Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.
A lot of the scientific research on massage therapy is preliminary or conflicting, but much of the evidence points toward beneficial effects on pain and other symptoms associated with a number of different conditions. Much of the evidence suggests that these effects are short term and that people need to keep getting massages for the benefits to continue.
There are many different types of massage, including these common types:
1. Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse.
2. Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you.
3. Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage, but it’s geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries.
4. Deep massage. This massage technique uses slower, more-forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries.
Today physical touch in general has faded away and the nation is touch deprived. Having physical touch on a daily basis even if it’s as simple as a hug gives people emotional assurance that results in a sense of well-being and security.
Massage therapy is a practical use of physical touch that is providing numerous benefits for people in all stages of life.
Pre-term infants saw improved weight gain and development. Full-term infants saw benefits including increased alertness, social behavior, less crying, and weight gain.
Studies conducted by the Treatment Research Institute have found that this type of healing performed on infants ranging from a variety of stages and conditions had positive results.
