It's one of the oldest healing arts, and today the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation and depression. Many people will also attest that massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living.
Chantell Smith is one of those persons. She tries to get a massage as often as she can and when her "pocket" allows so that she can relax from her everyday stressors. The 50-plus woman says the opportunity to lie on her massage therapist's bed does not happen as much as she would like, but when it does, she lets go of all of her worries, at least for the time that she's there. She says she is not rich or even well-off, by any stretch of the imagination, but she makes allowances for that one splurge in her life, because for that brief period in time, her life is stress-free.
Making time for massages is something people from all walks of life should do because the benefits are numerous, according to orthopedic sports therapist Edwardo Thompson, who is trained in massage therapy and has been practicing for 15 years at The Spa of Eden at Pishon on West Bay Street. He says over the years he has found that most people think that getting a massage done is only for the wealthy or the really stressed, but the aim of therapists is to help people recover. According to him, massages are preventative and are good for everyone, from the office worker, to the garbage collector, to the stay-at-home mom; the therapist says everyone's body goes through chemical reactions that tighten muscles and put muscles under stress.
"You don't have to lift something heavy to put your muscles under stress -- it could be something as simple as a thought, so therefore that stress level that you're now putting on your body needs to find its way out," said Thompson. "I like to look at the body as a big chain of energy. Anytime you have a short circuit, it has to go somewhere. Electricians will tell you that the reason you have circuit boxes is because if you have a shortage somewhere it's going to trip the breaker, so the same thing with stress. When your body becomes stressed then you start having boils and lumps and all these other things, and this is when diseases start to form. It has to go somewhere, and nine times out of 10, what massage does is help the body to relax. It helps the body to get rid of that load. Muscles are designed to move, so all the movement that you do over a period of time weighs you down and puts tension on you. It actually strains the muscle, so a good therapist will actually lengthen the muscle tissues and that's where the results will come."
Going for days, weeks and months on end without having your muscles relaxed to release the chemical reaction isn't good, said Thompson, who is also an active release therapist.
"The true benefit for me when I work on my clients is to really help them prevent stress...even disorders. Sometimes we [massage therapists] are the first ones to recognize a problem with a client. Sometimes the client doesn't even know they have a problem. Because we're working on them on a consistent basis, we're able to identify things and sometimes we make suggestions," he said.
Thompson has come across many clients with posture problems from doing everyday things they don't think twice about, like tilting their head to the side, which if they do for years on end, their body adjusts to by rotation. He's seen countless clients with one shoulder higher than the next due to the shoulder adjusting to a heavy bag slung across it for many years. Even women wearing incorrect bras pose a problem, he says, as the bra straps cut into the shoulder and causes problems with the trapezius muscle and the neck.
The sports therapist said through just being able to touch, therapists can identify changes in the foot as well. He said a lot of the soreness and tightness at the bottom of people's feet can be attributed to the type of shoe they're wearing. Through touch, he said he's able to identify those simple things and help a lot of clients get back on the right track.
Thompson said every therapist has his own technique and style, and he has developed a signature style known as "the Edwardo", which is more of a therapeutic massage. His style is for the everyday person seeking relaxation, but people who lie on his massage bed are not just "worked on". Thompson tries to solve their problems.
"Most patients when they lay down on my table, nine times out of 10 they have a problem. When you lay down on my table, I want you to leave out of here completely healed, so for me it's not just a massage; it's solving a problem. So the therapeutic part comes in when I'm asking the questions before we begin the massage. Are there any concerns? And you would be surprised what people would tell you about problems they've had for years.
"Every stroke has an intent when I work, and that's the difference. It has a purpose. It's being used to deliver something. And that thing that I'm delivering is what I feel with the tissue that I'm working, what state the tissue is in when I'm working -- whether it's in a contracted state or fibrotic state, it's all about the touch. A touch that will not only treat the symptom, but correct the problem."
Thompson, who is also trained in neuromuscular therapy and is a myofacial therapist (a technique that is used for releasing tissue) and is a certified active release therapist, said all of his work isn't just based on a feel-good massage, but more of a medical massage.
How often a person gets a massage, he said, should be based on the individual's lifestyle -- a person's level of stress or how they carry themselves; everyone should find that quiet time for themselves.
When you've made the decision to get a massage and are considering which spa to go to, Thompson said people should look at the hygiene of the operation, with professionalism not too far behind. Patrons should ensure they feel comfortable and their expectations are met.
Thompson is the type of therapist who likes his clients to give him the freedom to do his job.
"When a client relaxes and lets their body go, I find that it's the greatest opportunity for me to work, because I find that there's no tension -- there's nothing stopping me from actually working to reach that goal which is to really eliminate the stress and the fatigue, whatever the problem is. I would suggest clients let the therapist have the freedom to use their gift."
While the country is in an economic bind and most people are watching how they spend their pennies, he suggests that people start living from a preventative perspective, instead of waiting for something to happen. According to Thompson, getting massages gives you the opportunity to maintain a perfect health, recover it and ensure that your body is performing at an optimum level at all times.
"Spend that quality time for yourself. To really look at it from the perspective that you not only want to live longer, but you want to live healthier. When you get a massage, it's not that you're getting a relaxation massage or feel-good massage, you're actually helping your body to function," said Thompson.
10 of the most popular types of massages
Swedish massage therapy: Therapists use long, smooth strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.
Aromatherapy massage: Massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs. The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress reducing or balancing. Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions with an emotional component.
Hot stone massage: Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension, but prefer lighter massage.
Deep tissue massage: This massage targets the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle. Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.
Shiatsu massage: A form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm and there is usually no soreness afterwards.
Thai massage: Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches. You don't just lie there -- the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion.
Pregnancy massage: Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.
Reflexology massage: Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that corresponds to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.
Sports massage: Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity, but you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one -- this type of massage is used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation, but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance. A combination of techniques is used during the massage. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.
Back massage: Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not on its menu, you can also book a 30 or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist focus on your back.
Source: altmedicine.about.com
Benefits of massage
o Alleviates lower back pain and improve range of motion.
o Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shortens maternity hospital stays.
o Eases medication dependence.
o Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow--the body's natural defense system.
o Exercises and stretches weak, tight or atrophied muscles.
o Helps athletes of any level prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts.
o Improves the condition of the body's largest organ -- the skin.
o Increases joint flexibility.
o Lessens depression and anxiety.
o Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
o Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
o Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
o Reduces spasms and cramping.
o Relaxes and softens injured, tired and overused muscles.
o Releases endorphins--amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
o Relieves migraine pain.
Source: massagetherapy.com

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