Massage Therapy

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Massage Therapy

An Introduction to Massage Therapy

In the past, massage therapy has carried the description of a luxury or even of a phony form of treatment, if a treatment at all. However, times change. More and more people believe in these types of alternative medicine than ever before. These new types of alternative medicine, including massage therapy, continue to change the medical field more and more. Many sports utilize it, including the Olympics. The general purpose of massage therapy includes the promotion of wellness and a general good, healthy feeling. This purpose is achieved through the many benefits massage therapy can provide on physical, mental and emotional levels.

History of Massage Therapy Around the World

Massage remains a fairly new type of alternative medicine in this country. It enjoyed its prime time before it began to dwindle in the early 1900s. However, national health insurance covers massage therapy in Germany. In addition, massage wards are present in the hospitals, some even covering two floors in China. New technology in this country prevented the development of massage therapy. It could never have been as big as in Europe with the new pharmaceuticals and surgeries available in the United States. Many of the masseuses from the past have now started the field of physical therapy. For these reasons, many Americans do not realize the benefits of massage therapy (http://www.healthy.net/library/books/mind/bbody.htm).

What is Massage Therapy and What Does it Do?

Massage is defined in Webster’s dictionary as, "a body rub given to improve circulation and relax muscles." It can relax the muscles, restore balance in the body and relieve pain. Massage therapy involves the acts of: ...

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...e, massage therapy continues to provide a great form of relaxation and feeling of well-being.

References

1.) Davydova, OB et al. "Submerged hydromassage as a method for the rehabilitationof myocardial infarct patients at the polyclinic stage." Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii I Lechebnoi Fizicheskoi Kultury. (6):3-6, 1994 Nov-Dec.

2.) Kuznetsov OF et al. "The use of cryomassage in the rehabilitation of IHD patients." Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii I Lechebnoi fizicheskoi Kultry. (2):6-8, 1995 Mar-Apr.

3.) Tidus PM and Shoemaker JK. "Effleurage massage, muscle blood flow and long-term post-exercise strength recovery." International Journal of Sports Medicine. 16(7):478-83,1995 Oct.

4.) Snyder M. et al. "Interventions for decreasing agitation behaviors in persons with dementia." Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 21(7):34-40, 1995 Jul.

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