Massage recliners started out as simple chairs with vibration motors. Vibration has been used for a long time to relieve tension and stiffness in the muscles. Vibration is particularly effective in penetrating all the way through the muscle tissue to the bone.

Massage recliners have now integrated various technologies in order to perform full body treatments. Massage chair therapy is the use of massaging chairs to provide full body treatments.

Many health professionals such as medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists are now using massage chair therapy. Massaging recliners have the advantage of providing consistent therapy treatment. They can be precisely controlled and directed to massage specific areas or the whole body.

Many chiropractors and other medical professionals are used massaging chairs as part of a total regimen for their patients. For instance, chiropractors may use these recliners to warm up their patients prior to a chiropractic manipulation.

Massage recliners are also used to provide traction of the spine. Massaging recliners that use a roller system in the chair back. The patient is put in a recline position and with the force of gravity the rollers will pass over each vertebrae in the spine. As the rollers passed over them, the discs are flexed which helps to stretch out the soft tissue between them.

Massage chairs provide a number of different movements and techniques. It is common to now find massage techniques such as shiatsu, acupressure, reflexology, Swedish and deep tissue. Massaging lounger manufacturers have replicated many of the most popular and effective movements and techniques.

Massage recliners provide an automated means to deliver consistent full body therapy. They can also be programmed to target specific areas or to avoid specific areas depending on the needs of the patient.

Massage loungers also have other treatments in addition to massage therapy. Many massaging chairs now also have stretching systems. Stretching systems are available for the lower body and also for the upper body. The lounger will actually stretch out the legs or may stretch out the arms and shoulders.

It is also common to find MP3 players with headphones. This enables a medical professional to load soft music to the computer of the lounger. The soft music is then played for the patient to help with relaxation. This is used to calm the mind which helps the body to relax.

Many massage chairs also incorporate heaters. Heat is commonly used to help reduce swelling and to improve circulation. Massage recliners enable the health practitioner to apply heat specifically where it is needed.

Massage chair therapy is the automation of these various treatments. The advantages of a massaging lounger are that they can provide consistent pressure for a specific duration. They are programmable and are very repeatable. Human massage is tremendously variable and is not consistent from person to person.

Massage chair therapy is also available for in-home use. The same massage chairs which are used by health professionals are also available for use in your home or office. This enables you to have consisted access to massage therapy when you need it most.

Massage is one of the most ancient of healing arts. With the advent of technology, you can enjoy consistent and reliable massage treatments. Massage Chair Therapy provides you with unprecedented access and convenience. Select from many different feature sets with our massage chairs. We carry the top brands: Omega Massage, Panasonic and Sanyo.

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Benefits of Alternative Massage Therapy for Arthritis Patients

Patients suffering from Arthritis get the following benefits out of alternative message therapy:

o Deep muscle and tissue relaxation
o Stress reduction
o Release of toxins from the body
o Increase in muscle flexibility
o Improved blood circulations
o Reduction in blood pressure
o Reduction in nervousness
o Tension and pain relief
o Heightened mental and spiritual awareness

While the benefits of alternative message therapy are numerous, it should also be noted that there are different types of physical massage therapies that tackle arthritis in their own way.

Deep Tissue Massage – Therapeutic Alternative Therapy

Deep Tissue massage includes aligning the deep layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is extremely helpful for tense and contracted areas such as sore shoulders, stiff necks and backs. It is also associated with acupressure which has therapeutic benefits to the body and eases arthritis pain and discomfort.

Swedish Massage – A Popular Choice

This massage technique is very popular. Physical therapists use massage oils and a techniques such as kneading, tapping and stretching in order to reduce muscle tension in arthritic patients. Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation and is widely regarded as the most enjoyable type of massage without any side effects such as soreness.

Shiatsu Massage – Alternative Therapy from Asia

Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure massage, is a finger pressure massage technique derived from ancient Asia. It involves the use of pressure points on specific parts of the body. Acupressure shares its similarities with acupuncture in that acupressure uses the same points that are stimulated in acupuncture.

Reflexology Massage Therapy – A Different Approach

Most massages techniques focus more on the neck, back and shoulders than the rest of the body. Reflexology Massage Therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, ears and feet in order to release tension. Since these organs are also connected to other parts of the body, the relaxing effect spreads throughout the body.

Myofascial Massage – Ignore the Muscle

Aside from Arthritic patients, this alternative therapy is very popular among sports athletes. It differs from all the other massage therapy techniques because it does not target the muscles itself. Rather, it targets the Fascia which is a membrane surrounding the muscles responsible for body structure and protecting internal organs.

Alternative Therapy and Arthritis Today

Today, the use of massage as an effective alternative therapy treatment for Arthritis continues to grow as more and more people learn about its benefits. Alternative therapy has been acknowledged by the medical establishment as a less invasive method of therapy for chronic conditions and is successfully being used as healing therapy at many medical facilities across the country. Furthermore, it breaks the cycle of pain that often goes along with arthritis. More and more people suffering from Arthritis are learning to experience pain relief as they are treated to the miraculous healing power of alternative massage therapy.

Alternative physical therapy

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The most commonly recognized type of massage is Swedish Massage, developed by Per Henrik Ling in the late 1700 and early 1800’s. Swedish massage techniques consists of long, smooth strokes (effleurage), tissue kneading (petrissage), or tapping (tapotement), and can be used to either relax muscle or increase its tone depending on the application and technique. Pressure can be very light or deep, depending on the therapist, your needs and your tolerance to pressure. During a massage therapy treatment that primarily consists of Swedish techniques, other modalities, which may require further or specialized training, can be used.

Relaxation, sports, pregnancy, infant and geriatric massage all contain elements of Swedish techniques.

Relaxation massage tends to be slower and more rhythmic than a treatment oriented therapeutic massage and its primary goal is to increase relaxation of the client. In infant massage, therapists teach parents how to work on their own infants, which is a great bonding experience and may help parents relieve colic and help their babies sleep better. For special populations or conditions, such as pregnancy or geriatric massage, the application of techniques needs to be modified to suit the needs of the client.

Sports massage therapy consists not only of Swedish techniques, but also of stretching, including “active inhibition” techniques, and can be performed either pre or post-event. Sports massage therapy that is performed pre-event uses quick, rhythmic movements to warm up and stretch the muscles, preparing them for the demand to be placed on them. Post-event sports massage is slower and is done to relieve pain, swelling, assist in the removal of metabolic waste and to decrease recovery time. Massage therapy for athletes and fitness enthusiasts is also a great maintenance tool which can address muscular imbalances and injuries and help them achieve optimal performance.

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy basically consists of Swedish techniques which are used at a deeper level of the tissue. To perform any type of massage effectively, but especially deep tissue, the muscles must be warmed up at a superficial level to allow the therapist to go into the deeper layers and address restrictions found there. It is advisable for therapists who want to practice “deep tissue” to have a hi-lo table and get specialized training to help hem maintain their own body, back and joint health. It is advisable for new massage therapy clients to work up to a deep tissue type of therapy as it is not suitable for everyone and may be painful for someone who is not accustomed to manual therapy.

Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy is also know as trigger point release. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable area within a tight band of muscle. The goal of this therapy is to reduce or remove the trigger point, thus alleviating pain. Referral pain often has a very specific pattern depending on the muscle in which it is found, and can often present in a seemingly unrelated area. Trigger point therapy is integrated into Swedish massage treatments which assists in warming up and stretching the tissue pre and post release respectively.

Frictions or Friction therapy is a very localized, specific technique used to break down adhesions and scar tissue which may cause pain and inhibit movement. Friction therapy is not used alone, but is integrated into a routine where Swedish techniques are used to warm up the tissue and to aid circulation to remove metabolic waste post friction.

Myofascial release therapy, also called fascial release, consists of manipulation and stretching of the fascia – connective tissue which encases muscles, nerves, organs and bones in the body. To properly anchor and engage the tissue, no oil or other mediums are used, as “glide” over tissue is ineffective in most myofascial techniques.

Manual lymph drainage, also called lymphatic, lymph or lymphedema massage, is a series of gentle movements used to stimulate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body, thereby relieving pain and congestion. This type of therapy is perfect to assist in the reduction of swelling post injury, and is also used to reduce swelling post surgery. MLD, as it is commonly known, is also used with great success for women who have a mastectomy, however, special training is required for therapists to treat when lymph nodes have been removed.

In most massage therapy training, the focus is primarily on Swedish techniques, but the above modalities may be learned as an adjunct to Swedish massage, or as continuing education.

Active release is a patented therapy which encompasses various movements while tissue is being manipulated. The term “active” refers to the fact that the patient voluntarily contracts his or her muscles as techniques are applied. This therapy requires specialized training and certification.

Craniosacral Therapy – is a gentle manual therapy developed by William Garner Sutherland, a student of Osteopathy, in the early 1900’s. Craniosacral therapy, or CST, is believed to work by addressing soft tissue restrictions around the central nervous system, which in turn affect the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Craniosacral therapy often relieves pain, induces deep relaxation and may encourage a more restful sleep.

Shiatsu is a manual therapy originating in Japan, and consists of finger pressure along various meridian or energy points throughout the body. Shiatsu is believed to work by removing any blockages along the meridians so energy travels more freely and the body can function normally.

Jodi Forsythe has been a Massage Therapist since 2000, and created WhyMassageTherapy.com as an online resource for all things concerning massage therapy.

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In massage therapy, a therapist conducts motion and muscle tests and proposes treatment plans such as soft tissue manipulation, hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programs and client self-help programs. Most therapists also provide courses of treatment for medical conditions and injuries, and may work with other healthcare professionals as part of a team to promote health and overall wellness.

Most massage therapy has developed from a number of sources and there are an estimated 150 types of massage therapy that one can try. Some of the popular massage therapies are breema, chair massage, Chinese Tui Na massage, deep muscle therapy, deep tissue massage, foot or sole massage, traditional Hawaiian massage, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, scalp massage, stone massage, Thai massage, and Swedish massage, among others. Most therapy massages can be performed with pressure ranging from superficial to deep; however, an ideal therapeutic massage can be identified when a receiver experiences some discomfort, activating the body’s natural healing response. Although most therapeutic massage leaves some soreness, it is recommended to check with your therapist if the soreness lasts more than two or three days.

Massage therapy is an organized business and most countries have specific organizations that provide information regarding the therapy. In the US, the American Massage Therapy Association is the largest non-profit professional organization of massage therapists in the country. One can also undertake a test to be a professional massage therapist, conducted by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Massages provides detailed information on Massages, Full Body Massages, Massage Therapy, Foot Massages and more. Massages is affiliated with Massage Therapy Jobs [http://www.e-MassageTherapy.com].

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Massage therapists can benefit from learning different specialized massage techniques to better serve their clients who may range from geriatric patients to baby boomers and infants. To much of the general public, the thought of massage therapy involves a pampering treatment designed to relax them. People are just beginning to realize some of the healing powers of massage as it is now being used more often in medicine.

As with any other profession, it is important to keep abreast of any new massage therapy training schools techniques and other information within your field. Just as doctors and other medical professionals receive constant updates regarding medical standards and discoveries, the professional massage therapist should also make certain that he or she has the most up to date information in their field.

Many massage therapists are now working with A shiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy which was developed by Ruthie Hardee in 1995. This technique treats the feet for pain and combines Swedish massage as well as deep tissue massage. The difference in this new technique from ordinary A shiatsu Oriental Therapy for the feet is that the therapist uses overhead bars for better balance during the massage therapy.

Other massage therapists are working with color therapy that is based upon using light as treatments. With color therapy, the massage therapist uses different colors to treat different parts of the body as each color works in a unique way and reacts differently to light.

Infant massage therapy has been used for years in hospitals and is now becoming more acceptable to the general public not only as a way of treating colic but to allow the baby to relax and go to sleep. Many parents can benefit from learning these techniques from a certified massage therapist.

Perhaps some people may benefit from the Rosen method of massage. This technique uses very light touching instead of deep massage and communication to help clients relax and release their stress. The Rosen technique has been practiced for years but many massage therapists are unaware of this effective therapy.

More massage therapists are now combining ancient Chinese treatments and practices along with their massage therapy techniques. Aromatherapy is now being used by many therapists as a way not only to relax their clients but to actually treat minor ailments.

Just as it is for any profession, it is important for a professional massage therapist to keep up with new techniques or technology that may enhance their performance. There are new products being produced to help massage therapists treat clients and these products are often demonstrated at trade shows or shown in trade publications.

Massage therapy is a very rewarding career for individuals who like to help people and have good communication skills. As it is being used more often as an alternative medicine, it is very important for a professional massage therapist to attend seminars and trade shows, keep up with the latest news in the field and learn any new techniques in massage therapy. The need for massage therapists has doubled in the past decade and is expected to grow as more of the general public are beginning to realize the value of this ancient way of healing ones body and mind.

Robert C. Vignoli has been a massage therapist for over 10 years. He currently co-owns Roman Paradigm Massage, but now he is helping to improve the massage industry by building a “hands off” massage business model. MassageSpace.net is the new MySpace for Massage Therapist, learn more @ http://www.think-diagonal.com

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All About Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is also considered to be the best tension buster and in some cases this therapy is an integral part of the CAM or the complementary and alternative medicine. The term “massage therapy” does not only include the different practices and techniques that are used to soothe the senses of the patient, it also covers a large number of related practices as well due to the fact that the massage therapy includes approximately 80 kinds of different therapies.

The main intent behind the massage therapy is to relax the muscles and tissues of the person thereby increasing the oxygen and blood delivery to the areas where massage has been performed and in turn decrease the level of pain suffered.

Various Kinds Of Therapies
The different types of massage therapies include the following:

Trigger point massage
In this type of massage therapy, the therapist uses different strokes of strong pressure in order to relax the trigger points or knots.

Swedish massage
Long strokes are given to the person along with muscle friction and kneading in order to make the joints flexible.

Deep tissue massage
Deep finger and hand pressure is given on the particular parts of the patient’s body where the muscles and tissues are knotted or tight. Focus is paid on the muscle layers that are located deep inside the skin.

Shiatsu massage
In this kind of massage therapy, the professional applies rhythmic and varying pressures from his fingers on the body parts, which are crucial for the vital energy flow.

Reflexology
This type of massage therapy is popularly known as the zone therapy and the main focus of the therapy is paid on the ears, hands and feet of the person. Foot reflexology is the more famous of the other two-reflexology therapies.

Thai massage
This is also called as the Thai yoga massage therapy and involves the unblocking of the energy pathways. In this kind of therapy, the person getting the massage remains completely clothed and the therapist begins to give the compression massage on the body parts that need special care. The patient is made to be placed in different yoga like postures in order to relax the muscles and soft tissues.

In all of the different types of massage therapies, the professional therapist rub, press and manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the respective person often varying the movement and pressure exerted in the massage. The therapists use their fingers and hands but in some cases when there is a need to do stronger massages, even the elbows, feet and forearms can be used to relieve the patient.

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