapist. A massage can treat different minor muscle injuries due to fatigue or stress. Don’t you notice that people who suffer injury treat it with massage therapies? Why? Well because it is really effective and even sports players who have been injured can attest to this.

These are the advantages of getting a massage. No doubt, you will feel good and light once you treat yourself to a spa or even those massage chairs available everywhere these days. Remember that it is important to treat your body and state of mind properly so you can perform all your tasks in your day.

What Is a Cat Massage?

Cats are adorable animals commonly pampered as pets in our homes. Like humans, cats also experience stress, muscle pain, anxiety and other types of medical conditions.

A cat massage is a type of therapeutic massage developed for the purpose of soothing the body, relieving muscle pain, boosting the immune system, and enhancing the mood of our furred friend. This type of therapy not only relaxes our pet but also strengthens the bond between the owner and the cat.

Evaluation is done to the animal prior to the therapy as a way of assessing problems such as abnormalities on the skin, muscular and skeletal system. Serious conditions can be traced through swelling which can keep the owner a step ahead for a possible visit to the veterinarian. The owner can also use this as a time to scan for parasites such as ticks, fleas and mites.

Cat massage therapy can help the cat become friendlier and socialized with every gentle touch and massage stroke. The soft touch of the hand during the massage can calm the cat allowing it to loosen up and less anxious about anything.

When massaging your pet cat, make him or her to lie down on your lap or on the table where you can properly conduct your massage strokes. Effleurage is a type of massage stroke that uses long yet gentle continuous strokes which helps in conditioning and relaxing the body. Use this on your cat to help with the preparation of the other strokes. Friction can also be used on your pet. In case your pet becomes bored during the therapy, scratching them on the back, on the cheeks, chest and behind the ears can help you make them comfortable and ready for the next massage stroke.

Start the therapy from the top of the head gradually going down to the tail. When doing this, make sure that you properly control the pressure you apply to avoid confusion on the part of the cat. Our pets may become anxious with just a little inconsistency in the pressure we exert during a cat massage therapy. Repeat the process from the head to the tail for several repetitions while checking again for physical abnormalities such as bumps and swellings. Refrain from applying pressure or massaging those parts as it can worsen those areas instead of recovering.

Circular motions with your fingers can be done on your cat’s body. This technique also helps in calming our pet although this can also be uncomfortable or inviting for other cats. Belly massage can be quite confusing to most cats as the stimulation of their belly is a sign of invitation for playing. In order to complete the belly massage, it is important to have control over the cat and let it know that this is not the time for play. Repeat the process until the cat gets the idea that it is part of the therapeutic massage rather than an invitation for a happy time. In time, our pet can get accustomed to the soothing experience and actually surrender their body for a massage therapy.

Massage Therapy While Pregnant

Massage Therapy while pregnant can provide relief from swelling and cramping in the legs, anxiety, back pain and the stress pregnancy takes on the entire body. Mothers-to-be often report better sleep and less aches and pains.

The therapy can be performed on a massage table with a pregnancy insert or as a side-to-side massage.

Massage therapy during pregnancy, if received throughout the entire nine months, can help to reduce active labor and delivery time by 20-25%.

By improving muscle tone, helping tight muscles to relax (especially on a regular basis throughout pregnancy), and easing anxiety, massage therapy is actually preparing your body for labor. As you relax and release those tense muscles, you are conditioning your body for birthing.

Many studies have proven that massage during pregnancy provides less painful labor and can reduce labor time, complications, and the amount of narcotics needed for pain.

By increasing circulation and blood flow, massage can bring more vitamins, nutrients and minerals to your body, and to your baby’s body, making him/her healthier.

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Main Benefits of massage during pregnancy:

Reduces swelling and edema in the hands, feet and ankles
Reduces muscle pain, tension and cramping
Helps to condition muscles and increase flexibility
Improves sleep patterns
Increases blood circulation and helps the body eliminate waste
Decreases anxiety
Boosts immune system function
Reduces labor and delivery time

Can you get massage with a High Risk Pregnancy?

If you are in a high risk pregnancy, it is always best to discuss massage therapy with your doctor before looking for a therapist. He/She may also be able to connect you with someone who is highly trained and experienced to work with high-risk pregnancy patients.

What happens during the session?

The therapists will often do a brief medical history discussion with you before discussing what will happen during the massage.

The session may include Swedish massage (long, light strokes) craniosacral work (emphasizing work on head, neck, back and shoulders), facial massage, or reflexology (emphasizing massage on hands and feet).

A pregnancy massage session takes at least 60 minutes, but may go as long as 90 minutes.

The mother is surrounded with pillows for support and draped with a sheet and/or blanket for comfort. Soft, slow music will most likely be playing and the room will be dark, with very little light.

The massage will usually start with head, neck and shoulder work. Next, you will either move to your side for massage on the arms, legs, and back or turn over if there is a pregnancy insert in the table.

Massage during pregnancy, with the client laying on her stomach, is not recommended beyond 18-20 weeks. Side-to-side massage should always be performed at that stage.

Massage for Relaxation – A Sure Solution for Stress Related Problems

Do you feel unable to balance the pressures of home as well as work? Are you always on edge because of the different pressures you have to face? Most people today have to go through a lot of stress in their lives because of the conflicting demands upon them. This causes people to resort to various pharmaceutical substances in order to help them deal with stress. Needless to say, these chemicals tend to cause more problems than they solve. If you feel that your problems are overwhelming you then you should try out a massage for relaxation. Plenty of people do this because of the well documented benefits of getting a massage.

It is a well known fact that the process of massaging releases chemicals called endorphins in the blood of the person getting the massage. Endorphins are great things to have because they have the ability to elevate your mood. In other words, you will feel a sense of wellbeing and happiness after you have received a massage. These chemicals have a powerful effect on your body as well as your psyche and they beat anything that a pharmaceutical product can offer you. They are not addictive and they have absolutely no negative effect on you.

When you get massaged your blood circulation also gets stimulated. Blood will flow more vigorously all through your body and this will help your body get rid of accumulated toxins very easily. It will also take nutrients and oxygen more quickly to the different parts of your body. You will feel very relaxed and much healthier as a result of this. Improved blood circulation to your brain will also help you think clearly.

Getting a massage also send you an important psychological message. It gives you the time and opportunity to switch off all your worries and allow you the luxury of concentrating on the physical sensations only. One of the important reasons that people love massages is that it makes them feel pampered and gives them the feeling that they are important enough to luxuriate in a sensual manner.

It is best that you take off time on a regular basis in order to get massaged because this will help bring down your stress levels considerably. Add this to your weekly or fortnightly schedule depending in how much free time or money you have. Massages can be quite expensive, but they are far cheaper than using drugs, alcohol or pills both in the short term as well as the long term. Not only will you feel really relaxed but you will also look very attractive because your skin will glow thanks to the enhanced blood circulation.

There are many types of massage you could choose from in order to feel more relaxed. Swedish or Thai massages are extremely relaxing. However, aromatherapy massages are also increasing in popularity because the essential oils that are used in this particular style enhance the comforting effect. Make sure that you have a good masseuse who can help you get rid of all your stress.

Which Type of Oil Is Best for Your Massage?

Massage Oils have been regarded as the massage practitioner’s strongest friend. They help him/her provide a stress-melting touch for clients, and promote a release of anxiety, stress and tension.

When a massage therapist chooses the type of massage oil that they will use on a daily basis, it is done with much care.

They not only consider the ingredients in the oil (vitamins, minerals, etc.), but the oil will help the client in the healing process.

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Of course, they must consider price, as well as how it warms as it is applied to the skin.

Natural, pure massage oils are chemical-free and cold-pressed. They provide the smoothest glide possible.

The most popular types of oil used for massage and their benefits are:
Almond

Almond oil is perfect for dry skin. It is very light when applied and contains Vitamins A, B1, B6, and E.
Arnica

This oil is typically a cold-pressed olive oil with arnica extract. It is anti-inflammatory and great for bruises, irritation and sore, inflamed muscles.
Jojoba

Jojoba (pronounced ho-HO-ba) is an extract of the seed of the jojoba tree (Simmondsia chinenis). It is a pure, cold-pressed oil that is rich in Vitamin E, resembling the body’s own natural oil. The best thing about this oil is that it won’t become rancid and start to smell in your massage room.

The negative is that it can be expensive for the pure, organic oil. Just remember, with this oil a little goes a long way.
Grapeseed

This is a natural, light, massage oil. It absorbs easily into skin and nourishes skin with many nutrients. It is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-histamine, and anti-aging oil. It is great to help treat arthritis, dermatitis, acne, dry skin, and sun burns.

It is very economical, but the residue can become rancid on table linens and on the shelf.

Making the most of your massage oil

Adding essential oils to a pure massage oil is another option for many therapists.

A massage oil recipe will often include drops of essential oils to treat specific ailments such as fatigue, stress, anxiety and pain. Often, only a few drops of essential oil is required for each recipe.

A massage oil warmer is another necessity for a massage practitioner. It can heat the oil to provide instant relaxation and stress relief for the client.

When you combine the soothing touch of a massage therapist, the aromatic scent of the essential oils, the warmth of a properly heated lubricant, slow massage music and the best massage oil for your client, you’ve set the stage for true relaxation and rest.

Massage Therapy – Some Things You Need to Know

Even thousands of years ago, in different parts of the world, there are already people who practice the art of massage therapy and many people were able to benefit from it. Although these people were able to go through proper training, they did manage to make use of the massage therapy for healing and relaxation. But at present, you can find a lot of massage schools in different places and they all offer good training for those people who are interested to become massage therapists. These schools even provide information and training about human’s anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular therapy and all other fields that has something to do with massage therapy.

On the other hand, there are numerous benefits that you can enjoy with massage as long as it is being performed by a professional and licensed therapist. Anyone can actually perform different types of massage techniques but the problem lies when they will not be performed properly. Instead of feeling better and relaxed after the session, you might feel more pain and later on suffer from serious problems like bone fracture. Getting a massage does not actually have any major drawbacks provided that you are responsible enough and you are taking all the important things into consideration. For instance, before making an appointment with a therapist especially if it’s your first time, you have to consult your doctor first or ask some information from the therapist first. If you are pregnant, it is important that you ask if the therapist is trained to do prenatal massage. In this way, you will be able to determine the best massage technique for you. You have to remember that there are almost a hundred massage techniques/styles that can be performed by a therapist.

But aside from a therapist, you can also consider another option of getting a massage and this is through using a robotic massage chair. Unlike before, massage chairs now are already designed to also perform a large variety of massage techniques like Swedish massage, Shiatsu and many more. You will be able to find a lot of massage chairs sold online and in actual stores that are made by world-renowned manufacturers like Sanyo, Panasonic, etc. These chairs also come in different materials, design, styles and some added features. So if you are planning to regularly get a massage but you do not want to constantly visit a spa or massage salon, this is a very good alternative to look into.

In general, massage therapy is definitely beneficial for people who suffer from stress, muscle tension, back pain, etc., like you. Although there are some minor disadvantages and risks involve, these are not enough to defy the benefits that it can offer to both the body and mind. As long as it is being performed by professional, trained and licensed therapists, you won’t have to worry so much because they exactly know what to do. But if you are using a massage chair, all you have to do is to make sure that the equipment is working properly and that you are also using it properly.

Massage Therapy – Some Things You Need to Know

Even thousands of years ago, in different parts of the world, there are already people who practice the art of massage therapy and many people were able to benefit from it. Although these people were able to go through proper training, they did manage to make use of the massage therapy for healing and relaxation. But at present, you can find a lot of massage schools in different places and they all offer good training for those people who are interested to become massage therapists. These schools even provide information and training about human’s anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular therapy and all other fields that has something to do with massage therapy.

On the other hand, there are numerous benefits that you can enjoy with massage as long as it is being performed by a professional and licensed therapist. Anyone can actually perform different types of massage techniques but the problem lies when they will not be performed properly. Instead of feeling better and relaxed after the session, you might feel more pain and later on suffer from serious problems like bone fracture. Getting a massage does not actually have any major drawbacks provided that you are responsible enough and you are taking all the important things into consideration. For instance, before making an appointment with a therapist especially if it’s your first time, you have to consult your doctor first or ask some information from the therapist first. If you are pregnant, it is important that you ask if the therapist is trained to do prenatal massage. In this way, you will be able to determine the best massage technique for you. You have to remember that there are almost a hundred massage techniques/styles that can be performed by a therapist.

But aside from a therapist, you can also consider another option of getting a massage and this is through using a robotic massage chair. Unlike before, massage chairs now are already designed to also perform a large variety of massage techniques like Swedish massage, Shiatsu and many more. You will be able to find a lot of massage chairs sold online and in actual stores that are made by world-renowned manufacturers like Sanyo, Panasonic, etc. These chairs also come in different materials, design, styles and some added features. So if you are planning to regularly get a massage but you do not want to constantly visit a spa or massage salon, this is a very good alternative to look into.

In general, massage therapy is definitely beneficial for people who suffer from stress, muscle tension, back pain, etc., like you. Although there are some minor disadvantages and risks involve, these are not enough to defy the benefits that it can offer to both the body and mind. As long as it is being performed by professional, trained and licensed therapists, you won’t have to worry so much because they exactly know what to do. But if you are using a massage chair, all you have to do is to make sure that the equipment is working properly and that you are also using it properly.