| PT Notes: Massage |
 |
 |
| Massage: Massage for Specific Purposes (Chp 8) Notes taken from GD, Domenico and Wood, Elizabeth. Beard's Massage. 4th Edition. PA: W.B. Saunders Company 1997. Sports MAssage (sometimes called apotherapy) is defined as the repairing of movement, healing, mechanical stimulation of the tissue throughthe application of stretching and pressure. It originated from the Greeks (massage sportif), who utilized it to warm up gladiators, gymnasts, and wrestlers. Effect of Sports Massage: (physical, physiological, and psychological) -Decrease training damage -Help prevent muscle and tendon injuries -improve training consistency -Promote acute injury healing -promote complete healing to -promote healing of longstanding injuru prevent acute problems from (break down adhesion to restore mobility) becoming chronic. -Enable athletes to stay in game longer. -Reduce muscle spasm to -encourage a rlaxed mental attitude promote restoration of normal muscle function. -Enhance confidence Rythmic application of pressure and stretching to the soft tissues of the body results in: 1) stimulation of exteroceptors, both deep and superficial; 2) propriorecptors in tendons and muscles; 3)interroceptors in the deeper tissues and organs. "Tight-->tear-->tighter-->more tearing" can be avoided. Massage Therapists do not (or very little) use lubricant, oils, creams, or gel, because they might reduce the friction surface of the athlete's skin, thus reducing grip. Also, one must understnad tha massage does not take the place of stretching and exercise. Think of not only the contraindications to massage, but also, just remember the PRICE procedure (protection, resting, ice, compression, and elevation). Also remember that massage should not be used for complete tears. Sports massage should be mixed with other techniques such as shiatsu, acupressure, Cyriax Friction, etc. 3 Goals of Sports Massage: 1) prevention of injury by manitaining the optimal resting length of muscles; 2) Lasting beneficial effect for acute and chronic injuries; 3) pani prevention. Massage to scar tissues: movement keeps collagen fibers mobile, fibers are kept separate, preserves strength of structures, and mechanical movement provides circulation. Acute Injuries: Several factors should be considered. Not one technique of massage will guarantee curative effects. There fore a combination and judgement of when to use them will be required. Restoring a tissues normal length is a goal (sometimes, the tissue heals to a shorter extent). Immobility has been shown to lead to scar tissue in soft tissue structures and pain when movement occurs. Fresh ligament sprains respond well to less vigorous frictions applied immediately to passively maintain mobility to ligament. Chronic Injuries(techniques to consider): General deep massage is most effective for treating chornic muscle injuries (because the circulation brings nutrients and removes waste products. Compression of tissues (with relaxed palms) spreads the fibers, intensifies the hyperemia, and increases blood flow to and from the area. Broad Thumb stokes may be used to feel along muscles to assess for any adhesion or knotts. Keep in mind that the thumb can be used for sensitive areas such as the heel of the hand. For muscle spasm, gentle stretching after the application of hot or cold may reduce pain. Stretching tears only increases it. During a tear, vasoconstriction occurs and massage is a good way to get the circulation going and elimination of by-products. Studies of autonomic activities (heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin resist, peripheral skin temp) reflected increased sympathetic activity when connective tissues were massaged. Massage for the Elderly and Terminally Ill. It is particularly useful for relaxation and pain relief. Consideration of age, tolerance, and skin condition (dryness, tightness, fragility) must be taken. "Touch = Communication." (with similarities to therapeutic touch and massage) There has been reports of increased hemoglobin, acetylcholine, and histamines. Reflexlogy is also good (control of pain, material comfort, psychological comfort). Baby and Infant Massage Massage is a good way to promote tactile communication. It develops alertness and emotional status. Strengthens bondage between parents and baby. Benefits include: 1) pleasure, confidence, communcation, relaxation, reassurance, development of body awareness, and calmness. Good for babies that: a) cry during bottle feedingl; b) anxious baby who dislikes rapid change in position; c) irritable baby (hyperactive); d) infants with disorders (ear ache, urinary tract infection, or gastric influx). |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |