The human body is a complex multifunctional system. That is why pathological changes in one of its organs can affect our entire health. In order to eliminate such changes, there is a reflex-segmental massage. Sometimes during this procedure, pain is projected onto those parts of the body that are removed from the affected organ. These zones are called segmented. In them, both increased sensitivity and soreness can be observed, and, on the contrary, loss of pain sensitivity of tissues.
What is related to reflex-segmental massage?
It is worth noting that this type of manipulation is included in the field of restorative medicine, occupying a special place there. How is classic massage different from segmental? It is simpler and less efficient. In addition, classic massage is included in segmental massage, and in addition to it, it is also connecting, acupressure and periosteal. Also, during this complex impact on the human body, special techniques are used. Moreover, the massage therapist uses all the necessary equipment with high intensity.
The basis of this procedure is the impact on the autonomic nervous system of the patient. At the same time, segmental massage allows not only successfully combating many chronic ailments. It is also a preventative measure to prevent the occurrence of pathological changes in the tissue area.
Reflex-segmental massage is a very common type of such procedures. When it is carried out, a physical effect is exerted on the reflex zones located on the surface of the skin, which are associated with internal organs. Already several sessions of segmental massage can improve the condition of the body. At the same time, pain is reduced, blood circulation processes are improved, the activity of the endocrine and autonomic systems is activated, and the functions of all internal organs become normal.
The segmental structure of the human body
At the earliest stages of its development, the human body consists of identical metameres. These are segments, each of which is equipped with a spinal nerve that is displayed on a specific area of the skin. Such areas are called dermatomes. These are areas of the skin that have the form of strips or belts covering the body behind the midline, extending to the midline located in front. Only sacral dermatomes pass to the opposite side. At the same time, the connection between the spinal nerve and the dermatome is constant.
The entire human body is divided into certain segments that correspond to the exit of nerves. At the same time distinguish:
- 5 sacral;
- 5 lumbar;
- 12 breast;
- 8 cervical.
In the presence of a pathological process in one or another internal organ, there is a violation of the blood supply to the corresponding segment. Such a connection indicates the unity of functioning of these parts. So, with violations of the sensitivity of the skin near the spine, as well as with other pathological changes, it is believed that inflammatory processes take place in the spine. The main area of segmental massage for cholecystitis is the abdomen. In this case, emphasis is placed on the right hypochondrium. A segmental massage of the cervicothoracic spine is performed in case of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Similar procedures are prescribed during the rehabilitation period after an illness and for medicinal purposes. At the same time, segmented massage is able to stop the development of ailments in the body.
Preliminary diagnostics
Segmental massage is carried out in order to find reflex changes in the skin and a positive effect on them. The mechanism of action during such a procedure is to increase blood circulation in a particular segment.
How are such sites determined? This happens when using one or another method:
1. The masseur presses fingers on the skin, while watching the appearance of pain.
2. The specialist captures the skin, collecting it in a crease. If painful sensations appear inside the arising thickenings or a restriction of their mobility is revealed, this will be evidence of reflex changes in this segment.
3. The masseur performs stretching of the skin. The appearance in this or that area of painful sensations will speak of reflex changes in the connective tissue.
Thus, segmental massage is carried out only after the diagnosis of all areas and areas of the patient’s body and if problem areas are found in the tissues.
In addition, to detect reflex changes, you can:
- It is easy and without pressure to draw the blunt tip of the needle over the skin. In the area of hyperalgesia (increased soreness), such a touch will be perceived as piercing and sharp.
- Tickle the patient. Sensations in the area of reflex changes will be absent.
- Lightly touch the skin using the sharp end of the needle. The hyperalgesia zone with this effect will respond with pain.
In addition, certain pathologies of internal organs are detected:
- by visual inspection of the skin, on which there may be soft or gross swelling, as well as indentations;
- when taking measurements using an elastomer;
- with point percussion, when the difference in tissue tension is determined after a series of light and short strokes on the skin with the palmar surface of the finger.
Indications for
What are the causes of segmental massage? A similar type of effect on the patient’s body is recommended for the same indications as the classic one.
However, the peculiarity of this procedure, which consists in its reflex effect on tissues, significantly expands the scope of its use. So, pathologies or causes of segmental massage:
- functional or chronic ailments of internal organs;
- disturbances in the functioning of the autonomic and endocrine systems;
- functional and chronic rheumatic pathologies of the joints and spine;
- violation of blood supply.
Contraindications
Segmental massage should not be used for:
- purulent-inflammatory and acute processes, the elimination of which requires urgent surgical intervention;
- infectious diseases of a general nature, which are accompanied by high fever;
- sexually transmitted diseases;
- severe injuries and fractures of the musculoskeletal system;
- oncological diseases.
Varieties of segmental massage
The procedure for influencing the patient’s autonomic nervous system through certain areas of tissue can be carried out using various methods of exposure. In this regard, the following types of segmental massage are distinguished:
1. Periosteal. This massage is carried out by exerting a physical effect directly on the painful points on the skin, which have a reflex connection with one or another organ of the human body. Periosteal massage helps to enhance blood circulation and accelerates metabolic processes. It is recommended for pathologies of internal organs, as well as for problems with the skeletal system and musculoskeletal system.
2. Segmented. This massage is performed using special physical methods of exposure and is an effective method to eliminate reflex changes in tissues. The main goal of carrying out such a procedure is to reduce the negative impact of pathological phenomena that have arisen in the human body.
3. Shiatsu. This massage came to us from Japan. This procedure is carried out by pressing fingers on acupuncture points. Shiatsu is ideal for restoring the patient's energy balance and improving his overall well-being. Japanese massage has not only a therapeutic effect. With its help, various kinds of mental disorders are prevented and the body's defenses are stimulated. A similar procedure is within the power of every person. Indeed, by pressing on that part of the body in which discomfort is experienced, it is possible to solve various health problems without much effort and for a short time. With this type of segmental massage, a person is able to eliminate toothache, cope with fatigue, lower blood pressure and get rid of the uncomfortable sensations that arise in the lower back and shoulders.
4. Connecting. This massage was created in 1929 by Elizabeth Dicke - physical therapy instructor. During a similar procedure, by tightening the pads of 3 and 4 fingers, the nerve endings located in the connective tissue are affected.
As a result, blood supply to organs and tissues is normalized, the rate of scar regeneration processes increases, and negative reactions of the central nervous system of the patient are eliminated.
5. Spot. This massage is a physical effect on the active points of the skin, which is carried out using the fingers. Through these zones, a positive effect on the central nervous system is exerted. First of all, the massage therapist must find out the problems of the patient. After that, he determines those active points that are associated with a diseased organ, and implements methods of rubbing, stroking, vibration, gripping and pressing. Initially, acupressure causes pain, which subsequently disappears. A similar procedure is recommended for violations of posture and arthrosis, osteochondrosis, as well as for intervertebral hernias.
Receptions for reflex segmental massage
As mentioned above, a procedure that affects the human nervous system through the tissues of his skin, is a classic version. That is why the techniques of segmental massage in many respects repeat those that exist under traditional exposure. The most common of these are rubbing and vibration, kneading and stroking. All this is a segmental massage technique that should be considered in more detail.
During a reception such as chopping, or “sawing,” the specialist places the index and thumb of his hands on both sides of the patient’s spine so that a skin roller appears between them. Carrying out reflex-segmental back massage, he performs sawing movements of his hands in different directions.
The second technique is drilling. During its implementation, the specialist should be on the left hand of the patient. At the same time, the massage therapist places his right hand on the area of the patient's sacrum, wrapping his fingers around the spine. Next, circular movements are made with 1-4 fingers, with emphasis on the large.
Segmental massage of the sacro-lumbar is performed with movement from the bottom up along the line along the spine. Further, the functions of the fingers change. The masseur performs circular movements with the thumbs with emphasis on all the others. The specialist can also stand on the right side of the patient. But at the same time, the direction of massage should not change. The movement of the hands in this case is carried out from the bottom up.
The next trick is stroking. It is carried out with a unilateral impact on the patient's body with two or one hand. The specialist performs this technique from the middle of the chest. Then he switches to segmental spinal massage. This technique is performed with the help of the palms, the pressure force of which is gradually increasing.
The stroking technique may be planar segmental. It is performed with the help of both hands, the hands of which are parallel and directed to the cervical spine, and begins slightly below the zone of the problem area. With the help of such stroking, a segmental massage of the back, as well as the chest and limbs is performed.
The next trick is called "Shift from yourself." Consider three varieties of this technique:
1. The specialist produces segmental massage of the spine, placing the palms on its both sides. At the same time, a fold of skin should remain between the thumb and all other fingers. She also undergoes massage. The specialist moves this surface from bottom to top, either on the right or on the left side of the spine.
2. In the second method of "Shifting away from yourself," the masseur places his hands in the same way as in the first case. Only in this case the skin fold includes the region of three vertebrae. This area must be moved from bottom to top from the lumbar spine to the cervical.
3. Having formed a fold of skin, the massage therapist begins to move one hand forward and the other back. In this case, the direction of impact remains the same - from the bottom up.
The next trick is Self-Shift. This technique is similar to the previous one except for the direction of exposure.
When performing this technique, the masseur is located near the patient’s head, performing movements on himself, giving most of the load on the index finger.
The next way to perform segmental effects on the human body is called "Fork". The specialist performs segmental massage of the lumbosacral region. At the same time, his hands move from bottom to top, reaching up to the 7th cervical vertebra. Such a reception is performed with the pads of the index and middle fingers. In this case, the specialist’s hands are located on both sides of the spinal column. The movements of the fingers during the execution of such a technique should be sliding with weight.
Another way to carry out segmental effects on the patient’s body is called “Movement”. During this reception, the masseur with his right hand grasps the patient's body in the area of the right buttock. In this case, spiraling movements are performed with the palm of the left hand in the direction from top to bottom towards the spine, and with the right - in the opposite direction.
The next technique is called “Pressure”. It is performed with the thumb of the right hand, weighed down by movements with the left hand or the pads of all the other fingers. At the end of the procedure, the pressure force must certainly weaken when the brushes are located along the spine.
Another technique for segmental massage is “Stretching”. During its implementation, the specialist covers the muscle with his hands located at a distance of four to five centimeters from each other. After that there are movements to gradually stretch the tissues by moving the brushes back and forth. Then the position of the hands is changed, and the technique is repeated again.
During segmental massage, a special technique is used when affecting the paracampal region. The specialist should stand on the right side of the patient and put his left hand on his forearm. After this, a series of fine grindings is carried out. Such movements are carried out with the help of four fingers of the right hand (without the thumb). Reception begins from the widest muscle of the back and ends with the outer edge of the scapula. Further grinding continues. For this, the thumb of the right hand is used, which moves from the inner edge of the scapula, reaching the level of the shoulder. The massage ends by kneading and rubbing the upper zone of the trapezius muscle (to the back of the head). After the specialist goes into the area of the right shoulder blade. At the end of this part, the massage shifts somewhat lower. He moves to the subscapular zone.
With segmental massage, a technique called “Pelvic concussion” is also used. In this case, the specialist works with both hands. He places them on the iliac crests of the pelvic area. Then, using short lateral oscillatory movements of the hands, they move to the spine. These movements and the shaking of the pelvis.
In segmental massage, there is also a method of stretching the chest. It begins with a classic stroking, as well as rubbing the zones of intercostal spaces. Then the patient takes a deep breath, during which the masseur must forcefully compress the patient’s chest. The direction of the specialist’s hands during the implementation of this technique is different. When exhaling, they glide to the sternum, and when inhaling - to the spine. The main condition for the patient is not to hold your breath. To this end, the masseur is better to give the command "Inhale" and "Exhale." It is worth saying that such a technique perfectly activates the patient's breathing.
On overly stressed areas of tissue and neck muscles it is recommended to perform a double forceps ring reception. , .
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