Useful and medicinal properties of the general massage

So, before you start the massage, the massage therapist should get familiar with the history of the massage. Particular attention is drawn to the well-being, the presence of complaints, with injuries - to the beginning, the causes and conditions of their occurrence, localization, severity and duration of the pain syndrome, etc. All this allows the masseur to correctly build a scheme for the massage session. The choice and dosage of massage techniques depend largely on the condition of the outer covers, subcutaneous fat, lymph nodes, vessels, muscles and mobility &joints. When examining and palpating the external integument of a massage therapist should pay attention to changes in skin color, its moisture or dryness, elasticity and puffiness. If there are skin rashes, the massage is contraindicated. Small scratches and abrasions are not a contraindication to the massage, if there is no inflammation of the surrounding veils. During massage, these damaged skin areas need to be bypassed, disinfected or covered with adhesive plaster.

Enlargement of the lymph nodes, their soreness, tightness and adhesion to the skin are a contraindication to the massage. The special attention of the masseur should be turned on a condition of a venous network. The appearance of soreness along the veins during massage sessions requires consultation with a doctor.

The reflex increase in the tension of the subcutaneous connective tissue sometimes causes changes in the relief of the skin surface in this area in the form of tensions and swelling visible to the eye. Diagnostic examination in these cases is performed on symmetrically located areas( for example, along the spine) by traction( intermittent stroking by pressing on the slightly bent distal phalanges of II-V fingers with a force of up to 1 kgf).Increasing the resistance of the massage finger and even the appearance of pain as they move forward indicates the tension of the subcutaneous connective tissue. In this case, the more acute the pain and the wider dermographic( vascular) reaction, the more this tension is expressed.

The condition of the connective tissue can be determined by a peculiar method of rolling( stroking the fingers with a pressure force of up to 1 kgf, and the II-V fingers then roll the skin fold onto the sliding fingers).With the tension of connective tissue I fingers feel an increase in resistance to slipping, and the skin fold in this zone is not so sharply expressed( Figure 87).

Fig.87. The diagnostic reception nakatyvanija in the field of a back.

Reflex changes in muscles are hyperalgesia, common and limited hypertonia, myogelosis.

Muscle hyperalgesia is characterized by the appearance of blunt or stitching pain, if the muscle is caught in a fold between the I and II-V fingers of the hand and slowly move along the entire length.

Definition of the common hypertension of muscles is made by palpation of II-V fingers with a force of pressure up to 1,5-3 kgs. Limited hypertonia in the form of formations of a spherical or oblong form measuring 1.5-3 cm is determined by circular rubbing of the pads of fingers II-V.At the same time, there is a lot of tension in the muscles and there is a sharp pain. To objectively determine the muscle tone, the myotonomers are usually used.

Myogeloses are denser than areas with limited hypertonicity, they are characterized by a different shape and size( more often an elongated form 0.1x1.5 cm in size), they are painful when pressed, they are detected by palpation II-V with fingers moving them transversely to the motion of muscle fibers.

During the diagnostic examination in Zakhar'ina-Ted zones, the most painful points, coinciding with acupuncture points on the human body, are often detected. Diagnostic palpation examination plays an important role in determining early signs of tissue damage, when there is still no clearly expressed subjective and objective evidence of overstrain or damage. The better the masseur will know in which layer and to what extent the reflex changes in the tissues are expressed, the more clearly he will be able to diagnose them and the more successful the effect of a general or local massage will be.

Thus, after clarifying complaints, general well-being, the condition of the tissues, the massage technique is determined, which is strictly differentiated taking into account the state of the organism. No improvisation during the massage is allowed, if there is no need to make adjustments due to the appearance of negative reactions to massage. If there are any new, unintended reactions of the patient, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

The duration of the general massage depends on individual characteristics, especially height and body weight, and on average is 60 minutes. In the hour session, the back and front surfaces of the body are massaged for 30 minutes. The distribution of time for massage of individual parts of the body depends on the state of the body, the severity of subcutaneous fat, the development of the muscular system, as well as the type of massage. In the general classical manual massage all basic receptions are applied. Trituration accounts for 30-40% of the time, for kneading - 50-60%, and for all other techniques - 10%.As for the techniques of massage, they are chosen depending on the type of massage.

The scheme of the sequence of the general massage session for the areas of the body should be as follows( Figure 88): first, the massaged takes the position lying on the abdomen, hands along the trunk, an ankle is placed under the ankle joints. In this position, the massage is performed in the following order: back and lumbar region, neck and trapezius muscles, buttocks and hip joints, thighs, knee joints, shins, calcaneal tendons and soles. It should be borne in mind that, in the first place, one limb is massaged completely, and then another one.

Fig.88. General massage session. Sequence of massaging by areas of the body - according to the numbering.

Fig.89. Scheme of the direction of massage movements.

After the whole back surface of the body is massaged, the massaged roll over on the back, the roller from under the feet is removed and placed under the knee joints. Massage on the front surface is carried out in this order: feet and ankles, shins and knee joints, hips of one, then another limb. Then the front surface of the chest and upper limbs are massed: shoulder joints, shoulders, elbow joints and forearms, wrist joints and brushes together with the fingers of one, then another limb. The general session ends with a massage of the abdominal region. Instructions for to the general massage:

1) spend the morning after a light breakfast;

2) apply at a frequency not more than twice a week;

3) increase the duration gradually from 20-25 to 50-60 minutes;

4) take into account the characteristics of the profession and implement special effects on the relevant areas;

5) if the state of health worsens and other unpleasant sensations develop, the massage time will be reduced or even temporarily canceled;

6) all massage movements are performed along the lymph flow to the nearest lymph nodes( Figure 89);

7) with a massage of the extremities to use the technique of aspiration massage;

8) When massaging the limbs at the beginning and at the end of the session, perform a general effect of stroking over their entire surface;

9) after the massage recommend rest for 15-30 minutes.

Experience and observations indicate that there is no broad indication for the frequent appointment of sessions of general massage. It is more expedient and effective to use massage of separate parts of the body, appointed taking into account the profession and, especially, in combination with other restorative means.