What is massage therapy?

Massage Therapy
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What are some types of massage therapy?

There are at least 80 different types of massage. Some are gentle, and some are very active and intense. An example of a gentle massage therapy is Swedish massage. Deep tissue massage is more intense.

Is massage therapy safe?

When done properly, massage is considered safe. But it isn't a good idea to get a massage if you have a fever, an illness that can spread to others, bruises, or skin abrasions. Avoid massages if you had surgery recently, have a blood clot, or take a blood thinner.

What is massage therapy?

Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Therapists usually apply pressure with their hands but sometimes with the forearms, elbows, and feet. There are at least 80 types of massage. Some are gentle. Some are intense.

Giving a shoulder and neck massage

A shoulder and neck massage can help you relax, reduce muscle tension, and reduce stress. You will need a friend to exchange massages.

Use these steps to give your friend a shoulder and neck massage.

  1. Have your friend sit straight but comfortably in a chair.

    Place your hands on your friend's shoulders.

  2. Knead the two muscles on either side of the neck next to the shoulders.

    Start with very little pressure, then squeeze harder.

  3. Work on the back of the neck.
    • Have your friend lean their head forward.
    • Support your friend's forehead firmly with one of your hands. This lets your friend's neck muscles relax.
    • With the thumb and first finger of your other hand, make tiny circles at the base of the skull.
    • Gently squeeze the entire back of the neck. Bring your friend's head up to its normal position.
  4. Use a "thumb crawling" technique.
    • Press both thumbs down, one on the outside of each shoulder.
    • Move them in, pressing firmly at intervals of 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) until both thumbs reach the spine at the same time.
    • "Crawl" your thumbs out again to the shoulder joints.
    • Repeat this movement 4 or 5 times.
  5. Knead the upper back and shoulders.
    • Place one hand on each shoulder.
    • Work your hands away from each other, ending at the upper arms.
    • Then reverse the process by massaging back to either side of the neck.

Why is massage therapy done?

People use massage to help relax and to relieve pain. It can also relieve muscle tension and may improve blood flow, relieve pressure on nerves, and restore normal joint movement.

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