Massage Therapy

1
Massage Therapy

• Chapter 22

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• Oh, that the water softens the rocks with
  time, may thy hands craft my body soft like the
  weathered rocks
• -Anonymous

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An Historical Perspective ofMassage Therapy

• Muscle massage is one of the oldest known
  techniques to relieve stress and muscle tension
  dating back to Ancient Greece, perhaps further.

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The Need for Human Touch

• Health experts predict that as advances in
  technology increase (less human contact), so will
  the need for human touch.
• People tend to get more anxious without human
  touch.
• Increased computer use promotes neck, shoulder
  and lower back soreness.

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Massage Therapy

• Muscle massage is the manipulation of skin,
  muscles, ligaments and connective tissue for the
  purpose of decreasing muscle tension and
  increasing physical comfort of musculature and
  its surrounding joints, thereby promoting a deep
  sense of relaxation.

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Massage Therapy

• Muscle tension is the number one symptom of
  stress.
• Muscle massage is one of the oldest known
  techniques to relieve stress.
• Some researchers believe that our high-tech
  society increases the need for human touch. Do
  you?

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Massage Therapy

• Massage therapy aids in the reduction of muscle
  tension and provides an essential human need,
  touch.
• Research shows that massage therapy is as
  effective in promoting the relaxation response as
  are other forms of relaxation.

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Types of Muscle Massage (Body Work)

• Shiatsu (acupressure)
• Swedish Massage (manipulation, stroking)
• Rolfing (structural integration)
• Myofascial Release (fascial manipulation)
• Sports Massage (deep tissue with Swedish)
• Thai Massage (pulling, lifting limbs deep
  tissue)

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Other Touch Therapies

• Hydrotherapy (water therapy, hot tubs, etc.)
• Pet Therapy
• Aromatherapy
• Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch (Energy Healing)

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Aromatherapy
Pet Therapy
Related Touch Therapies
Hydrotherapy
Therapeutic Touch
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Massage Therapy and Chronic Pain

• Perhaps more than any other relaxation technique,
  massage is the preeminent technique to
  reduce/eliminate muscle/joint pain.

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Physiological Psychological Benefits

• Physical relaxation and decreased muscle tension
• Increased blood supply
• Increased flexibility
• Increased sense of tranquility
• Increased emotional relaxation

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Best Application of Massage Therapy

• After prolonged computer office work
• After prolonged physical labor
• After aerobic/anaerobic workouts
• After childbirth for new mothers
• Best technique to reduce muscle tension of any
  kind