Back Pain, Chiropractor, Massage Therapy, Muscle Pain, Sports Injury, Children, Pregnancy - Chiropractic - Australia
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves the physical manipulation of soft tissues to promote
overall well-being. The ultimate goal of massage therapy is to aid the body in
healing itself and to increase all aspects of good health.
Practitioners use a variety of physical methods including applying fixed or
movable pressure, holding, or causing movement to the body. Therapists primarily
use their hands, but may also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. Touch is the
core ingredient of massage therapy and also combines science and art.
Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch
to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate
areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems.
When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate
in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm. Massage
improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body
tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after
injury, and enhance recovery from disease.
There are many positive benefits of massage, including but not limited to:
improving circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital
organs
relaxation and softening of injured, tired, and overused muscles
alleviation of release of endorphinsamino acids that work as the body's
natural painkiller
low back pain and improve range of motion.
enhancement of immunity by stimulating lymph flow
exercise and stretching of weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
preparation for, and recovering from, strenuous workouts
improvement of the condition of the skin
increasing of joint flexibility
promotion of tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks
reduction of post-surgery adhesions and swelling
reduction of spasms and cramping
enhancement of nutrition and waste collection by bringing blood to the
surface.
promotion of flexibility and suppleness of muscle.
relief for headaches and migraine pain.
There are dozens of specialised massage techniques in use today. The most common
types are:
Swedish Massage uses long strokes, kneading and pressing, friction, and
drumming hand movements applied to the muscle groups to promote circulation and
relaxation. This technique is often used for a full body massage.
Deep Tissue Massage uses deep finger pressure and slow strokes on achy or
tense areas of the body.
Sports Massage uses massage to prepare the body before exercise or to help the
body recover after exercise. It focuses on the use of massage to assist
training, prevent injury, and treat sports injuries.
Shiatsu/Acupressure Massage uses pressure at specific points on the body with
the Eastern philosophical belief that this will enhance the energy flow through
the body and restore balance.
Neuromuscular Massage (also called Trigger-point Therapy) uses finger pressure
on painful areas in muscles called trigger points.
Reflexology uses pressure points in the hands and feet to affect reflexes in
other parts of the body.