Massage therapy is a key manual intervention used to alleviate pain, improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall healing and relaxation. It plays an important role in both acute and chronic conditions across various stages of rehabilitation.
Indications for Massage:
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Postural imbalances
- Scar tissue formation
- Fibromyalgia
- Low back or neck pain
- Post-operative recovery
- Sports injuries
- Headaches due to muscle tension
Goals of Massage:
- Relieve muscle tension and spasms
- Improve blood and lymphatic circulation
- Enhance soft tissue healing
- Reduce stress and promote relaxation
- Increase joint mobility and flexibility
- Break down scar tissue and adhesions
- Reduce pain perception and improve function
Types of Massage Techniques Used:
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Direct pressure applied to specific painful “knots” in muscles to reduce localized and referred pain.
- Myofascial Release
- Gentle, sustained pressure applied to fascial tissue restrictions to restore movement and reduce pain.
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Intense pressure aimed at deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, effective for chronic muscle tension and postural issues.
- Sports Massage
- Combines various techniques to enhance athletic performance, aid recovery, and prevent injuries.