The therapeutic massage, as the name suggests, is indicated in situations of impairment of the functional balance of the body. Some types of therapeutic massage include orthopedic massage and neuromuscular therapy (indicated to treat pain and problems with the circulatory system).
The therapeutic massage has been practiced for thousands of years and comprises over 80 massage styles, which differ from one another through the technique and movements used as well as the pressure exerted on the patient’s body.
The benefits of this type of massage have been proven by many studies and controlled trials – one of these was carried out in Seattle, on 64 people suffering from neck pain and demonstrated that therapeutic massage improves motor functions and eliminates symptoms.
It is important to note that therapeutic massage should be used as a complementary therapy and practiced only by specialized therapists (doctors specialized in physiotherapy or therapeutic massage). It does not replace medication, but it is usually indicated alongside a medical treatment.
Characteristics of the therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is more than a relaxing therapy, because its principles and techniques are aimed at treating the patient’s diagnosed condition. So, we are talking about a number of other benefits to the body, related to immunity, tension, muscle tone, blood circulation etc.
The therapeutic massage involves several disciplines:
- Lymphatic drainage
- Neuromuscular therapy
- Cranio-sacral therapy
- Orthopedic massage
- Decontracting massage
- Toning massage
Therapeutic Massage Technique
In therapeutic massage, hands and fingers are commonly used, but forearms, elbows or legs can also be an option.
The massage technique may vary, involving mild pressure or deep pressure, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. If all the movements are properly executed, the pain will be greatly reduced right from the first sessions, and the patient will gradually regain his / her mobility.
Hot packs (clay or gel bags) can also be used, heated to a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius. Their role in therapeutic massage is to warm the area and prepare it for the massage.
Other techniques used in therapeutic massage include deep massage, pressopuncture and stretching. Search for a chiropractor Denver near me to find a therapist in your community to help alleviate the stress of getting there.
When should you choose therapeutic massage?
Because it is an alternative solution indicated in treating several health problems, being considered an excellent complementary therapy, it is usually the specialist who can advise a patient to try the therapeutic massage.
Doctors take into account the type of condition the patient suffers from, as well as the short-term and long-term effects (reduction of inflammation or pain and using therapeutic massage associated with other procedures – acupuncture, kinetotherapy, physiotherapy…).
Generally, if the patient does not suffer from certain health problems where any type of massage is contraindicated, therapeutic massage remains a good complementary therapy option. Among the conditions that can be treated successfully using therapeutic massage are:
- Joint problems
- Spinal cord disorders
- Muscular and neuro-muscular dystrophy
- Venous or lymphatic circulatory disorders
- Degenerative rheumatism
In situations of functional imbalance, the results are more quickly achieved through therapeutic massage than in the case of organic disorders. In both situations, however, patient cooperation is very important.