Among the many benefits of massage, there is an increased level of PNS activity and vagal tone. These increases in activity reduce stress hormones. For example, in a study from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a 45-minute massage reduced arginine vasopressin levels, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and elevates blood pressure. Massage increases white blood cell counts, which aids the immune system in fighting infection, viruses, cancer, and other diseases.
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Low-Back Pain
Although massage has been known to have many benefits, what evidence does science support its effectiveness? A meta-analysis of 25 studies has shown that massage can relieve low-back pain in the near term. But is massage an effective treatment for chronic pain? Is it safe? What is the best way to massage back pain? And what do doctors and scientists think about the benefits of massage?
Researchers claim that the study’s limitations can be attributed to its randomization and size. This means that there was no control group that had a negative impact on pain levels in the treatment group. However, the researchers believe that massage therapy may be useful for those suffering from chronic low-back pain. The study’s authors suggest that massage therapy might reduce the intensity of pain and the likelihood of disability in patients with low back pain.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Traditional medicines such as NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory medication can provide relief for some neck pain cases. However, there may be other options that work better for you. Massage is one of those treatments. However, previous studies of massage for neck pain have found conflicting results. Karen Sherman and her colleagues examined the effects of massage over a period of one month. They found that massage is effective after four weeks, but the benefits continued longer.
Massage works by addressing the underlying cause of pain and muscle spasms. Using pressure on the affected muscle for eight to ten seconds can help to stretch and elongate it, as well as retrain it to stay loose. It promotes good posture which can help prevent musculoskeletal pains and aches. Muscles that are free of knots and relaxed tend to feel better.
Osteoarthritis
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showed that massage therapy significantly improved pain, stiffness, and physical function among patients with knee osteoarthritis. Researchers randomly divided 200 osteoarthritic patients into three groups. One received weekly Swedish massage, one received light touch controls and the third was given a regular regimen. Researchers found that both types massages significantly reduced symptoms.
The study also revealed that more than half of the participants had osteoarthritis symptoms in their hands. However, the non-symptomatic group also reported positive responses. The non-symptomatic group did not self-report age at onset of symptoms, which may have contributed to the findings. Participants reported pain, stiffness, and decreased ability to perform daily tasks. It was interesting that neither group reported their age.
Patients with osteoarthritis need to consult their doctor before receiving a massage. Tantric massage techniques may involve strong pressure on sensitive tissue, or moving limbs in strange positions. If you feel pain or discomfort during a massage, osteoarthritis patients should inform your therapist. A skilled massage therapist will be open to receiving feedback about the techniques used. So, what should they avoid while performing a massage?
Headache
Numerous studies have been done to examine the effects of massage therapy on headache relief. Some studies have been based on non-drug interventions, while others use drugs as a supplement. For instance, there is a study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiology and Therapy, which compared the effect of massage therapy on patients with chronic tension-type headaches to placebo. The authors noted that the results were encouraging, with the majority of patients reporting a reduction in pain after undergoing the treatment.
Research into the effectiveness of massage for headaches has shown that it can reduce migraine frequency and intensity, while also reducing comorbidities that contribute to headaches. One study showed that a fifteen-minute scalp massage reduced blood pressure in patients with a tension headache, with the authors determining that the increased blood circulation relaxed the neck muscles and vessels. Tension headaches are usually behind the eyes and cause pain behind the eyes or in the forehead. Many of these headaches are caused by muscle contractions.
Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects
Massage therapy has many benefits for your health. It is a form of bodywork that helps promote circulation and is associated with reduced pain. The massage is typically performed in a warm room in which the patient lies on a massage table or sits in a chair. It is gentle and can be adjusted to reduce discomfort for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
A review of massage and cancer is carried out about every three years. During the last review, the cancer councils of NSW, QLD and SA reviewed the literature and created an information booklet. This booklet was developed in partnership with cancer specialists and people who are affected by cancer. For example, cancer specialists recommend the use of larger studies. Massage therapy can reduce the pain intensity and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Research has shown that massage helps cancer patients reduce or eliminate the side effects of their conventional treatments. It improves quality of life, reduces fatigue, reduces pain, and can relieve nausea, anxiety, and depression. It also provides a chance to share your feelings in a casual setting. It also helps to build hope. Massage for cancer patients does not spread cancer cells. Furthermore, it does not spread cancer cells and has no side effects.
Fibromyalgia
Exercise is a great way to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. People with the disease should increase their physical activity. They should also avoid smoking and avoid nicotine addiction. Massage therapy is beneficial for patients suffering from fibromyalgia because it relieves symptoms and can also help them relax. Moreover, people who are overweight are more likely to suffer from fibromyalgia.
It is important to discuss your condition with the massage therapist before you hire them. You can tell him about your fibromyalgia and any other medical conditions you may have. Often, your therapist will incorporate certain massage techniques specific to your condition. Reflexology is a technique that targets specific areas. Massage Envy has over 900 locations nationwide.
People with fibromyalgia often experience muscle pain in various areas of the body. Insufficient energy is the cause of chronic pain. Insufficient ATP can cause muscles to become shorter. This causes muscle and fascia to be tight. Moreover, poor blood flow to the affected area depletes the oxygen supply. Combining multiple treatments and lifestyle changes can help with the pain of fibromyalgia.
HIV/AIDS
While undergoing massage therapy for HIV/AIDS, you must keep certain precautions in mind. For example, you should wash your hands before you begin a session and avoid touching any wounds or open cuts on the client. You should not touch a client with a cut or wound unless you are familiar with the situation. You should also avoid working with HIV-positive clients if you are sick yourself, as you may not be able to fight off germs.
While AIDS is no longer viewed as an imminent death sentence, it remains a frightening thought for many. Many people don’t realize that HIV is not fatal and can be treated. Despite all the progress made, there are still many misconceptions about HIV that impact massage therapy. Many people are under the impression that all HIV infections are the same. These myths are often untrued, but massage therapy has been shown to be beneficial for HIV/AIDS patients.
Infant Care
Research has shown that infant massage can increase both physical and psychological health. Babies can benefit from massage as well as mother-infant bonding. Massage promotes emotional well-being and relaxation, as well as reduced stress. Massage can be used by anyone of any age and is especially beneficial for children with special needs. This article will give you some tips on how to get started with infant massage therapy. You can learn more about infant health by reading the research and the scientific evidence behind it.
A systematic review is an assessment of all available research regarding a given intervention. It aims to summarize the existing evidence regarding massage for infants and children and identify positive and negative effects. Its findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. It is recommended that you conduct a systematic review of infant massage to make the best possible decision. The methods for the review are based on the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews and the PRISMA-P checklist.