Message therapy is an ancient form of natural medicine that we still use today. Chinese records show that this type of therapy has been used for more than 3,000 years. Records of massage therapy are also prevalent in other ancient cultures such as the Hindu from India, the Egyptians from the time of the Pharos, and in the Persian culture of the Middle East. The papers of Hippocrates detail how rubbing and friction contribute to the circulatory well being of the body.
Today’s modern medicine has accepted massage therapy as legitimate part treatment plans for lower back pain, leg pain, neck pain, anxiety, depression, stress, arthritis, high blood pressure, bursitis, diabetes, cessation of smoking, infertility, and many other common conditions. Who would have thought that something that feels so wonderful is actually good for you?
The benefits of massage therapy have stood the test of time and contribute so much more to our daily quality of life than simply promoting relaxation and a feeling of well being. Though simple massage is a wonderful tool to soothe away stress and anxiety there is so much more going on behind the scenes so to speak. Greater mobility, enhanced circulation, and the flushing of toxins from the body are the true benefits of massage therapy.
What is Massage Therapy?
In a nutshell massage therapy is applying various techniques to the soft tissue and muscular system of the body. Soft tissue manipulation of the body is intended to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue while enhancing and improving circulation. Some forms of massage therapy involve various forms of touch therapy using manipulation, re-patterning, and movement to affect structural changes to the body.
While there are actually more than 250 variations of massage therapy they all generally fall into one of three major categories. The various techniques may include kneading, compression, tapping, vibration, friction, rocking, pressure, stroking, and more. Some forms of massage therapy may include the use of oils, powders, or lotions to reduce skin friction.
The Three Categories of Massage Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is a massage therapy style that is designed to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety while promoting relaxation and stimulating the circulatory system of the body. The focus is usually on areas of pain or discomfort and involves both deep and soft strokes of the tissue.
Sports Massage
Sports massage was developed for athletes and typically concentrates on areas of weakness as a result of a sports related injury. Though developed for athletes this type of massage has proven to be just as effective when used as part of a massage therapy program for everyone. The treatment makes use of specific methods and muscle energy techniques to promote overall health and well being.
Relaxation Massage
This technique is sometimes called Swedish massage and is the kind of massage that you receive on a cruise, vacation, or a day at the spa. This massage therapy is known leave you feeling relaxed, replenished, and full of energy. Various techniques are used in this light massage including effleurage, compression, and vibration.
When you feel that you could use a good massage or your doctor recommends massage therapy as part of a condition treatment you should look to a chiropractic care facility. Chiropractors are trained in massage therapy and most types are available at the clinic.
One of the best chiropractic care facilities in Australia is Spinal Care Australia. They can be found in Brisbane and have been providing stress management, pain relief, and other treatments for their clients for more than 5 years. Spinal Care Australia promotes safe, non-invasive, and healthy treatments administered by their knowledgeable and friendly staff.
If you are stressed, anxious, or in pain visit the best Brisbane Chiropractor – Spinal Care Australia and you will find the relief that you need.