additional pressure on the valve, causing further damage to the vein. Edema, or inflammation, can result from a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, sprains, strains, synovitis, and tenosynovitis. Massage can aggravate these inflammatory conditions by causing increased blood flow to the already inflamed area. Massage is also contraindicated when a virus or infection is present. When a virus occurs in the body, the body systems try to isolate and destroy the virus. Therefore, massage, which would cause increased circulation of the virus throughout the body, should not be performed. In the case of infections such as chicken pox, measles, influenza, scarlet fever, nephritis, and hepatitis, massage may be too stressful on the body. A physician’s approval is necessary for massage in patients or clients experiencing any infection. In advanced diabetes, when there is poor circulation to the extremities along with a loss of sensation, massage is likely to cause further tissue damage and should be avoided. In less advanced cases, circulatory strokes may still be beneficial, but a physician’s approval should be obtained. Medical clearance and extreme caution are advised for massage treatment in some elderly populations, particularly if the individual has experienced recent trauma. Massage can dislodge blood clots, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, clients with signs of arteriosclerosis or unstable or high blood pressure may be unable to tolerate increased circulation. It is especially important with elderly clients to be aware of any skin discolorations and also to check whether they are taking any blood-thinning medications. Massage should either be used with great caution or not at all in clients with hemophilia, a condition associated with excessive bleeding, the inability of blood to clot, and swelling of the joints. Lymphatic massage is contraindicated for anyone with a lymphatic pathology. In clients without pathology, a healthy lymphatic system can be aided by proper nutrition, exercise, adequate fluid intake, and rest, in addition to regular massage. There are multiple schools of thought regarding the proper massage technique for lymphatic drainage, with the most popular approach calling for light pressure in the superficial fascial layer. Excessive pressure can cause the capillaries to close, rather than open, the objective of lymphatic massage.
Healthy clients can see many benefits from circulatory massage; it normalizes blood pressure and can help maintain fitness of the cardiovascular system (though it is not a replacement for exercise). Massage causes vasodilation—dilation of the blood vessels and capillaries— which is due to the powerful relaxation response induced in the nervous system through massage. When the practitioner strokes the tissues toward the heart, the dilated vessels can carry more blood back through the system, allowing for improved removal of waste products and toxins and delivery of healing oxygen. Massage can increase the efficiency of the circulatory system mechanically in clients who are unable to exercise aerobically. Massage increases blood flow to body areas in two ways: Through the application of manual pressure or by stroking the tissues toward the heart. Manual pressure by the practitioner pushes the blood out of that area. When the pressure is released, fresh blood rushes back into the tissues. Massage can encourage arterial circulation (blood flow to the tissues) or venous circulation (blood flow from the tissues back to the heart). Venous return flow is assisted by short and long stroking from the fingers and toes toward the heart; deep stroking in the other direction, from the heart to the extremities, is contraindicated, as it can endanger the system of valves within the veins. Contraindications related to cardiovascular and circulatory system organs Massage is contraindicated in situations or conditions where increased blood flow could be detrimental to tissue health, such as in the case of varicose veins, edema, and hematoma. Varicose veins appear when damaged valves cause a vein to enlarge or twist. In the case of varicose veins, it is important to avoid any action that might put Effects of massage on the lymphatic system Massage has many positive effects on the lymphatic system. Stimulating the lymphatic system through massage increases the flow of lymph, subsequently reducing edema and increasing urinary output, relieving the body of excess fluids. Massage relieves muscle tension, creating a kind of compression throughout the system that assists in the proper drainage of lymph through the channels. Massaging above the heart with light pressure along the lymphatic routes is indicated to assist in lymphatic drainage. Encouraging the client to use deep breathing during this process can also facilitate movement of the lymph through the system. Effects of massage on the digestive system Massage can have beneficial effects on the digestive system because it promotes activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating digestive activity and encouraging the Effects of massage on the urinary system Massage increases circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues, benefiting the body by enhancing its ability to Effects of massage on the endocrine system The endocrine system is regulated by the nervous system through the use of chemical messages that maintain an internal system of feedback and regulation coordinating all body functions. Neuroendocrine chemicals are central to this control system in that they carry messages that regulate physiologic processes. A neuroendocrine chemical that is in the synapse of a nerve is called a neurotransmitter , while a neuroendocrine chemical in the bloodstream is called a hormone .
movement of wastes through the intestines. Massage can also help relieve pain or discomfort due to constipation, colic, and/or gas.
remove wastes and toxins and resulting in increased urinary output.
Our bodies produce a constantly fluctuating mix of chemicals, responding to external or internal requirements of the moment and adapting to maintain homeostasis. The specific chemical mix is associated with many aspects of mood and personality as well as characteristic ways individuals respond to stress and pain. Neuroendocrine
substances influenced by massage include: Adrenaline/epinephrine and noradrenalin/
norepinephrine. Epinephrine (which is also known as adrenaline ) activates or arouses; it produces the alert response and sympathetic arousal mechanisms
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Book Code: MTX1325
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