Posts Tagged ‘ massage

How Sports Massage Can Help You!

A sports person can be aided by sports massage as it manipulates soft tissue. The tissues which connect or support other structures and organs of the body that are not bone are called soft tissue. Tendons, ligaments, skin, fascia (sheathes all the other soft tissues), muscle, fat and connective tissue are all included in soft tissue.

The art of sports massage means that problems and imbalances can be addressed these are most commonly caused by repetitive movements during physical activity. This type of massage can be administered pre or post exercise and has many benefits in both instances.

There are a number of different ways in which sports massage differs to other massage such as holistic or Swedish, it is more to do with muscular alignment, the effects of certain sports and how massage can decrease these effects rather than physical and mental relaxation.

Sports massage has many advantages! Increases circulation of blood, which in turn aids muscles to loosen and recover. Helps to remove any toxins and wastes from the body, including lactic acid if present. Increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients to the area which aids recovery. Is beneficial pre, intermediate and after sports events as it can be relaxing or stimulating. The chance of injuries are decreases as the right muscles are warmed up. Helps remove adhesion between muscle and skin or muscle and bone, leaving the customer feeling ‘looser’. Removal of knots and prevention of knots which may occur from repeated movements and limited stretching. Increased flexibility in joints. By allowing proper alignment of muscle fibres the recovery of any sports injuries is increased. Allows muscular balance, posture and overall coordination to be improved. Helps athletes to return to training/competing quickly.

The client is able to control the pressure of the massage completely. There is communication between the sports masseuse and client to ensure problem areas are highlighted and dealt with in the most appropriate way.

Many athletes, irrespective of age, physical fitness or amount of training can benefit from this kind of massage. In many sports it is imperative that the sports person returns from an injury as fast as possible, massage can help to decrease the recovery time. If the injury is not professionally treated during recovery then they may feel the injury for the rest of their lives, but with a suitable sports massage this won’t happen.

Therapeutic Treatments In Massage Chairs

You can now find a number of helpful therapies contained in today’s massage chairs. Technology is enabling more types of therapies to be included into these recliners. They are perfect for home use on a frequent basis. Here are some of the more beneficial therapeutic treatments you can find in a massage chair.

Traction or stretching of the spine helps with greater mobility. Mechanical traction is defined as the application of a mechanical force to the body in a way that separates or attempts to separate the joint surfaces and elongate the surrounding soft tissues. There are a number of ways to accomplish traction.

Spinal traction is used to distract joint surfaces and stretch soft tissues. Joint distraction is defined as the separation of two articular surfaces perpendicular to the plane of the articulation. Traction applied to the spine or spinal traction is performed by some massaging chairs.

A massage chair uses supine segmentation traction. This is a 3-point bending method for spinal traction. It causes tensile stresses in the anterior spinal region directly above the roller. The subject is supine and the rollers push up vertically against the spine. The body weight on each side of the roller (cranial or caudal) is pulling the spine by gravity. The subject’s weight towards the surface of the earth, while the rollers push upward in between. The force of the traction is affected by the subject’s body weight and the angle of the chair back.

Leg elevation can also be performed by a massage chair. Leg elevation is defined as having the calves in the case of edema above the elevation of the heart. The massage chair is reclined while the leg rest is raised. The patient can adjust the level of the legs at or above the level of the heart.

There are some massages for the cervical spine such as the kneading massage. The kneading massage is a side to side motion performed by the rollers. The rollers use side to side strokes of 3 inches for each roller.

The kneading motion is used for pressure and deeper penetration. It delivers long strokes for the major back and shoulder muscles. The kneading motion helps to elongate the muscle fibers. Elongating the muscle fibers is believed to help reduce muscle tension, increase flexibility and improve blood flow.

Rapid tapping is used to loosen the major back muscles. Massage chairs perform an invigorating tapping massage. The tapping massage is a rapid succession of quick little blows. The rollers gently invigorate the muscles and loosen up the soft tissue areas.

Rapid tapping can help improve blood flow and to relax a muscle group. When the spine is misaligned, then the other muscles must pick up the slack. In addition to their normal load, they must also carry extra weight from a misaligned spine. The tapping massage helps to reduce this tension.

Heaters have been located in the leg rest, seat and the chair back. Each heating area has independent controls. Heat is applied by activating the heating elements in the chair. Heat is an aid to reducing stiff muscles or joints and is also used to increase flexibility and range of motion.

It is great that so many new therapies are being included into massage chairs. These are some of the more important therapies that are now available. I think that massage chairs are the most convenient way to get regular massage therapy.

Day Spa: Different Services Available

Who does not love a day at the spa? It is a time to get pampered and forget about anything that is concerning you in the outside world. It can be such a relaxing and enjoyable experience, once you get inside the spa for your services. However, looking at a spa’s menu of services can be the exact opposite experience. Every day spa will offer a different variety of services. However, most spas will have the same types of services, but maybe a different variety. You need to plan out and think about which services you would like to have done before you go to the spa.

Every day spa is going to offer one very traditional service, the manicure and pedicure. A manicure if where they will trim your cuticles, nails, massage your hands and most often paint your nails. The pedicure is the same service, but for your feet. Within this service, there are different varieties of manicure and pedicures. They can vary by the time allotted for the service, the type(s) of products (lotions, salts, etc.) used for the service among other things. One type of pedicure that is becoming increasingly popular is the hot stone pedicure. It is a little more costly than the traditional, but the hot stones do wonders to relieve stress and sore muscles in the feet. It is a great added bonus to an already wonderful day spa service.

Most day spas also offer massages. Massages are another service that usually comes in many different varieties. It is important to know what kinds your day spa offers so that you may choose the one that is best suited for your own needs and desires. Most spas will offer different massages ranging from traditional, deep tissue, and even hot stone massages. They will also have massages that will vary by the type of oils used for the massage. If you are not sure which massage to choose, you should consult your spa and they can walk you through the different options.

Facials are another popular spa service. A facial can be relaxing; however, it can also be somewhat of a painful experience as well. A facial can have long lasting impacts on the healthier of your skin. Keeping your pores open and clean will lead to a better completion. People who get facials often have skin clear of blemishes. Day Spas offer different varieties of facials as well.

These are the most popular services offered by most every day spa that you will get in contact with. However, there are a variety of different services that can be found at most spas as well ranging from waxing, body wraps, and some will even offer spray or mystic tanning. You can even find day spas that cater to men’s needs and offer spa services specifically for men. Whichever services you choose to do, make sure your spa offers that. Then, relax and enjoy!

Reducing Labor Delivery Discomfort With Massage

Very few of today’s mothers-to-be can afford the luxury of being a stay at home mom, even during their pregnancy. Having to cater with the increasing pressures of a fast paced life style, between work and home, leaves the modern mother-to-be a very stressed out individual. While dealing with the rigors of daily life, home life, and her pregnancy, she is well aware that the wellness and health of her forthcoming child is crucial and depends a lot on how she handles these daily pressures. If she wants a smooth delivery process and the birth of a healthy happy baby it is essential she finds some way to deactivate some of these stresses and pressures.

Many seek holistic alternative approaches in addition to the traditional health services they are already receiving. Pregnancy massage therapy is alternative medicine therapy which offers therapeutic stress reduction value. Additionally, it enhances the function of joints and muscles, while improving blood circulation and relieving mental and physical fatigue.

Pregnancy massage can be provide prenatal, postnatal, and during the labor process. The rule is generally to refer massage either prenatal or post natal, however, its benefits can be enjoyed throughout the entire pregnancy and after. Most mums-to-be equate prenatal and post-natal massage to mean massage that takes place a few days or a few hours before or after the delivery.

During prenatal massage, the massage is focused on reducing pregnancy discomforts and aimed at enhancing the physiological and emotional well-being of the mother and the fetus. This produces a relaxed mother-to-be and aids in the development of a brainy, happy, healthy baby. Prenatal massage also helps to strengthen and prepare the muscles that are used during natural childbirth delivery process.

With a desire to have as natural a delivery as possible, without the use of an epidural or any other drugs, as well as shortening the delivery process as much as possible, a lot of pregnant women are now seeking alternative medicine therapies to assist them to that end. Experienced massage therapist with a strong focus in pregnancy massage utilize massage techniques which aid in shortening the delivery process and easing the pain and anxiety which is associated during labor.

The focus of post-natal massage is on toning the newly delivered mother’s body. Her body need to be brought back into balance and gotten back into shape. Post-natal massage helps reduce fluid retention, rejuvenate and re-energizes the mother which promotes healing, increases recovery, and enhances her ability to bond faster with her new baby.

With the major objective being the establishment of a good mental state and excellent physical health for herself and her new baby, more and more moms-to-be are opting into including holistic alternative medicine approaches as apart of their birthing experience. As the number of doctors participating in blended medicine discover the suitability and benefits of these alternative therapies, they readily refer and encourage them to do so.

Massaging Emerging As a Promising Therapy for People of All Ages

Massages are not at all a new thing to the world, as most of the people are aware about their value and prodigious history they hold. Basically, a massage regulates and facilitates local blood circulation, refreshes the musculoskeletal system, expels toxins from the body via skin. The massaging pressure is similar to that of the pressure applied for Chinese treatments Acupuncture and Acupressure. In recent days, patients are requesting additional treatment options other than pure medications. Therapists have started to realize the benefits of not simply treating the condition or disease a patient has been diagnosed with, but also treating the person behind the disease. Lot of research studies is being conducted that suggest the effectiveness of massage. With no doubts, it is now clear that massages play an amazing role in providing relaxation to the affected female during the pregnancy period and couples suffering from mental illness.

Rubbing, kneading, tapping, vibrating, and stroking or tickling are the various massage movements. Each of these movements is employed with a particular value of pressure. The movements can be can be used singly or as a combination of more than one throughout the surface of the body. It is believed that the magic of the masseur, along with his or her emotional state, will have a positive psychological impact on a person’s mind. Thus, if a person who truly wishes that the ailing person should improve massages the patient, which will have a quicker effect than normal.

In these days, there are a number of day spa centers along Brisbane and all over the world. Not only massaging, but also these stress relieving spots embraces you with wonderful gifts, certificates, gift vouchers, night parties and so on. You can also find a number of gadgets and devices, both electric as well as battery-operated to massage specific areas of your body. They’re in great demand because you can easily massage yourself without tiring your hands. Vibrations and active, passive range of movements are used to manipulate the nervous system response to break spasm-pain cycles. Normally massage oil, lotion, cream, or gel is applied. This is the most popular form of massage therapy. Deep tissue method is same as the Swedish massage which has very similar strokes and massage methods as Swedish massage, except pressure is slower, with medium to deep contact to affect muscles under the superficial layers.Massages are not at all a new thing to the world, as most of the people are aware about their value and prodigious history they hold. Basically, a massage regulates and facilitates local blood circulation, refreshes the musculoskeletal system, expels toxins from the body via skin. The massaging pressure is similar to that of the pressure applied for Chinese treatments Acupuncture and Acupressure. In recent days, patients are requesting additional treatment options other than pure medications. Therapists have started to realize the benefits of not simply treating the condition or disease a patient has been diagnosed with, but also treating the person behind the disease. Lot of research studies is being conducted that suggest the effectiveness of massage. With no doubts, it is now clear that massages play an amazing role in providing relaxation to the affected female during the pregnancy period and couples suffering from mental illness.

Rubbing, kneading, tapping, vibrating, and stroking or tickling are the various massage movements. Each of these movements is employed with a particular value of pressure. The movements can be can be used singly or as a combination of more than one throughout the surface of the body. It is believed that the magic of the masseur, along with his or her emotional state, will have a positive psychological impact on a person’s mind. Thus, if a person who truly wishes that the ailing person should improve massages the patient, which will have a quicker effect than normal.

In these days, there are a number of day spa centers along Brisbane and all over the world. Not only massaging, but also these stress relieving spots embraces you with wonderful gifts, certificates, gift vouchers, night parties and so on. You can also find a number of gadgets and devices, both electric as well as battery-operated to massage specific areas of your body. They’re in great demand because you can easily massage yourself without tiring your hands. Vibrations and active, passive range of movements are used to manipulate the nervous system response to break spasm-pain cycles. Normally massage oil, lotion, cream, or gel is applied. This is the most popular form of massage therapy. Deep tissue method is same as the Swedish massage which has very similar strokes and massage methods as Swedish massage, except pressure is slower, with medium to deep contact to affect muscles under the superficial layers.

The Road Map to an Excellent Massage

We have all experienced the benefits of a great massage. We all know that it helps reduce stress by helping circulation. It is also common knowledge that it helps prevent injury by strengthening and conditioning muscle and tendons prior to rigorous physical activity. Some people have even experienced how relaxing a massage can be when done by someone who knows what they are doing. However, only a precious few actually know what to do to achieve that perfect massage.

To be able to conduct a perfect massage session, one must be an expert in a person’s anatomy. He or she must also have dexterous hands to put into effect the many techniques of this science. The intuition must also be present in order to know what the subject wants and needs from the massage. He or she must also possess the passion to give that once in a lifetime massage that everyone dreams of.

One final thing a person needs to give a great rubdown is knowledge. All the other elements is dependent on the innate ability of the person giving the massage but this can be taught and it can be learned. Here are some of the directions you can follow to get to the best ever rubdown you will have ever experienced. Just remember to generously apply massage oils before you even begin on any body part.

The Back

The back is the perfect place to start when giving the best back rub ever. Start with the mid to lower back area, because it supports our weight whenever we run, walk or just simply stand where we are. After kneading the muscles from that area, move lower to the buttocks area. After which, it is time to rub the shoulders, making sure to remove all the knots.

The Legs and Feet

The legs are one of the largest muscle groups in the body and it takes a great deal of punishment through the course of the day. With the subject still facing face down on the massage table, knead the muscle of the calves and thighs by gently stroking down along the grains of the muscle. Repeat the same step on the other leg and have the subject turn around to work on the front of the legs.

As for the feet, you begin your massage by bending the leg at the knee and working the ankle joint in a circular motion. Then, hold the foot with one hand and massage the bottom of the foot with your fist moving from the arch of your foot, down to the heel. Once you get to the heel, squeeze. Then, with both of your hands holding the foot, move back up again while massaging in a circular fashion using the thumbs. Finally massage the toes and move on to the other foot.

The Arms and Hands

The arms are often used in daily activity and are often the first body parts to become sore. They however do not have the same muscle size and density as the back and legs. Start by lifting one arm and placing it at a right angle to the body, letting the hand flop down. Hold the elbow down, making sure to hold the elbow and shoulder for support. After stretching the muscles in the arm lay the arm back along the body and massage the muscle slowly and gently until the hands reach the wrist.

To massage the hand, begin by massaging the palm of the hand using the thumbs of both hands. Then, massage the back of the hand using your thumb and fingers in between the bones of the hand. Finally move your thumb and forefingers across each of the subject digits, gently tugging each. Once you are done, feel free to move to the other hand.

How to Pick a Reiki Massage Table

Since Reiki is all about energy choosing the wrong kind of Reiki Massage Table will result in negative energy and in a poor Reiki or massage therapy session for client. Choosing a Reiki table is a little different than choosing a traditional massage table and you need to be aware of the energy and tone that will result from the table choice.

In order to prevent any negative energy from overshadowing the session many massage therapists who also perform Reiki choose tables that are made from eco-friendly materials and are put together by hand instead of in a factory. These types of tables can be more expensive than traditional tables but many practitioners feel the extra cost is worth it.

Finding a Reiki Massage Table that is made from environmentally friendly materials can be difficult, since many companies don’t tell potential customers where their materials come from or where the items are assembled. You may need to do some legwork of your own to find a source of truly environmentally friendly tables but if you are a Reiki practitioner as well as a massage therapist and maintaining positive energy flow is important to you then the extra work will pay off in the end.

In order to find out where the materials that go into the massage table are coming from you will probably need to call the manufacturer directly and ask. Some companies that specialize in creating tables and gear for Reiki and massage practitioners will tell potential customers in their product descriptions where the materials come from so that Reiki massage therapists will feel good about purchasing their products. There are companies that specialize in creating environmentally friendly massage therapy products so that therapists who place a high value on living and working in an environmentally friendly way know that their products are manufactured in line with their beliefs.

Finding a Reiki Massage Table may take a little extra effort but the benefits that will come with having an environmentally friendly massage friendly will make the extra effort worth it. Clients will be effected by your choice, and clients who rely on Reiki and massage to heal and to relax will appreciate that you took the time and put in the effort to find a massage table that fits into your practice and beliefs. That will help you build up a strong and loyal customer base that can lead to your business to new levels of success.

Automated Massage Chairs Versus the Masseuse

On the surface, automated massage chairs seem to be the perfect solution for people that want a massage from the comfort of their home. However, with many of them costing over $1,000, are they really worth the investment? This article will attempt to answer this question by analyzing three main concerns associated with massage chairs: 1) efficiency, 2) the lack of individualized therapy and 3) overuse.

1. Efficiency
Massage chairs, like any other product, can break down or not work as expected once put together. This is especially the case for massage chairs that use air hoses. Not only are they very noisy, but they also crack, which interferes with the chair’s functioning. Plus, they don’t offer a pleasant sensation, since they put pressure on the affected area.

With a masseuse this is never an issue. If you don’t like how a particular masseuse does their job, you can always hire someone else. Hopefully though you’ll be able to speak opening with your massage therapist and they will modify your treatment accordingly. You can’t talk to you chair! Also, you don’t have to mail in anything or worry about warranties. In fact, you may even be able to get a refund, depending on how the massage therapist runs their office or spa.

2. The Lack of Individualized Therapy
The art of massage comes in many different styles, some of which are more beneficial for a particular situation. For example, if a person is suffering from inflammation, they could get treatment from cold massage stones. Why is this helpful? Well, massage stones are known for maintaining a constant temperature. So, they are able to stay cold while offering a relaxing sensation for the client. And, when the cold is applied to the area, the swelling goes down since the blood flow gets constricted. Conversely, there is also hot stone therapy, which uses warm massage stones to rev up a person’s blood flow. Massage chairs cannot offer either experience, since obviously massage stones are not used in their functioning.
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3. Overuse
Massage chairs can actually be harmful if they are used too often. That’s why most of them will have a 15-minute timer, but what happens if you fall asleep? Sure, maybe spending a couple of hours once or twice won’t do anything, but if it’s done everyday, you put your muscles at risk for bruising and over-working which certainly won’t help you to feel better.

With professional masseuses, this never becomes a problem, since they have been trained to know when the body is responding negatively to their treatment. If they notice any bruising, they can stop the massage or modify it. Massage chairs can’t do this at all because they are machines designed to ‘massage’ in just one way.

Pediatric Massage for Healthcare Providers

Providing massage and touch therapy is within the scope of practice of many health care providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists. However, massage is not frequently practiced by these practitioners because of time constraints or lack of comfort with providing massage therapy. Qualified practitioners, who practice massage therapy for pediatric clients, and patients, provide numerous benefits to the child and improve their family’s satisfaction with the care their child receives. This compassionate care can also contribute to a positive healing environment, which has been shown to improve the satisfaction of members of the health care team.

The physical, psychological and emotional benefits of touch for infants, children and pediatric patients who are hospitalized have been well documented in published research studies. Equally documented are the effects of touch deprivation for hospitalized children.

Many health care providers have explored the use of massage for particular populations of children with special health care needs. Overall, the evidence that massage provides global benefits to a child’s health far outweighs any evidence of negative effects.

There are numerous benefits for infants and children contributed to the use of massage and touch therapy. Some studies also show that infants diagnosed with complex medical conditions may find greater benefit from the intervention of massage therapy. Evidence has shown that infants have increased healthy weight gain and respiratory function after they receive appropriate nurturing touch. Their time spent in the hospital has been decreased. Even the amount of time it takes to fall asleep shortens. The length of time the child stays asleep and how deeply, also improves with massage therapy.

For children with special healthcare needs massage therapy is often used to improve muscle tone, joint mobility and respiratory functions. Additionally, as in infants, we also see improved respiration and sleep patterns. And, with the use of specific massage techniques gastrointestinal function improves (regular bowel movements). There are a number of children who are hospitalized simply due to constipation. Massage may be able to change this unfortunate situation.

As someone who cares for infants and young children, in a healthcare environment, surely you may wish to include appropriate nurturing touch into your daily care for the children in your setting. It is important to consider your role as a healthcare provider and consider providing hands-on care, as well as education to encourage families to provide this same care for their children when they are home. Becoming certified in pediatric massage therapy will provide you with the skills necessary to safely and effectively apply hands-on pediatric massage for children who are well, hospitalized or have special healthcare needs. If you receive your certification as an infant massage teacher, you will have the opportunity to provide families with information and hands-on lessons, so parents feel confident in providing massage for their own child. By encouraging and supporting nurturing touch you foster mutual respect, communication and understanding that lasts a lifetime.

Ten Little Known Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been practiced in some form in almost every region of the world. It has a long history in traditional forms of medicine. This therapy has continually changed and evolved over the years giving rise to new types of therapies. Everyone has heard of Swedish massage and sports massage, but there are well over one hundreds types of massage therapy. Let’s take a look at some of the ancient and newer therapies that you may not know about.

AcroSage combines principles of shiatsu and yoga. During a session of this high-flying therapy the therapist massages you while balancing you in the air on his feet. This therapy is great for spinal decompression and stretching the entire body.

Active Release Technique or ART is a therapeutic soft tissue therapy that is movement based. This treatment is ideal for lengthening short muscles and addressing issues of chronic pain.

Bamboo Massage is a deep tissue massage during which the therapist uses warm bamboo sticks to massage you instead of her hands.

Breema is a Kurdish type of bodywork that is similar to Thai massage.

Hilot is a form bodywork that is used in traditional Filipino medicine. In this therapy you are covered with warm banana leaves before the session to warm up the muscles. The massage is usually preformed with coconut oil.

Hoshino therapy is a type of acupressure that specifically addresses the hardening of muscles and tendons around the joints.

Kahuna massage is a traditional Hawaiian massage that is based on the movements of a dance.

PUSH Therapy uses minimal force to affect deep-lying muscles. This therapy combines bodywork with aspects of martial arts.

Watsu is a form of shiatsu done in a pool of warm water.

Zero Balancing combines energy work with soft tissue manipulation to align your energetic fields while aligning your physical body.