Most people go to massage therapists for either relaxation or reduction of muscle related pain.  Relaxation and relief of muscular related pain, however, are only just two of the many benefits associated with massage therapy.  Massage therapy can help with a variety of health conditions.  The following are just a few of the benefits of massage therapy:

Relaxation
Reduction of anxiety
Stress reduction
Reduction of muscle spasms
Improved range of motion
Decreased inflammation
Prevention of adhesions
Faster healing of injuries
Lowering blood pressure
Increase lymphatic flow
Detoxification of the body
Improved quality of sleep
An improved outlook on life
Improved posture
Increased mental alertness
Better athletic performance

The purpose of massage is to enhance overall health and well-being.  Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body.  This is done to normalize the function of that tissue.  By normalizing function, health is improved.  Reduction of muscle spasms through massage therapy, for example, will restore the proper function of the muscle.  In restoring the function of the muscle, stress involving the joints is reduced.  As a result, the range of motion of the joints is increased, and pain and inflammation of the surrounding tissue is decreased.  Massage therapists use a variety of methods to accomplish these goals.  Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their forearms, elbows, occasionally their feet, or specialized instruments.  Massage therapists will also stretch tight muscles, yet another method to normalize their function.

When muscles are overworked, waste products from metabolism, such as lactic acid,  accumulate in the muscles.  The accumulation of lactic acid causes pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.  Lactic acid is what is responsible for the soreness of the muscles following a strenuous workout.  If the by-products of metabolism accumulate in the muscle tissue faster than the body can eliminate them, over time the muscle tissue will remain in a chronic spasm.  Chronic muscle spasms reduce lymph flow, further slowing the elimination of the by-products from the body.  Massage therapy will speed the elimination of lactic acid and other by-products, therefore decreasing muscle spasms.

The by-products of metabolism are not only irritating to the muscle tissue, but are also irritating to the nerves.  Lactic acid is one example of a by-product of metabolism that is very irritating to nerve endings.  If the nerve is a sensory nerve, pain will be felt.  Lactic acid is also very irritating to a motor nerve, especially where the nerve attaches to the muscle.  This attachment point is called the motor point.  In the case of irritation to a motor nerve, an accumulation of lactic acid causes the muscle to go into in spasm.  If lactic acid accumulates at the motor point, it is also very painful.  A motor point with a build up of lactic acid is commonly termed a trigger point.  Massage therapy will reduce the build up of lactic acid, therefore decreasing both pain and muscle spasms.

Muscles that are chronically found in spasm are also found in a shortened state.  This significantly decreases the range of motion of the joints that they control.  The constant force exerted by muscle spasms on the bones causes joint pain.  Chronic muscle spasms also are related to a decrease in lymph flow.  Decreased lymph flow slows detoxification of the bodily tissues.  Massage therapy will help restore normal muscle tension and increase lymphatic flow, therefore increasing the body’s ability to detoxify.  Normalizing muscle tension will also decrease the stress on the bones and joints, subsequently decreasing bone related pain.  In addition, normalizing muscle tension will increase the range of motion of the joints, making movement easier.

Many massage therapy techniques exist to accomplish the various goals of massage.  The technique chosen depends on the goals of the client and any problems that may be present.  Certain techniques will be used by the massage therapist if the goal is relaxation.  If the goal, however, is reduction of acute muscle spasms, a different technique will be used.  During a massage session, the massage therapist will most likely use several techniques, depending on the problems and goals of the client.  The following are just a few of the many techniques practiced by massage therapists:

Deep Tissue Massage.  This technique is generally appropriate for more focused massage work, such as chronic muscle spasms and acute injuries.  In addressing specific joints, muscle or muscle group, the massage therapist can reach deeper layers of the soft tissue.

Myofascial Release.  This manual technique focuses on stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia and other structures.  Injuries, overuse, trauma, chronic stress, and spinal subluxation can cause restriction to the fascia.

Swedish Massage.  Primarily a relaxation and stress relief technique, Swedish massage has been shown to be helpful in reducing pain and joint stiffness.

Chair Massage.  Chair massage is performed with the client fully clothed on a massage chair.  Chair massage is usually done in a public setting, such as the office or special event.

Neuromuscular Therapy.  Neuromuscular therapy is a specialized form of manual therapy.  A massage therapist trained in Neuromuscular therapy is educated in the physiology of the nervous system and its relation to the muscular and skeletal systems.  The correction of postural problems and reduction of pain are the goal of Neuromuscular therapy.

Sports Massage.  The goal of sports massage is to decrease sports-related injuries.  This is accomplished by normalizing muscle tension and decreasing inflammation.  Sports massage is often done both before and after competition.

Russian Massage.  Russian massage combines sports massage with the relaxing techniques of other therapeutic massage techniques.  The type of treatment depends on the type of injury.

During your first visit, your massage therapist will require you to fill out a health history form.  Information requested will include any past injuries, health problems, or any conditions that your massage therapist should be aware.  This information will aid the therapist in determining what issues need to be addressed.  In addition, your massage therapist will ask you if there are any issues with which you are concerned.

The typical full-body massage treatment lasts approximately one hour.  Thirty minute sessions are also available, and are appropriate for certain conditions.  Longer sessions are sometimes recommended, especially if relaxation is the goal.  Your massage session will take place in a private and relaxing environment.  Peaceful music will be played to help you to relax and unwind.  If you have a favorite CD that you wish to enjoy during your session, feel free to bring it with you.  At our office, a one hour massage lasts for one hour, not 45 minutes as is often experienced in other massage centers.  So, when scheduling your appointment, please allow sufficient time for relaxation time prior to and after the session.

Following a massage, most people feel very relaxed.  Many people experience a decrease in pain after the first visit.  Since toxins are released from the tissues during the massage, drinking plenty of water is important both before and after the treatment.  People often feel energized a few hours after their massage, and experience increased mental alertness. 

After your massage session, your massage therapist will probably recommend several follow-up visits.  These recommendations will vary from person to person, and depend on the problems that are being addressed.  If you scheduled your massage because of an injury, your massage therapist may also recommend certain activities designed to speed recovery.  These activities may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and avoidance of certain activities that may aggravate any problems that may exist.  If you scheduled your massage for relaxation, go home and relax, visit with your friends, or do something you enjoy doing.  Don’t go back to that stressful office environment just yet.  The office will still be there tomorrow.