Patient education: Massage (The Basics)

What is massage? — 

During a massage, a trained therapist rubs, kneads, and presses on the body. There are different massage techniques.

Massage is often considered a type of "complementary" or "alternative" treatment. Some people find it helps them feel better and more relaxed.

Can massage help with my health? — 

Maybe. There is some evidence massage can help with pain caused by tight or stiff muscles. Many people also find massage helps them relax and feel less stressed. This might help you feel better able to manage your overall health.

In general, doctors do not recommend using massage instead of other medicines or therapies. But some people think it can help when used along with these things.

Are there different types of massage? — 

Yes, there are many different types. For example:

●Deep tissue massage uses slow, strong strokes to reach muscles and tissues deeper under the skin. It can help relieve tight muscles and "knots."

●Swedish massage blends long strokes, kneading, and gentle circles to help you relax.

●Sports massage uses both deep tissue and Swedish methods to relax the muscles used for physical activity. There is often a focus on stretching and flexibility.

●Shiatsu and acupressure involve holding pressure on certain points in the body.

●Hot stone massage uses smooth stones that have been heated. The stones are placed on the body, which can help relax the muscles.

●Aromatherapy adds scented oils or other products to the massage.

●Reflexology involves putting pressure on specific parts of the feet. This is thought to affect other parts of the body.

●Prenatal massage is tailored for pregnant people.

●Manual lymphatic drainage is intended to reduce fluid buildup and improve swelling in a part of the body.

What happens during a massage? — 

It depends on the type of massage. In general:

●The massage therapist will ask you questions about your health and whether you have any areas of discomfort.

●You will probably lie on a comfortable table under a sheet. In some cases, you might have a special massage chair or mat instead. You can usually choose to undress fully or partially if you wish.

●The therapist will use their hands and fingers to massage your body. They might use oils or creams on your skin. You can tell them if the amount of pressure is too much or too little, or if anything feels uncomfortable.

●A massage typically lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes longer.

After a massage, your muscles might be a little sore. But you should not have pain.

Is massage safe? — 

Generally, yes, if you are getting a massage from a trained therapist.

But your doctor might not recommend massage if you have certain health problems, such as:

●A skin infection, wounds, or bruises

●Injury to a bone or muscle

●Blood clots

If you have areas of skin that are fragile, sensitive, or numb, these should be avoided during a massage.

Some people are allergic or sensitive to skin oils, creams, or scented products. If you are concerned about this, talk with your massage therapist about the products they use.

What else should I know? — 

If you are thinking about trying massage to help relieve pain or another health problem, talk with your doctor or nurse. They can help guide you to make safe choices based on your health, situation, and preferences.

More on this topic

Patient education: Complementary and alternative medicine (The Basics)