Effects and Benefits of Massage Flashcards
physiological effects
how massage alters body functions (squeezing, pushing, pulling, rubbing, stretching, compressing)
psychological effects
how massage alters anxiety, stress levels and promotes a sense of well-being
cardiovascular effects
Increases capillary flow rate and decreases blood viscosity
Increases blood flow to the skin and possibly muscular tissue
Increases blood oxidation levels
Increases surface tissue temperature of the treated and adjacent areas
Increases platelet count
Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
Lymphatic and immune effects
Improves lymphatic drainage
Reduces edema andl ymphedema
Increases lymphocyte levels
promote immune health and function and overall well-being through combined physiologic and psychological therapeutic affects
musculoskeletal effects
Directly affect muscular and skeletal systems through combined physiologic and psychological effects
- Decrease tension within the muscle-tendon unit and neural response
- Affect the viscoelastic response and muscle healing
- Increase ROM
- Decrease exercise-related delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and blood indicators
of muscle damage - Decrease electromyography (EMG) activity, suggesting increased muscle relaxation and
decreased muscle fatigue - Decrease pain and may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, causing relaxation
through massage of trigger points - Reduce headaches, back pain, neck pain
connective tissues effects
Increase fibroblast activity, leading to improved healing
- Reduce scar tissue formation
- Increase scar tissue strength to aid in tendon healing
- Assist in the treatment of tendonitis and ligament injuries
- Reduce pain and itching in burn scars
nervous system effects
Increase serotonin
- Increase dopamine
- Decrease nervous system excitability
- Improve sleep
- Decrease stress, depression, and anxiety
- Increase relaxation
- Influence brain wave activity
- Improve cognitive and memory functioning
- Activate parasympathetic response
endocrine system effects
- Influence levels of multiple hormones
- Improve the production/absorption of insulin
- Produce changes in hormones related to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum depression
- Influence other massage-related outcomes and effects
skin effects
Reduce scarring after burns
- Decrease symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions
- Be helpful in treating or preventing bed sores
- Reduce stress that may exacerbate dermatologic conditions
- Increase skin temperature
- Contribute to the overall health of skin tissue
internal organs and other system effects
- Reduce anxiety, depression, and stress
- Promote feelings of well-being
- Promote a mind-body connection
- Useful in treating hyperactivity disorders
- Helpful in treating victims of violence and abuse (provided the therapist has proper
training)
25 reasons to get a massage
review 25 reasons to get a massage document
