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Massage
What is it?
Therapeutic massage has roots in ancient civilizations. There are many forms of massage, but all employ techniques in which a therapist uses touch, pressure and manipulation of the patient's muscles to increase flexibility and range of motion, release tight muscles, encourage healthier body positions, and promote relaxation. While many people explore massage therapy simply for relaxation, physicians are increasingly encouraging their patients to include massage in their medical treatment.
How can it help?
Massage improves blood circulation, which promotes health and specifically helps reduce soreness, and enhances recovery of muscles after physical activity or trauma. It relaxes muscles and increases range of motion. Massage also increases the release of endorphins (natural chemicals in your body that make you feel good.) As a result, massage can be very effective in managing both short term and chronic pain. Many patients report that massage also helps relieve insomnia.
What can I expect?
There are different forms of massage, so you may want to do some checking or ask for appropriate referrals. While it is possible to receive a massage fully clothed in a special slightly forward-reclined "massage chair," many massage therapists recommend that, to receive the most benefit, patients be disrobed and lying on a padded massage table, covered by a sheet or blanket. This allows the therapist a full range of motion to manipulate your limbs and individual muscle groups.
Typically, a massage therapist will have you lie face down on the massage table with your face in a padded face cradle. A few relaxation exercises will be followed by massage of specific muscle groups (shoulders, arms back, thighs, calves, and possibly your hands and feet) during which the therapist turns back the sheet or blanket to expose the area being worked on. After turning over to your back (during which the therapist screens you with the sheet or blanket) the therapist may work over the opposite side of your limbs, as well as manipulating your neck, and massaging your forehead and scalp.
If you are uncomfortable about receiving a massage unclothed, express your preferences to your massage therapist immediately. It is perfectly acceptable to leave underclothes on during a massage. Also, you can receive a massage fully or partially clothed, although this may limit the treatment or techniques the therapist can employ.
Therapeutic massage (as opposed to relaxation massage) can be slightly painful as you work out a specific muscle or muscle group to get the desired benefit. However, you should always feel comfortable telling your massage therapist what level of pressure is comfortable or appropriate, or if a particular muscle is sore or a particular procedure is unusually painful. If in doubt, have your therapist avoid that area until you can discuss it with your physician.