Massage Therapy and Stress

Answer 1

Many of the health problems today are related, in large part, to stress. Individuals deal with stress at every level on a day-to-day basis, whether it is at home, at work, commuting, or within the community. Massage Therapy is one technique that can help individuals manage their stress and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

There are many benefits associated with massage. For stress alleviation, massage can decrease anxiety, create more energy, improve concentration, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce fatigue. It can also contribute to enhanced immunity, increased circulation, promotion of tissue regeneration, and to the release of endorphins. Massage can be used to reduce pain such as low Back pain, migraine pain, and pain associated with athletics. It can also aid in the decreasing of anxiety and depression for individuals.

Through massage, the body learns to relax. Relaxation can help one achieve a positive mental outlook and attitude. It allows for one to be in a calm state of mind and to manage the pressures of everyday living. While in a relaxed state, individuals are more apt for creative thinking than when they are under stress or pressure. This enables for a positive outcome when dealing with negotiations, such as for business or with young children.

Massage therapy is nothing more than applying techniques of massage to the muscles and soft tissues of the body. There are many techniques of massage and a therapist may use more than one technique during a therapy session. Some of the techniques applied may include kneading, compression, pressure, and vibration to the muscles of the body. Oftentimes, oils or lotions are preferred during a massage to help reduce friction to the skin.

Massage therapy is a field which requires an education on behalf of the therapist. Therapists cannot prescribe medication, diagnose medical conditions, or act as a chiropractor or physical therapist. There are many schools available nationwide which offer massage therapy courses. Each state has its own requirements as to the number of education hours needed and licensing requirements.

Answer 2

Massage therapy specializations range from reflexology to acupressure.Recently sports massage has increased in popularity.Sports medicine facilities and fitness centers have massage therapists specializing in sports massage on staff.

A sports massage does more than relax muscles.Used by athletes to prevent injures, aid in rehabilitation, and boost performance, sports massages have become an essential element of many athletic training programs.Increased blood circulation, increased flexibility, and lowered blood pressure are just a few of the benefits.Sports massages are being used to effectively reduce muscle spasms as well as the damage caused by the repetitive motions.

Students who enroll in Sports Massage Therapy training programs receive training in six types of sports massages:

A deep Swedish massage is a variation of the most popular of the massage modalities, the Swedish massage that adapts to athletes by using muscle-specific applications of the standard six strokes.This type of massage had been proven to reduce pain and joint stiffness.

A compression massage uses pressure from the hand or foot to cause muscles to contract and relax, protecting muscles from damage.

Cross-fiber massage is used as a rehabilitative massage as it stretches large muscles groups, restores inflamed muscles, and relieves pain.

Lymphatic massage, or a lymph drainage massage, is useful for a variety of medical conditions including sports injury.This type of massage increases lymph flow which removes toxins from the body.

The trigger point massage targets muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments in order to reduce pain caused when a muscle or muscle group is injured.This type of massage also reduces the symptoms of nausea, ear ache, and blurred vision that are caused by such injuries.

Classes that train massage therapists in sports massage are available across the nation.Look for programs that offer special sports massage certification, as well as those associated with successful sports massage therapists.

In the competitive arena of sports and athletic, even a small advantage can mean the difference between success and failure.Sports massage therapists are able to give athletes treatment that improves both mind and body, providing a valuable edge over their competition.