Originally massage therapy was used by the Ancient Egyptians, as well as by the Greeks and Romans. These particular cultures would use it to not only heal but bring pleasure to the person being treated. However at the same time the use of massage therapy was also spreading to countries such as India, China and Japan. It was in these countries that started to integrate it as a formal part of their medical practices over the centuries.

But rather than the body being pummelled massage therapy relies on the use of different movements on the body. Normally a masseuse will use their hands, elbows and forearms in order to apply pressure where required to underlying muscles on the body. Plus they will also just glide their hands gently over the person’s body. But generally they will either stroke, knead, rub or press their elbows, forearms and hands on to the areas where treatment is required.

Although massage therapy is not able to cure any sort of ailment or disorder a person is suffering from it can help to restore balance in the body. Once balance has been restored then the body is able to function properly and this will help to relieve some of the symptoms often associated with particular ailments or disorders.

As the masseuse touches the body in a particular way it helps it to carry out its functions properly as well as acting as a natural stimulus. Often a person who under goes massage therapy will find that their stress levels are reduced, plus their body starts to function better. This is turn provides the person with an overall sense of well being and helps to boost their mental health.

Yet as you will soon discover there are many different types of massage therapy that can be carried out. There are some forms of massage therapy which will help a person to relax whilst there are other forms which help you recover from injuries or illness. The actual benefits to be gained from the therapy will depend on the kind of massage that you undertake. Where as some help a person to relax there are others which are designed to help increase a person’s energy levels. However #your massage therapist will be able to decide upon which is the best course of massage therapy treatment for you.

Allison Thompson a work from home mum, now living in Spain who has been looking at ways of living a much healthier kind of lifestyle. After years of suffering from problems relating to her back and neck through work as a secretary in the UK she has found that massage therapy helps. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of using massage therapy for yourself then please visit http://www.massagetherapyhandbook.com

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Massage therapy is a proven way to improve muscle and joint movement. Athletes use massage as a way to relax tense muscles and stimulate circulation. Massage therapy for arthritis is not only enjoyable, it has proven to be therapeutic.

Massage therapies for arthritis break the cycle of pain that often goes along with arthritis. Massage is being used successfully in some medical facilities as a healing therapy for people who suffer from arthritis.

Now as the medical community becomes enlightened to the benefits of massage insurance sometimes covers the treatment when prescribed by a a doctor. Now millions of Americans have access to massage as a treatment alternative for painful arthritis symptoms.

The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis continues to grow as the efficacy of the treatments is validated. The use of massage in the treatment of arthritis is being acknowledged by the medical establishment as a less invasive method of therapy for chronic conditions.

Massage has few side effects and does not add toxins to the body as traditional medications that are prescribed to treat arthritis. Some of the most common forms of massage used in the treatment of arthritis pain include: These are some of the most common ones:

*Deep tissue massage using slow strong pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Releasing tissue is the primary goal. The side effects may be soreness and some minor discomfort.

However deep tissue massage is sometimes associated with acupressure that has therapeutic benefits to the body and eases the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis

*Swedish massage is the most popular method of massaging the body. The whole body is stroked and kneaded. The top layer of muscles are manipulated with gentle stokes and movement. The Swedish massage is considered to be the most enjoyable massage technique.

*Myofascial release massage involves long strokes that stretch the body. These strokesare intended to release tension in the fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue around the muscles.

*Acupressure and Shiatsu massage are ancient Asian techniques that use pressure points on specific parts of the body. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that acupressure uses the same points that are stimulated in acupuncture.

*Trigger point therapy uses concentrated finger pressure on points or knots of tension or pain in the body.

*Reflexology therapy involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears that correspond to other parts of the body

The benefits of massage therapy for arthritis are many:

*Deep muscle and tissue relaxation

*Reduces stress

*Releases toxins from the body

*Increases the flexibility of muscles

*Improves blood circulations

*Lowers blood pressure

*Relieves tension and pain

*Balances the body

*Reduces nervousness

*Heightens mental and spiritual awareness

Massage therapy has been proven to be effective in treating the pain associated with arthritis that other medical treatments are unable to address Massage therapy has proven to provide a higher quality of life to individuals who use massage therapy to relieve pain. More people are learning to experience relief of pain as they are treated to the miraculous healing power of a massage.

For more information on the benefits of massage therapies for arthritis please visit www.quickarthritispainrelief.com, a popular website that provides arthritis pain relief tips, advice and resources to include information on arthritis symptoms and natural arthritis relief methods.

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Stone therapy massage involves the application of warm basalt stones and cool sedimentary stones of different shapes and sizes, and temperatures, to key points on the body, in order to balance ‘chakra’.

Creating a sense of warmth and comfort, the heat from a stone therapy massage relaxes the muscles allowing greater manipulation and a massage of deeper intensity.

How does Stone Therapy Massage Work?

Different stones serve different purposes.
Seven chakra stones are used for bringing balance to chakra centers. Some are used for massage and layouts, and others are used as palm rests.

To elicit mental and physical healing, stones are heated to varying temperatures between 125 – 135 degrees Fahrenheit and placed in various positions on the body.

Warm basalt stones are used for deep penetration to loosen and sooth tightened, congested muscles. Cool marble stones are used to reduce inflammation creating a rejuvenating and balanced treatment.

Many therapists will use stone massage therapy in conjunction with other massage treatments such as trigger point therapy or aromatherapy.

The use of different massage techniques, together with the stones, produces energy and releases areas of blockage.

The alternate use of hot and cold stones encourages healing. Hot stones ease stiffness and encourage circulation and help to move waste materials through the body.

Cold stones reduce inflammation and swelling. They cause blood vessels to constrict, stimulate the nervous system and draw waste along the body.

The corresponding increase in lymph flow ensures the effective removal of waste material from the body.

The Benefits of Stone Massage Therapy

Stone therapy massage relieves stress, anxiety and tension. It is deeply relaxing and improves poor circulation, is effective for reducing muscular aches, pains, strains and sprains. Other benefits include:

o detoxifies physically and energetically

o tones and enhances tissue repair

o soothes and decongests the body

o relaxes and rejuvenates

o leaves you feeling grounded, balanced, and revitalized

What Happens During a Stone Therapy Massage Session?

You will be asked to lie on a towel covering a variety of flat hot and cold stones that trace the spine. Specific oils are applied gently to the skin before the therapist begins to glide the hot stones across the meridian lines.

Therapists start at the feet and glide the stones in a ritualistic manner over the body. Stones are cradled in the palms and nestled in the toes balancing and aligning energy, sending out healing properties and reducing stress.

Booking a Stone Therapy Massage Treatment

Stone Therapy Massage is very popular and widely available with many practitioners of other massage therapies, using stones in their practice.

Just one treatment allows you to feel completely at peace with yourself and your surroundings.

Described as the ultimate journey for mind, body and soul, stone therapy massage is pure decadence and a real indulgence that you definitely deserve!

For More FREE info on the benefits of massage, the different types available from experienced masseurs visit http://www.privatelyyours.co.uk/

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One of the techniques often used in healing hands massage therapy is deep tissue massage. This technique works on relieving tension and stiffness in the deepest layers of muscle. By using slower and deeper strokes, this technique works to loosen muscles and bring oxygen back in. By releasing toxins with this technique, the therapist enhances healing. Another technique often used, in healing touch therapy, is Swedish massage. This is probably the most familiar to most people. With the use of gentle strokes, friction, and tapping, this form of massage helps to warm up tissues and pull toxins out of the muscles. It gently increases blood circulation and stretches tendons and ligaments.

If the injury occurred while playing sports or doing other physically intensive activities, sports massage is another form in healing hands massage therapy. This form of massage helps decrease recovery time by eliminating toxins and encouraging blood flow into the injured area. Sports therapy often focuses on muscle injury prevention and helps with muscle injury healing. Healing touch therapy usually involves other techniques that help realign the body, work different muscle groups, and isolate injuries so they can heal. They also work to promote joint flexibility and to increase motion range. With this, it helps keep the body working, as it should.

Healing hands massage therapy focuses on bringing the body back to health, and keeping it that way for the long run. It is important to find a therapist fully trained with healing touch therapy. Not every massage therapist knows how to perform this type of massage. Someone who is untrained can do more damage than good. If you have experienced an injury that rest doesn’t seem to heal, a visit to massage therapist may be just the right thing to do. Many people report that massage therapy helps speed up their recovery time. It also helps prevent injuries in the future.

For those working to improve their health, healing hands massage therapy is a good tool to utilize. By lowering your stress levels and getting rid of toxins, you help your body heal faster. It helps promote your immune system that helps you get over illnesses and injuries must faster. As your whole body improves, your overall health improves as well. Healing touch therapy realigns your body’s joints and muscles into their natural positions. With added flexibility, your energy levels will soar. Why take chances with your health? Get in touch with a professional right now.

Nancy A. Smith is a licensed, certified Massage Therapist, Hypnotherapist, and MA Nurse in Austin, Texas. Nancy is dedicated to to improving the quality of health and well being of people through her holistic healing practices. For more information about Nancy, her practice Inner Peace Austin Massage Therapy, services, location and how she can dramatically improve the quality of your life, come visit her web site at http://www.BestAustinMassageTherapy.com

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The Orthopedic massage therapy consists of three primary elements, irrespective of the medical treatment or injury involved. The elements include the following:
a) Assessing of injury
b) Matching the injury treatment
c) Adapting the treatment as required

All the three above mentioned points are very important as the therapy is different from other types of massage therapies in the way that it focuses basically on understanding the injury and the treatment it requires to heal up the injury.

Here are some of the primary benefits you can enjoy via going in for a Orthopedic massage therapy:

a) Benefit one – Enhanced blood circulation:
The therapy helps in increasing blood circulation and this is a great way to heal an injury.
b) Benefit two – Minimizes pain:
The massage can work wonders when it comes to reducing pain from the injury.
c) Benefit three – Provide relax:
The therapy is powerful enough to provide you immense relaxation to the muscles adjacent to the injured area.
d) Benefit four – Strength:
The therapy is very helpful in providing good amount of strength to the body muscles that have been weakened due to the injury.
e) Benefit five – Realignment of tissues:
The therapy is known to be really powerful when it comes to realigning damaged and dislocated tissues. This helps in preventing further damage or injury.
f) Benefit six – Releases adhesions:
This is known to be a scar tissue that can form due to an injury and tend to stick itself to adjacent muscles or other tissues.
g) Benefit seven – Minimizes tension:
The therapy is extremely beneficial when it comes to minimizing tension in case of sprains and other injuries.
h) Benefit eight – Performance enhancement:
The therapy is the top choice for athletes to enhance overall sports performance.
i) Benefit nine – Stress reduction:
We experience a lot of stress in our daily lives. The massage therapy is a boon to all those who want to get rid of daily life stress in body.
j) Benefit ten – Rejuvenates body:
Our body needs to get rejuvenated once in a while after all the stress, tension, hard work and other problems we face in our daily life. Hence, this therapy is recommended even if there is no injury in the body.

These days, several spas offer these services for a reasonable price. You can easily find an orthopedic massage therapy center near your area online or offline. All you require to do is to make some research and take time to analyze the services provided at a specific center.

Accurate Orthopedic, we are supplier of orthopedic instruments [http://www.accurateorthopedicandimplants.com] & Oprthopaedic implants. Visit our website: accurateorthopedicandimplants.com | Article Writer

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Massage therapy is applied to manipulate joints and the soft tissue of the body. Soft tissues include tendons and associated fascia, skin, ligaments and muscles.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced by the celebrated Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian civilizations.

4700 years ago, ancient eastern Chinese practiced massage to heal a variety of ailments from paralysis to labour pains. Ayurvedha, a traditional form of Indian medicine uses a variety of aromatherapy oils and spices to give massage therapy.

Introduced in 19th century, the Swedish massage is the most practiced form in western culture. The Swedish therapy is said to have borrowed many of the techniques from Rome, Greece, Egypt and China.

In western hospitals, soldiers who fought in World War I were administered massage for nerve damage and to soothe shell shock. Many of our now popular modern massage techniques were created in order to heal specific health conditions.

When massage therapy is given to a person, many different physiological effects are achieved while the therapist’s hands move over the body. The different movements can physically stretch tendons and fascia, ligaments and muscles. Massage therapy also encourages the circulation through the tissue, inhibits muscular spasms and can be either stimulating or sedating to the nervous system.

Health problems can benefit from massage therapy since the manipulation of soft tissues affects many of our bodily systems.

Benefits from massage therapy are extensive. Massage therapy treatment can develop, rehabilitate or augment physical function. Relief from physical dysfunction and pain can also be achieved. Tightened and tense muscles can be relaxed. Massage therapy also improves the recovery time, circulation and immune system function. It creates a sense of relaxation and well being, reduces stress and controls acute or chronic pain by massage therapy.

Today, massage therapy is used for treating a wide range of ages – from senior to babies in a variety of intensive care, health club, and health clinic and hospital settings.

To get even glide and a smooth workability, oils are applied in massage therapy. Some popular oils used are Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Apricot oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Wheat germ oil and Hazelnut oil.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit Therapy Resource [http://onlinetherapyresource.info] or Massage Therapy [http://onlinetherapyresource.info/massage-therapy.html]

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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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Medical massage therapy procedure consists of mobilization of skin, fascia and muscular tissue, trigger point therapy, and post-isometric relaxation techniques. Each of these modalities is equally important in order to reach rapid and sustained results. For decades, massive utilization of medical massage has proven to be a safe and very effective method of treatment for the support and movement system disorders, inner organ disorders, stress management, and more.

In the last few years, there have been numerous arguments in within the professional community about practitioners utilizing manual therapy and trigger point therapy. In recent professional publications many authors have been raising the following questions: Is a trigger point a formation of fibroconnective tissue in muscles? Have histological studies ever been done on trigger points? Is there a theory of peripheral nerve pain at the motor end plate a new theory and the only theory? Are ischemic compression techniques for trigger point therapy safe and effective?

The brief answers on aforementioned questions are:

1. Fibroconnective tissue formation in muscles is myogelosis, an incurable muscular pathology.

2. In many cases myogelosis is the result of inadequate treatment of trigger points.

3. A trigger point is a pinpoint localization of pain that can be found in muscles, connective tissue, and periosteum. The morphology of this point of pain is such that the demand of blood supply is much higher than the actual blood supply.

4. The theory of peripheral nerve pain at the motor end plate is not a new theory.

5. Any theory must be supported by clinical output.

6. Ischemic compression as a method of trigger point therapy has been proven by at least 4 decades of massive utilization as a safe and effective method.

7. Ischemic compression techniques are applied by gradually increasing pressure, thus excluding the possibility of doing harm to the patient and to the therapist.

In the search for true understanding of pathophysiology, the body’s sophistication and complexity requires us to take an integrative approach to any issue. Thus I would like to present to the reader a short scientific review of the trigger point issue and the trigger point therapy concept.

The Nature of Trigger Points

There is no statement in the modern scientific literature that calls a trigger point a “taut band of fibro-connective tissue.” However, it was once used in the late 19th/early 20th century until histological studies conducted by German scientists (Glogowski, and Wallraff, 1951; Miehlke et al., 1950) showed that there is no connective tissue proliferation (myogelosis) in the area of a trigger point in muscles. “In our opinion, fibrositis (in regard to trigger points) has become a hopelessly ambiguous diagnosis… is best avoided” (Travell, Simons, 1983). However, connective tissue will grow between muscle fibers when a core of the myogelosis is formed (Glogowski, and Wallraff, 1951). Myogelosis is a clinical outcome of years of reactivation of the active trigger point in the same area. At the same time, trigger point therapy is useless if the core of the myogelosis is already formed.

In 1843, for the first time, the German physician Dr. F. Froriep described trigger points as painful formation in skeletal muscles. In 1921 another German scientist, Dr. H. Schade, examined them histologically and formed the concept of myogelosis. In 1923 the British physician Dr. J. Mackenzie offered the first pathophysiological explanation of the trigger point formation mechanism and formulated the concept of the reflex zones in the skeletal muscles where the central and peripheral nervous system play a critical role. The reflex zones concept was further developed by the American scientist Prof. I. Korr in 1941 in a series of brilliantly designed experimental studies. Thus, the trigger point concept was developed long before the work of Travell and Simons, who based their publication (see references in “Trigger Point Manual” by Travell and Simons) on the works of the scientists mentioned.

There are numerous published results of histological evaluations of the trigger point areas. Even in the short list of references at the end of this article you can find ample evidence under references 5, 6, 7, 13, and 15.

It is misleading to state that Dr. Travell and Dr. Simons recommended using ischemic compression for trigger point therapy. They advocated injection, stretch and spray techniques, and muscle energy techniques for trigger point therapy. Although, Travell and Simons did mention ischemic compression as an option based on the European medical sources, they never recommended it as a treatment method.

The Role of Vasodilators in Local Ischemia

Awad (1973) examined biopsy tissues from trigger points using an electron microscope and detected a significant increase in the number of platelets, which caused the release of serotonin and mast cells, which in turn released histamine. Both serotonin and histamine are potent vasodilators and their increase is a clear sign that body is trying to fight the local ischemia in the trigger point area. In his now classical work, Fassbender (1975) conducted a histological examination of the circulation in the area of the trigger point and proved once and for all that “… the trigger point represents a region of local ischemia.” The same results were obtained by Popelansky et al., (1986) who used radioisotope evaluation of blood circulation in the area of the trigger point.

The End Plate Theory

The end plate theory is not a new theory. Travell and Simmons constantly emphasize the nervous system as a critical factor in the development of the trigger point and point out the importance of end-plate zones. They even name special types of trigger points called “motor trigger points,” which are located in the middle of the muscle belly at the neuromuscular junction. “The functionally significant structure with regard to the innervation of muscle fibers is the myoneural junction (end-plate zone)…” and “Some trigger points are closely associated with myoneural junctions, others not.” (Travell and Simmons, 1983). The idea of the nervous system and the role of end-plate zones is not a new concept. As early as 1947 Prof. Korr addressed the same issues in his research.

According to histological studies (Heine, 1997; Gogoleva, 2001) chronic pain and low grade tension in the skeletal muscles and fascia are responsible for the low grade inflammation around the terminal parts of the sensory and motor neurons which end in the soft tissues. This chronic inflammation activates the local fibroblasts, which deposit collagen around the nerve endings forming so-called “collagen cuffs.” This additional irritating factor triggers an afferent sensory flow to the central nervous system, which is interpreted by the brain as pain. This mechanism is partially described by the generation of pain in the area of motor trigger points. We have to consider that the terminal parts of the sensory and motor neurons are located in the soft tissues, including skeletal muscles. In other words, it would be logical to assume that something must irritate the terminal parts of sensory and motor neurons. This something is a tension in the skeletal muscles, including trigger points that are not associated with motor trigger points (since they are located in other parts of the skeletal muscle). Keep in mind that any inflammatory condition, whether in motor end plates or in muscular tissue, means that there is a decreased amount of blood supply to this inflamed tissue. From this it follows that gradual ischemic compression can be viewed as an anti-inflammatory effort.

There is no doubt that myofascial pain can be the result of peripheral nerve abnormalities. An example of this would be the irritation of the sciatic nerve by an over-tensed piriformis muscle resulting in the formation of trigger points in muscles innervated by the sciatic nerve. This list can be continued because any peripheral nerve’s entrapment in the key areas will cause formation of trigger points in muscles innervated by this nerve.

If one examines a patient with peripheral arterial disorder (e.g., Buerger’s disease) one will find numerous active and dormant trigger points in the leg and foot muscles. It would most certainly be agreeable that insufficient arterial blood supply as a result vascular abnormality is responsible for the formation of trigger points in the skeletal muscles rather than abnormalities in the motor end-plates. The same is true for trigger points in the skeletal muscles, which are developed as a result of chronic visceral disorders (e.g., patients with cardiac disorders exhibit active trigger points in the trapezius, levator scapulae, and rhomboideus muscles). In such cases the end-plate abnormalities do not have anything to do with formation of trigger points in the skeletal muscles. They are the result of the phenomenon of convergence of pain stimuli within the same segments of the spinal cord, which are responsible for the innervation of both the affected inner organ and the skeletal muscles. In 1955 Dr. Glezer and Dalicho formulated the theory that still stands clinically proven. They proposed and developed maps of reflex zone abnormalities of the skin, fascia and muscles, including trigger point development.

The Energy Crisis Theory

There is another theory, which links formation of trigger points with the shortage of ATP in the affected muscles as a result of insufficient arterial circulation. ATP is the energy source for cellular function, including muscles. Authors of this theory, called the Energy Crisis Theory, pointed out the formation of the trigger points in very healthy athletes who did not have signs of peripheral nerve abnormalities and still developed active trigger points. Gradual increase of the resting muscular tone in normal muscles triggers local vasoconstriction, interstitial edema, and ATP exhaustion with the subsequent formation of active trigger points. Prof. D. Simons reviewed this theory as well, and even used extensively works done by his colleagues, Dr. D.R Hubbard and Dr. G.M. Berkoff, in his own research.

Trigger Point Therapy Protocol

Ultimately trigger point therapy has the following goals:

1. Eliminate protective muscular tension in the muscles that harbor active trigger points.

2. Eliminate condition of the hyperirritability of the peripheral receptors, especially pain receptors.

3. Block the pain-analyzing system of the patient.

4. Produce reflex vasodilation.

5. Eliminate local ischemia.

To effectively achieve these goals the practitioner should conduct trigger point therapy utilizing several equally important components:

1. Detect location of the active trigger point.

2. Detect the pathway of pain radiation and examine tissues along this pathway in case satellite trigger points are formed.

3. Place finger in the trigger point. Slowly apply vertical compression of the tissues until the patient feels the first sign of pain. As soon as he or she reports it stop increasing pressure but maintain it at that same level. After 10 seconds of pressure application, the pain that the patient initially felt will disappear. The patient should immediately report to you as soon as he or she feels the pain cease. During the next 20 seconds the practitioner will be able to get to the “bottom” of the trigger point without unwanted activation of the pain analyzing system and generating protective muscular tension in the affected muscle or muscles in the region.

4. To accomplish the first three goals apply effleurage and kneading techniques on the affected muscles in the inhibitory regime for 5-7 minutes (comfortable gradual increase of pressure, in the same direction of the strokes).

5. Exit the trigger point as fast as possible to produce quick and effective vasodilation and elimination of the local ischemia.

The correct protocol of trigger point therapy does not have pitfalls. This protocol is equally effective for the motor trigger points, as well as for other trigger points. The applied pressure is never strong enough to go over the patient’s threshold of pain, causing the pain and injury of motor nerve endings. Peripheral vasodilation restores local pH to normal, increases oxygenation of the tissues in the area of the trigger point, and gradually eliminates the trigger point.

References

1. Awad, E.A.: Interstitial myofibrositis: hypothesis of the mechanism, Arch. Phys. Med. Rehab, 54(10):449-453, 1973

2. Fassbender H.G. Pathology of the Rheumatic Diseases. Springer-Verlag, New York, 1975

3. Froriep, F. Ein Beitrag zur Pathologie und Therapie des Rheumatismus. Weimar, 1843.

4. Glezer, O., Dalicho, V.A. Segmentmassage. Leipzig, 1955

5. Glogowski, G., Wallraff, J. “Ein beitrag zur Klinik und Histologie der Muskkelharten (Myogelosen)”, Z. Orthop., 80:237-268, 1951

6. Gogoleva, E.F. “New Approaches to Diagnosis and Therapy of Fibromyalgia associated with Spondylosis.” Ther. Arch., 4:40-45, 2001.

7. Heine, H. Lehbruh der biologischen Medicine. Stuttgart, Hippokrates, 1997.

8. Hubbard, D.R., Berkoff, G.M. “Myofascial trigger points show spontaneous needle EMG activity”, Spine, 18:1803-1807, 1993.

9. Korr, I.M. “The Neural Basis of the Osteopathic Lesion.” JAOA, 47(4): 191-198, 1947.

10. Kreymer, A.Y. Vibration Massage in Diseases of the Nervous System.

Tomsk University, Tomsk, 1987.

11. Mackenzie, J. Angina Pectoris. Henry, Frowde & Hodder & Stroughton, London, 1923.

12. Mezlack, R., Wall, P. “Pain Mechanism: A New Theory.” Science, 150 (Nov): 971-979, 1965.

13. Miehlke, K., Schulze, G., Eger, W. ” Klinische und experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Fibrositis-syndrom. Z. Rheumaforsch, 19:310-330, 1960.

14. Popelansky, Y.Y., Zaslavsky, E.S., Veselovsky, V.P. Medicosocial significance, etiology, pathogenesis, and diagnosis of non-articular diseases of soft tissues of the lims and back. Vorpr. Rheumat., 3:38-43, 1986.

15. Schade, H. “Untersuchungen in der Erkaltungstrade: III. Uber den Rheumatismus, in besondere den Muskelrheumatismus (Myogelose).” Munch. Med. Wschr., 68, 95-99, 1921.

16. Travell, J.G., Simons, D.G. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction. The Trigger Points Manual. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1983.

17. Wall, P.D., Crowly-Dillon, J.R. “Pain, Itch and Vibration.” A.M.A. Arch. Neurol., 2: 19-29, 1960.

Boris Prilutsky, MA, has been teaching medical massage for over 30 years. He is the founding director of the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy (IPPT) in Los Angeles, Calif., and graduated from the Pedagogic Institute of Higher Education in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, with a degree in physical education, and Medical College in Ramat-Gan, Israel, with a major in chiropractic medicine. Boris has worked with athletes and athletic organizations throughout Europe, has been a personal therapist to many world dignitaries, and has trained thousands of therapists worldwide. He also treats patients with various neural, muscular and skeletal disorders at the Back and Limb Institute in Beverly Hills, California. (310) 550-6109

If you would like to view hands on demo, please click the link below:

http://medicalmassage-edu.com/dvd-details.php?dvd_id=27&dvd=12

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Massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to helps relieve tired and stressed bodies and minds from the onslaught of daily life. Destination spas with massage therapies are flocked to endlessly all year round. People receive most benefits from massage therapies when they get a regular dose of massage therapy. You can visit a spa as many times as twice a week to once a month – this depends on your budget and need. Some people complain that although massage therapy is beneficial, they find the services expensive and are often perceived to be a reward instead of something that they should indulge in on a regular basis.

But here’s something to think about: massage therapy is good for our bodies, and our bodies are important to us. The condition of our body can be improved with massage therapy and if we value and would like to upkeep our bodies, we will have to consider massage therapy in a different light. Our body is the one and only physical shell that we will ever be given – there will never be another.

Going through a massage therapy can help us refocus our thoughts on what we are feeling in our bodies, instead of what is bothering us mentally. It’s almost like experiencing the pleasure of the massage therapy helps bring our minds away from mental stress. It’s sometimes called being ‘grounded’.

The neck and shoulder areas will be the focus during a massage therapy, because that is where stress of daily life begins to lay its foundation in our body. Our feet, low backs and hips are also thoroughly massaged through to help relax the tensed up muscles there. it has been shown that most times, during a massage therapy session, people feel more sensation when their necks and shoulders are being massaged…that is why some people think that we live from our shoulders up. Massage therapy works extremely well for those who goes through regular yoga and meditation practice.

Although stress is a necessary part of life because a certain amount of stress can motivate and push us to perform at optimal level, too much stress can be distressing to our souls. Too much stress can lead to illnesses and constant bodily problems. This is where massage therapy can help us tremendously well.

Experts in the massage therapy field reckons that we should all consider going for massage therapy at least once a week in order to reap in the full benefits of massage therapy.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.body-therapy.info on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

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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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