Brief history of massage

Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings show people receiving massages. Massage has been practiced continuously since ancient times in Eastern cultures. It was one of the main pain relief methods of Greek and Roman doctors. Julius Caesar was said to receive a daily massage to treat neuralgia (nerve pain). In the fifth century B.C. In C.C., the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates wrote in the book The Physician Must Be Experienced in Many Things, “But surely rubbing…because rubbing can bandage a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too stiff.” “.

Massage lost some of its value and prestige with the unpleasant image created by “massage parlors”. This image is fading as people realize that massage can alleviate illness and aid relaxation. As more people learn about the benefits of massage and its relationship to disease, the more acceptable it will become.

Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, the elderly, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some form of body therapy available, and it is often offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics.

Common types of massage

Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure (similar to acupuncture but without needles), sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy. Most massage therapists specialize in several modalities, which require different techniques. Some use exaggerated movements that cover the length of a part of the body (such as the leg), while others use rapid percussion-like movements with a cupped or closed hand. A massage can last from 2 to 3 hours or as little as 5 to 10 minutes. In general, the type of massage that is performed depends on the needs and physical condition of the client. For example, therapists may use special techniques for elderly clients that they would not use for athletes, and they would use approaches for clients with injuries that would not be appropriate for clients seeking relaxation. Also, some forms of massage are given to only one type of client; For example, prenatal massage and infant massage are given to pregnant women and new mothers, respectively.

Massage Benefits

Massage therapy is the practice of using touch to manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the body. It is performed for a variety of reasons, including treatment of painful ailments, decompression of tired and overworked muscles, stress reduction, sports injury rehabilitation, and general health promotion. Clients often seek massage for its medical benefit and relaxation purposes, and there is a wide range of massage treatments available.

Massage therapy has many benefits, from increasing circulation and immunity to reducing pain from illness and injury. Massage therapy releases “feel good” hormones, allowing the client to relax and de-stress. If clients fail to manage stress, it can lead to illness and worsen conditions that already exist.

Massage is beneficial for everyone; from premature babies to the elderly. Massage helps babies thrive and grow; helps children with a variety of medical, physical, and emotional problems; and helps ease the pain of people who are dying.

When is massage contraindicated?

Massage therapy can help almost any health condition, but there are certain situations where massage can make the condition worse (also called contraindications). If the person is suffering from a fever or infection of any kind, the massage will make the person feel worse. Also, if the person is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, the massage is not justified for the same reason. If the person has advanced disease, they will need written permission from their primary care provider stating that massage will be beneficial and will not worsen the disease. Recent injuries or surgeries (less than four weeks) usually also require written permission from the primary care physician before the therapist can proceed.

Laws governing Massage

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces have passed laws regulating massage and bodywork, either through registration, licensing, or certification. Those states and provinces that regulate massage therapists also require the therapist to carry liability insurance, which carries its own set of rules of conduct. States generally require the massage therapist to have graduated from a massage therapy school, usually with a minimum of 250 to 500 hours of education. Education generally involves learning various modalities, anatomy/physiology, pathology, business, ethics, and on-the-job training; either through the school clinic or at the student’s free time. Liability insurance protects the therapist in the event that the client is injured in the massage process or has a reaction to a product used by the therapist. The laws also regulate certain protocols during the massage, such as proper draping and the confidentiality of client records.

What is and what is not massage

Most states that regulate massage require that the massage therapist cover the client at all times, removing only the area being worked on. Massage therapists who carry liability insurance are subject to a set of conduct and ethics that must be followed at all times. Failure to follow these rules or those established by the state may result in disciplinary action being taken against the massage therapist. Massage therapy can be used for relaxation or to relieve stress or lessen the effects of illness or injury on the body. Massage therapy is considered a CAM – Complementary and Alternative Medicine and most massage therapists work in conjunction with other health care providers. Massage therapists may work with chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and doctors of all specialties.

Massage therapists may not practice medicine, physical therapy, or chiropractic work unless they are already licensed in one of those areas. Massage therapists do not diagnose, they can only treat and cannot cure diseases. The massage is not sexual in nature and the genitals and anal area must be covered at all times. If the massage therapist believes that the client is beyond her scope of practice (knowledge), then she should refer that client to someone else who is more qualified.