Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy

Massage – What Is It?

Massage is a healing procedure that is performed on the surface of the body with our hands using specific movements. With its help, we can induce certain effects at the site of application and in the entire body. The term itself can be derived from the Greek verb massein (to rub) or the Arabic mass (to press), the French term massage used today.

Massage, as a treatment method, is rarely used in conventional medicine. It is usually performed on medical advice and must be performed according to prescribed professional rules. Massage can be combined well with other physiotherapy procedures, e.g. hydrotherapy.

The Use of Massage Therapy

The use of massage for therapeutic purposes can be found in a wide variety of diseases. Its most common application is in the group of musculoskeletal (rheumatic) diseases in the post-treatment of a wide variety of bone fractures, joint sprains, muscle and tendon tears, and bruises. Swellings regress, hematomas resulting from accidents are more easily absorbed, pain and joint contractures decrease, muscles are strengthened, and joint movements improve. In practice, spinal pain, degenerative phenomena and inflammations of the limb joints, inflammatory pain and swelling of the soft tissues around the joints (e.g. inflammation around the shoulder joint, scapulohumeral periarthritis) are very important and common. But tendonitis, various neuroinflammations and pains, and muscle pain can also be included here, as the main indications for massage. Massage also plays a significant role in reducing the symptoms of orthopaedic diseases resulting from incorrect posture, as it is used to improve the condition of the body part before surgery, and as a follow-up treatment after surgery. In neurology, massage plays a significant role in the treatment of people with various paralysis and muscle atrophy. Massage can be performed effectively in cases of heart disease, coronary artery disease, chronic bronchitis and asthma, and to reduce headaches. Digestive disorders and gynaecological ailments can be positively influenced, mainly through reflex effects.

Local Effects

The effects of massage are on the skin, subcutaneous connective tissue and muscles.

Skin: Blood flow is increased, with the increase in temperature, chemical substances with a vasodilating effect are produced, blood circulation increases, leading to better nutrition of tissues, stimulation of cell metabolism, and the treated area warms up. Because of smoothing and rubbing, dead skin cells are quickly removed. Mechanical effects contribute to the preservation of the natural elasticity of the skin. Sebum and sweat secretion are increased.

Subcutaneous connective tissue: Due to the mechanical effects, those elements of the connective tissue that ensure the support and elasticity of the connective tissue are re-formed. As a result of massage, the rich blood and lymph network is compressed and then expanded, thereby increasing circulation. During the increase in circulation, on the one hand, the nutrition of local tissues improves, and on the other hand, the fluid circulation of the entire body is also stimulated. Swelling and “orange peel” disappear. Massage accelerates the elimination of inflammatory metabolic products and fat accumulated under pathological conditions in the subcutaneous connective tissue.

Muscles: The performance of the muscles treated with massage increases; muscle work becomes faster and more persistent. Massage after physical work or strenuous sports helps to eliminate fatigue. Tissue regeneration improves. Massage can prevent painful knots and stiffness in muscles and tendons. Already formed myogelotic knots can be dissolved. General increased muscle tone can be reduced.

General Effects

Treatment of a large surface area of ​​the body affects the entire body. Blood and lymph circulation, heart function, breathing improve, metabolic processes accelerate, and regeneration improves. Effects on the nervous system: on the one hand, strong, stimulating dishes invigorate and increase the body’s activity, on the other hand, calming dishes help the body relax and rest.

Remote Effects

Direct effects:

  • stimulation of blood and lymph circulation, elimination of lymph stagnation
  • warming of the body surface
  • promotion of skin regeneration, removal of dead tissue layers
  • release of tissue hormones (histamine)
  • dissolution of adhesions, myogelosis, scarring
  • improvement and restoration of joint range of motion
  • dissolution of secretions
  • pain relief
  • balancing of the autonomic nervous system
  • increase or decrease of muscle tone

Indirect effects:

  • Neurovegetative lability: manifests as malaise and weakness. These symptoms occur in a certain cycle: every 7, 14, 21 days, this is called circa septan rhythm.
  • Positive changes: the well-being of the treated person improves, their habits change, and they can more easily tolerate the stress of everyday life.
Treatable Issues

Massage therapy can be used effectively to help with:

  • Sleep
  • Immune function
  • Constipation
  • Anxiety
  • Digestive disorders
  • Nerve pain
  • Postoperative care
  • Scar tissue
  • Soft tissue strains and injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Possible Contraindications

Please note that I am not trained in either pregnancy massage or oncology massage in cases of cancer, but please refer to my partner Sian O’Flynn at Nature To Nurture Clinical & Holistic Massage & Aromatherapy as she is fully trained in both.

The below is not an exhaustive list of contraindications, but your health is of paramount importance to me and I am keen to keep you as safe as possible. Therefore, please contact me to discuss any of the below issues:

  • Medical emergencies such as Cauda Equina syndrome etc
  • Dislocations, fractures and broken bones
  • Fresh sprains of less than 24 hours
  • Fever
  • Infections
  • Infected, infectious or fungal skin surfaces.
  • Infectious diseases – ‘flu, Covid etc
  • high fever, according to some authors not even in patients with fever and severe weakness
  • infectious disease
  • acute inflammation
  • more serious, extensive skin diseases
  • lymphomas
  • recent heart attack
  • decompensated heart failure
  • severe arteriosclerosis
  • In Eastern techniques massage is prohibited in acute arthritis, while in chronic cases it is permitted.
  • Massage is also prohibited in the case of thrombosis, as movements may trigger a blood clot. In general, it can be said that massage should be avoided in areas with varicose veins and phlebitis.
  • Some mental health conditions – please contact me to discuss further