Massage Basics

Massage Therapy may be one of the oldest andand aching muscles, it also increases flexibility and
simplest forms of medical care. It has beenrange of motion, helps to decrease chronic pain
practiced in Eastern cultures continually sinceand has been beneficial for those suffering from
ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians paintedfibromyalgia. Massage also helps promote restful
scenes of people being massaged in their tombssleep and mental relaxation. Please be aware that
and the Chinese have books dating back to 2,700precautions must be taken if you suffer from
BC that recommend breathing exercises andhigh-blood pressure or chronic obstructive
massage as treatments for chills and fevers.pulmonary disease (COPD), are pregnant or have
Massage therapy, uses the application of variousany medical conditions. Always tell your massage
techniques to the muscular structure and softtherapist if you have any medical condition and
tissues of the body. This can include applying fixedmake them aware of any medications you may
or movable pressure, holding, vibrations, rocking,be taking.
frictions, kneading and compression through theBenefits of massage therapy can include
use of mostly hands, forearms and elbows.decreased pain, tension relief, and improved
Therapists also use stretching and jointmobility and stress reduction. The most common
movements to help increase range of motion.modalities used include Swedish, myofascial
Massage therapy positively influences a personsrelease, deep-tissue massage, trigger-point
overall health and well-being. Including relaxing thetherapy, and connective tissue massage.
whole body loosening tight muscles relieving tired