Physiotherapy Technique (1) - Massage and its benefits

Massage (STM, TKS) is the manipulation of skin, layers of muscle and connective tissues using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints or other connective tissues as well as lymphatic vessels.

Research

Three touch research institutes has been founded in; Miami 1992, Philippines and France 1998, tending towards globalization of studies on massage “soft tissue mobilization or tactile kinesthetic stimulation”. Most studies were double-blind trial, including extensive psychological tests and blood analysis. Reports have shown lots of clinical benefits of massage.

Massage menu

v  Relaxation massage

v  Sports massage

v  Rehabilitative massage

v  Esthetic massage

v  Energy balancing massage

v  Massage for increased awareness

v  Spiritually oriented massage

Therapist guide for rehabilitative massage

v  PLINTH HEIGHT: Ensure to get a plinth that will enable you establish your stance.

v  STANCE: It is important that once the correct height of couch is establish, you take a stance so you can perform manipulation of stroke and effleurage.

v  MOVEMENT PATTERN: Ensure that your foot is pointing in the direction of motion that you are going to create, the rare foot is stabilized and you are ready to move with your hands in contact.

v  DEEP BREATHING: Enable the patient fill the lungs and all the cells with fresh oxygen.

v  CONCENTRATION: Help the patient focus on the sensations he is feeling on the body rather than the internal monologue going on in the mind.

v  AWARENESS: Make him become aware of the muscles that he has been holding tense so its relaxation can start.

v  Also advise the patient to stay loose and let go all sad feelings as to encourage relaxation.

v  Avoid assistance unless instructed by the therapist.

v  PRACTITIONERS HANDS: Clean, nails short and well trimmed not showing above the skin, soft hands by using creams as necessary, but strong hand for mobilization, remove multiple rings.

Basic benefits of massage

v  Helps relieve muscular spasm and tension

v  Raises immune efficiency

v  Improves circulation

v  Promotes the healing of tissues

v  Increases healthy functioning of the skin

v  Engenders profound relaxation

v  Offers emotional reassurance

v  Improves appearance

v  Through the application of friction to the area, a thermodynamic effect takes place, warming and softening the tight, hard tissue.

v  By stimulating trigger points, the local nerves are soothed, allowing a release of natural pain mediators.

Is Physiotherapist the same as masseurs?

No! We are not, physiotherapy is a full clinical based health profession involved in all levels of intervention: prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and referral.  Nonetheless, massage is a technique in physiotherapy.