Massage

What is massage?

A common natural response to pain is to rub the affected area. Rubbing, kneading, or otherwise touching to help with pain is the idea behind Therapeutic Massage. With this treatment, muscles and other soft body tissues are rubbed and manipulated. This helps reduce pain and aids in healing.

Massage has also been found to be helpful emotionally. The rubbing action also works to release tension in the body, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm.

Massage therapy can help with treatment of:

• Back pain.

• Anxiety and stress.

• Depression.

• Cancer.

• HIV/AIDS.

• High blood pressure.

• Migraine headaches.

• Carpal tunnel symptoms.

• Sports or overuse injuries.

• Side effects of cancer and cancer therapy.

Massaging muscles and soft tissue stimulates the nerves. It also increases blood and lymph flow and eases stress in the muscles. Many massage methods have been developed over time. They often use both fixed and moveable pressure methods, such as:

• Swedish massage. This method uses long, smooth strokes. The strokes knead and compress the muscles with deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping.

• Deep tissue massage. This form of massage targets a specific area of pain or stiffness.

• Shiatsu. This form of massage started in Japan. It's a lot like acupressure because it places pressure on certain key body points.

• Thai massage. This method incorporates yoga and some traditional Chinese medicine methods.

Massages are often done in a quiet room with soothing background music. There may also be aromatherapy from candles or incense. The massage is done with the client lying down on a massage table or sitting in a massage chair.

Massage therapy has few risks if used correctly and provided by a trained massage professional. But deep tissue massage may not be advised for some groups of people. These include frail older adults, people with a history of blood clots, people with severe rheumatoid arthritis, and, in some cases, people who may have a history of physical abuse or trauma. If you have questions, or a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before scheduling a massage.

Tell all of your doctors (conventional or complementary) about the health methods, supplements, and medicines you use. Also let them know if you have any implantable devices, such as a pacemaker, artificial joints, or spinal rods. This will give them a full picture of your health. It will help make sure of safe, effective, and coordinated care.

Massage therapy certification

Massage therapy is regulated by law. There are specific guidelines in 45 states and the District of Columbia. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) has set up standards of practice.

In 2013, the NCBTMB established board certification and set up a board certification exam. This is the highest attainable credential for massage therapists today.

The NCBTMB board certification requires that a massage therapist meets or exceeds these requirements:

• Passing score on the board certification exam.

• Graduation from an NCBTMB Assigned School.

• Passing a criminal background check.

• Agreeing to uphold NCBTMB Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

• Verifying that they are legally practicing in your state or jurisdiction.