FAQs:
What Is Therapeutic Bodywork?
Therapeutic bodywork is a term used to describe many massage and body manipulation techniques. Relaxation and pain relief are two major applications of therapeutic bodywork. Various methods are used to assist with rehabilitation, help treat certain disorders, and enhance general overall well-being. This form of treatment is intended to realign the body to improve function as well as mental outlook.
What Symptoms Can Therapeutic Bodywork Alleviate?
Therapeutic bodywork alleviates tons of symptoms, including headaches, any kind of body pain, chronic injuries, insomnia, TMJD, Carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash, tinnitus, Rotator cuff injuries, post-surgery issues, etc.
What is the Purpose of Bodywork?
Many individuals use bodywork to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and reduce pain and limited motion associated with certain disorders of the muscles and joints, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Some people feel that massage works because the touch is healing. Touch also communicates a sense of caring.
What's the Difference Between Bodywork and Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is just one form of bodywork that is used to address muscular issues. A remedial massage therapist, for instance, may apply soft tissue manipulation techniques to address myofascial pain syndromes. In contrast, deep tissue massage may be more suitable for people who suffer chronic pain due to an injury. There are many types of massage techniques to choose from, each with its own set of techniques and goals. While a practitioner of bodywork also works on the deep muscles and can perform sports massage — or another massage technique for that matter — as well as a therapist who specializes in the field, they are more adept at performing several forms of bodywork. Structural bodywork works on the body in sections to correct its unnatural patterns that cause poor posture and pain during movement.
What Parts of My Body Will be Massaged?
You and the practitioner will discuss the desired goals and outcome of the session prior to beginning the treatment. This will determine the areas to be worked on. A typical full-body massage session will include work on your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. You will not be touched on or near intimate parts such as the genitals or breasts.
What Will the Massage Feel Like?
This can vary depending on the technique or modality used. In a general Swedish Massage, your session will begin with long, broad, flowing strokes that will help to calm your nervous system and ease exterior muscle tension. Gradually, the strokes will become deeper, working levels deep to the superficial muscles. You should communicate with your therapist in regard to pressure. If at any moment the pressure is deeper than desired or than what is comfortable, you should let your therapist know so that they may take another approach. Massage is best and most effective when your body is relaxed and not in a state of resistance.
What Should I Do During the Massage?
Make yourself comfortable. The therapist will either gently move you or tell you what is needed, such as 'lifting your arm' or 'rolling over'. Many people like to close their eyes, relax at the table and enjoy the session. Others enjoy talking through the session. Feel free to ask questions about the session, techniques used, or about massage and bodywork in general.
How Will I Feel After the Massage or Bodywork Session?
Most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity. It is recommended you drink plenty of water following a massage treatment.
What is Asian Bodywork Therapy?
Asian Bodywork Therapy: Massage styles that are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are referred to as Asian Bodywork Therapies (ABTs). Examples of ABT forms include tuina, shiatsu, and Thai massage, all of which utilize meridian theory. Because massage therapy, bodywork, and Asian bodywork are all in essence approaches to massage, most massage schools teach will teach a combination of modalities. However, certain schools offer specializations in certain kinds of massage.
What is Bodywork?
Bodywork is any therapeutic or personal development technique that involves working with the human body through manipulative therapy, breath work, or energy medicine. Bodywork techniques also aim to assess or improve posture, and promote awareness of the "body-mind connection" which is an approach that sees the human body and mind as a single integrated unit, or to manipulate the electromagnetic field alleged to surround the human body and affect health.
Reasons to Seek Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is generally thought of as a way to pamper yourself and relax after a busy week. However, the scope of treatment that massage offers is much greater than just a luxury pampering session! There are numerous other benefits to massage therapy – here are a few of the top reasons people seek massage.
1. Relaxation
One of the most common reasons for massage is to relax; for most people who have a jam-packed, busy schedule, massage is a great way to take some time for themselves to de-stress and take a break. Not only is it the perfect way to unwind, but incorporating massage into your busy lifestyle is incredibly important for your overall mental and physical health.
2. Health and Structure
Many people book a massage appointment to treat injuries or aches and pains. Whether you are an athlete, a person who suffers from arthritis, or someone who has a stiff neck from working at a computer, massage is commonly sought after as treatment. There are specific massage techniques that can help a multitude of injuries and medical conditions. There are also clients who stick to a strictly healthy lifestyle that are in need of a way to detox and energize their bodies. The massage will allow blocked energy to flow freely through the body and stimulate the body into detoxifying toxins and wastes.
3. Recharge, Rejuvenate, and Re-energize
Another typical reason a person seeks a massage is that they are just exhausted. Mentally, physically, due to illness, stress, or just daily life, it doesn’t matter – they are completely drained of energy and are searching for a way to renew themselves. Massage allows the client to rebuild their natural energy and boost them back up to normal.
4. Connection and Reconnection
Massage offers a very personal and close experience with another human, which is what many people crave. In today’s world of technology, human connection is seriously lacking. Massage is all about touch, and touch is the fastest way to connect with others.
5. A New You
It is no secret that after a massage, you leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to tackle anything. Many clients are seeking this sort of mental and physical change from treatment. Massage transforms the person’s physical being and mental state, which will spill over into a transformation for the rest of their life.
Types of Bodywork
Here are some of the types of bodywork available today. The terms massage and bodywork are often used interchangeably. However, bodywork is an 'umbrella' term that includes many techniques/styles including massage. Bodywork includes just about any form of touch/healing therapy aimed at improving one's energy, physical structure, or mind-body connection. There are many, many types of bodywork being practiced all over the world. Here's a look at some of the more common types of bodywork.
1. Acupressure - A traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses the same points throughout the body as acupuncture. However, acupressure accesses these points by applying pressure with fingers, hands, elbows, or sometimes feet. When points are pressed, the body's natural healing abilities are enhanced, releasing muscle tension and increasing circulation.
2. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) - With its roots in Cranial Osteopathy, CranioSacral Therapy focuses on the evaluation and enhancement of the craniosacral system. Developed by John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, this gentle form of manual therapy works with the body's natural healing ability and has proven effective in treating a wide range of pain and illness.
3. Lomilomi - (Hawaiian for rub) is A traditional Hawaiian massage that combines the power of prayer (pule), breath (ha), and energy (mana) with large, broad, Swedish-like massage strokes.
4. Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) - A very gentle hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, of France. The therapist is trained to evaluate lymph flow anywhere in the body and determine the best way to move fluid through the body to help drainage. Using his/her whole hand, the therapist makes specific, subtle, wave-like motions to activate fluid circulation. This therapy is great for reducing swelling, detoxifying the body, and promoting deep relaxation.
5. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - The most common form of manual lymph drainage is the Dr. Vodder method. Through the pumping and stretching effect on the lymph vessels, the Dr. Vodder method of Manual Lymph Drainage stimulates the contraction of lymph vessels, helping to move the lymph forward and drain the connective tissue.
6. Myofascial Release (MFR) - This technique involves the application of sustained pressure and movement of the connective tissues in the body known as fascia. After an assessment of fascial movement a sustained pressure/traction is applied to the tissue to release areas of restriction and immobility. It is these areas of restriction and immobility of fascia that can cause pain and decreased range of motion in the body.
7. Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) - In this type of therapy the therapist is trained in the physiology of the nervous system in relation to the muscular system of the body. The therapist uses static pressure on specific points in the soft tissues to release spasms and trigger points and to increase circulation to the specific area.
8. Reflexology - In reflexology, specific points on the feet, hands, and/or ears are massaged, squeezed, or pressed with the intention of stimulating healing in other parts of the body. These points correspond to organs, glands, and other tissues in the body. It is believed that working these points stimulates the body's energy flow and natural healing ability.
9. Reiki - Probably the most known and practiced energy healing art. Reiki means 'universal life energy' or 'universal life force'. The practitioner places his/her hands on the recipient in various positions. The practitioner then offers healing universal energy to flow through him/her and be received by the recipient. The recipient's body may accept this energy and use it to enhance its natural healing abilities.
10. Rolfing Structural Integration - Usually just called 'Rolfing' this system is designed to address the body's entire myofascial system to improve body awareness, release motion restrictions, improve posture, and re-educate the client on how to properly use his/her body on a daily basis in relation to gravity. Rolfing is usually received in a 10-session series designed to systematically balance the structure and function of the entire body.
11. Shiatsu - A Japanese form of bodywork that literally translates to 'finger pressure'. Shiatsu practitioners use their fingers, hands, and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points and sections of the body to correct imbalances and promote health. It can help adjust the body's physical structure as well as its natural inner energies.
12. Somato Emotional Release (SER) - SomatoEmotional Release is a therapeutic process that helps rid the mind and body of residual effects of past trauma and associated negative responses. SER is simply an extension of CranioSacral Therapy. In SER, the practitioner may engage the client in therapeutic imagery and dialogue techniques to help bring into the client's conscious awareness the underlying reasons that the body is showing symptoms (chronic pain, headaches/migraines, fatigue, etc). Once the client understands and processes the root of the issue, symptoms often disappear and do not return.
13. Thai Massage (or Thai Yoga Massage) - This modality is practiced on a mat on the floor and not on a massage table. The client wears comfortable clothing and lies relaxed on the mat. The practitioner gently moves the client's body into yoga-like positions to deeply stretch the body and open up energy lines through the body. The practitioner may also use his/her hands, forearms, or feet to apply firm, rhythmic pressure to parts of the receiver's body. Sessions can last up to two hours or more.
14. Visceral Manipulation - Visceral manipulation enhances the normal mobility and tissue motion of the organs of the visceral system. Hypertonicity, displacement, and adhesions can all cause organs to work against each other, creating chronic irritation and fixed, abnormal points of tension. The visceral organs are dependent on their ability to move freely in the visceral cavity to then work correctly and efficiently. When they are pulled out of their effective positions, they cease to function properly. By freeing each organ to work compatibly with the others, a therapist can potentially alter and improve the structure and functioning of the entire body.
15. Zero Balancing - By working with bone energy, zero balancing seeks to correct imbalances between energy and structure, providing relief from pain, anxiety, and stress. Zero Balancing was developed by Fritz Smith, MD, and has its roots in osteopathy, acupuncture, Rolfing, and meditation. A Zero Balancing session, which consists of gentle acupressure focusing on joints and bones, generally takes thirty to forty minutes and is done through the client’s clothing while they lie on a massage table.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Bodywork
Here are some of the benefits of therapeutic bodywork:
1. Provides deep relaxation and stress reduction
2. Reduces blood pressure
3. Relieves tension-related headaches and eye-strain
4. Reduces levels of anxiety
5. Relieves muscle tension and stiffness
6. Reduces muscle spasms
7. Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
8. Enhances athletic performance
9. Increases ease and efficiency of movement
10. Promotes deeper and easier breathing
11. Encourages faster healing time for injured muscles
12. Improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids
13. Enhances the health and nourishment of the skin
14. Strengthens the immune system
15. Increases awareness of the body and of the body-mind connection
16. Provides a relaxed state of alertness
17. Creates a feeling of well-being
How Massage Therapy Helps the Cardiovascular System
Massage Therapy helps promote blood and lymph flow through the muscles by causing friction between your skin and your hands. This helps dilate the blood vessels (making them bigger) to help increase the flow and remove waste products from the blood. Increasing the blood/lymph flow is important for three main physical reasons:
- Increased Vasodilation (more room for more blood),
- Increased Capillarisation (uber for the muscles)
- Increased Venous return (blood back to the heart).
Vasodilation is the widening of your blood vessels allowing the blood vessels to become more open allowing more blood flow around the body. Capillarisation feeds the muscles with nutrients transferred from the blood. Venous return is the rate of blood flow back towards the heart, less blood pumped around the body means the heart has to work harder. Massage therapy works with the heart by reducing its workload and improving surface circulation. The relaxing response received from massage therapy has a further benefit in helping to reduce stress and anxiety via the sympathetic nervous system which is your fight or flight response. Anyone with existing heart conditions should seek medical advice before getting a massage.
What to Expect During a Therapeutic Bodywork Session
Sessions are typically 60 or 90 minutes (5 minutes for pre-interview, instructions, and client getting ready for the session; 50 or 80 minutes of bodywork; 5 minutes to get dressed and checkout). Depending on the techniques used, a session can range from very relaxing to very intense. If the client receives structural, myofascial, or injury massage, they wear athletic clothing. This allows the therapist to move the client, stretch them, and get them into different positions, making the session more effective. Signature massage is typically done with the client undressed under the drape (sheet) and the therapist only exposes the area being worked on.
What Happens After a Massage
Your massage therapist will let you know the massage is complete (or gently wake you if you were lucky enough to nod off!) and then leave the room to allow you to redress. Try not to sit or stand up too quickly, as you may feel dizzy or lightheaded after a massage, especially if the room is dark and warm. Sit up slowly, and take your time when you stand up and dress.
Make sure to drink lots of water after your massage as this should help with the dizziness if you have any, and flush out any toxins released during the massage.
Most people feel extremely relaxed. You may feel the freedom from long-term aches and pains and increased energy which may last for days afterward. If you have gone for a deep tissue massage, you may feel slightly tender to start with, but after your muscles get used to the relaxed state, you should feel much better.
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy
Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrates your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.
2. Take A Shower Immediately
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorbed your skin cells within an hour.
3. Taking a Hot Shower
After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.
4. Eating A Large Meal
After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.
5. Drinking Coffee
After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to take a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.
6. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.
7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities
After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. It is best for your body and mind to relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.
8. Stressing Yourself Out
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!
9. Forget to Stretch
You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.
10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist
If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.
Contraindication for Massage
While massage has many benefits, some caution needs to be taken since there can be certain medical issues involved with giving a massage. First, vigorous massage strokes should be avoided when working with people who have a bleeding disorder or those who may be taking a blood thinner.
Second, a massage shouldn't be done in any area of the body where there may be blood clots, fractures, open or healing wounds, skin infections, and healing from a recent surgery.
Third, although massage therapy is generally safe for cancer patients, it's best to have the patient consult with their oncologist prior to receiving a massage.
And fourth, pregnant women should also consult their healthcare provider prior to using massage therapy and then should seek a therapist who is specially trained in massage therapy during pregnancy.
A contraindication in a massage is a reason why a massage therapist or practitioner would not give a massage to a client because it may cause harm in some way. Contraindications in massage can be broken down into two categories. A local contraindication in a massage is when a massage can't be performed over a certain area. Oftentimes a massage can be done to the rest of the body, but not to the area that is contraindicated.
A total contraindication in a massage is when a massage shouldn't be performed under any circumstance.
Local Contraindication in Massage
Contraindications for a massage can be discovered when the massage therapist is doing his/her assessment and intake. Some examples of areas of local contraindications include:
- Varicose veins
- Lumps or bumps that are undiagnosed, or haven't been cleared by a medical profession
- Severe bruising
- Deep or open cuts
- Frostbite
- Sunburn
- Areas of recent local surgery
Total Contraindications in Massage
For those with certain medical conditions, massage should be entirely avoided. Some examples of total contraindications include:
- Having significant fever
- Contagious diseases such as the cold or the flu
- Recent operations or acute injuries
- Severe, unstable hypertension
- Local contagious or irritable skin conditions
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
- What are your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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