Massage Therapy, what you need to know

Effects of massage

On Skin

Massaged skin becomes pink and elastic due to increased blood supply. Its resistance to mechanical and temperature influences increases. When stroking, the movement of lymph in the lymphatic vessels accelerates, and congestion in the veins is eliminated. These processes occur not only in the vessels located on the massaged area, but also in the vessels located next to it. This suction effect of massage is explained by a decrease in pressure in the massaged vessels. By increasing skin and muscle tone, massage affects the appearance of the skin, making it smooth and elastic. On the Joints. Under the influence of massage, the supply of blood to the joint and nearby tissues improves, and the formation and movement of synovial fluid accelerates. As a result, the ligaments become more elastic.

On the Joints

Under the influence of massage, the supply of blood to the joint and nearby tissues improves, and the formation and movement of synovial fluid accelerates. As a result, the ligaments become more elastic.

On the Nervous system

Massage has an effect on the Peripheral and Central Nervous system. When massaging the skin, the Nervous system is the first to respond to mechanical irritation. In this case, the Central nervous system is sent a stream of impulses from numerous nerve-end organs that perceive pressure, tactile and various temperature stimuli.

On the Respiratory system

Regular massage, conducted for a certain period of time, has a beneficial effect on smooth lung muscles, contributing to the formation of conditioned reflexes.

On the Circulatory and Lymphatic systems

Particularly noteworthy is the effect of massage on the system of capillaries of the skin, which carry out the exchange of substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues (lymph). Under the influence of massage, capillaries open, and the temperature of the massaged and nearby areas of the skin increases from 0.5 to 5 degrees, which improves redox processes and more intensive blood supply to tissues.

On Metabolism

If you massage directly after exercise, the release of nitrogenous substances will increase by 15%. In addition, the massage performed after muscle work accelerates the release of lactic acid from the body.

On the Muscular system

Massage leads to increased blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the muscles, improving redox processes. At the same time, the muscles become more elastic, their contractile function improves, and metabolic products are removed from them faster. Massage also affects the tone of the muscles, and depending on the nature of the techniques used, this effect can be directly opposite. There may be an increase in muscle tone (when the massage is fast in pace, short in time and superficial), and its decrease (when the massage is done slowly, for a longer time and with greater effort). Massage helps to restore strength in a tired muscle and increases its efficiency. For example, a 5-minute massage has a greater effect on the muscle than a 20-minute rest. The performance of a tired muscle increases after a massage by 3-7 times. Even a 40-second massage (felting and shaking) for wrestlers in between bouts increases the strength of the flexors of the massaged hand by 3.2 kg compared to an increase of 0.4 kg on the non-massaged hand. In cases of injury or disease of the muscle or nerve innervating it, massage prevents the development of atrophy.

On the Functional State of the Body

There are five main types of massage effects on the functional state of the body: tonic, soothing, trophic, energotropic, normalization of functions.

Indications for massage

  • Stress, burnout, increased irritability, neurosis
  • Osteochondrosis
  • Functional disorders after fracture and dislocation (joint stiffness, muscle changes, scar tissue fusion)
  • Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Recovery from long-term illnesses
  • Pain in the back, lower back, neck
  • Cosmetic problems (cellulite, skin aging, muscle flabbiness, etc.)
  • Radiculitis
  • Arterial hypotension
  • Headaches
  • Bruises, sprains of muscles, tendons and ligaments
  • A period of intense physical activity
  • Bronchitis
  • Posture disorders (scoliosis, lordosis, kyphosis)
  • Fractures at all stages of healing
  • Increased mental load
  • Bronchial asthma

Contraindications for massage