The term "massage" has French roots. It came from the verb "masser". This word is translated as "rub." Descriptions of massage techniques have been found in Egyptian papyri. The ancient Greeks borrowed this procedure from this people. It was they who began to use massage to treat various diseases. Now this is one of the areas of manual therapy with a wide range of applications.
Most often, massage is used in parallel with physiotherapy methods. Less commonly, the procedure is performed by itself. For example, when massage is recommended for relaxation. Today, this direction of manual therapy has various forms, which can be explained by fashion trends, as well as the success of marketing. However, massage is distinguished only by the performed manipulations. Moreover, its therapeutic purpose and goals remain, as before, classic.
Application
Massage is recommended for the following purposes:
- to calm, anesthetize, and also relax tissues of the musculoskeletal system;
- to reduce fatigue (psychological and physical), as well as to reduce muscle tension;
- to stimulate the musculoskeletal system;
- to improve lymph and blood circulation, as well as to enhance metabolism in the body;
- to enhance the function of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
- for the expansion of blood vessels of the skin.
There are various types of classic massage. These include therapeutic and sports, cosmetic and hygienic types of procedures. There is also a kind of self-massage.
Application area
Massage is prescribed to the patient as a therapeutic and rehabilitation remedy for such problems:
- various pathological processes occurring in the musculoskeletal system (hematomas, post-traumatic edema, periarticular and muscle pains, lumbago, etc.);
- unexacerbated type of rheumatic diseases of the motor system;
- vascular pathologies (varicose veins, lymphodema, trophic ulcers);
- diseases of the nervous system (stress, overwork, insomnia, paralysis);
- diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc.);
- pathologies of the digestive tract (constipation, flatulence, spasms in the intestine).
Massage can be used for cosmetic purposes to eliminate cellulite and lymphatic edema. It is used for fluid retention in tissues, increased muscle and skin tone, as well as for overweight.
Basic tricks
Massage techniques include movements such as rubbing, stroking and kneading. In addition, vibration and shock techniques are used. During the procedure, passive movements also take place.
The massage technique, like everything in today's world, does not stand still. New methods and types of this direction of manual therapy appear. However, the basis of all the recent massage techniques is the movements described above. Having mastered them, it is quite simple to learn any new tricks.
Stroking
With this movement, any massage begins. When performing this technique, the massage therapist’s palm should move freely on the patient’s skin. At the same time, low-pressure pressure is produced.
The massage technique provides for the application of this movement not only at the beginning of the procedure, but also at its end. They stroking between other manipulations (rubbing, vibration, etc.). The direction in which the massage therapist’s arm is moving should be towards the closely located lymph nodes. Five to ten percent of the total session time is allocated to this technique. The main purpose of this movement is to warm the skin and subcutaneous structures to prepare them for deeper influences.
Slow and soft execution allows you to calm the nervous system. This reduces pain symptoms, which is especially important for injuries, as well as pathologies of the neuromuscular system. Stroking allows you to accelerate the flow of lymph, as it runs towards the large nodes of this system. Reception can have a noticeable effect on the skin. During stroking, dead epidermal cells, germs and dust are removed. In this case, the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands is activated. Improves skin respiration, its nutrition, and blood circulation.
Trituration
This is the second technique that involves massage techniques. He follows the stroking. Rubbing is performed with the knuckles, palm, edge, or with the thumbs. During this administration, considerable pressure should be applied to the patient's skin. The goal pursued by rubbing is the effect on the deep layers of the skin.
There are a great many variants of this technique. The grinding can be deep and superficial, spiral and spitz-shaped, as well as with pressure exerted by two hands, and comb-like.
The classic massage technique uses this technique to stretch and displace tissues in different directions. When rubbing the patient, the specialist’s hands do not slip on the skin. They must shift and shift it. Thirty to forty percent of the time of the entire session is allotted to this technique by classical massage techniques.
Stretching and displacement of tissues contributes to the expansion of blood vessels, which is a prerequisite for increased blood circulation. As a rule, the patient's skin temperature rises by one to two degrees. Tissues receive a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients, and also quickly get rid of various toxins.
Classical therapeutic massage includes rubbing as an opportunity for faster absorption of pathological deposits, as well as scars and fluid accumulated in the tissues. Vigorous movements can significantly increase muscle tone.
Rubbing is the main technique during massage joints. This procedure is especially useful after injuries. It allows you to increase joint mobility. When rubbing, the excitability of the nervous system decreases. In addition, this technique can significantly reduce pain with neuralgia and neuritis. In this case, the specialist must perform deep grindings along the location of the nerve trunks.
Kneading
The massage technique provides for a stronger effect on the muscles and tissues of the patient’s body compared to previous movements. This becomes possible when carrying out kneading, which follows grinding.
This technique provides for therapeutic massage technique in case of manipulation in the collar zone. It is also effective in the limbs and back. Kneading can be called the main movement when performing sports and therapeutic massages.
The main objective of this manipulation is the capture and kneading by hands of those layers of tissue and muscles that are located very deep. This will improve lymphatic drainage and outflow of blood from the veins. The mobility of the tissues and muscles themselves during the massage is also increased.
The kneading technique is very complex. It is impossible to learn remotely. The fact is that the massage therapist needs to determine the state in which the muscle fibers are located by touching the patient’s skin with the fingertips. Only when a person has mastered the technique of this technique, is he able to make a classic massage. But remember that a video will never be able to convey the knowledge that an experienced specialist possesses.
With a classic kneading massage, almost sixty percent of the entire session is allotted. According to its effect, this technique is often compared with passive gymnastics and recommend its use to eliminate skeletal muscle atrophy.
During kneading in the tendons, muscles and joint bags, receptors are excited, which positively affects the functioning of the nervous system. The nature of these transformations directly depends on the strength, pace, and also the duration of the massage procedure.
Shock techniques
They are the last in the main phase of massage. Percussion techniques are performed by patting, shaking and tapping the fingers and brushes of a specialist on the patient’s body. Rhythmic strokes increase venous pressure and reduce microcirculation of venous blood. If the reception is performed with the help of quick and energetic strokes, the nervous system tones up, the analgesic effect becomes noticeable. Shock massage techniques are used as distracting tactics. They allow you to eliminate pain when processing adjacent to the painful area.
With the help of shock techniques, an effect is also made on the internal organs. For example, tapping the chest allows you to lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
Spinal massage
A common occurrence in the modern world is back pain. One of the methods for solving this problem is massage. And it is not surprising that people who have a backache often turn to a specialist for wellness sessions. It is worth saying that there is no such procedure as therapeutic massage of the spine. The specialist acts on the muscles in the back. However, it does not affect the spine.
During the healing back massage, the specialist acts on the ligaments and soft tissues. Hand movements allow you to start many positive processes in the patient’s body. For a person whose back hurts, the main thing is to relax the muscles and activate blood circulation. This process allows you to get another result. It is the activation of blood circulation in the intervertebral discs. A process is also launched to restore cartilage. The muscles during the procedure are relaxed, the vertebrae fit more easily. That is why back massage can eliminate pinching of the nerve endings of the spinal cord and eliminate the main source of pain in the back.
Massage for osteochondrosis
This pathology is diagnosed in patients of different ages. Its main reason is the deformation of the intervertebral discs.
Therapeutic massage for osteochondrosis can help with the first signs of the disease. And no wonder. Pathology contributes to the appearance of muscle spasm, and the soft movements that produce the specialist’s hands can relax tense tissues and release the pinched nerve endings.
The greatest effect will be obtained by the sessions of classical manual massage, which will be carried out with the participation of an experienced specialist with a medical education. Such manipulations will relieve or reduce pain, strengthen muscles and prevent a relapse of the pathology. In the case of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, a specialist will act on painless parts of the body that are associated with the area of ​​pathology reflexively.
What is the technique of such massage? It involves the use of such techniques as stroking and squeezing, kneading and shaking, rubbing, passive and active movements with the applied resistance, as well as shaking and strokes. If an exacerbation of the disease is observed, then the effect on the pathological region changes from session to session. Less active movements are used at the beginning of the course. Then the degree of their strength gradually increases. The masseur should be guided by the condition of the patient.
At present, osteochondrosis is popular with acupressure. During such a procedure, special zones located on the patient's body are affected. These are points that have a reflex connection with certain nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Helps with osteochondrosis and electromassage.
Massage for children
This procedure is useful for babies whose age is from two to three months to a year. Baby massage is a useful procedure. It contributes to the development of the child emotionally, physically, as well as mentally.
Parents can perform children's massage on their own or take the child to sessions with a professional specialist. The procedure is carried out from two to three months of age. In this case, you will need to observe some massage conditions. So, you can carry out manipulations only an hour after eating or thirty minutes before eating. Undesirable procedures before bedtime. You can massage babies either every day or every other day. It is not recommended to use the cream. This product is for adults only.
Baby massage is performed with constant monitoring of the child's reaction. The kid should not cry and be annoyed. Otherwise, manipulation should be stopped immediately. The main techniques for children's massage are stroking and rubbing, kneading, as well as vibration. The movements should be gentle and soft. Kneading and vibration should be especially careful. A massage session is recommended for five to seven minutes.
Heart massage
This procedure has to be done when providing first aid to a person in need. Knowing what characterizes the technique of heart massage, you can save the victim from death.
What is the basic principle of this manipulation? A person who has lost consciousness is in a relaxed state. It is this property of muscle tissue that is used during massage. In such a situation, it becomes possible to displace the bones of the chest so that the heart contracts between the spine and sternum. This is necessary to expel blood from the heart muscle. After that, an important organ is straightened out. The next portion of blood automatically gets into it from the vessels. With repeated manipulations, the heart rhythm is maintained . It is stimulated to work and begins to beat on its own.
Heart massage is accompanied by artificial respiration. Pressing movements must be applied to the lower part of the sternum so as not to injure the ribs. The time of one pressure is 1 second. This will allow blood to move to the heart. After the push, the hands should be left on the sternum for half a second, and only after that they should be removed. The effectiveness of the massage becomes apparent when the patient develops a pulse during pressure. In this case, the cyanosis of the skin and mucous membranes should decrease, the pupils are narrowed, and subsequently independent breathing appears.
Massage training
Conducting therapeutic and relaxing manipulations is necessary for everyone. In the absence of contraindications, massage is needed for both children and adults and the elderly. Residents of large cities especially need it. Massage will allow them to maintain good health and will be the prevention of various ailments. Performing this procedure will allow you to effectively deal with stress and give beauty.
A good massage specialist is always in demand. He is the best assistant to physiotherapists, rehabilitologists, orthopedists and sports trainers.
How to master this technique? You will need to undergo medical massage courses. Curricula are available for understanding. They can be mastered even by one who does not have a medical education. Massage courses familiarize students with the basics and techniques of the classical direction of manual therapy. Often, other manipulations can also be mastered here. This is a hygienic and anti-cellulite massage of various kinds. Students are actively involved in the process. Moreover, all people who have undergone massage courses can consolidate their knowledge during practical classes. As a rule, one who wants to have a massage therapist career and seeks to master the basic techniques for carrying out the procedures for his relatives wants to get training.
It is worth saying that no special preparation for the classes in these courses is required. By the end of their studies, almost everyone begins to confidently master the key techniques in this area of ​​manual therapy.