Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is manual therapy in which different massage techniques are combined to treat a wide variety of health issues. In contrast to the classic wellness massage, techniques are used to act on the deeper structures of the muscles, the soft tissue and the skin. The aims of therapeutic massage are to relieve pain and to redress the patient’s ability to move and thereby his health. In fact, it contributes not only to the physical and mental well-being of the patient, but can also be used to treat a pathological condition. Therapeutic massages are tailored to the individual needs of the patient and are often part of a therapy that is supplemented by physiotherapy and/or other treatments. A short anamnesis on the part of the therapist always takes place beforehand.

The power of touch

Therapeutic Massage activates the self-healing process of the human body through touch. Touching and being touched is instinctual. An injured animal will tend its wounds by licking or rubbing, a mother will comfort her crying child by stroking its head and patting its back, and a person with a toothache will rub and press the painful area to relieve congestion and pain. The simple act of placing the hands on the body can itself encourage a person to thrive. A landmark study conducted on rhesus monkeys by Harry Harlow in the 1950s noted that monkeys separated from their mothers soon after birth showed a greater need for tactile comfort than for eating. Since then, many studies have illustrated how touch and massage can assist infants, especially babies born prematurely, to survive, gain weight and thrive. It has also been shown that elderly feel a decrease in stress, anxiety and depression when they touch and are touched.

Therapeutic benefits

By moving the soft tissue, the muscles and the skin, the blood flow is stimulated. This promotes the decomposition and removal of metabolic products and accelerates it. In addition, the treated part of the body is better supplied with nutrients.  These processes relax the body through which triggered pain can often be reduced. Depending on the techniques used, therapeutic massage therefore can:

  • Increase or decrease muscle tone
  • Relieve pain and muscle tension
  • Stimulate the functions of the muscles and joints, the soft tissue, the skin and the deeper organs of the body
  • Sedate the nervous system
  • Boost the functioning of the immune system
  • Increase circulation and stimulate sluggish circulation
  • Allow a better range of motion and support the connective tissue and muscles in becoming strong and healthy
  • Lead to a positive effect on conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine and headaches

The Treatment

Therapeutic Massage mechanically influences the skin, connective tissue and muscles through stretching, pulling and pressure stimuli. It is designed to treat a specific condition and includes a range of treatments. The different forms of treatment can be used either individually or in combination to treat various health complaints or conditions.

  • Classical
  • Sport
  • Pregnancy
  • Stress relief
  • Foot reflex
  • Lymphatic drainage

The therapist determines the course of the massage based on an introductory interview, tests and palpations, selecting the techniques that address the causes of musculoskeletal complaints, considering the individual’s state of health, condition and preferences. The objective of the therapy determines which massage techniques will be applied and how they will be performed.

While classical massage with the hands mainly applies pressure and traction stimuli to the tissue, manual lymphatic drainage is a decongestive treatment. With certain grip techniques, the therapist stimulates the motor function of the lymph vessels, which facilitates the removal of excess tissue fluid. Foot reflexology is based on the theory that the human body is reflected in the foot. Depending on where the foot is massaged, this affects corresponding areas of the body. By applying targeted pressure to these reflex points, more distant areas of the body can consequently be treated.

Contraindications

Although the indications of massage are diverse, they are limited by absolute and relative contraindications such as, among others:

  • Infections
  • Fever
  • Blood-circulation diseases
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Malignant tumor processes
  • Acute allergic reactions
  • Fresh scars and wounds

Our health

Therapeutic Massage enhances our well-being, relieves discomfort, reduces tension and stress, and improves the body’s efficiency is not a treat just for special occasions. With the growing research base and the recognition of the benefits of massage in the healthcare arena, massage is an invaluable component of our health regime.