The Tulsa Massage Specials

If you live in Tulsa, or are just passing through, it is definitely worth taking the time and indulging in a Tulsa massage. In Tulsa, there are a number of spas offering a variety of massages to make you fell rejuvenated and refreshed in no time at all. Here are a few Tulsa massage specials.

Massage Specials 

Depending how much time you have to spare, you can get a massage in 10 minutes or it can take as long as the whole day. Of course, I always advise to indulge when possible as it is very important to give your body, mind and soul a pampering now and again.

Swedish massage is one of the Tulsa massage specials, which is a must if you have the time. It will take you anywhere from 45 minutes to couple of hours depending on which options of the massage you choose. The Swedish massage is known to relax and refresh your every muscle, leaving you feeling light as feather with skin as soft as a baby's bottom.

Another Tulsa massage special is the deep tissue massage. This can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. The deep tissue massage is known to deal with any stress that your body has gone through and due to which you encountered muscle cramps and/or muscle tightening. Deep tissue massage works with the problem area, which usually is around the neck and shoulder areas and sometimes other parts of the body as well. 

Quick Massage Specials

If, however, you don't have much time on hand, the recommended Tulsa massages are:

Foot and ankle massage – This is my favorite massage, especially if you are on your feet for a long during the day and/or drive for long periods of time. The foot and ankle massage takes away all aches and sores accumulated in time and leaves your feet ready to take on the world. I recommend the foot and ankle massage every week is possible. This massage does not take longer than 15 - 20 minutes.

Shoulders and neck massage - Yet another quick massage that works wonders. The neck and shoulders Tulsa massage works quickly to take away your muscles stress and whole body aches. Usually the tensions and stress accumulate around our neck and shoulders area from different activities such as working on the computer, writing and any other physical activity done solely with our hands. This massage should not take longer than 15-20 minutes and will leave you feeling like a million dollars. 

Conclusion

Whenever possible make time and treat yourself to a massage however short, you will help your body cope with the stress and physical work easier and also rejuvenate yourself in the process.

Reflexology Is Another Form of Massage Therapy

Reflexology is another form of massage therapy. Similar to shiatsu, it is a physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of lotion. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect the human anatomy on both the feet and hands which in theory have significant effects on the entire body. 

This form of massage therapy has been around for thousands of years. There is archaeological evidence that suggests this was used by the Egyptians in 2330 BC, China in 2704 BC and Japan in 690 BC.  The West only knew about reflexology in the 19th century. 

Although reflexology is usually applied to the feet and hands, there are those who also apply the same thing to the ear. This technique is considered to be a modified from auricular therapy which is an acupuncture technique.

In general, reflexology is used to reduce stress because both the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body. If you are able to fix that, then there is balance in the body. It can also help those who are suffering from arthritis, back pain, digestive disorders or problems, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, menstrual disorders, sports injuries and tension headaches.

You must never go for reflexology if you are pregnant, have foot ulcers or blood clots. If you are doing this for the first time, you better tell the professional your medical history. 

Whether reflexology can help certain conditions and diseases is still being determined. But even if other tests need to be made, many experts agree that it is complement to standard medical care. With that said, patients should never use it as a replacement to medical help. 

The best part about reflexology is that it is not painful. If this happens, you should tell the reflexologist to go down one notch. If there are certain areas in the body that are sore, tell them to focus on it as this will decrease with pressure. 

Reflexology can be done at anytime and anywhere. If you have the time, you can even do this once a day. In fact, given its popularity most hospitals and HMO’s now consider this for insurance reimbursement as it is often used for post-operative or palliative care. In fact, one third of cancer patients undergo reflexology regularly. 

Most sessions being conducted by practitioners may last from 30 minutes to an hour. It is also a clothed session so the only thing you have to remove is your shoes and socks. You don’t even have to lie down on a table because some will perform this while you are seated on a chair. 

At the end of each session, you should feel relaxed. How long it lasts is a good indicator as to how effective it was. If you will be having another session in the future, you should give feedback to the reflexologist so they know what to do the next time you drop by. 

Reflexology is another form of massage therapy you can try if you want to relieve tension from the body. If you are interested in trying it, all you have to do is check if there is one within your neighborhood. 

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Experience Thai Massage

People pay to have massages performed on them because they want to know what it's like to be completely at ease. They want to relax, to be catered to and to feel all the stress from work, home and life in general simply melt away. This is all possible through massage. More importantly, this, and more, is all possible through Thai massage. Thai massage is a massage utilizing techniques that originated in Thailand. These techniques bring Eastern massage philosophies here to the West, where they are used to release tension and bring an overall improvement to one's well being.

Thai massage integrates certain Eastern spiritual techniques into traditional massage. When you get a Thai massage, you can expect to have your muscles kneaded so they soften from all of the tension knots. However, the difference between Thai massage and traditional massages is that Thai massages use certain Eastern techniques such as deep breathing, the knowledge of pressure points and more. Some Thai massage practitioners use techniques that are seen as unorthodox when it comes to traditional massages. The end result is the same, however, whatever Thai massage techniques are performed: total relaxation.

Total Relaxation

In fact, after just one Thai massage session and you'll likely never want to return to a traditional masseuse again. That's because practitioners follows techniques that have been around for centuries. They believe that, to give a good massage, one has to be in tune with their body. They have to be in a state of total relaxation. To be tense during a massage, they say, is to defeat the purpose of getting a massage. You cannot release total tension if one is resisting your methods. That's why these massage techniques are so effective.

Search For A Thai Masseuse Near You

To find a Thai masseuse, your best bet is to try the Internet. Today, you'd be hard pressed to find a listing you can't find via the Internet. There might be a Thai masseuse near you. If not, then the travel is worth it. All you have to do is have one Thai massage and you'll be hooked. Imagine, for once, not feeling stressed. Imagine being able to go to work, after a weekend of a total relaxation massage, feeling ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way because you're sharp, you're relaxed and you're fresh, all from techniques performed while getting a Thai massage.

How to Give a Swedish Massage

What is a Swedish Massage?

The Swedish massage uses that of long flowing strokes which are usually in the direction of the heart, and it is specifically designed to increase both circulation and blood flow. There are six most basic strokes in Swedish massage, which are: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression, and vibration. As well, there is usually a form of cream or lotion applied to the skin in order to reduce the wrong kind of friction and to allow for smoother strokes. The Swedish massage is actually considered by many as being the best and as well it is typically the most well known. 

How to Give a Swedish Massage 

The first step you need to take is to create a relaxing and comfortable environment, and there shouldn't be anything around to interrupt, such as children or pets. As well, the room should be at a mild temperature and you should create proper lighting by dimming the lights or using only candlelight; for an enhanced effect, try lighting aromatherapy candles. 

Next, have the client lie down on a hard surface so that all of their muscles are adequately supported. If you don't have a professional massage table, you can also use a firm mattress or a futon. You should be prepared, in that you should have all the required materials ready, such as hand towels and lubricants. Lubricants are especially crucial, as they are used to relax and to help make smoother strokes on the body. 

Once you have all of your materials ready and you are ready to begin the massage, you should always begin by targeting the larger muscle groups first, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. For the maximum and most pleasurable effect, you will want to begin at the shoulders, and work from there to the neck, and then down the arms and onto the hands. You can then return to the upper and lower back, working your way down to the thighs and calves, and ending off with the feet. 

The three basic strokes involved here is the effleurage, the fan stroke, and the circling hands. The effleurage is the using of soft and fluid strokes steadily with the palm of the hand; the fan stroke is done by sliding your hands up the shoulder blades and then up and over the shoulders, down to the lower back, so that you are basically drawing a coarse heart; and the circling hands, quite obviously, is done by making counterclockwise circular motions with your fingers always pointing in the same direction. http://www.nforkcenterforharmony.com/nfcfh/project/swedish-massage/

Popular Types of Asian Massage

Wonderful massage techniques have been developed in India and the Far East over centuries. Asian massage is still very popular both for relaxation and as therapy around the globe.

Thai Massage

Originating in India, Thai massage combines guided stretching and Meridian pressure techniques with Pranayama breathing. It was brought to Thailand by Dr Shivago K., in Buddah's time about 2500 years ago.  Pranayama breathing technique is meant for cleansing the body and strengthening the nervous system. Pranayama breathing also helps in boosting the immune system, focusing, concentration, and more efficient oxidation of the blood. Massage area is on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. The recipient is made to practice yoga-like positions during the course of the massage. At the end most recipients find Thai massage very relaxing and refreshing. 

Shiatsu Massage:  Shiatsu hails from the Japanese words shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure. It is another type of Asian massage developed in the Far East, known to most as originating in Japan. It uses thumb pressure, palms, and fingers, and works along the energy meridians in the body with the same meridians as acupressure. Health benefits of Shiatsu massage include rebalancing of bone system, improvement in circulatory function, enhanced balance of the nervous system and greater flexibility of skin and muscle.

Chinese Tui Na massage: Tui na is actually a form of Chinese manipulative therapy developed more than 5000 years ago. This Asian massage is often used in combination with acupuncture, Chinese herbalism and other health therapies. The essence of this massage lies in applying pressure to the body at certain key points. It employs a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with the therapist's palms, fingertips, knuckles or certain implements that are said to remove blockages along the meridians of the body. 

The result is stimulating the flow of qi (natural respiration of the body) and blood to promote healing. Tui na massage is used as treatment for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as certain non-musculoskeletal conditions. It also has fewer side effects than many modern drug-based and chemical-based treatments.

Javanese Massage: Javanese massage of Indonesia is another significant type of Asian massage. It uses all parts of the therapist's hand, (knuckles, palms and fingers) to knead and massage the muscles. The whole procedure is facilitated by using massage oil. Javanese massage relieves tension, alleviates back pain and aids in the healing of fractures. It is the most robust (and even painful) type of Asian massage but very beneficial for your health.

What is a Deep Tissue Massage?

The Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is a massage technique which focuses primarily on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, and which aims particularly at releasing the chronic patterns of tension in the body through the use of slow strokes and deep finger pressure on specific areas of the body. A deep tissue massage is the type of massage that is typically use

d to release that of chronic muscle tension, and deep tissue massage also helps to break up and eliminate any existing scar tissue.

Not only does a deep tissue massage feel great, but it is also incredibly beneficial to your health. This is because both oxygen and nutrients are blocked when you are stressed, and this can lead to inflammation and a build-up of toxins in the muscle tissue. With this type of massage, you can loosen your muscle tissues, release toxins from your muscles, and also get your blood and circulation flow going properly. 

The main purpose of a deep tissue massage is to relax the body while releasing tension and toxins, and helping to relax and sooth the muscles. Although deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage work, it is easy enough to learn. The best idea is to start superficially and then slowly ease into the depth of the muscle, and this is especially important because each person will experience pressure differently, and so what may feel soft to one person may feel incredibly rough to another. 

As well, if the pressure is applied too hard too quickly, the muscles may actually tighten in order to protect that area, and not only will this not feel pleasurable but it can also cause serious injury. This type of massage is also the one which is most often used for that of sports related and other injuries, as the depth of the actual massage can be used to relieve pain and strains from deep in the muscle tissue. 

It is also used in the treating of muscle, tendon and ligament injuries for example, as well as that of crippling diseases. It is also remarkably effective for that of skeletal structures that are found to lie deep within the body and which usually cannot be reached with the fingers in a regular type of massage. It basically works by breaking down scar tissue and crystallization which thus helps to restore that of proper muscular balance and bone structure.

How to Give a Full Body Massage

What is a Full Body Massage? 

A full body massage is one of the most commonly applied techniques for therapy, and many of those who have tried it claim that it is balancing and relaxing to the entire body, and that it leaves you feeling both physically and mentally soothed. A full body massage is a system of specific stroking, pressing, and kneading of different areas of the body in order to help to relive pain, stimulate and tone, as well as relax the body itself. 

Tips on Giving a Full Body Massage

It is actually not all that difficult to learn how to give a full body massage. One of the main factors that must be taken into consideration is that you must set the proper mood in order for the person receiving the massage to be able and relax and feel comfortable. This means that before you start any form of massage, you should take a look at the support surface of both your client and yourself, and as well consider the atmosphere; as these are two of the most basic and essential factors to consider. 

You should remove things from the room that might be irritating, and you also want to make sure that the lighting isn't overly bright; most masseuses use extremely dimmed or even candle lighting in order to gain the proper effect. For an even further enhanced atmosphere, you can consider lighting aromatherapy candles, and playing soft and relaxing music is a good idea as well. 

You should always make sure to have all of the necessary supplies ready before you have the client lying down and ready for their massage, and this could include items such as hand towels and massage oils, for instance. Lubricants such as massage oils are especially important, as these are applied during the massage and help to allow for a smooth glide of your hands across the client's body. 

Another factor that you should keep in mind is that you should never put any pressure directly on the spine, and you should also always try to avoid areas of broken skin, or which are blistered or look as though they could be infected; this is not only for the clients' sake but for yours as well. Using these tips and remembering the essential factors is key, and will ensure that you will give a proper and relaxing full body massage. 

Joint Pain: Solutions

Joint pain is the suffering of a lot of people al over the world. Arthritis is of course the most usual of joint conditions. In turn arthritis is caused and cured by several different things. Some of them are difficult to locate, some are not. Chemicals like steroids are best avoided. Yet there are also effective medications which are not steroid are other harmful things.   

There are several factors which cause joints to swell up. Toxins, hormonal issues, microbes, genetic disposition, joint instability, psychological, dental and other wounds are often detrimental to stable joint conditions. Deficiency in terms of nutrients also jeopardizes joint conditions. 

Stress is a major factor. Stress no matter its character (emotional or physical), is harmful for joints. The nervous and immune systems are also affected by stress. The weakening of the immune system can inevitably lead to growth of bacteria and its subsequent development in various locations of the body to cause joint pain. 

What is to be done about joint pain? Doctors or experts would have knowledge of two things, surgery and drugs. These are obviously viable. Yet they lead to greater harm than good sometimes. The body’s need for drugs is not the root cause of existence of joint pains. Drugs often lead to controlling primary symptoms trying to mask them. For example, a headache arises out of toxins, dehydration or stress not out of aspirin deficiency.  

The root causes normally vary from person to person. Yet there might just be a few general options of treating these ailments. Going to the doctor helps. One might be interested in looking for a physician who does not prescribe medication or surgery to begin with. There might just be non-chemical cures. 

Acupuncture is one of the salient non-chemical treatments available. The treatment helps in stalling the body’s impulse of attacking the host tissues which is normally the result f a weak immune system. Aromatherapy is a usable device to massage inflammation in joints taking recourse to herbs and plants to cure one of such ailments. These are two very potent non-chemical measures.

Joint Pain: Methods Of Relief

Management of the joint pain becomes significant over time if one has to live with it. His is essential to long term mental and physical well-being. This article here will try to provide you with a basic survey of some of the techniques that arthritis affected people put to use to ease many of the effects which come with arthritis, specifically joint ache. Products, which are both available by prescription and over-the-counter sales, to relieve one of arthritic joint pain are described in Joint Pain Products.

Heat and cold

Heat and/or cold therapy cannot be the means to alleviate pain in case of all types of arthritis. In fact this therapeutic method should be used with description and it is important to consult a physician before adopting it for joint pains. If your doctor has ascertained or approved the usage of this treatment, get specifications like the temperature, etc fixed before putting it to use. Moist heat, like a warm soak or spray, or dry heat, such as a warming pad, used with the affected joint for around 15 minutes often helps. An ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables taken in a sheet and applied to the affected area for 15 minutes may help to reduce swelling and stop the pain. If you don’t have the best blood circulation, resist the usage of cold packs.

Joint protection

A brace or a splint can be used to support the affected joint if the affected person has to stick to a daily hectic schedule which cannot be compromised. If this is not practiced there are high chances of aggravation of the ailment. Yet it should only be done in consultation with a doctor and the appropriate brace can be provided by the same person.  

Massage

Massage is held to be a temporary relief joint pain, one of the major signs of arthritis. A massage therapist usually lightly strokes and/or kneads the muscles over the joint, which helps stimulate blood flow towards the stressed zone. It is essential to understand that arthritic joints are extremely susceptible, so the massage therapist has to be acquainted with the disease and issues afflicted with the joints which are in pain.

Exercise

Low-impact activities like stretching, swimming, walking, low-impact aerobics, and range-of-motion movements should lessen joint pain and inflexibility, along with stimulating joint mobility. A physical therapist or gym trainer should be able to device an exercise routine that gives you the advantages with the least possible strain in the arthritis-stressed joints.

Weight Reduction

Along with relieving oneself of primary signs and symptoms of arthritis, losing weight in the course of working out is advantageous in ridding oneself of the excess stress that extra pounds exert on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. Research displays that fatter women who got rid of around 10 pounds greatly controlled the growth of osteoarthritis of knees. Also such research make additional suggestions which say that in case of osteoarthritis already attacking one of the hips, knees, etc. losing weight can actually stall the advent of the ailment in the other twin body part. A trainer in a gymnasium might be able to help you regarding framing an exercise schedule for you which will help affect some loss in weight keeping stress levels low. 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation makes use of small equipment positioned close to the joint afflicted with arthritis and channelises small electric sensations to nerve endings inside and surrounding the arthritic joint. It is believed that TENS stops the pain signals delivered to the brain from nerves and changes the body's reception of pain impulses. TENS eases a bit of the joint pain formed with arthritis; it cannot counter the swelling brought about with arthritis.

Surgery

In some cases of persons affected with arthritis, surgery can be an option. The surgeon usually operates to severe the synovium from the body, relay the joint, or in worst cases, substitute the affected joint with an artificial one. Total joint replacement allows for great pain relief and even goes on t promote efficiency in motion for patients of arthritis.

Joint Pain: Get Relief

Joint pain is fast emerging as an ailment affecting populations all over the world. Joint pains can attack a number of body joints. Pain is often a result of swelled up joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, which qualifies as an auto-immune ailment is mostly the cause behind joint pains.

Osteoarthritis often leads to joint pain especially in older people. "DND" or "degenerative joint disease' is the nomenclature associated with such disorders. In most cases joint pain is caused by such osteoarthritis. The wear and tear one or more cartilage in the joints causes such a disorder.

A patient of osteoarthritis registers complaints like inflammation of joints and weak muscles. Fatness and bone problems lead to such disorder. Thankfully advances in Medical Science have provided us with a number of solutions to joint pain. 

The inflammation of a ‘bursa’ leads to Bursitis which causes joint pain too. What is a bursa? A bursa is primarily a little fluid-filled bag placed between the mobile parts of our body. It is therefore serves the function of a cushion which helps the easy movement of muscles. Septic arthritis can also be a cause for joint pain.

Vitamin D is one of the important missing nutrients which might lead to joint pain. An exposure to sun rays often facilitates the production of Vitamin D in human bodies. Medical opinion pins down obesity as one of the root causes of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is almost the inevitable fate of most fat people. Cutting down on your weight might be one of the best ways to stall or forestall arthritis.

There are off course a lot of preventive measures and remedies for arthritis as such. One might want to try out light work outs in the pool; it often helps to reduce joint pain as well as serves the cause of strengthening muscles. Cardiovascular exercises or any exercise that speeds up heart beat rate are extremely helpful in controlling arthritis. Yoga, acupuncture or other alternative therapeutic measures can be relieving. Online tips are often handy in times of pain. "Flex Protex" is a great natural device to stall joint pain. It is a mixture of healthy rice bran and Glucosamine, which in combination is a very effective pain relief.

Joint Pain: In The Hips

Hip joint pain is a pretty usual disorder. It has to be treated in the immediate context of the pain or else it holds back to cause severe discomfort. Patients of hip joint ache have to compromise mobility. Again there are various causes for this pain. A significant cause is off course arthritis. Often it is cured with medicine but importantly this sort of problem often leads to the requirement of a hip-replacement surgery.

Trochanteric bursitis is a result of swollen bursa over the exterior of the hip joint and subsequently leads to severe joint pain. Tendonitis, in one of the tendons around the hip joint, could lead to hip joint pain too.

Amongst other reasons for hip joint pain we can count osteonecrosis, snapping hip syndrome, strained muscles or hip fractures, and other hip wounds. There are hip related problems which might happen in the course of childhood. These could develop into full fledged disorders in the adult stages. For an example we could consider developmental dysplasia, in which hips are misplaced in times of infancy. This could pose as a serious obstacle in the development of hip joints. While the child is growing these apparently innocuous ailments take serious dimensions and gradually turn out to be arthritis and obstruct normal motion.

There is yet another disease, called perthes, which can cause permanent damage to the hip joint in childhood. Off course all treatments for hip joint is contingent on the causes. Thus a correct diagnosis becomes necessary.

Use of warmth packs and ice bags is in common use to treat hip joint pains. Thee processes are good pain relievers. Rest is also one of the primary measures the patient is asked to adopt. The swelling is often brought under control by means of this. Pain relief is also sought by the same methods. Usage of crutches or walking sticks becomes a necessity in such times of joint pain in the hips.

Joint Pain: How Severe?

With age ailments start streaming in for humans. These ailments often are not ever lasting but in the case of arthritis we have a different case. With the rise of great joint pain one can be greatly perturbed. It is a form of great stress incurred by the human body and mind. Arthritis comes in 150 different forms. Yet natural treatments are mostly way more effective than usual prescribed drugs.

Inflammation is the one of the most significant concerns in the case of joint conditions along with warmth, redness and bone disorders. The term arthritis itself refers to the pain in the bone joints of the affected. The most usual symptoms borne by patients are inflexibility of bones along with great and never ending pain. The irritation is extreme and stalls normal mobile functions of the body. Yet touch can be felt around the affected area. The wrist, knee and hip joint are the most common sites of effect. Muscles are also tired out as a result of arthritis.

People are commonly hit by three kinds of the arthritis. These are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis and the gout. Among the three, osteoarthritis is initiated with the wearing out of the cartilage. All bones of human body are cushioned by cartilages to control friction resulting from the motion itself. With the onset of Osteoarthritis, cartilages are torn and the synovium fluid leads to great pain for the affected. This is an ailment which does not use gender to distinguish victims. It can happen to both men and women. Treatments might assume specific nature.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be called the auto immune disorder as rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system actually attacks tissues in the host body, along with those that link the joints and the synovium. In this disorder women are more severely affected than men.

It is unfortunate that arthritis is not cured by specific treatments. Thus extra care needs to be taken in preventing this disease.

Joint Pain: Gout

In most cases gout pain first originates in the joints of the big toe and therefore in the feet. That hardly means that with the development of gout, greater amounts of uric acid accumulates in the system, and therefore travels to other joints of the body. This literally implies that gout pain travels to other parts of the body and carries the pain along with it. Thus the gout pain and the pain in your hip joint are connected. 

Of course, taking care of your gout can help cut down the degree of pain you experience in the hips. But this usually takes additional time. Immediate relief is often a clear necessity of these painful instances.  

The hip joint is the location of the connection between the pelvis and the leg. Thus it is natural that any kind of disorder there usually leads to great trouble. The very acts of walking and sitting are heavily impeded. Changing postures become extremely difficult according to the degree of pain felt.

Take NSAIDS in order to control gout and hip joint pains. These are necessarily pain killers which also contribute to the suppression of swellings. The joints are thus relatively relaxed. A greater degree of flexibility can be achieved in replacing the stiffness.

In case of specific and severe pain resulting from hip joints and gout can be helped by putting to use a treatment of heat and ice. Yet again the physician’s opinion should be south for this. The alternative application of heat and ice treatment can serve to be extremely useful in helping to reduce the swelling and can generate effective control in the case of the swelling trying to make its way back. Along with this, the usage of walking stick and restricted movement can be practiced to prevent the accumulation of fat in the course of limited mobility. Fast movements should be controlled. The postures in which one goes to sleep or sitting postures in general should be chosen with care.

In the longer time frame gout and joint pain should be treated with care and measures like exercise, etc. should be adopted albeit in consultation with the doctor. Other factors apart from gout can be explored to locate the cause of hip joint ailment. Such a diagnosis narrows down the cause and effects of the pain. Such diagnosis might help in the long run to fix or even reduce the pain resulting from such disorders. Correct measures regarding diet, medicine or a lifestyle as such can do wonders to such problems.

The History and Development of Massage

The history of massage started during the 3000 BC when the Chinese wrote Cong-Fu of the Tao-Tse, the oldest book written about massage which was later translated to French in the 1700s. In 2760 BC, Nei Ching or the Yellow Emperor’s Esoteric Classic discussed therapeutic touch. 

The Egyptians made their contribution in massage when they created reflexology in 2500 BC. Even the Indians participated in the development of massage when they established Ayurvedic massage.

During 500 BC-50 AD, the Greek and Romans used massage on Olympic athletes and to relieve neuralgia and epileptic seizures. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, incorporated massage in medicine. In 130 AD-201 AD, Galen, a Greek physician from the school of gladiators who were rubbed before fighting wrote a book on manual medicine.

In 100s AD, schools for massage therapy were created in China. Then in 600s AD the Japanese developed shiatsu, which uses the fingers to apply pressure on acupuncture points to regenerate energy. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), pediatric massage therapy or tuina evolved into a higher form of therapy which is still used today. 

During 1776-1813, Per Henrik Ling, a fencing master and gymnast cured himself of rheumatism through massage and created Medical Gymnastics and later formed the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Then in 1839-1909, Johann Mezger introduced medical massage to the scientific community and the terms effleurage, petrissage and tapotement became familiar.

The effects of massage on anemia were researched by medical doctors and professors in New York City in 1880. Four years later, Professor Charcot, a French physician who taught Sigmund Freud recommended massage therapy in French medicine.

The Society of Trained Masseuses was formed in Britain which offered massage education recognized by schools in 1894. A year after, Sigmund Freud used massage therapy to treat hysteria. During the same year, Harvey Kellog wrote The Art of Massage.

The 1900’s gave birth to different massage therapy methods like Jin shin jyutsu or the art of circulation awakening developed in Japan by Jiro Murai, The Alexander Technique created by F.M. Alexander, an Australian actor, Naprapathy (1907) which originated in Chicago, Bindgewebs massage (1929), created by German Physical therapist, Elizabeth Dicke and Neuromuscular therapy (1930) created by Stanley Leif.

In 1937, Rene Maurice Gattefosse, discovered the healing powers of essential oils accidentally during a laboratory experiment where he burned his hand and used lavender oil to soothe it. He coined the word Aromatherapy. Two years after, The Florida State Massage Therapy Association Inc. (FSTMA) was organized. Today, it is one f the oldest massage organizations with 85 charter members.

The Massage Registration Act was formulated during 1949, and in 1950 Francis Tappan and Gertrude Beard wrote books and articles concerning massage techniques. Two years later, Hoshino Therapy, which is an official medical therapy in Argentina was developed. Then during the 1960s, John Barnes created Myofascial Release Therapy.

In 1977-1978, Aston- Patterning was developed by Judith Aston and Hellerwork was created by Joseph Heller. Both methods are forms of rolfing.

During the 1980s, the Association of Bodywork and Massage Practitioners was established. Also, Watsu or water therapy was developed by Harold Dull followed by Stuart Taws creation of Taws Method or Soft Tissue Release.

In the 1990s, a protocol for fybromyalgia syndrome was defined by the American College of Rheumatology and the Touch Research Institute, which studies the effects of touch therapy was established.

Joint Pain: Causes

Is there really one such coherent cause for joint ailments? Perhaps not. In fact, definitely not. There are several possibilities which give rise to such disorder. These range from arthritis to gout to old age.

Excess weight carried over a lifetime can turn out to be one of the chief causes of such pain. The extra weight is always exerting more pressure on your joint and muscles. Remember that the skeletal system as well as the system of muscles heavily depends on the weight as there is supposed to be a proportionate distribution of the two in the human body. Thus a disproportionate rise in body weight destroys a balance which in future causes pain.

Cartilage is what cushions joints against the bones and against each other. In case of excess weight carried over a considerable time period, great friction is generated in the functioning of cartilages. Thus massive wear and tear can happen in the cartilages. They are at first won down to fibers and eventually lost in the process of wear and tear. This is also a cause for serious pain. Weight loss thus is advisable but that only in consultation with doctors.  

The root cause for joint ache is primarily arthritis. Off course a hundred things fall under this category of arthritis. The usual forms of arthritis are Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Both these varieties lead to severe joint and muscle pain. Normal functioning or work outputs are seriously compromised in the course of these ailments.  They can both effect unbearable pain and joint disorders in the hands, back, neck, knees and hips. Arthritis is incurable, yet it can be treated and there are several forms of medications which help to ease the pain associated with arthritis. Middle aged and older people are the usual victims of such diseases.

Often muscle and joint pain is not caused by something abnormal but the regular activity in life. In the course of playing a particular sport one might incur such injuries which are only a natural accompaniment to the sport. Various portions of the body especially knees can find a lifetime of sports quite taxing. These effects can be forestalled by resorting to well-cushioned shoes and other fitness equipment. 

There is hardly a single coherent answer to the question, what causes joint pain. It is thus advisable to consult a medical practitioner as soon as one starts experiencing joint pain.

Joint Pain: Arthritis Pain Relief

As a result of efforts to locate expert's advice on arthritis pain relief, a startling result originated from the research. There are over a hundred forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. There are 4 primary forms of arthritis in question-- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia. 

Arthritis, or "joint inflammation" stands out as one of the most common problems in the world today when it comes to health disorders. Muscles are heavily affected along with the site where two or more bones meet, i.e. the joint, like the hip or knee. Symptoms of this ‘popular’ disease include joint ache, inflammation, inflexibility, weakness, deformities, and restricted movement of joints, which can interfere with the most fundamental activities like walking, climbing steps, uncorking bottles, or even brushing your teeth. 

A few of the most common elements which can be connected to the development of arthritis pain are wounds (e.g from games) and problems from other states (like diabetes), genetic effects and the absence of physical activity. There is also obviously a significant correlation between obesity and arthritis. Extra body weight leads to excess stress on weight-bearing joints (back, hips, knees, ankles and feet). Thus due to this particular mechanism of joints, the stress in your knee joints is several times the body weight n question while one walks.

A miniscule weight loss could also effect significant reduction in joint pain. A great amount of corpulence might lead to greater inflammation in the body, leading to greater pain. With age a natural consequence is borne on the joints, hat of wear and tear. Thus older people are more likely to be victims of this condition. It is also common knowledge now that children, can also grow a disorder called juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This counts an inflammatory disorder of the connective tissues, brought to light by joint swelling and pain or tenderness. It can also lead to malfunctioning organs- the skin, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and eyes. 

The possibility of pain relief can be sought in a correct mixture of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, diet and nutrition. Blood tests and X-rays should help your doctor to detect the type of arthritis you have and would ask you to incur the most suitable course of medical treatment. 

Manuka honey which has higher antibacterial effect in comparison to other types honey is also fat becoming popular in dealing with arthritis pain due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics and curative capacity. It minimizes joint swellings and accounts for a natural pain killer. The recipe or formula would be 2 tablespoons Manuka Honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder mixed with 1 cup of warm green tea drink this honey cinnamon drink every morning and evening. The mixture of honey and cider vinegar is also a well founded home cure for arthritis.

Around the world, people have admitted to this cleansing mixture being extremely helpful in relieving joint pains. Nutritionists have faith in the mineral qualities of this drink. Minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, natural silicon, pectin, and tartaric acids that are counters to body toxins, control bacteria and aid the body to hold stable its vital acid-alkaline balance. To create the right concoction, mix two teaspoons of vinegar and two teaspoons of raw honey in a glass of lukewarm water, and take it thrice a day.

Joint Pain And Muscles

Medicine has traced joint and muscle pain to be rooted in a disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Almost everyone who is a victim of SLE feel muscle and joint pains in the course of the illness.

The swelling in joint and muscles is what causes pain. Symptoms might resemble that of viral flu; this illness is a coefficient of extreme pain in the joints and muscles. His sickness is accompanied by pain in the joints as well as the softening of joints. A lot of patients might not actually experience severe pain but their situation is not better as due to muscles and tendons becoming tender and inflammation there motor skills are hampered.

Joint and muscle pains often precede SLE. Even at rest a person can feel joint and muscle pain. The right combination of rest and exercise is often what doctors ask patients to implement when going through a phase of acute joint pain. While exercising or in the course of any activity extreme care has to be taken by patients to not further damage the already tender joints and muscles which are in an affected state.

Muscle and joint pain can attack any part of the body. But the parts of the body which are most affected by muscle and joint pain are, hip, shoulders and knees. Extra body weight contributes to the ailments of patients.

Again, SLE is might not be the only reason for muscle and joint pains. A mixture of ailments like arthritis and muscle injury can also cause such pain. Thus medical help has to be sought to diagnose and confirm the status of the disease.

Such pain is definitely amenable to treatment when found at an early stage. A permanent cure is often impossibility. Often the patient can be advised to undergo surgery to replace certain joints. The movements of a person are seriously impeded in the case of muscle and joint pain. Thus in case of such pain, a proper diet, a regular and carefully constructed exercise schedule along with adequate rest, all under medical supervision becomes necessary.

Ten of the Best Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

2. Next is aromatherapy and the reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. You will just have to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

3. There is also hot stone massage. Here, heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

4. Then there is deep tissue massage. This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

5. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.

7. For women that are expecting, they can opt for pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Reflexology is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.

9. Then there is sports massage that is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

10. Lastly is back massage which usually lasts 30 minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Of course there are other kinds of massage therapy aside from the top ten most popular ones mentioned. Given that these are the only ones available in spas, perhaps you should just stick with the best sellers.

The Factors Involved in a Sports Massage

What is a Sports Massage?

A sports massage is a particular type of massage technique that is primarily used before, during and after athletic events. If you have ever watched any sort of sporting event on television or in real life, you will always notice the sports massage therapists who are always close by on hand not only in case of an injury, but also to help the athletes by massaging their muscles during time outs or halftimes.

The basic purpose of a sports massage is to physically and mentally prepare the athlete for peak performance, and to help drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, and to promote flexibility and prevent injuries. A sports massage helps to breakdown minor injuries and lesions, and of which are primarily caused by overexertion and overuse of those particular areas where these problems occur.

A sports massage can also help by preventing any injuries that would otherwise get in the way of performance and achievement, in order to allow the athlete to play the absolute best that he or she can. With a sports massage, there is in fact a combination of several different types of massage techniques, such as that of the shiatsu and Swedish massage techniques, for instance.

There are many benefits to sports massages, as besides helping the athlete to feel mentally and physically good overall, they also help to reducing the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing that of blood circulation and lymph flow, reducing muscle tension, improving flexibility, as well as relieving pain.

It can basically therefore be claimed that one of the most primary and greatest benefits in regards to sports massages is that they help to prevent injury from occurring, and help to relieve existing injuries. Athletes who are looking to improve their overall performance and increase their competitive edge should absolutely consider the sports massage factor, as there is no way that anyone would not receive some sort of benefit from this type of massage, especially if they are an athlete who needs to be at their top peak performance at all times.

Massage, when applied properly and skillfully, is absolutely the most effective way and means of therapy for helping in releasing muscle tension and for restoring balance to the overall musculoskeletal system, and when received regularly, this form of massage can dramatically affect the overall state of an athlete altogether.

Massage: Relax The Body And Mind

More Than 150 Different Types Of Massages

Many people want an effective way of becoming relaxed to ease the strain and tensions that slow down the human body and one way of doing so is to get a massage, which is a way of applying structured pressure, either manually or by mechanical means to the tissues (not hard) of the body which may include the muscles, connective tissues, tendons, joints and ligaments and get some benefit from doing so. Massage is a type of therapy that can be applied either to certain parts of the body or to the entire body.

In order to relieve stress caused by psychological reasons, or to heal injuries or to take care of hurting areas or to improve the circulation of the blood, this therapy is a proven method of achieving beneficial relief and when one is given for obtaining physical and psychological relief, it is often called therapeutic massage therapy and even manipulative therapy.

Giving a massage has become a thriving business and, in its commercial avatar, the techniques of the therapy have evolved continuously and generally imply that the customer lies down on a table or on a mattress on the floor or even on a mattress chair, and except for Thai and Barefoot Deep Tissue massages, the customer is stripped off all of his clothes and draped with just a towel while getting his or her therapy done because unclothing of the customer is known to keep the body warm during the therapy.

While getting oneself a massage, there can be a certain degree of sexual arousal shown by the customer and this is due to the fact that all contact being made is on the mostly naked body, but this is mostly unintentional and not the purpose of giving this type of therapy. There are two methods of giving a massage and the first is to lie the customer on his back with his face pointing up while the second part involves the customer rolling over face down. In addition, the customer should be as relaxed as possible for this therapeutic therapy to take good effect.

One of the essential requirements to obtaining an effective massage is to communicate the type required including those for relaxation or for pain relief or a full body massage or massage specific areas of the body as well as specifying the amount of pressure to apply and even inform the masseur about any past medical conditions. All these are important to getting an effective massage and since there are more than 150 different types available, the choices are plenty.