Benefits and Physiological Effects of Techniques that Manipulate Soft Tissue Flashcards
What physiological effect does Swedish massage have on blood circulation?
Swedish massage increases blood circulation by mechanically stimulating the normal movement of venous blood and lymph.
How does deep tissue massage affect the connective tissues?
Deep tissue massage helps break down adhesions and collagen fibers that can cause pain and stiffness, improving tissue elasticity and blood flow.
What is the primary benefit of myofascial release?
The primary benefit is the reduction of tissue tightness by releasing fascial restrictions, enhancing movement and reducing pain.
How does massage promote relaxation on a physiological level?
Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure, leading to relaxation.
Describe how trigger point therapy can alleviate pain.
Trigger point therapy targets hyperirritable spots in muscles, reducing pain through cycles of pressure and release that flush out toxins and promote blood flow.
What effect does lymphatic drainage have on the immune system?
Lymphatic drainage massage boosts the immune system by improving lymph flow, which enhances the body’s ability to remove toxins and fight infections.
Explain how massage can aid in the recovery of muscle injuries.
Massage can increase blood and nutrient flow to injured muscles, which accelerates the repair process and reduces recovery time.
How does manipulating soft tissue improve skin condition?
Soft tissue manipulation increases blood circulation to the skin, which improves skin hydration, nutrition, and gives the skin a healthier appearance.
What is the impact of massage on the secretion of endorphins?
Massage increases the secretion of endorphins, natural painkillers that promote a sense of well-being and pain relief.
How does massage therapy affect stress levels?
Massage therapy can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone, thereby lowering overall stress.
Describe the effect of therapeutic massage on sleep quality.
Therapeutic massage can promote deeper and more restful sleep by influencing serotonin levels, which are precursors to the body’s natural sleep hormones.
What role does massage play in addressing chronic back pain?
Regular massage helps alleviate chronic back pain by relaxing tense muscles, increasing mobility, and reducing pain perception.
How does prenatal massage benefit expectant mothers?
Prenatal massage reduces pregnancy discomforts like backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, and swelling, and enhances the physiological and emotional well-being of the mother.
What is the benefit of incorporating stretching into a massage session?
Incorporating stretching helps improve flexibility, enhances range of motion, and reduces muscle tension during a massage session.
How does massage affect arterial blood flow?
Massage helps dilate blood vessels, which improves arterial blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues.
Explain the term ‘muscle tone’ and how massage affects it.
Muscle tone refers to the continuous and passive partial contraction of muscles. Massage can reduce excessive muscle tone, relieving tightness and improving relaxation.
What are the benefits of reflexology in massage therapy?
Reflexology can reduce stress and pain by stimulating nerves in the body and increasing blood flow to different organs correlated with specific reflex points on the feet.
How does soft tissue manipulation influence joint flexibility?
Manipulation of soft tissue can reduce muscle stiffness and increase joint range of motion, improving overall joint flexibility.
What effect does massage have on the excretion of metabolic wastes from the muscular system?
Massage enhances the circulation of blood and lymph, helping to remove metabolic wastes like lactic acid more efficiently from muscle tissues.
Describe how massage can assist in correcting postural imbalances.
Massage can relieve muscle tension and loosen tight muscles that contribute to poor posture, aiding in the realignment and improvement of body posture.
