The Jockstraps and Sportsbras: Massage Therapy

Known as a complementary and alternative medicine, massage therapy involves many different techniques. In general, practitioners press, rub, and manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues. They often use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows and feet to maximize efficiency.

Written in the oldest book known to man (Chinese: Cong-Fu of the Toa-Tse), the practice of massage has existed since 300 BC. The art of massage was used widely used in Europe during the Renaissance era and later expanded west. In the 1850s, two Americanphysicians who studied in Sweden brought massage therapy to the United States, where it became known for its health purposes. Due to scientific advancements during the1930s, the art of massage lost its popularity until later in the 1970’s where athletes required a substitute for common medical treatment.

The applications massage therapy can be used for a variety of needs. Health-related purposes involve relieving pain, rehabilitating sports injuries, the reduce stress, increase relaxation, access anxiety and depression, and overall general wellness. Massage therapy has been linked to cancer treatment and studies have been conducted showing promising results. Massage therapy is a non invasive way to reduce stress levels in the body. Using massage to reduce stress is natural and safe and unlike some forms of alternative therapies, massage therapy is a proven practice within the medical community with scientific evidence supporting the use of massage for stress management. According to a 2010 AmericanMassage Therapy Association study, 25% of women, and 10% of men reported receiving a massage in the previous twelve months. Of those, 29% received therapy for medical purposes.

Types -

-Swedish massage (long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping.)

-Aromatherapy massages (addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs, mainly for stress.)

-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. Good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.)

-Deep tissue massage (targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This type of massage is often used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.)

-Sports massage (specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity.)

Often working in a variety of settings, therapists operate in private offices, hospitals, nursing homes, studios, and fitness facilities. Some also travel to homes or workplaces. They usually try to provide a calm environment. Practitioners usually ask new patients about symptoms, medical history, and desired results. They may also perform an evaluation and determine how much pressure to apply. Typically, the patient lies on a table, either in loose-fitting clothing or undressed (covered with a sheet, except for the area being massaged). The therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. Sometimes, people receive massage therapy while sitting in a chair. Sessions can range from a few minutes or up to an hour.

Scientific evidence on massage therapy is limited. Scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in the body during massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how. Therapy appears to have few serious risks if it is provided to people by a trained massage professional. Side-effects of therapy may include temporary pain or discomfort, bruising, swelling, and a sensitivity or allergy to massage oils may develop. Continuous massage should be avoided by people with bleeding disorders, and by people taking blood-thinning medications. Cancer patients should consult their oncologist before having a massage that involves deep or intense pressure. Any direct pressure over a tumor usually is discouraged.

Although it lacks scientific support, massage therapy contains major and many subtle and minor benefits, especially pleasure and relaxation. Massage therapy always has at least that much to offer patients. For those who require it for assisting recovery or certain conditions, consult your doctor first.

For more information you can check out these sites/references

American Massage Therapy Association. (2011). Massage therapy

industry fact sheet. Retrieved from http://www.amtamass

age.org/uploads/cms/documents/2011amtaindustryfactsheet.pdf

Gosline, K. (n.d.). Clinical research on the effects of massage.

Personal fitness systems. Retrieved from http://pfs

wellness.com/forms/clinical%20massage%20research.pdf

Internet Health Library. (2006). Massage therapy research- various

authors. Retrieved from http://www.internet

healthlibrary.com/Therapies/MassageTherapy-Research.htm

Massage therapy: Safety. (n.d). Retrieved from .http://www

.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/page4.htm#risks