Massage encourages the nutrition and development of the muscular system by stimulating its circulation, nerve supply, and cell activity.  Regular and systematic massage causes the muscles to become firmer and more elastic.  Massage is also an effective means of relaxing tense muscles and releasing muscle spasms.

The supply of blood to the muscles is proportionate to their activity.  It is estimated that blood passes three times more rapidly through muscles being massaged than muscles at rest.  Petrissage or kneading and compression movements create a pumping action that forces the venous blood and lymph onward and brings a fresh supply of blood to the muscles.  Massage aids in the removal of metabolic waste products and helps nourish tissue.

Massage prevents and relieves stiffness and soreness of muscles.  Muscles fatigued by work or exercise will be more quickly restored by massage than by passive rest of the same duration.

Muscle tissue that has suffered injury heals more quickly with less connective tissue build-up and scarring when therapeutic massage is applied regularly.  Friction massage, when properly applied, prevents and reduces the development of adhesions and excessive scarring following trauma.

Massage can have a positive effect on the range of motion of limbs that have a limited range due to tissue injury, inflammation, muscle tension, ro strain.  The client may have experienced discomfort or pain resulting in limited use of a limb or may have stopped using the limb.  The limb will need to be taken through the range of motion passively and carefully and the range increased gradually.

Passive movement is the method by which joints are rotated through their range of motion with no resistance or assistance by muscular activity ont he part of the client.  Passive massage movements benefit circulation of the blood and lymph, nourish the skin, relax and lengthen the muscles, and soothe the nerves.

Active joint movement in massage refers to exercises in which the voluntary muscles are contracted by the client and either resisted or assisted by the therapist.  Active joint movements have beneficial effects similar to exercise.  They help to firm and strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and aid the function of related internal organs.

 

The effects of massage on the nervous system depend on the direct and reflex reaction of the nerves stimulated.  The nervous system can be stimulated or soothed depending on the type of massage movement applied.

Stimulation of the peripheral nerve receptors could have reflex reactions affecting the vaso-motor nerves, internal organs, pain perception, or the underlying joints and muscles of the areas being massaged.

  Stimulating Massage Techniques

  *Friction (light rubbing, rolling, and wringing 

    stimulates nerves.

  *Percussion (light tapping and slapping movements)

    increases nervous irritability. Strong ercussion for   

    short period of time excites nerve centers directly.  

    Prolonged percussion tends to anesthetize theh 

    local nerves.

  *Vibration (shaking and trembling movements)

    stimulates peripheral nerves and all nerve centers

    with which a nerve trunk is connected.

Sedative Effects of Massage Techniques

  *Gentle stroking, especially over reflex areas, 

    produces claming and sedative results.

  *Light friction and petrissage (kneading movements)

    produce marked sedative effects.

 

Scientific body massage procedures affect the quality  and quantity of blood coursing through the circulatory system.  With the increased flow of blood to the massaged area, better cellular nutrition and elimination are favored.  The work of the heart is lessened due to the improvement in surface circulation.  Under the influence of massage, the blood-making process is improved, resulting in an increase in the number of red and white blood cells.

Massage movements should be directed upward along the limbs and lower parts of the body and downward from the head, thereby facilitating the flow of venous blood and lymph back toward the heart and other eliminatory organs.

Massage may influence the blood and lymph vessels either by direct mechanical action on the vessel walls or by reflex action through the vaso-motor nerves.  Pressure against the vessels not only tones their muscular walls but also propels the movement of the blood.  The vaso-motor nerves, by controlling the relaxing and constricting of the blood vessels, determine the amount of blood that will reach the area being massaged.

Massage movements affect the blood and lymph in the following ways:

* Light stroking produces an almost instantaneous though temporary dilation of the capillaries, while deep stroking brings about a more lasting dilation and flushing of the massaged area.

* Light percussion causes a contraction of the blood vessels, which tend to relax as the movement is continued.

* Friction hastens the flow of blood through the superficial veins, increases the permeability of the capillary beds, and rpoduces and increased flow of interstitial fluid.  This creates a healthier environment for the cells.

* Petrissage or kneading stimulates the flow of blood through deeper arteries and veins.

* Friction, kneading, and stroking stimulate lymph circulation.

* Compression produces a hyperemia or an increase in the amount of blood stored in the muscle tissue.