by K Yontz

Created on: January 27, 2008

Massage therapy is a practice that dates back thousands of years. References to massage have been found in ancient writings from many cultures, including those of Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Japan, China, and Egypt. A massage is the manipulation of muscles and other soft body tissues. It is performed for many reasons, including as a circulation aid, to stimulate nerves, to relax the muscles, to relieve pain, to move the joints or even just for general wellness. There are over two hundred variation styles of massage, but some of the more popular massages are swedish, trigger point, shiatsu, and deep tissue.

A massage therapist is someone who professionally provides massages, although there are some other health care providers, such as chiropractors, who also have massage therapy training. Most massage therapists learn, practice and master many types of massages. Therapy treatments usually last for thirty to sixty minutes; less often, they are as short as fifteen minutes or as long as one and a half hours to two hours. At the first appointment, a massage therapist will discuss your symptoms, medical history and the results you desire. The therapist will usually perform evaluations through touch and pressure as a precaution to make sure your body is in good condition to perform a massage. Then continuing on with the massage.

During treatment, you will lie on a special padded table or sit on a stool or chair. You might be fully clothed or partially or fully undressed, in which case you will be covered by a sheet or towel; only the parts of your body that the therapist is currently massaging are exposed. The therapist usually uses oil or powder to reduce friction on the skin. The therapist may use other aids, such as ice, heat, fragrances, or machines. He may also provide recommendations for self-care, such as drinking fluids, learning better movement, and developing an awareness of your body

Massage therapy has very few serious risks and injury if appropriate precautions are followed. The injuries that have been reported appear to have been caused by a person who was not properly trained or cautions were not being followed. Although some health care provides recommend that patients not have massages with certain medical conditions. Massage therapy has great benefits but it should not be used to replace your regular medical care .

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