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Massage therapy has many benefits, ranging from relaxation to pain relief. problems. There are several different types of massage, and all of them have a certain healing effect. That is, any massage can be wellness if it helps to feel better, solves certain psychological problems and improves overall well-being.
Most often, the Swedish (general) technique is used in wellness massage. It is the basis of many other types of massage, which includes gentle, prolonged kneading, stroking and tapping. This is a great choice for beginners who are often wary of massage, believing it can be painful.
Swedish massage effects include:
- pain relief;
- calming effect;
- reduction in general fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Another option is deep tissue massage. It is similar to a general massage but involves deeper pressure to release muscle tension. Tense muscles are often painful due to adhesions, inflammatory changes, spasms that interfere with blood circulation. During a deep tissue massage session, adhesions are broken down as the therapist uses massage oil and applies direct pressure to areas that cause discomfort. Deep tissue massage is known to relieve:
- chronic pain;
- back, neck or other muscle tension;
- carpal tunnel syndrome;
- pain with sciatica;
- pain due to exercise or bodybuilding;
- increased blood pressure.
Many people think that massage is a way to pamper yourself, but it provides much more than a short-term improvement in well-being. In fact, massage (but only in combination with other healthy lifestyle principles) can help you maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Health massage benefits for adults
The work that the massage therapist does in each session helps the body to remain relaxed and your muscles to remain elastic. Here are the main benefits of massage:
- calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation and emotional well-being;
- reduces stress and anxiety, helps to get rid of depression;
- improves blood circulation, which means it helps to saturate the cells of tissues and organs with oxygen and nutrients;
- stimulates the lymphatic system;
- prevents and relieves muscle cramps and spasms.
Massage therapy can help relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and muscle spasms.
Harm of health massage for adults
Massage can be harmful to health in a number of diseases and conditions. If you have any doubts about whether massage is right for you, discuss it with your doctor.
Contraindications for health massage for adults
There are two main types of contraindications. A general contraindication means that due to some illness, injury or condition, you should postpone the massage or give it up forever. A local contraindication means that you should avoid massaging a specific part or parts of the body.
General contraindications:
- systemic contagious or infectious diseases, including the common cold;
- acute conditions requiring first aid or medical attention;
- severe unstable hypertension;
- significant fever;
- nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- strong pain.
Local contraindications:
- exacerbation of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis;
- recent operation;
- recent burns, including solar;
- deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins;
- aneurysm;
- frostbite;
- open sores or wounds;
- malignant neoplasms.
Remember that massage is not a treatment and does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. If you are dealing with a serious medical condition, check with your doctor before seeking a massage, and be sure to inform your massage therapist of any health conditions that may be affecting the body.
How to make a wellness massage for adults at home
For wellness massage, you can use the same techniques as for other types of massage, for example, relaxing or therapeutic – in many ways they are similar.
How often you should get a massage depends on several factors, including your physical and emotional needs, and your stress level. There is no doubt that you will experience the greatest health benefits from massage if you receive it regularly.
If you do massage once a year, it will be relaxing, but will not relieve muscle tension. But massage once a week or two is ideal for maintaining flexibility and good muscle shape. If you suffer from chronic pain or have a specific problem, you may need to massage weekly (or even twice a week) until you feel better.
Popular questions and answers
Answered popular questions about wellness massage physiotherapy and sports medicine doctor, traumatologist-orthopedist, rehabilitation specialist Georgy Temichev.
How effective is wellness massage for adults?
If the patient began to feel better psychologically, became more relaxed, something stopped hurting him – good. But massage does not affect the physical parameters.