Massage and why is it helpful?

Most of us know what a therapeutic massage is and what it looks like. We also know what to expect when we see a therapist. Massage is very popular and has been used for years.

It is very often a great remedy for various types of pain, especially muscle and joint pain. You can also say it differently – massage can sometimes replace medicines and bring relief without a visit to the chemist’s. It has long gained considerable popularity and is even recommended by doctors. Massage is no longer only available in luxury hotels or physiotherapy clinics. It is increasingly used by employers as a form of employee benefit. This may have an impact on the lower number of illnesses. Massage can be used more and more often in hospitals, gyms and even airports.

Massage can lead to complete withdrawal or reduction of pain, especially of a tension nature. It is treated as an additional treatment in many diseases of the musculoskeletal system, injuries, sports injuries and various other diseases. It does not look like it will become less popular in the future. On the contrary, there will be more and more candidates for massage. Why? There are two main reasons.

Reason number 1: Lack of exercise

We are becoming increasingly addicted to mobile phones and computers. We prefer to spend our free time on the couch in front of the TV rather than going for a walk. It is the lack of physical activity that causes various types of problems; especially those affecting muscles and joints. What’s more, it protects us from other health problems such as atherosclerosis or type 2 diabetes.

If the movement system is not used enough, it will react. It can cause discomfort, muscle stiffness, and even pain. It can cause back pain, headaches, and problems with large joints such as the hip, knee, foot, and shoulder. That is why there is so much truth in the short English saying:

”Use it, or lose it!” (practice or suffer!)

Reason number 2: The nature of the job

On the other hand, too much movement, especially when you repeat an activity (eg at work) can also be harmful. Many patients come for massage or physiotherapy after many hours of work because they can no longer cope on their own. Working on a factory assembly line, cleaning, painting are just some of these activities. Some muscles become very tense because we use them very hard. Others, on the other hand, become weakened. This is because different muscles have different functions and we use them depending on the activities we perform.

Constant lifting, lifting, stretching the arms for many days, months and years can affect the condition of our body. It leads to the accumulation of tensions and micro-injuries, which in the long run lead to pain.

How does massage work?

It depends on many factors. The three basic movements in massage are stroking, kneading and tapping.

In classic massage, stroking is intended to improve blood and lymph flow, kneading relaxes muscles and causes a decrease in muscle tension, and flapping in turn leads to increased activity in the nerves.

Additionally, there is the therapeutic use of various types of oils, balms and ointments.

There are many other factors that will influence how the patient feels at the end of the session.

Massage causes a number of changes in the massaged tissues. In some ways, massage can be compared to sports training in the gym or running.

Massage techniques

There are many massage methods. They all have a common denominator – to bring pain relief, reduce tension in some muscle groups and increase others (eg in scoliosis of the spine or in post-operative conditions.) The end result? Improved well-being of the patient and reduced pain!

Therapeutic massage is really a vast subject – volumes, textbooks and studies have been written on the subject, describing and explaining in detail various aspects of massage; for example, its effect on the human body or on various disease entities. Numerous works have been written on the subject and many studies have been conducted.

Classic massage mainly uses fingers, hands, forearms, elbows. In Asian countries and increasingly in Europe, foot massage (Ashiatsu) is popular. Various objects or instruments for massage and tissue manipulation are also increasingly used. These can be, for example, electric chairs, instruments that look like a drill (eg Theragun) or objects made of wood. More and more therapists are trained in therapy using a blade (so-called knife massage) such as the one below

There are many varieties and techniques of massage, but the main ones are:

Swedish massage

Otherwise known as classic massage. A very gentle form of massage using gentle techniques; leads to relaxation, relief and better well-being. Invented by a Swede, a fencing instructor, in the 19th century, it is still very popular today.

Deep massage

This is a massage that can be felt more because the therapist uses slower movements, which allows him to work on deeper muscle layers.

Sports massage

Very similar to the above. It is used in therapy among athletes. It is used in preparation for competitions and for various types of injuries.

Trigger point massage

Trigger points are painful thickenings, nodules or palpable, limited, hardenings in muscles. They lead to a feeling of stiffness, heaviness in the muscles. There is pain in the neck, back and around the shoulder blade. Trigger points can also cause headaches. Trigger point therapy usually takes a longer period of time and unfortunately does not always end in success.

More information about trigger points can be found here: https://physio-soton.co.uk/blog-pl/punkty-spustowe/?lang=pl

Fascia massage

Fascia therapy, which until recently was completely ignored, is becoming increasingly popular. It is needed to maintain our body in the form and shape that is visible on the outside. Fascia is a kind of intermediary or courier working in transmitting tensions and various types of information from one place in the body to another. There are 6-8 times more nerve endings in fascia than in muscles. Fascia runs over muscles, it is their binder and connector. It looks like a spider’s web woven from collagen fibers and elastin.

The last 15 years have seen a dynamic increase in interest in fascia, an acceleration of clinical research, and the use of various fascial techniques in the treatment of pain and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. It is no wonder that more and more specialists are completing special (not at all cheap) training and learning how to work with fascia. Part of the fascia, the interstitium, has recently been recognized as a new organ in our body. Research on the interstitium may help explain many diseases, including a better understanding of cancer metastases.

There are many techniques and methods that have a lot in common with massage. Manual therapy, osteopathic techniques or craniosacral therapy all have elements of massage in their arsenal. Probably, with time, other more or less exotic methods of therapy will be added.

More on this topic in the interesting articles below:

https://www.rp.pl/Medycyna-i-zdrowie/180329253-Naukowcy-odkryli-nowy-organ-w-ciele-czlowieka.html

https://nczas.com/2018/03/28/to-przelom-w-naukach-medicznych-naukowcy-odkryli-nowy-organ-w-ciele-czlowieka/

Benefits of massage

In addition to reducing stress, muscle tension and pain, massage can also be used in some diseases. Its significance and effects are not fully confirmed by clinical studies.

Massage can be effective in treating:

Back pain

This is probably the most common reason why patients decide to have a massage. It is often the case that the muscles are so tense that the pain simply becomes unbearable. It is worth noting that the muscles work in a team with the joints, and therefore when there is a problem with the muscles, often the joints of the spine do not work properly either. The pain becomes worse and worse. Massage can restore the balance of muscle tension and bring relief. Often, to increase the effect of the therapy, patients are advised to move, walk briskly, or use manual therapy or osteopathic techniques.

Differential muscle tensions

Massage can bring great relief to overworked and tired muscles.

Treating anxiety and depression

There are many symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. These problems often overlap. Problems with concentration appear, stress levels increase and worries increase. We stop coping. We feel nervous, irritated. Something is constantly bothering us, we are irritable and easily thrown off balance. And the people around us simply irritate us. Even those who are friendly towards us. Massage can improve well-being, reduce stress and become the beginning of looking at ourselves and what is happening in our lives. A number of studies have shown the positive effect of massage on depression and anxiety. It will probably not solve all our problems, but it can definitely help in treatment.

Digestion and intestinal peristalsis

A massage performed professionally and expertly can improve intestinal peristalsis and digestion. Although there is no clear evidence for this. Also in osteopathy (so-called visceral osteopathy) work on the digestive system, stomach and intestines is done trying to optimize blood supply and lymph circulation. Patients can use some self-massage techniques for home treatment, but it is best to consult a doctor or therapist beforehand.

Fibromyalgia

or a disease diagnosis by generalized pain of the musculoskeletal system. The cause is unknown. Statistically, women are more likely to get sick. Various places hurt, including muscles, bones and joints. There are numerous trigger points. They are often symmetrically distributed and sensitive to pressure. Additionally, there is a feeling of chronic fatigue, a feeling of stiffness and sleep, after which patients do not feel any improvement. Massage, through its action, can improve the patient’s condition, reduce pain and increase the feeling of relaxation.

Headaches

Excessive muscle tension, stress and anxiety can cause so-called tension headaches. Massage can be a great remedy for this condition.

Stress-induced insomnia

Massage, through its relaxing effects, can help patients sleep better.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The characteristic occurrence of trigger points (TrP) is thickening and muscle bands. Painful symptoms disappear within a few weeks (max. 3 months). Massage can help you recover faster.

More information about trigger points can be found here: https://physio-soton.co.uk/blog-pl/punkty-spustowe/?lang=pl

In muscle strains and tears

Massage seems to be very proven in the treatment of various types of injuries, strains or contusions. It can help us recover faster.

Sports injuries

Massage is a great way to treat sports injuries and can often help with rehabilitation.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction

A relatively rare problem. Therapy can improve muscle tone around this joint and reduce pain.

Massage for diabetes

In the case of type 1 diabetes, massage at the site of insulin injection will increase its absorption into the bloodstream, which will improve glucose management. This is therefore positive and good for the patient. For people with diabetes interested in massage, it is important that diabetes is well controlled. It is also worth the patient eating something before the massage, when the glucose level is low or normal. Patients with this type of diabetes can benefit most from classic massage. After several massage sessions, the patient can assess whether the massage is actually effective and helps control diabetes better.

However, the effectiveness of massage in type 2 diabetes is questionable based on the research conducted to date. However, massage should not harm.

Who shouldn’t get a massage?

Massage is safe for most people, but some people should not have it. Avoid massage if:

• Blood clotting problems

• Use of anticoagulant drugs

• Burns or healing wounds

• Venous closets

• Fractures

• Acute osteoporosis

• Thrombocytopenia

When in doubt, it is best to consult a doctor. Cancer patients and pregnant women should also consult a doctor.

What happens before, during and after the massage?

Before… .

There is no need for special preparation for a massage. The massage therapist should ask the patient about their health, medical history and current problems. The patient should be given information about the therapy and its effects. There are a number of contraindications to massage (see above) and it is therefore important to ask the patient about previous and current serious illnesses. When massaging the legs or arms, it is worth thinking about wearing appropriate, loose clothing. It is best not to overeat and to properly hydrate the body before the massage.

During… ..

During the massage, you usually lie flat on a table/couch. Sometimes, due to pain and symptoms, a sitting, back or side lying position is also possible. The therapist can use pillows that will increase the patient’s comfort and allow them to stay in a given position a little longer.

In more advanced techniques (eg Erik Dalton’s MAT techniques) the patient is asked to perform movements which enhance the therapeutic effect of the massage.

The massage therapist should perform a palpation examination and identify the points that cause the most pain and assess muscle tension.

The massage usually lasts 30-60 minutes and can be repeated at relatively short intervals; this is an individual matter and should be agreed with the masseur.

Communication is important in therapy, so it’s worth saying that the massage could be stronger or lighter. What it really comes down to is not leaving the office feeling disappointed, thinking that the massage was too light.

Massage will cause the skin to redden a lot, which is normal and only temporary. It is possible to feel heat, discomfort, and pain radiating to distant parts of the body.

And after…..

After the massage it is also good to drink water and dress warmly. For 1-2 days after a strong, deep massage there may be discomfort.

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Marek Czeladzki, Master of Physiotherapy, founder of Physio – Soton ( www.physio-soton.co.uk ), a physiotherapy and massage clinic in Southampton, England. He has been working in the British health service since 2008. Marek specializes in the therapy of back pain and sports injuries. It also conducts physical rehabilitation and neuro-rehabilitation. In therapy, he uses: elements of massage, MAT (Erik Dalton), osteopathy techniques, manual therapy, elements of craniosacral therapy.