Massage Therapy

Overview

Why is massage done?

Risks and Complications of massage therapy

How you prepare

What you can expect before a massage

How it’s done/specific kinds of Massage

After a massage

Success

  • Overview

beneftis of massage include: improves sleep quality, enhances circulation, stimulates movement of lymphatic fluid, improves joint mobility, relieves stress, improves mental alertness, boosts immune function, reduces tension in the muscles, speeds healing of soft tissue injuries, and eases muscle pain

Why get a massage?

There are many reasons why people get massages There are some who get a massage regularly as a means of relaxation. There some who get a massage as a way to help treat an injury or a medical condition. There are a few types of massage and each one will do something different to your body.

Tools of the trade

Massage therapy is performed by a licensed and trained professional (massage therapist) that uses techniques involving their hands, fingers, elbows, knees, or forearms to manipulate the soft tissues of the body (muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia) for therapeutic purposes.
[1]

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Merriam-Webster

Respected Dictionary

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Muscle Injury Tissue Progression - Image showing pre-injury (Healthy tissu), injury (strained tissue) and healed (scar tissue). Scar tissue= increased risk of re-injury + decreased range of motion. Scar tissue forms to heal injuried tissue leaving the muscle weaker and less flexible.

Why do muscles hurt?

Skeletal muscles allow your body to move, play a role in breathing mechanics, protect organs and aide in maintaining posture and balance.
[2]

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Academic textbook

Backed by various research articles

Written for professionals

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When muscles are damaged through trauma (small or large), the body lays scar tissue down in a haphazard pattern which can make it harder to move in certain ways.    When this occurs, there is decreased circulation, increased tightness or pain.

What’s a knot?

Muscle knots are painful, stiff bands of muscle that tighten and contract even when the muscle is at rest. They typically have a hard knob in the center called a trigger point. They are most commonly found in the back, shoulders, and neck.

How do you get knots?

  • Psychological stress

  • Poor Posture

  • Bad Ergonomics

  • Fatigue

  • Dehydration

  • Joint problems

history of massage therapy

Where did massage therapy originate?

Massage therapy has been around for over a thousand years.    There are references to massage in old writings from China, Japan, India, Arabic nations, Egypt, Greece and Rome.
[3]

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Medicina Historica

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Massage therapy in the United States

Thanks to two physicians from New York, George and Charles Taylor, who were studying massage therapy in Sweden, massage was introduced to the United States in the 1850s and is now a common practice throughout the states.
[4]

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  • Why is massage done?

When skeletal muscles have adhesions and the surrounding soft tissues are non-pliable, it becomes harder to move, there is pain, tightness, a decrease in strength, and can cause irritability and stress to the patient.

Massage therapy is great for:

  • Decreasing pain and muscle tension

  • Improving circulation

  • Improving flexibility and range of motion

  • Improve muscle performance/strength

  • Treating a variety of injuries

  • Reducing stress

  • Relaxation

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  • Risks and Complications of massage therapy

Risks associated with massages are typically very low but there are some:

Common. (Usually resolve within 72 hours)

  • Muscular soreness (like after a workout)

  • Bruising (mostly mild)

  • Aggravation of existing injuries

Rare

  • muscle/ligament injuries

  • nerve/neurological injuries

  • vascular injuries

  • How you prepare for a massage

Hydrate.

There is no special preparation needed before your massage, but staying hydrated can improve outcomes of your session, and while showering before is not necessary, it is appreciated.

Keep your appointment.

Keep your appointment, let us know if there are any changes.

There is a $30 re-scheduling fee if we are not given 24-hour notice.

15 minutes early.

First time clients should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time to fill out a short intake form to indicate any conditions the massage therapist should be aware of.

  • What you can expect before massage

Meet and greet

A massage therapist will greet, talk about the session to address preferences/areas of the body and bring the client to their room.

Time for undressing

10 minutes (5 before, 5 after)
[5]

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Harper College

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are allocated for consultation and dressing.

The therapist will step out of the room and allow clients to undress to their level of comfort (i.e., fully disrobed, fully clothed or partially clothed), and lay underneath a top sheet/blanket on a massage table.
massage therapist doing a consultation

  • How it’s done/specific kinds of Massage

During the massage therapy session, clients are always covered with sheets using proper draping techniques. Therapists will only uncover areas they are working on.    Private areas will never be exposed.

There are a variety of techniques used by massage therapists.    Our massage therapists use the following techniques:

Swedish Massage.

Swedish massage is the most common type as it will relax the whole body. The Swedish massage was developed through a, Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger, when he gave French names to the basic strokes.
[6]

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Massage Magazine

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Written by practitioners in the field

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During a Swedish massage, the therapist will use sliding or gliding strokes, kneading, tapping, rhythmic tapping, cross friction or vibration/shaking while rubbing the body.
[7]

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Massage Register

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Written by practitioners in the field

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The therapist works using strokes that follow the blood returning to the heart.

Studies show Swedish massage can reduce chronic pain, fatigue,
[8]

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Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Peer-reviewed journal

Internationally recognized journal

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[9]

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Spinal Cord

Peer-reviewed journal

Internationally recognized journal

Multi-disciplinary journal

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joint stiffness, and improve function, flexibility and circulation.
[10]

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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Peer-reviewed journal

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Finally, Swedish massage is great at easing tension throughout the entire body.

Prenatal or Pregnancy Massage.

Prenatal massage aims to relax muscle tension in the low back and hips, decrease stress/anxiety, improve circulation, and decrease swelling with gentle pressure.
[11]

Trusted Source

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology

Peer-reviewed journal

Internationally recognized journal

Go to source
During a prenatal massage, the massage therapist uses relaxing strokes while Mom is on her back or side.

Research shows women can reap the benefits of pregnancy massage at any time (1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimesters),
[12]

New Life Journal

Written by experts

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improve labor outcomes and their newborn’s health.

Medical/Clinical Deep tissue Massage.

is a technique where the therapist will focus more on the deepest layer of the muscles where the perpetual discomfort and tension is released. The massage therapist will also focus on the tendons and the fascia which is a thin layer that surrounds the joints, bones, and muscles.    The massage therapist targets areas of concern to alleviate symptoms related to nerve impingement, muscular strains and ligamentous sprains.

While there is no true “Medical massage,” “Clinical massage” or “Deep tissue massage” specific technique,
[13]

Trusted Source

Massage Today

Trade journal

Written by practitioners in the field

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it can better be described as a collection of modalities
[14]

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Massage Today

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Written by practitioners in the field

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Myofascial release.

Myofascial release is a technique that works on releasing adhered fascia and muscles.    Myofascial release involves shearing compression/tension in the motion of the tissue, cross fiber friction or skin rolling
[15]

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Academic textbook

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Written for professionals

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with the goal of eliminating pain, promoting strength, increasing range of motion and balancing muscular/postural tensions.

Trigger point massage.

Trigger point massage focuses on deactivating trigger points that cause local and referred pain. In trigger point massage, the massage therapist applies direct pressure to the point of pain and is sustained until there is a release in the tissue.
[16]

Trusted Source

Academic textbook

Backed by various research articles

Written for professionals

Go to source

Sports
massage.

Sports massage is a comprehensive type of massage that aims to improve recovery time, enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
[17]

Trusted Source

North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy

Peer-reviewed journal

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More attention is placed on stimulating the flow of blood and lymph to sport specific muscles and massage therapists use direct point pressure, cross fiber friction, compression, and percussion. Dependent upon the goal, sports massage can be done before activity in order to elevate athletic performance, boost endurance, or prevent injury by increasing flexibility/elasticity, or after physical activity to promote more rapid tissue recovery, reduce pain, and minimize muscle fatigue.    Overall, sports massage is great at keeping the body at optimal condition.

Deep tissue massage has multiple benefits. There have been studies that have shown that when a person gets a deep tissue massage for 45 minutes or more can actually cause their blood pressure to decrease. A deep tissue massage can also relieve stress. During the massage, stress hormones are reduced and the heart rate increases. This triggers the release of serotonin and oxytocin, which promotes a deep relaxation.

The massage therapist may ask a few questions during the session about pressure and how comfortable the client is; however, clients may talk as much or little as they desire. Once the massage therapist has ended the session, the therapist will leave the room and allow the client to get dressed.

  • After a Massage

Hydrate.

The massage therapist will be waiting for you, will have a cup of water waiting for you and give instructions about after care.

Your cells, vital organs, and muscles require water to function properly; therefore, you must drink plenty of water, especially over the next 24 hours.

tip rate

Tipping.

Clients that enjoyed their experience, are welcome to reschedule with the same therapist and/or tip their therapist (standard hospitality rate is 20%).
[18]

Real Simple

Online Magazine

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Envelopes for each therapist are available at the front desk for cash tips and credit card tips are added onto the therapist’s paycheck.

What to expect.

After your Massage, you may experience some minor side effects such as minor soreness.

These symptoms are normal and usually last 48-72 hours.

Restrictions.

There are typically no restrictions after massages.

You will be able to resume normal activities or go back to work after receiving a massage.

  • Does massage work?

Research suggests that massage is great at treating sports injuries, muscle aches and pains, headaches and depression/anxiety.

In order to back up the information in our articles, Arizona Chiropractic & Holistic Health Center exclusively cites high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed research. We strive to provide accurate, dependable, and trustworthy content based on the best evidence avaliable.

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  2. Dave HD, Shook M, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Skeletal Muscle. [Updated 2020 Sep 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537236/
  3. Iorio S, Gazzaniga V, Marinozz i S (30 August 2018). "Healing bodies: the ancient origins of massages and Roman practices". Medicina Historica. 2(2): 58–62.
  4. Nctmb, F. S. B. M., & Lmt, F. L. (2020). Mosby’s Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage (7th ed.). Mosby. p18. ISBN-13 978-0323661836
  5. Harper College. (n.d.). Massage Therapy Clinic: Harper College. Retrieved July 7, 2021, from https://www.harpercollege.edu/academics/health/massage-therapy/massage_clinic.php
  6. Calver R. "Pages from history: Swedish massage". Massage Magazine. Retrieved 25 December2006.
  7. "Swedish Massage". Massagereister.com. Archived from the originalon 4 September 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  8. Sritoomma, N., Moyle, W., Cooke, M., & O’Dwyer, S. (2014). The effectiveness of Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil in treating chronic low back pain in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 22(1), 26–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.11.002
  9. Lovas, J., Tran, Y., Middleton, J., Bartrop, R., Moore, N., & Craig, A. (2016). Managing pain and fatigue in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial feasibility study examining the efficacy of massage therapy. Spinal Cord, 55(2), 162–166. https://doi.org/10.1038/sc.2016.156
  10. Perlman, A., Ali, A., Njike, V., Hom, D., Davidi, A., Gould-Fogerite, S., Milak, C., & Katz, D. (2012). OA09.01. Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized dose-finding trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12(S1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-12-s1-o33
  11. Field, T., Hemandez-Reif, M., Hart, S., Theakston, H., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (1999). Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.3109/01674829909075574
  12. Howell, J. (2002). Prenatal health through massage therapy: for women and their babies: Julie Howell, N.M.T., P.M.T., details the benefits and debunks the myths of massage for the expecting. - Free Online Library. The Free Library. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Prenatal+health+through+massage+therapy%3A+for+women+and+their+babies%3A...-a098250301
  13. "Medical Massage Controversy". Massage-career-guides.com. 6 February 2013. Archived from the originalon 1 November 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  14. "Introduction, With a Response to AMMA". Massage Today. Retrieved 25 August2020.
  15. Digiovanna, E. L., Amen, C. J., & Burns, D. K. (2020). Chapter 12: Myofascial release. An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.80–82. ISBN-13 978-1975171575
  16. Mense, S., & Gerwin, R. D. (2010). Chapter: Myofascial Pain Caused by Trigger Points. Muscle Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer Publishing. pp.205–288. ISBN-13 9783642054686
  17. Brummitt, Jason (February 2008). "The Role of Massage in Sports Performance and Rehabilitation: Current Evidence and Future Direction". North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 3(1): 7–21. ISSN 1558-6162. PMC 2953308. PMID 21509135.
  18. Dineen, C. W. (2019, August 2). Here’s Exactly How Much to Tip for a Massage (or Other Spa Treatment). Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/work-life-etiquette/how-much-to-tip-for-massage