Massage 101

Swedish Massage
Deep-tissue
Benefits of Massage
Profound Effects
Contraindications of Massage

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a system of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles and is combined with the active and passive movements of the joints.

Swedish Techniques:
• Effleurage (Gliding)– is a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue and is applied using both hands.
• Petrissage (Kneading) – involves squeezing, rolling and kneading the muscles and usually follows effleurage.
• Tapotement (Percussion)– is executed with cupped hands, fist, fingers or the edge of the hand with short, alternating taps on large muscles.
• Friction – is the deepest of Swedish massage strokes. This stroke utilizes deep, circular movements applied to soft tissue which causes the underlying layers of tissue to rub against each other. This increases blood flow in the massaged area.

Is Swedish Massage for me?
• Is this your first massage?
• Is your main goal to relax?
• Do you enjoy lighter pressure?
• Do you suffer from arthritis or other ailments that may make massage painful?
• Are you more than three months pregnant? (see pregnancy massage)

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, we recommend you try a Swedish Massage.

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Deep-tissue Massage
Deep-tissue Massage releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the grain of muscles, tendons and fascia. It is called deep tissue, because it also focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. At Words & Bodyworks, we combine Swedish techniques with Deep-tissue to make your massage both effective and relaxing.

Is Deep-tissue Massage for me?
• Do you suffer from knots?
• Do you suffer from muscle pain?
• Do you suffer from headaches/migraines?
• Do you suffer from loss of flexibility/range of motion?
• Do you suffer from plantar fasciitis (heel pain)?
• Do you suffer from tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, we recommend you try a Deep-Tissue Massage.

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Benefits Of Massage
Massage and massage related therapies are known to provide a variety of benefits from stress reduction, to increased relaxation, to pain management. Below is a detailed list of these benefits.

Massage
• Alleviates lower-back pain and improves range of motion.
• Eases medication dependence
• Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system
• Exercises and stretches weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
• Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
• Improves the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin
• Increases joint flexibility
• Lessens depression and anxiety
• Promotes tissue regeneration, reduces scar tissue and stretch marks
• Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, which improves circulation.
• Reduces post-surgery adhesions and swelling
• Reduces spasms and cramping
• Relaxes and softens injured, tired, and overused muscles
• Releases endorphins and amino acids that work as the body's natural painkillers
• Relieves migraine pain

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. Plus, nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While entirely eliminating anxiety and pressure in this fast-paced world may prove impossible, massage can help you manage stress while helping you feel more in control of your body and well-being.

This translates into:
• Decreased anxiety • Enhanced sleep quality
• Greater energy • Improved concentration
• Increased circulation
• Reduced fatigue

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

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Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade through the body, often with profound effects.

Research shows that with massage:
• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Pre-term infants have improved weight gain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage feels great, but getting regular massages feels even better. Why? Because each massage session builds on the work we did in the previous sessions. With each massage, you grow calmer, your muscles relax, knots get smaller, etc.

And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it isn't therapeutic. Massage can play a vital role in keeping you happy and healthy. We work with you to establish a treatment and payment schedule that best meets your needs and budget.

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Contraindications of Massage
A contraindication is a condition which prohibits massage of either the effected area or prohibits a massage altogether. A massage treatment is non-invasive and is beneficial to the body in many ways, however it is important to be aware of conditions may irritated or worsened by receiving a massage. These conditions are listed below and split into three groups: local, medical and total contraindications.
Local Contraindications:
These conditions affect specific areas of the body, but it is possible for a person to benefit from massage so long as the specific area is avoided.
• Scar tissue: 6 months for minor surgery, 2 years for major surgery
• Varicose veins • Undiagnosed lumps/bumps
• Sunburn • Skin diseases
• Areas of undiagnosed pain (not aches or tensions)
• Pregnancy (the abdomen only has to be avoided)
• The abdomen during the first few days of menstruation (dependant on consultation with the client)
• Diabetes (extra care shown to feet/or any instances of edema)
• Edema (swelling/bloating)

Medical contraindications:
These are conditions that require consent from your doctor before a massage treatment plan can be put into place.
• Cardio-vascular conditions
• Hypertension
• Hypotension
• Thrombosis
• Phlebitis Heart conditions
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bells palsy
• Trapped nerves
• Inflamed nerves

Total Contraindications:
These conditions affect the whole body and therefore treatment can not be given.
• Fever
• Contagious or infectious diseases
• Any person under the influence of drugs or alcohol (this includes dental anesthetic for a specific time period)
• Cancer (unless the client is terminal, in which case with a doctor's permission massage can be given as part of palliative care)

If you have any questions regarding contraindications to massage e-mail us or consult with your physician. With the exception of total contraindications - we can still devise a massage relaxation plan with the consent and guidance of your physician. Or another therapy like Reiki may be used in lieu of massage.

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Information provided by the American Massage Therapy Association and Massagetherapy.com.