Your Guide to Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
What is massage therapy?
Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care, dating back to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Its vital role in healthcare was universal. In 2700 BC, a Chinese book of internal medicine recommended “the massage of skin and flesh”. More than two thousand years later, Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine – wrote that “the physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing” (the ancient Greek word for massage). Today, the term massage therapy is used to describe the manipulation of soft tissue – muscles, skin and/or tendons – by fingertips, hands, fists, elbows and even feet. Bodywork is a general term for manual techniques that involve touch and movement and are used to promote health and healing.
Almost a quarter of all American adults have received at least one massage in the past twelve months. And the number continues to grow as more and more people discover the benefits of massage – for relaxation, rehabilitation and rejuvenation.
What are the benefits of massage?
Many people think of it as a luxury, but massage is much more than simple relaxation. The therapeutic benefits of massage continue to be studied, but research has shown it to be effective in:
• Decreasing pain
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Improving range of motion
• Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
• Reducing muscle soreness
• Boosting immune system
• Lessening depression
• Relieving back pain
• Promoting tissue regeneration
• Easing withdrawal symptoms
• Treating cancer-related fatigue
• Easing labor pain and stress
• Relieving migraine pain
• And more
What to expect when receiving a massage?
Although no two massages are alike, there are some things that are universal. Sessions generally take place in a quiet, comfortable room. It may be dimly lit and soothing music is often played. The practitioner will begin by asking questions, such as the reason you are seeking massage therapy, any injuries or medical conditions you may have, and any other information that may help them better serve you. The massage therapist will then excuse himself/herself so you can disrobe to your level of comfort. You will then get on the table under the provided cover and relax, either face up or face down.
You will be draped at all times – only the area being worked on will be exposed.
A typical full body session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Oil or lotion is often used.
When the massage is complete, the practitioner will leave the room so you can get dressed. Sit up slowly and, in the hours after your massage, drink plenty of water.
There are many types of massage, so each experience varies.
ncmtmb.org
What is massage therapy?
Massage is believed to be one of the oldest forms of medical care, dating back to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Its vital role in healthcare was universal. In 2700 BC, a Chinese book of internal medicine recommended “the massage of skin and flesh”. More than two thousand years later, Hippocrates – the father of modern medicine – wrote that “the physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing” (the ancient Greek word for massage). Today, the term massage therapy is used to describe the manipulation of soft tissue – muscles, skin and/or tendons – by fingertips, hands, fists, elbows and even feet. Bodywork is a general term for manual techniques that involve touch and movement and are used to promote health and healing.
Almost a quarter of all American adults have received at least one massage in the past twelve months. And the number continues to grow as more and more people discover the benefits of massage – for relaxation, rehabilitation and rejuvenation.
What are the benefits of massage?
Many people think of it as a luxury, but massage is much more than simple relaxation. The therapeutic benefits of massage continue to be studied, but research has shown it to be effective in:
• Decreasing pain
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Improving range of motion
• Decreasing carpal tunnel symptoms
• Reducing muscle soreness
• Boosting immune system
• Lessening depression
• Relieving back pain
• Promoting tissue regeneration
• Easing withdrawal symptoms
• Treating cancer-related fatigue
• Easing labor pain and stress
• Relieving migraine pain
• And more
What to expect when receiving a massage?
Although no two massages are alike, there are some things that are universal. Sessions generally take place in a quiet, comfortable room. It may be dimly lit and soothing music is often played. The practitioner will begin by asking questions, such as the reason you are seeking massage therapy, any injuries or medical conditions you may have, and any other information that may help them better serve you. The massage therapist will then excuse himself/herself so you can disrobe to your level of comfort. You will then get on the table under the provided cover and relax, either face up or face down.
You will be draped at all times – only the area being worked on will be exposed.
A typical full body session includes your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck and shoulders. Oil or lotion is often used.
When the massage is complete, the practitioner will leave the room so you can get dressed. Sit up slowly and, in the hours after your massage, drink plenty of water.
There are many types of massage, so each experience varies.
ncmtmb.org
