MASSAGE def

Overview of Massage

  • Definition: Scientific manipulation of soft tissues of the body using hands and/or fingers.

Features of Massage Technique

  • Applies mechanical force to soft tissues without changing joint position.

  • Evokes physiological and/or psychological effects to achieve therapeutic goals.

Physiological Effects of Massage

Circulatory System

  • Aids mechanical emptying of veins and lymphatics, promoting venous blood and lymph forward movement.

  • Reduces risk of stagnation in tissue spaces.

Arterial Flow

  • Improves blood supply in the massaged area, leading to vasodilation and increased peripheral blood flow.

  • Factors contributing to increased blood flow:

    • Release of vasodilators

    • Activation of axon reflex

    • Decrease in venous congestion

Blood Effects

  • Increases in RBC count and hemoglobin after massage, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity.

Metabolic Exchange

  • Promotes rapid disposal of waste products and replenishes nutrients.

  • Enhances oxygenation and blood flow, vital for metabolic processes.

Nervous System Effects

  • Sedative effect on the central nervous system, aiding pain relief.

  • Modulates muscle tone and can influence visceral organs via the autonomic nervous system.

Soft Tissue Effects

  • Impacts elasticity, plasticity, and mobility of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

  • Techniques help break adhesions between fibers.

Respiratory System

  • Techniques like percussion assist in clearing secretions from airways.

Skin Effects

  • Enhances skin's nutritive status, increasing skin temperature and suppleness.

Adipose Tissue Effects

  • Activates lipolysis, facilitating the reduction of adipose deposits.

Psychological Effects

  • Lowers anxiety and tension, promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Immune System Effects

  • May influence immune responses, supporting therapies for conditions like AIDS and cancer.

Therapeutic Uses of Massage

  • Mobilization of Soft Tissue: Addresses conditions causing adhesion and limited motion.

  • Conditions for Use:

    • Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, Fibrositis

    • Muscle injuries, Ligament sprains

    • Surgical or burn scars

Muscle Spasm and Pain

  • Muscle spasms act as protective mechanisms, but prolonged contraction can cause pain.

Oedema Reduction

  • Massage diminishes tissue fluid accumulation, facilitating healing and mobility.

Enhanced Circulation

  • Effective in treating cold extremities via increased blood supply and temperature.

Techniques for Specific Conditions

  • Neurosensory Conditions: Maintains nourishment to paralyzed muscles.

  • Sports: Pre-activity warms up muscles, while post-activity massage reduces soreness.

Mobilization Techniques for Respiratory Disorders

  • Techniques like clapping and shaking clear excess secretions from lungs.

General and Local Relaxation

  • Touch enhances emotional well-being, used for comfort and relaxation across cultures.

Classification of Massage Techniques

  • Character-Based Techniques:

    1. Stroking Manipulations

    2. Pressure Manipulations

    3. Percussion Techniques

    4. Vibratory Techniques

Stroking Manipulations

  • Effleurage: Long strokes in the direction of venous and lymphatic drainage.

  • Superficial Stroking: Gentle, rhythmical movements across the skin.

Pressure Manipulations

  • Kneading: Circular movements applying deep pressure.

  • Petrissage: Lifting and compressing tissues away from the bone.

Percussion Techniques

  • Clapping, Hacking, Tapping: Intermittent touch for various stimuli and effects.

Vibratory Techniques

  • Vibration: Transmits mechanical energy; useful for lung secretion mobilization.

  • Shaking: Coarse oscillatory movement aiding sputum clearance.