Be Healthy with the Right Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be an appropriate means of relaxation in relieving fatigue from daily activities. But not only that, massage can actually relieve symptoms of certain diseases. Massage is a general term for activities that put pressure on the members of the body, especially the skin, muscles, and veins with certain techniques. At present, massage therapy is available from expensive spas, to traditional masseur services that can be called home. Even in shopping centers, you can enjoy massage services with tools or therapist assistance at affordable prices. Massage can be done with various techniques. The following are some of them.

• Deep tissue massage.

Is the most appropriate treatment in dealing with chronic pain and stiffness in the body. The therapist will make slow movements focused on certain parts.

• Shiatsu Massage.

In Japanese, shiatsu means "finger pressure". The masseuse will use varying pressure with the fingers at points called acupressure points. These points are believed to be important parts of the body's energy.

• Thai massage.

A therapist will move the patient's body to various positions to compress certain muscles.

• Reflexology

Massage uses the hands and fingers to stimulate certain areas of the foot.

In addition, there are other conditions that can be helped with massage therapy, such as during pregnancy. Massage during pregnancy can help relieve stress, swelling of legs and arms, and muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, by recognizing the benefits and risks that may arise from undergoing massage therapy, can make you become more selective in choosing a massage place.

Relieve Symptoms

Massage has become one of the alternative treatment techniques in addition to medical treatment for various diseases. Besides generally functioning as a means of relaxation to relieve depression and anxiety, here are some diseases that can be alleviated by massage therapy.

• Headache.

Research shows that massage can relieve migraine pain and help other types of headache sufferers get better quality sleep.

• Back pain.

Research reveals that massage can overcome the symptoms of chronic back pain. However, this anti-pain effect is relatively brief and to establish massage therapy as the main treatment method in chronic back pain complaints still needs continued research.

• Osteoarthritis.

Patients who undergo massage therapy 1-2 times a week can feel a reduction in pain and stiffness in their knees due to osteoartitis.

• Cancer.

Massage can be used as a side therapy that is proven to be a means of relaxation and reduce the symptoms or side effects of cancer treatment. Massage can also build up the immune system, relieve pain, swelling, fatigue, and nausea. In addition, the study also found that massage therapy is useful to relieve disorders in other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, stress, treatment for growth and development of infants, digestive disorders, myofacial pain syndrome (severe muscle tension in one or several areas, thus limiting body movements ), nerve disorders, muscle injuries, insomnia, and joint pain.

Stay at risk

Although the benefits are numerous, there is a possibility that massage therapy is not appropriate for certain conditions, for example:

• Fracture.
• Severe osteoporosis.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is a condition when blood clots occur in the body. This condition is most common in the foot area, so it can cause pain.
• Bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications.
• Burns or wounds that have not healed completely.
• Thrombocytopenia or lack of platelets in the blood.

During pregnancy, you also need to consult first if you want to undergo massage therapy. Similarly, when you have cancer or other illnesses that cause unbearable pain. In rare cases, massage can cause neurological disorders, internal bleeding, and allergic reactions to oil or massage lotions. Massage can even cause temporary paralysis. In addition, massage therapy becomes more risky if it is not carried out by trained practitioners. The following are some guidelines that can be used to minimize risk.

• Avoid using massage as a substitute for medical treatment.
• Inform if you are in certain conditions such as pregnancy, have an illness, or have a wound.
• When going for massage therapy with a professional therapist, ask for certificates or training what he has obtained. Also ask what guarantees can be given if certain side effects occur after the massage.
• Explain the purpose you want to get a massage. Is it just relaxation or to deal with certain diseases. If there is, also inform the special needs that you need. Thus the masseur will adjust the techniques that will be used to your needs.
• If the massage you feel is too hard, it's okay to ask to be relieved. Each person has different pain sensitive points.
• In the massage process, especially if you need to lie down and the area that needs to be treated is the upper part or the whole body, then you need to undress or wear loose clothing. Both aim to make you feel comfortable. But you can also be massaged in full clothes and sitting in a chair.
• Some masseuses use lotions or oils to massage. Inform if you have an allergy to the ingredients

By looking at the benefits, risks, and massage guidelines, you can make massage therapy a companion treatment step to relieve pain and stress. But if the complaint does not improve after doing massage therapy, you are advised to consult a doctor.