Massage Therapy Patricia Mixon, PhD, LMT

What is it? Manipulation of the soft-tissues of the body to enhance health and healing, primarily characterized by the application of touch and movement.

How it Works increased venous return* and lymph movement* decrease stress hormones*, increase happy hormones* enhances immune function* increases action of parasympathetic*, with attendant benefits improved local circulation and nutrition to tissues some modalities directly address posture, help body move toward anatomic neutral, decreasing parasitic contractions, torsions, etc. also, I suspect, modeling feeling good value of talk

Different Techniques Swedish Massage –Based on Pehr Ling’s “General Principles of Gymnastics” approximately 1800 –Johann Mezger (1875) Dutch physician –“effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement” –Two US physicians - the Taylors - brought home the “Swedish movement cure”

Techniques cont. “Deep Tissue” –Generic term merely meaning “lots of pressure, please.” “Orthopedic” massage –Sports –Neuromuscular - postural assessment, trigger points –Rolfing - systematic attempt at postural realignment

Techniques cont. “Energy” modalities –Reiki, Polarity, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch –Have been studied in hospitals prior to surgery –Can be very calming Shiatsu & Acupressure –Based on meridians and chi/ki Movement techniques –Working on alignment, gait, function –Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, Aston

Indications for use Common muscular/skeletal problems: –headaches - tension and migraine* –modest nerve compressions - carpal tunnel, sciatica (Rule out disk/nerve injury) –sprains/strains –pain, esp. chronic –arthritis* –overuse, fatigue –post MVA with “no injuries” –other - adhesive capsulitis*, ro-cuff, knee, low-back

Indicators cont. Special Needs –athletes, dancers in training –pregnancy (perineal massage*)/peri- and post-natal (Doulas*) –pre & post surgery (Lymphatic drainage technique) –infants, premature and full-term* –depression* & anxiety* –psychological issues - body image, anorexia –asymmetrical body use - dentists, surgeons, musicians –elderly - loneliness, loss of human contact, nursing homes –atrophy - bedridden, strokes, inactivity, major injury

Indications cont. Strong life situations –Caregivers of ill or dying –Major life stresses & changes –High demand/low support professions - You! Prevention - Self-Care - Maintenance –Keep small problems small Contraindications –Active inflammation –Varicose veins/phlebitis/clot concerns –Open wounds

Structures and Rules –37 states have licensure L.M.T. or L.M.P. –Others in process or avoidance, or regulated by localities –500 contact hour minimum, generally thus, level of experience and secondary training matters –American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) amtamassage.org Locator service and links –Massage Therapy Foundation Massagetherapyfoundation.org Research and grants –Touch Research Institute Miami.edu/touch-research Tiffany Field, PhD –National Certification Board in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork ncbtmb.org good to look for in non-licensed states

Interaction and Rapport Looking at “embodiment” Rapport – the big picture Any Questions?