Advantages of Massage
The practise of massage is frequently included in integrative medicine. For a variety of medical conditions and circumstances, it is increasingly being offered in addition to normal treatment.
Massage benefits can include:
Reducing stress and increasing relaxation
Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension
Improving circulation, energy and alertness
Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
Improving immune function
While further studies are required to definitively establish the advantages of massage, some studies have suggested that massage may also be beneficial for:
Anxiety
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Insomnia related to stress
Low back pain
Myofascial pain syndrome
Nerve pain
Soft tissue strains or injuries
Sports injuries
Temporomandibular joint pain
Upper back and neck pain
Beyond the benefits for certain ailments or situations, several people find that massage often evokes sentiments of compassion, comfort, and connection.
Despite its advantages, massage shouldn't be used in place of routine medical treatment. Be sure to follow any recommended treatment regimens you have and tell your doctor that you're attempting massage.
Massage Risks
The majority of people can benefit from massage. Massage might not be advisable, though, if you have:
Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
Burns or healing wounds
Deep vein thrombosis
Infections
Broken bones (fractures)
Severe osteoporosis
A very low platelet count (severe thrombocytopenia)
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of massage therapy, especially if you're expecting a baby, have cancer, or are experiencing inexplicable pain.
What to Expect
You could feel a little sore the next day after receiving some types of massage, particularly sport massage. However, a massage shouldn't typically hurt or be uncomfortable. Speak up right away if any part of your massage hurts or doesn't seem right. The majority of significant issues result from excessive pressure during massage.
Massage doesn't require any extra preparation on your part. Your massage therapist should question you about any symptoms, your medical background, and what you hope to achieve out of massage before the session even begins. The type of massage and the techniques employed should be explained by your massage therapist.
You typically undress or wear loose-fitting clothing for a massage treatment session. Only undress to the extent that it makes you comfortable. Typically, you lie down on a table and wrap yourself in a sheet or towel. Additionally, you can receive a massage while fully clothed and seated in a chair. To find sore or tense spots and gauge how much pressure to use, your massage therapist should undertake an evaluation by touch. This is called palpation.
Your massage therapist may use oil or lotion to lessen friction on your skin, depending on your preferences. If you think you could be allergic to any ingredients, let your massage therapist know.
Depending on the type of massage you receive and the amount of time you have, a massage session may run anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes. You should experience peace and relaxation both during and after your massage, regardless of the type of massage you select. Take regular breaths while receiving your massage.
You can let your massage therapist know if you would prefer silence over music or conversation during the treatment.
Ask for softer pressure if a massage therapist is applying too much force. On occasion, you might have a knot-like sensitive area in a muscle. While your massage therapist works everything out, it will probably feel uncomfortable. But if it starts to hurt, say something.
After Your Massage
Due to the nature of massage you may feel a bit run down for 24 to 48 hours afterwards. Massage is thought to aid lymphatic drainage, a process that occurs naturally in your body to eliminate toxins and waste material. It is important to drink lots of water the day after your massage to help this waste material pass in your urine.
You may also experience some delayed onset muscle soreness after a massage, for this reason it may be best to avoid exercise for 24 hours after your massage.
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