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Friday, February 10, 2012

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

The use of massage therapy as pain management tool continues to gain popularity in the United States. One survey found that 5 percent of 31,000 participants had used massage therapy in the previous year and nearly 10 percent had engaged in therapy at least once in their life. And, increasingly, healthcare providers are discussing massage therapy with their patients as a way to complement their conventional medical treatment (another survey found that 63 percent of massage therapists received referrals from healthcare professionals).

There are dozens of massage therapy methods, but all follow the same basic principles and practices: pressing, rubbing, and manipulating the body’s muscles and soft tissues, in an effort to relax the patient and decrease his or her physical pain. This is achieved by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, warming and relaxing them.

Massage therapy is performed by a licensed therapist who may use a number of different techniques. Long strokes and friction on the muscles is the hallmark of a therapist who prefers Swedish massage. Patterns and deep pressure applied by individual fingers to the knotted muscles and muscle layers is part of a therapist’s deep tissue arsenal. And a therapist who applies varying, rhythmic pressure from the fingers to zones on the body corresponding with the body’s vital flow of energy is engaging in shiatsu massage.

Massage Therapy as a Lupus Treatment Tool

Massage Therapy as a Lupus Treatment Tool

Where one method of treating will work for one individual, it may have little affect on another. Thus it is common for someone suffering from lupus to explore various ways to treat the symptoms of the disease, notably pain caused by inflammation, a hallmark of the disease.

Some methods, like massage therapy, are considered ), defined as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered a part of conventional medicine. These approaches come as novel to some and completely familiar to others. Massage therapy, for example, is a time-honored method of pain and stress relief.

It is important to note, however, that the Lupus Foundation of America does not recommend medications, products or methods not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the American College of Rheumatology, further stating on its web site, “remedies that have not undergone the scrutiny of scientific investigation, lack the crucial information and data necessary to enable physicians to make sound recommendations regarding substances.”

Before exploring any new treatment option, then, it is best to talk with your healthcare provider

Treatments for Back Pain

Treatments for Back Pain


One of the most common treatments for back pain is Chiropractic Care. The approach consists of physical manipulations of bones and joints in an attempt to line things back up and it's recommended typically 2-3 times per week. The problem with this approach is that the same forces (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) will likely pull the bones and joints right back out of place again. Also, most (not all) chiropractors will spend 15 minutes with you if your lucky.

Ask people who see a chiropractor how long they've been going. I hear of people who have been going for 10-15 years and still don't have a healthy back. Look, the fact is chiropractic care is lacking. Unless the chiropractor combines the two approaches, it doesn't make sense. The ONLY way chiropractic care makes sense is if you are addressing the muscle imbalances that are pulling the bones and joints out of place to begin with and that requires strengthening and stretching exercises that are chosen specifically to correct your muscle imbalances.

Alternative Treatments for Treating and Eliminating Back Pain

  • Massage Therapy

  • Massage therapy, if done correctly can work wonders for people with back pain. This is not to say that it is the best choice and that it will work for everyone. however, most people will get great results from it if the massage therapist has a good understanding of muscle imbalances and how to work on them.

    NOTE: Not all massage therapists are the same! Just like any profession, there are varying degrees of training and qualifications. When selecting a massage therapist please check to see if they are licensed and insured in the state where you will be seeing them. You should also ask the massage therapist if they have training in one of the following areas: Orthopedic massage, Medical massage, St. Johns technique and/or has a comprehensive knowledge of muscle imbalances relating to back pain. With that said the benefits are as follows. The root cause will be identified, your discomfort will be addressed and you root cause will be corrected all in an attempt to make you pain free and give you the tools you need to keep you that way. What to expect when you see a massage therapist.

    All massage sessions are one on one allowing you the opportunity to converse with the therapist as well as get the attention you need to get results. You can ask questions about how you compare to other people. Feel free to ask the therapist what approach they will be taking so that you know what to expect. The massage therapist has many different techniques they can use when to dealing with you back pain and some are better than others. On the down side sometimes a therapist can get distracted with other problem areas, it is in your best interest to keep them focused on you back and associated problem areas. Like anything else you may need to try several different therapists before finding the one that works best for you and with you.

  • Post-rehabilitation Fitness Training

  • Another overlooked form of treatment that is very effective is post-rehabilitation fitness training. This includes targeted strength and flexibility work to correct / improve the individuals muscle imbalances. This service can only be performed by certified post-rehab fitness trainers and there are limitations to what they can do for you. For example, they can not diagnose a condition, prescribe any medications take x-rays, etc. however, if they are well trained they can pinpoint your muscle imbalances quickly and get you started on a fitness program that will restore balance to your body and likely eliminate your back pain.

    Often times this can be combined with massage therapy and/or manual physical therapy for a total solution. If you decide to go this route, which I recommend you do, be sure to thoroughly check out the fitness trainer and ask to see their certification, insurance, references, etc.

  • Manual Physical (muscle) Therapy

  • Manual Physical Therapy is NOT the same as regular physical therapy. there are some major differences and here are just a few:

  • Manual therapy consists of hands on muscle work primarily whereas traditional physical therapy consists of heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc

  • Manual therapist will typically perform a much more thorough physical evaluation

  • Manual therapists will usually be able to spend more time with each patient

  • Manual therapy is more holistic in it's approach and focuses the body as a whole unit. something lacking from nearly all traditional treatments for back pain.
  • So before you say, "I've already tried physical therapy". did you try manual physical therapy? They are two very different treatment approaches and I highly recommend you consider manual physical therapy.

    Treatments for Back Pain

    Treatments for Back Pain


    One of the most common treatments for back pain is Chiropractic Care. The approach consists of physical manipulations of bones and joints in an attempt to line things back up and it's recommended typically 2-3 times per week. The problem with this approach is that the same forces (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) will likely pull the bones and joints right back out of place again. Also, most (not all) chiropractors will spend 15 minutes with you if your lucky.

    Ask people who see a chiropractor how long they've been going. I hear of people who have been going for 10-15 years and still don't have a healthy back. Look, the fact is chiropractic care is lacking. Unless the chiropractor combines the two approaches, it doesn't make sense. The ONLY way chiropractic care makes sense is if you are addressing the muscle imbalances that are pulling the bones and joints out of place to begin with and that requires strengthening and stretching exercises that are chosen specifically to correct your muscle imbalances.

    Alternative Treatments for Treating and Eliminating Back Pain

  • Massage Therapy

  • Massage therapy, if done correctly can work wonders for people with back pain. This is not to say that it is the best choice and that it will work for everyone. however, most people will get great results from it if the massage therapist has a good understanding of muscle imbalances and how to work on them.

    NOTE: Not all massage therapists are the same! Just like any profession, there are varying degrees of training and qualifications. When selecting a massage therapist please check to see if they are licensed and insured in the state where you will be seeing them. You should also ask the massage therapist if they have training in one of the following areas: Orthopedic massage, Medical massage, St. Johns technique and/or has a comprehensive knowledge of muscle imbalances relating to back pain. With that said the benefits are as follows. The root cause will be identified, your discomfort will be addressed and you root cause will be corrected all in an attempt to make you pain free and give you the tools you need to keep you that way. What to expect when you see a massage therapist.

    All massage sessions are one on one allowing you the opportunity to converse with the therapist as well as get the attention you need to get results. You can ask questions about how you compare to other people. Feel free to ask the therapist what approach they will be taking so that you know what to expect. The massage therapist has many different techniques they can use when to dealing with you back pain and some are better than others. On the down side sometimes a therapist can get distracted with other problem areas, it is in your best interest to keep them focused on you back and associated problem areas. Like anything else you may need to try several different therapists before finding the one that works best for you and with you.

  • Post-rehabilitation Fitness Training

  • Another overlooked form of treatment that is very effective is post-rehabilitation fitness training. This includes targeted strength and flexibility work to correct / improve the individuals muscle imbalances. This service can only be performed by certified post-rehab fitness trainers and there are limitations to what they can do for you. For example, they can not diagnose a condition, prescribe any medications take x-rays, etc. however, if they are well trained they can pinpoint your muscle imbalances quickly and get you started on a fitness program that will restore balance to your body and likely eliminate your back pain.

    Often times this can be combined with massage therapy and/or manual physical therapy for a total solution. If you decide to go this route, which I recommend you do, be sure to thoroughly check out the fitness trainer and ask to see their certification, insurance, references, etc.

  • Manual Physical (muscle) Therapy

  • Manual Physical Therapy is NOT the same as regular physical therapy. there are some major differences and here are just a few:

  • Manual therapy consists of hands on muscle work primarily whereas traditional physical therapy consists of heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc

  • Manual therapist will typically perform a much more thorough physical evaluation

  • Manual therapists will usually be able to spend more time with each patient

  • Manual therapy is more holistic in it's approach and focuses the body as a whole unit. something lacking from nearly all traditional treatments for back pain.
  • So before you say, "I've already tried physical therapy". did you try manual physical therapy? They are two very different treatment approaches and I highly recommend you consider manual physical therapy.

    Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Pain

    Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Pain

    Relax and Find Relief With Massage Therapy

    Massage therapy is an alternative treatment used to relieve pain. Simple enough, right? It makes sense that massage could relax and relieve muscular aches and pains. Did you know though that there are more than 80 types of massage therapy?

    In all 80 types, massage therapists manipulate the muscles and soft tissues. It's the technique that varies. If you are interested in exploring massage therapy as a possible treatment, discuss your plans with your doctor.

    What You Need to Know About Massage Therapy

    • Massage therapists mostly use their hands and fingers, but some use their forearms, elbows, or even their feet to manipulate the patient's muscles and soft tissues. The amount of pressure used and direction of movement is variable.
    • The goal of massage therapy is to relax muscles and soft tissues, increase blood and oxygen being delivered to the massaged area, warm the affected area, and relieve pain.
    • Some of the well-known and popular types of massage include:

      Swedish massage - Therapist focuses on using long strokes, kneading, and friction on the muscles. Joints are moved to promote flexibility.
      Deep tissue massage - Therapist uses deep finger pressure focusing on muscles that are tight or knotted.
      Trigger point massage - Therapist focuses pressure on myofascial trigger points and uses other strokes as well. Trigger points represent a source of radiating pain.
      Shiatsu massage - Therapist applies rhythmic pressure with their fingers to body parts linked to vital energy, called qi.
    • A massage therapy session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes, with some being more or less. Chronic pain patients are usually advised to complete a series of sessions.
    • Depending on the location of the muscles being massaged, you may sit in a chair for a chair massage or you may be asked to lie on a padded table. Typically, oil or powder are used to allow the therapists' hands to glide over your skin.
    • Certain precautions must be taken before getting massage therapy. Though there are few serious risks, there are certain individuals who should not get massage therapy. Unsuitable candidates for massage therapy include patients with:

      deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
      bleeding disorder or taking a blood-thinner
      damaged blood vessels
      osteoporosis
      recent fracture
      cancer
      fever

      Open wounds, tumors, damaged nerves, or infection and inflammation in the area to be massaged could also be problematic.

    • If you are pregnant, have cancer, have fragile skin, heart problems, dermatomyositis or a history of physical abuse, discuss massage therapy with your doctor before signing up.

    Points to Remember

    • Researchers are still studying the effects of massage therapy on health conditions. It is clear though that massage therapy promotes relaxation while reducing stress.
    • Due to the popularity of massage therapy, it is imperative that you check out the credentials of your massage therapist. Physical therapists also are trained in massage therapy. Know your therapist! Ask questions that will ensure your safety.

    What Is Massage Therapy?

    What Is Massage Therapy?
    What Happens During A Massage Therapy Treatment

    By Anitra Brown, About.com Guide
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    * massage
    * massage therapy
    * spa treatments
    * spa basics

    "massage therapy"

    Modesty is always respected during massage therapy.
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    Massage therapy is a relaxing treatment that has been around for thousands of years. In fact, the word “massage” comes from the Greek root “masso," which means "to touch". Massage therapists use a variety of gliding, kneading and cross-fiber friction strokes to work the muscle tissue, releasing tension and improving circulation.

    You are usually nude during a massage,but covered by sheets. Only the part being worked on is exposed and modesty is always protected Massage oil is used to lubricate the skin.

    Many people consider massage therapy to be just about pampering, but it has important health benefits. In fact, you get the greatest benefit when massage therapy is part of your regular wellness routine.

    What Are The Different Types of Massage Therapy?

    Swedish massage is the most common type of massage therapy and a good choice for first-time spagoers.. Other types include deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage , aromatherapy , lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy , craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release, watsu , Rolfing, reflexology , Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Ayurvedic massage like abhyanga.

    How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost?

    A massage therapy session can last from anywhere from 30 minutes for a mini-massage to 90 minutes. Fifty minutes to one hour is most common. The cost of massage varies, depending on geographic location and how luxurious the spa is.

    Where Can I Get Massage Therapy?

    Massage therapy is the most popular treatment at spas, but you can also get massage from individual licensed massage therapists who work out of their home or come to your house with a table.

    When Should I Not Get Massage Therapy?

    Don't get massage therapy if you are feeling ill, have rashes or open wounds, or have just had surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Pregnant women should check with their doctor before getting massage therapy.