Be Healthy with the Right Massage Therapy

Massage means of relaxation to relieve fatigue from daily activities. But not only that, massage can alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases.

Massage is a general term for activities that put pressure on the body members, especially the skin, muscles, and veins with certain techniques. Today, massage therapies are available from expensive spas to traditional massage services that can be called home. Even in shopping malls, you can enjoy massage services with tools or therapist assistance at affordable prices.

Massage can be done with various techniques. The following are some of them.

1) Deep tissue massage

It is the most appropriate treatment to treat chronic pain and stiffness in the body. The therapist performs slow movements that target specific organs.

2) Shiatsu massage

In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure”. The masseuse will use variable finger pressure on points called acupressure points. These points are believed to be important parts of the body’s energy. Brookstone also introduces React Shiatsu massage chair for that purpose that gives real massage therapist touch within 30-minute use.

3) Thai massage

A therapist will move the patient’s body to various positions to compress certain muscles.

4) Reflexology

Massage uses the hands and fingers to stimulate certain areas of the foot.

Also, there are other conditions that can help with massage therapy, such as during pregnancy. Massage during pregnancy can help relieve stress, swelling of the legs and arms, and muscle and joint pain.

Also, by recognizing the benefits and risks that can come from undergoing massage therapy, you can make it more selective when choosing a massage location.

Relieve symptoms

In addition to providing treatment for various diseases, massage has become one of the best options to choose. In addition to general working as a means of relaxation to alleviate depression and anxiety, here are some illnesses that can be alleviated with massage therapy.

1) Headache

Research shows that massage can ease migraine pain and help other types of headaches to sleep better.

2) Back pain

Research reveals that massage can overcome symptoms of chronic back pain. However, this anti-pain effect is relatively short and to establish massage therapy as the main method of treatment in chronic back pain complaints still needs ongoing research.

3) Osteoarthritis

Patients who receive massage therapy 1-2 times a week may experience a reduction in pain and stiffness in the knees due to osteoarthritis.

4) Cancer

Massage can be used as a secondary therapy that has been shown to be a means of relaxation and to reduce symptoms or side effects of cancer treatment. 

Furthermore, the study also found that massage therapy is helpful in alleviating disorders in other conditions such as fibromyalgia, stress, treatment for the growth and development of babies, digestive disorders and myofascial pain syndrome.

Stay at risk

Although the benefits are numerous, there is a possibility that massage therapy may not be appropriate for certain conditions, for example:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a condition when blood clots occur in the body. This condition is more common in the foot area, so it can cause pain.

During pregnancy, you should also check first if you want to undergo massage therapy. Similarly, when you have cancer or other diseases that cause excruciating pain.

In rare cases, massage can cause neurological disorders, internal bleeding, and allergic reactions to oil or massage lotions. Massage can even cause temporary paralysis. Also, massage therapy becomes riskier if it is not performed by trained professionals. The following are some guidelines that can be used to minimize risk.

Avoid using massage as a substitute for medical treatment

Report if you are in certain conditions, such as pregnancy, illness or injury, and also report the history of the illness you have suffered.

When you go to massage therapy with a professional therapist, request certificates or training on what you have obtained. Also, ask what guarantees can be given if certain side effects occur after the massage.

Explain the purpose you want to receive a massage. Is it just relaxation or to treat certain diseases? If so, please also report the special needs you need, so the masseuse will adjust the techniques to be used according to your needs.

If the message you’re feeling is too difficult, it’s okay to ask for relief. Each person has different pain-sensitive spots.

In the massage process, especially if you need to lie down and the area to be treated is the upper part of the whole body, then you should undress or wear loose clothing. Both aim to make you feel comfortable. But it can also be massaged in full clothing and sitting in a chair.

By looking at the benefits, risks, and guidelines of massage, you can make massage therapy a complementary treatment step to relieve pain and stress. But if the complaint does not improve after doing massage therapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor.