(B.Appl Sci; Comp Med/ Clin Chiro; Masters/ B.Nursing)
Dating back thousands of years, along with herbal medicine and manual therapy, massage is one of the oldest healing arts. Historically, massage was used by ancient Greek, Egyptian, Chinese and Indian people to treat a variety of ailments, believing that it would facilitate the body's natural ability to heal. Today, massage is seen as a ‘natural therapy’, with the focus being mainly on musculoskeletal treatment, relaxation and well being. Most people, at some stage in their lives have enjoyed the bliss of a foot rub, the calming effects of a relaxation massage or the therapeutic benefits of a deep tissue massage, and if not, don’t know what they are missing out on. Many people chose to have regular massage as they find that it offers them an opportunity for relaxation and stress reduction, where other people find benefit from having their tight muscles relieved. What ever your reason is for choosing massage as an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle, you will no doubt find that your busy work life will seem less demanding by having this opportunity to ‘turn off’.
Over the past two decades science has studied the effects of touch, making it clear that touch is essential to human survival. Whether we are a baby, a teenager, an adult or an elderly person, touch offers us a sense of security, bond or nurture. Physiologically when the skin is touch the nervous system registers the ‘external stimulus’, via the mechanoreceptors (mechanical touch receptors) and nociceptors (pain receptors). In relation to this stimulus, whether it is a gentle or firm stimulus, the brain communicates sending messages up and down the spinal cord to correct a problem, respond to a situation or to adjust the body’s homeostasis (biochemical balance). This is one of our very first primal survival mechanisms.In this article we will discuss a variety of situations or circumstances for which massage may be of benefit, nevertheless from birth till old age, there are certainly advantages to having massage. Recent medical and scientific research tells us that massage may have a number of health promoting values. Some of these include; relief of pain and muscle tension, reduced anxiety and depression, reduced blood pressure, increased blood circulation, improved sleep, relief of tension headaches, lymphatic stimulation, reduction in stress hormones, enhanced tissue healing and injury and prevention.
There are many different forms of massage available. Depending on your preference, you may choose firmer or stronger treatment that remedial (deep tissue), shiatsu, myotherapy (trigger point & soft tissue therapy), rolfing and Swedish massage offer. These types aim to reduce muscle tightness and dysfunction. If you need or prefer a softer and more nurturing type of massage then relaxation and aromatherapy massage, baby massage and reflexology offer more of a relaxation and stress reducing approach. No matter which massage form you prefer, the treatments have proven to be safe, with minimal risks associated. In saying that, it is important to always choose a trained professional when it comes to taking care of your body. In most cases the masseurs you find at markets and shopping centres are not the best option, as they are often extremely ‘heavy handed’, with very little concern for physiology and health, and the practitioners do not have sufficient training. Eastern style massage commonly involves manipulative techniques (for which these masseurs are not highly trained in) that may place your body in a compromising position. Rather choose to visit a chiropractor for this type of treatment as these doctors are extensively trained in areas such health management, diagnosis, pathology, anatomy physiology, manipulation and soft tissue techniques.
Today our lives are more sedentary and our lifestyles are mostly spent indoors at a desk or at a computer. From a musculoskeletal perspective this is a considerable problem, merely because life requires movement. When we move, the cerebellum (a part of the brain) is activated, promoting blood circulation, nerve communication, hormone production, lymphatic drainage and metabolism. As a result of sitting for 8hr-10hr a day, the intricate joints in the spine become relatively immobile causing the spinal joints to be ‘jammed up’ and the spinal muscles to be tight. This leads to the neck and lower back pain as well as headaches. Disc injuries have also become more prevalent as a result of employees being sedentary all day to active at night, often lifting heavy weights at the gym. Twisting and lifting is commonly the mechanism of injury with spinal discs, so please take care; warm up and stretch before you exercise after work and cool down in a similar fashion. If you frequently or intermittently experience musculoskeletal pain or discomfort, anti-inflammatory medications are NOT the answer either as they are only treating the symptoms, and not the cause. In addition over the past 10 years or so, self diagnosis, self prescription and excessive use of ‘over the counter’ medications has lead to an increase in anti-inflammatory side effects such as stomach ulcers and gastric bleeding. Whenever there is a problem, not only associated with health, it is imperative that we ‘go to the source’ and that we deal with the cause. With musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, a large proportion of the time, the cause may be connected to spinal and muscle dysfunction (mechanical causes), consequently making manual therapy an appealing option. Manual therapies such as massage are far safer than any medication, so perhaps try a therapeutic massage first. If your symptoms persist, it may be worthwhile or necessary to have your spinal alignment assessed by a musculoskeletal doctor, such as a chiropractor, as spinal misalignments (subluxation) may be the cause of the muscle tightness and dysfunction you are experiencing.
In more specific fields such as sport, remedial massage has become very popular. Professional sporting players and elite athletes have a great deal of strain placed on their body on a daily basis, and treating their muscles with massage has been found to be a beneficial adjunct to recovery. With high intensity activity, lactic acid (a toxic bi-product of anaerobic and aerobic activity) accumulates in the muscles and some joints. This substance causes the jelly-like sensation that you may experience after a sprint or the achy, heavy and queasy feeling that often occurs as a result of prolonged activity or long distance events. Initially after exercise, “walking it off”, fluid/ electrolyte replenishment and stretching are all of assistance. In some situations though, a sports massage will be more effective in facilitating the recovery process, allowing your muscles regain proper function faster.
Baby Massage
Babies are a delight that bring happiness and joy to the world. Unfortunately though, today we are seeing an increase in ‘unsettled baby syndrome’ or colic. When a baby is unsettled the cause is often multifaceted and may be related to; digestive problems, wind, formula or artificial milk, musculoskeletal strain, fever, the list is really endless and health care practitioners are often unable to isolate the exact cause. However, what is for certain is that birth is more medicalised than ever and babies are coming into this world with a great deal of intervention; forceps, manual extraction, vacuum suction and caesarean sections. Although these inventions are in some cases necessary, especially in more complicated and traumatic births, they do not come with out side effects. The use of force to the neck can leave a baby with dysfunction to the spine (subluxation), torticolis (wry neck & muscle spasm), haematomas (large doughy bruises) and muscle dysfunction (trigger points, hypertonicity). In any of these situations it is important that your baby be examined by a musculoskeletal doctor such as a chiropractor, so that any issues are addressed allowing them to reach their full potential. Chiropractors’ are able to assess the condition of your baby’s cranial, skeletal and muscular systems, and correct any dysfunction. Once this examination has taken place, and any inherent or underlying problem addressed, baby massage may be utilised. Baby massage is a helpful therapy that you may either implement yourself (courses are available around the world) or perhaps take them to a trained massage therapist.
When implementing baby massage, use natural oil such as almond oil. You may want to add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oils as they may have calming effects for your baby. Baby’s have sensitive and vulnerable skin, so attempt to avoid baby lotions and oils which have potentially harmful chemical additives such as; SLS, paraben preservatives, TEA, PEG, DEA, MEA and Propylene glycol. These ingredients are often found in commercial baby products such as; Johnson’s baby, Nivea and Huggies baby. Perhaps try more organic based products such as; Wotnot, Aromababy, Gaia and Baby Organics.
Oncology Massage
For years, nurses around the world have recognised the benefits of touch and massage in their field; especially in geriatric, obstetrics and more recently in oncology. Since the 1990’s there have been many research studies into the effects of massage, proving that massage may assist in or be a supportive adjunct in special circumstances such as; anxiety, high blood pressure, back and neck pain, headache syndromes, palliative care and in coping with cancer. In addition massage therapy may also be especially useful during labour, to ease the pain of contractions.
In regards to oncology, whether the illness is terminal or temporary, cancer treatment is often unforgiving on the body. Massage and touch will not only nurture the patient, but also allowing them to feel more comfortable, improve their quality of life, ease their suffering and allow them to cope better with their illness. Some recent research has shown that oncology massage may promote relaxation and sleep, and enhance the immune system, quality of life, relieve the side effects of treatment, reduce the fatigue, nausea, pain and anxiety associated with treatment. During such a time of recovery and healing or palliative care, touch is simply invaluable.
Labour, Pregnancy and Menstrual Pain
Every month, women all around the world suffer form cramping, lower back spasm and pelvic pain related to their menstrual cycle. Some women are fortunate to not experience menstrual pain; however those that do would try anything if it helped. In avoiding medication, a trusty heat pack, magnesium, stretches and massage to the lower back are often all it takes to ease the discomfort. When we look at the anatomy of the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves that innervate the reproductive system, the nerve supply exists from the lumber/ lower back vertebral joints. In saying that, massage of the near by tight muscles (quadratus lumborum and erector spinae) in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments is often extremely helpful, resulting in a reduction in menstrual pain. A recent study concluded that massage therapy was an inexpensive and safe alternative to over the counter medicines, in reducing the pain related to endometriosis (a condition which causes heavy and painful periods). This approach may not suit or help every woman; however it is certainly worth trying, perhaps in the first couple of days of your menstrual cycle.
Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, women experience a great deal of change in their bodies. During this time of rapid growth for the foetus, a pregnant woman’s weight will increase, their posture will change and in response to maternal hormones they may become emotionally labile. Pregnant women frequently experience lower back pain (including sacroiliac joint, coccyx and pubic pain), muscular tightness in the lower back and pelvic muscles and general fatigue. It is for these very reasons that prenatal massage may be extremely helpful. Some research and patient feedback suggests that prenatal massage may be effective in reducing lower back and pelvic pain, headaches, neck and shoulder tightness and postural stress on weight-bearing joints (such as the hips and knees). Massage of course also promotes relaxation, causing a reduction in stress hormones and anxiety throughout pregnancy. During labour many women find that a heat back and massage to the lower back eases the pain of contractions somewhat and offers an element of comfort (until the next contraction comes no doubt!). The only downside to this is that during labour many women want so one touching them and no clothing or heat devices restricting them, however it is certainly worth a try if it may ease the pain of childbirth a little.
By now, if you have not had a therapeutic massage before, no doubt you will be booking in for one shortly. Enjoy! Keep in mind that massage is a safe, gentle and natural alternative to the treatments that exist for headaches and musculoskeletal ailments. Please be sure to have your condition comprehensively assessed if your symptoms are recurrent, unusual, persistent or becoming progressively worse. Your trained massage therapist should be aware and able to refer you for appropriate examination and treatment if your physical problems are out of their scope of practice.
Remember that movement is life, that stress is the leading cause of many preventable lifestyle diseases and that touch is essential for survival. Treat your body right and take good care of yourself. If you take care of your body, you will preserve your health as you move into the future, fit, healthy and vital. Good Luck on your journey of health.
References:
- Cherkin, DC etal. (2001). Randomised Trial Comparing Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage and Self-Care Education for Chronic Lower Back Pain. Arch Intern Med. Vol 161. Pg. 1081-1088.
- Sherman, KJ etal. (2009). Randomized Trial of Therapeutic Massage for Chronic Neck Pain. Clin J Pain. Vol 25 (3). Pg. 233-238.
- Chen, J etal. (2011). Baby massage ameliorates neonatal jaundice in full-term newborn infants. Tohoku Journ Exp Med. Vol 223 (2). Pg. 97-102.
- Russell, NC etal (2008). Role of massage therapy in cancer care. Journ Altern Compl Med. Vol 14 (2). Pg. 209-214.
- Hanley, J etal. (2003). Randomised controlled trial of therapeutic massage in the management of stress. British Journal of General Practice. Pg 20-25.
- Beider, S & Moyer, CA. (2006). Randomized Controlled Trials of Paediatric Massage: A Review. Advance Access Publication. Vol. 4 (1). Pg. 23–34.
- Valiani, M. (2010). The effects of massage therapy on dysmenorrhea caused by endometriosis. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. Vol 15 (4): 167–171.
- Chunco, R. (2011). The Effects of Massage on Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue Levels Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Study. Inter Journ Therap Mass Bodyw. Vol 4 (1).Pg. 12-17.
- Mainous, RO (2002). Infant massage as a component of developmental care: past, present, and future. Holist Nurs Pract. Vol 16 (5). Pg. 1-7.
- Field, T. (2010). Pregnancy and labour massage. Exp Rev Obst Gynec. Vol 5 (2): Pg. 177–181.
Thank you for this post! I have always been a little weary of massage for some reason. Recently I have had serious tension in my muscles and have decided to try a massage. I appreciate this post easing my anxiety.
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