Massage: the science behind it and what it doesn't do

Morov Yuri Alexandrovich

Leading doctor

Reflexologist

until October 31

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Massage is a therapeutic method, which is a set of techniques of mechanical and reflex effects on tissues and organs. Massage is carried out with hands or using special devices. Techniques such as stroking, kneading, rubbing, vibration, etc. are used. To enhance the effect, massage oils, medicinal ointments and gels can be used. Massage provides a direct effect on receptors located on the surface of the body, and indirectly on deeper structures (muscles, blood vessels, internal organs).

So, what effect does it have on our body?

You and I know that there are many ways to influence the human body through massage. This is a general, therapeutic, anti-cellulite, head, back and collar area, cupping, honey... Today we are talking about a general massage, which the master does for 1.5-2 hours, alternately working all areas of the body - back, arms, legs, shoulder belt, head.

Since the contact of the master’s hands with our body occurs through the skin, it first of all experiences a beneficial effect.

The effect of massage on the skin

The skin, as the largest organ of our body, receives a lot of benefits from sessions. The intense impact of the massage therapist’s hands gives the following results for the skin:

• tones, increasing turgor (elasticity);
• stimulates blood circulation in blood vessels;
• improves skin color;
• removes sagging;
• fights cellulite.

You've probably noticed how the skin looks after a session - tightened and elastic, even in problem areas for women. This beneficial effect is achieved by stimulating the blood supply through direct mechanical action - pressure, friction, stroking the specialist’s hands. And where there is good blood supply, there is an improvement in metabolic processes, the removal of waste and toxins. And what can we say about the special anti-cellulite therapy technique? With its help, you can make your skin smooth and even, getting rid of the orange peel.

Contraindications for general therapeutic massage

Of course, the therapeutic massage technique, the number of sessions and their duration are selected individually for each patient. Therapeutic massage is not indicated for the general serious condition of the patient, inflammatory processes, or during exacerbation of chronic diseases.

There are, of course, much more contraindications to therapeutic massage than to hygienic massage. Such contraindications include: blood diseases, febrile conditions, bleeding, purulent processes, various skin diseases, as well as damage to the skin, varicose veins, thrombosis, atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels, angitis and many other diseases, which only a doctor can exclude from the list of contraindications .

Effect on the nervous system

Massage has a very beneficial effect on the nervous system. Regular sessions, especially on the back, head and feet, have been proven to help reduce stress and nervous tension. This is why massage is so useful for those who have a busy and busy work schedule. Two or three sessions a week after work will increase your performance, because... This type of physical therapy relieves muscle tension. And, thanks to neural connections in the cerebral cortex, a chain reaction occurs - the release of nervous and mental tension.

Impact on the muscular system

It is much more difficult to work the muscles than the skin and subcutaneous fat, so the master has to apply more intense pressure with his hands. But the result is worth it. It’s not for nothing that they say that massage is a passive load. The direct mechanical effect on the muscles is similar in effect to that if you yourself were making an effort, tensing and relaxing the muscles. You will be surprised, but during a session of intense muscle training, you also lose calories, although you lie quietly and enjoy it.

How to properly massage for osteochondrosis?

The use of massage is prescribed after relief of the main symptoms of the disease. But sometimes it is performed during exacerbation of osteochondrosis in order to influence pain localized in the spine through manual stimulation of healthy areas of the body.

Before proceeding directly to the massage, it is necessary to relax the muscles of the back and neck as much as possible. Then you can begin massaging the tissues.

You can achieve a positive result and reduce the likelihood of side effects after a massage if you know the main nuances of its implementation in case of degenerative processes in the spine:

Osteochondrosis of the cervical spine

. Features of massage:

• it is undesirable to carry out in the acute stage of the disease;
• performed in a lying or sitting position. In the second case, the patient puts his hands on the table and rests his forehead on them;
• area of ​​influence: neck, back (upper part), shoulder blades, pectoralis major muscles, head and shoulders. If the pain radiates to the upper limbs, massage the muscles of the arms and hands;
• During the procedure, it is forbidden to use rough techniques or cause pain;
• The optimal session duration is from 5 to 12 minutes.

– the most fragile and easily injured anatomical area: with strong pressure, you can damage the vertebrae, compress the vertebral artery and the nerve endings of the spinal cord (which will significantly worsen the well-being of a person suffering from osteochondrosis). Therefore, when massaging the neck, all movements must be performed carefully.

Rules for massage for thoracic osteochondrosis

:

• prescribed both for remission of the disease and its exacerbation;
• During the first sessions, massage movements should be done as carefully as possible: they should not be too hard and energetic (this can cause increased pain);
• performed in only one position: lying on your stomach. A cushion or a special massage pillow must be placed under the chest;
• The muscle tissues of the neck, shoulder girdle, chest and lower back are carefully worked out. Sometimes the buttocks and lower limbs are additionally massaged;
• combined with physiotherapeutic procedures: electrophoresis, diadynamic therapy (in this way it is possible to achieve a better therapeutic effect);
• not performed for compression fractures, osteoporosis;
• The duration of the first sessions is no more than 5 minutes. Subsequently, they last from 12 to 15 minutes;
• mandatory course of treatment – ​​8-10 procedures: 1-2 times a year.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region

. Features of massage:

• do it only if there is no pain;
• First, healthy tissues are massaged, and then affected tissues;
• carried out in a prone position: the patient lies down on a couch or massage table (the surface should be flat and hard), places a cushion under the lower back so that it does not sag;
• The following are worked out in turn: the lower back, sacral area, gluteal muscles, hips, legs and back. If necessary, the feet are massaged;
• frequency of treatment – ​​1-2 times a year: 10 sessions. To prevent exacerbation of osteochondrosis, 5-7 procedures are sufficient;
• Duration of tissue massage is 8-20 minutes (depending on the stage of the disease).

Lumbosacral osteochondrosis

. Rules for therapeutic massage:

• do not prescribe during exacerbation;
• the patient lies on a hard surface: strictly on his back;
• massages the lower back, buttocks and legs;
• in the first sessions the impact on the muscles is minimal. Then the intensity and strength of the massage movements increases;
• The recommended course of treatment is 10 procedures (once every six months).

During a massage for lumbosacral osteochondrosis, warming ointments can be used. The effect of the procedure will be even better if it is performed after a bath or warming with hot sand.

Effect on joints, ligaments, tendons

Using various techniques, you can improve the condition of joints, ligaments and tendons. During the session, the specialist influences the joints indirectly - through the muscles. But since the joints of the arms and legs are closely connected to the muscles, the flow of blood and oxygen enrichment of the adjacent muscle tissue cannot but have a beneficial effect on the condition of the joints.

With the help of a massage therapist, you can not only strengthen your joints, ligaments and tendons, but also improve your condition after injuries and operations in this area. It is not for nothing that this type of physiotherapy is included in rehabilitation courses as one of the key methods for restoring motor function of the limbs.

Who should you trust with your health and where to go for a massage?

At its core, massage can be considered one of the most powerful tools in the hands of a massage therapist. Massage can have profound effects on the body. Moreover, not even on its individual parts, but on the general condition. Therefore, the result of the massage directly depends on the specialist, his work experience, and competent approach to the procedure.

In fact, when you lie down on a massage table, you are putting your health in the wrong hands. And you need to be sure that they know what they are doing and how. Therefore, it is not worth the risk. We offer you massage treatments only from competent massage therapists with extensive experience and an impeccable reputation. They don’t just give massages, their hands can literally work wonders in the treatment of diseases of the joints or spine. We understand that your health is in our hands and therefore we declare with full responsibility that our clinic is one of the best.

Massage therapists massage7.ru›tag/massage therapists/ There are diseases for which massage is contraindicated. Therefore, before you sign up for this procedure...

Effect on muscles

In addition to the passive load that we receive during the session, massage stimulates blood flow to the muscles and at the same time promotes the outflow of lymph from the lymphatic vessels. Thanks to this effect, you can get rid of generalized tissue swelling, which women are especially happy about. Representatives of the fair sex, due to hormonal background, have a tendency to swelling of the lower half of the body, which is why the hips and legs look full. Using the lymphatic drainage technique, you can reduce body volume by 2-5 cm.

Rule 2. Proper diet

Before a massage session, you should not eat too much - this will prevent you from lying on your stomach for a long time. Experts recommend eating light food a few hours before or after the procedure. Give preference to dietary snacks, stewed or lightly fried vegetables, fresh herbs and fruits. Drinks include mineral water or herbal decoction. But it is better to avoid meat, flour products, soda, sweets, alcohol, tea and coffee - they retain water and contribute to excess weight gain.

Effect on the circulatory system

With the help of a massage therapist, you can significantly improve blood circulation in tissues and organs. This is why this type of physiotherapy is so beneficial for people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. By intensively working out various muscle structures, you can get rid of blood stagnation in the tissues. Increased blood circulation automatically improves the functioning of the heart muscle and brain, which receive a portion of blood enriched with oxygen and nutrients.

Effect on the respiratory system

The respiratory system receives its part of the positive influence. This method of influencing the human body helps with various diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. At the same time, a back massage, which stimulates the lungs, is equally useful, as is a general massage. In the latter case, a positive effect on the respiratory system occurs through the central nervous system - at the level of reflexes.

During colds, massage helps reduce the excitability of the respiratory and cough centers, improves bronchial patency, dilutes bronchial secretions, improving the general condition of colds and acute respiratory viral infections.

Rule 7. Calm, only calm!

Massage removes emotional blocks, relieves stress and promotes complete relaxation. The duration of the session is selected in such a way that the patient can experience the full range of human emotions - joy, tears, tenderness, delight, etc. Do you feel something similar? Don't hold back - let your emotions out. This is good not only for the body, but also for the soul. The main thing is to avoid anything that can lead to an increase in blood pressure, such as reading exciting books, watching horror and thrillers, or listening to music that is too loud.

Dear girls, sign up for a massage with me in Chekhov!

A cozy office in the center of Chekhov (Moskovskaya St., 44). Certified specialist with specialized medical care. education. Individual approach. Friendly atmosphere. Affordable prices: Anti-cellulite, Lymphatic drainage, Classic, Relaxing massage – 800 rubles/hour, Cupping massage – 750 rubles/hour, Facial massage – 400 rubles, Alginate masks, hand paraffin therapy – 300 rubles, Bandage wraps – 1500 rubles. Visible result. Write, call - I will answer any questions.

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Effect on metabolism

A positive effect on metabolic processes occurs through the circulatory system. By increasing blood supply to tissues, the massage therapist promotes intensive oxygen delivery to cells. And oxygen is a catalyst for metabolic processes, just like water. As a result, the metabolic rate increases, which has a positive effect not only on overall well-being, but also on the process of losing weight.

Effect on the functional state of the body

In general, massage has a strengthening effect on the body, improving almost all functions. Each session is:

• improvement of impulse conduction in the cerebral cortex;
• normalization of respiratory and cardiac activity;
• normalization of blood pressure in hypertensive and hypotensive patients;
• improving sleep quality, reducing stress levels;
• increased cognitive functions (thinking, memory, speech).

In other words, all the functions that our body performs - conscious and at the level of reflexes - receive a positive effect from massage.

Impact on health, immunity

And now we have reached the final point of our list. The immune system will also thank you for regular sessions in the massage room, especially during the flu and ARVI season. There is no exact description of the mechanism for increasing immune function through massage, but its effect is obvious: those who visit the massage room are less likely to suffer from colds and other infectious diseases. A complex effect on metabolism, the functioning of the lymphatic system, as well as an effect at the level of the endocrine system plays a role here.

So, we have discussed point by point how massage affects human health. As you can see, massage is very beneficial for every system or organ of our body, as it affects the body through stimulation of blood supply to tissues and muscles.

Contraindications for massage of certain parts of the body

1. It is not allowed to massage areas of the body affected by various diseases of infectious, fungal and unknown origin; any warts, various skin rashes, extensive damage, skin irritations, abrasions, cracks, herpes, molluscum.
2. For psoriasis, eczema, and neurodermatitis, only the area of ​​the rash is not massaged; the nearby area can be massaged.
3. For trophic ulcers on the toes in patients with sclerotic lesions of peripheral vessels, for endarteritis, do not massage the foot.
4. Do not massage areas where there are benign tumors; Distant areas can be massaged due to indications for massage for other diseases or injuries in a given patient, but only using a gentle, non-intensive method.
5. You cannot massage the area where there was previously a malignant tumor that was removed during surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You can massage distant areas with concomitant diseases and injuries, but it is better in the long term: in children - after 2 years, in adults - after 5 years in the absence of metastases.
6. After removal of a malignant tumor of the mammary gland without metastases, if swelling of the arm occurs (as a postoperative complication), you can massage the arms at any time after the operation using a gentle, suction technique (can be done several times a year if swelling of the arm returns). The chest cannot be massaged.
7. In case of mastopathy, massage of the anterior surface of the chest is contraindicated.
8. If you have an ovarian cyst, fibroid, uterine fibroid, endometriosis, or prostate adenoma in men, you should not massage the lumbar region and abdomen.
9. Moles that protrude above the skin should not be massaged; they should be avoided; especially further away from moles that do not protrude above the skin, it should be massaged in cases where there is no hair on the moles (due to the danger of their possible degeneration into malignant neoplasms).
10. Do not massage an area where veins are significantly dilated or bulging (varicose veins). For example, if the veins in the legs are dilated, you cannot massage the legs, but you can massage the lumbar and buttock areas in connection with this disease and other areas of the body with concomitant diseases.
11. For minor skin damage or allergic rashes, you can massage an area significantly distant from the site of the lesion.
12. On the days of normal menstruation, massage of the abdomen and lumbar region is not allowed. For scanty menstruation, it is recommended to massage.
13. In case of hernias, abdominal massage is not allowed; Allowed only for infants.
14. If you have stones in the gall bladder or urinary tract, you should not massage the abdomen or lumbar region.
15. During pregnancy, the postpartum period and after an abortion, massage of the abdomen, lumbar region and hips is contraindicated for 2 months.
16. Massage of the mammary glands is contraindicated for any disease, but it is advisable to use it in nursing mothers in the early stages after childbirth to increase milk production.
17. Do not massage the groin, axillary areas, navel, or nipples.

An integral part of the comprehensive treatment of osteochondrosis is massage. It helps reduce pain and prevent the spread of degenerative processes to healthy tissue. However, in addition to the benefits, side effects from its use are also possible. Some people with osteochondrosis note that after a massage they often feel dizzy.