Massage

Massage is one of the oldest healing methods, as people instinctively try to heal their aching body parts by applying pressure and rubbing. The first records of massage date back to 2700 BC in China. In India and other ancient cultures of the East, the Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes and Persians used massage as a medical treatment, and the holy books of the Jews also referred to the use of massage. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, doctors recommended clean air, good nutrition, exercise, baths and massage as medical therapies. At the end of the 19th century, a manual was compiled of the five basic concepts that are still used today in the practice of therapeutic massage: stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping and vibrating.

For healthy people, massage can be refreshing and promote wellbeing, but it can also play a role in maintaining health.

In patients’ recovery process, massage is performed by a massage therapist under the supervision and guidance of a specialist, based on a diagnosis, usually with other physiotherapy recommendations.

We distinguish different types of therapeutic massage

• reflexology (segmental, connective tissue and periosteal massage), where reflex points and nerve pathways are used to access distant organs.
• lymphatic massage - stimulates blood and lymphatic drainage in the treated areas.
• Swedish massage - a more vigorous massage that stimulates the muscles.

Massage therapists use a combination of massage types in a course of treatment for rapid rehabilitation.

Massage’s different physiological effects

• preventive effect: refreshing, relaxing, stress relieving
• relaxing massage: relaxes muscles, reduces muscle tension and stiffness, relieves pain
• stimulates blood and lymphatic drainage
• increases the production of endorphin hormones, dopamine and serotonin, and increases muscle performance
• in the case of spinal problems, by relieving muscle spasms and tension, it reduces pressure on vertebrae and discs, relieves back pain and improves range of motion
• improves metabolism
• regenerates the muscles, relieves muscle stiffness, spasms and knots
• increases sports performance

When massage is not recommended

• during pregnancy, all massage should be performed with increased caution.
• Acute arthritis or other inflammations, severe varicose veins, acute febrile illnesses, infectious diseases, and certain skin diseases are contraindicated.
• during menstruation.
• massage should be avoided in the case of cancer, severe osteoporosis, epilepsy and certain heart and circulatory diseases.

In the course of their work, the massage therapist works in collaboration with the doctor and the physiotherapist to help the patient to recover.