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How Does Massage Therapy Work?
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Scientists are studying massage
to understand what effects massage therapy has on patients, how it has those
effects, and why. Some aspects of this are better understood than others. For
example, it is known that:
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when certain forces are
applied to the muscles, changes occur in the muscles (although those changes
are not clearly understood or agreed upon).
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Massage therapy typically
enhances relaxation and reduces stress. Stress makes some diseases and
conditions worse.
There are many more aspects that
are not yet known or well understood scientifically, however. Some of the
proposed theories are that massage:
- Might provide
stimulation that may help block pain signals sent to the brain (the “gate
control theory” of pain reduction) [more ...]
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Can massage be used for pregnant
women?
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Yes, it can and mothers-to-be can experience
the following benefits from massage:
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a feeling of deep relaxation, extreme
tranquillity, optimism and well-being .
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a greatly improved sleep pattern
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less fatigue and a boost in energy levels
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back pain is decreased or totally eliminated
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the circulatory and lymphatic systems are
stimulated
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fluid retention can be reduced or
discouraged
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varicose veins may be avoided or minimized
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aching legs and cramps are relieved
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the frequency of headaches declines
[more
...]
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What are the side effects and risks?
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Massage therapy appears to have few serious risks if appropriate cautions
are followed. A very small number of serious injuries have been reported,
and they appear to have occurred mostly because cautions were not followed
or a massage was given by a person who was not properly trained.
Health care providers recommend that patients not have massage therapy if
they have one or more of the following conditions:
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Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep
vein, usually in the legs)
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A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning
drugs such as warfarin
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Damaged blood vessels
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Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent
fracture, or cancer
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A fever
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Any of the following in an area that would
be massaged:
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An open or healing wound
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A tumour
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Damaged nerves
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An infection or acute inflammation
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Inflammation from radiation treatment.
more
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Download this full article featuring the
knowledge of practising massage therapists, and
listen to a podcast explaining the benefits of massage.
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