FM Task 2 - Effects of massage strokes

Task 2 - The effects of massage strokes

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an involuntary system that supplies impulses to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands (Salvo, 2003) for example, breathing and keeping the heart beating. The ANS is split into two divisions, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). These two divisions work complementary to maintain homeostasis (balance) through a feedback loop (Fritz, 2003). The effects of massage can be seen through both systems and are outlined below.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is involved in “active involuntary motor functions” (Holey & Cook, 2004, p47) and is responsible for the fight or flight response. Activation of the SNS generally results in stress and the release of cortisol a ‘stress hormone’ (Fritz, 2003). Massage reduces sympathetic arousal so decreases the chance of high levels of cortisol and lessens the chance of hypertension, muscle weakness and fatigue (Fritz, 2003). Fritz (2003) also states that “massage methods that require the client’s active participation help dissipate sympathetic stress hormones, allowing the system to re-establish homeostasis (p137).

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) works complimentarily with the SNS and activates the body’s relaxation and restorative responses (Fritz, 2003). Massage “encourages parasympathetic dominance… to counter the effects of the sympathetic overarousal” (Fritz, 2003, p135). Massage encourages peace, calmness and relaxation through the PNS.

While the effects of massage can be seen specifically on the autonomic nervous system, each massage stroke can also have various effects on the body. Each massage stroke has a different effect on the body although there are some similarities between the strokes and these are outlined below.

Touch is an excellent way of establishing initial contact between client and massage therapist. Holding via touch allows the client to become accustomed to the therapists touch. "Positive touch in the form of massage therapy has been shown to release ‘feel good’ and ‘feel close’ neuropeptides” (Tuchtan, Tuchtan & Stelfox, 2004, p51). The long flowing effleurage strokes help to spread the lubricant, warm the tissue and help to “flush out the tissue after using other strokes” (Salvo, 2003, p151). Fast effleurage stimulates the SNS whereas the PNS is stimulated through slow effleurage (Salvo, 2003). The use of petrissage should occur after effleurage has warmed the tissue, this stroke reduces muscle tension and mechanically softens the superficial fascia (Fritz, 2003). It also helps to flush metabolic wastes and draw new, healthier fluid back in (Salvo, 2003). However, this stroke is very labour intensive for the massage therapist unlike holds and effleurage.

Compression can be either fast and stimulating or relaxing with holds. Compression can be useful for working over clothing, without wax or with a client who is particularly hairy (Fritz, 2003). This stroke is useful for increasing circulating, relaxing muscles, breaking down adhesions and it imitates muscle stretching that occurs in normal muscle movement (Salvo, 2003). Tapotment can also be performed over clothing and is a stroke that stimulates the tissue and because of this the massage therapist needs to be wary of using tapotment around certain endangerment sites like the kidneys and the popliteal fossa (Salvo, 2003). Tapotment “initiates or enhances sympathetic activity of the autonomic nervous system” (Fritz, 2003, p326). It can also be used to loosen and move mucus in the chest of children with cystic fibrosis (Fritz, 2003). Vibration differs from tapotment because the therapists’ hands don’t break contact with the clients skin (Salvo, 2003). This stroke also increases circulation, relieves pain and improves general relaxation (Salvo, 2003). Just like petrissage, vibration can be physically demanding.

Massage strokes can effect the body specifically as identified above. And they can also have an effect on various bodily functions, mood and concentration levels as explained below.

Massage can effect blood flow and blood pressure as the body reacts by dilating blood vessels which aids circulation and lowers blood pressure (Salvo, 2003). Tuchtan et al. (2004) state “local circulation is enhanced through the application of massage” (p38). As well as blood flow massage can effect lymph flow. Massage applied to lymphedema (swelling) reduces fluid retention and subsequently lowers swelling (Salvo, 2003).

Massage using direct pressure can relieve muscle tension, tightness and stiffness (Salvo, 2003). “Muscles relax as massage reduces excitability in the sympathetic nervous system” (Salvo, 2003, p90). Massage also effects connective tissue because it can help to reduce excessive scar formation and applied pressure helps to release fascial adhesions by loosening and melting the fascia (Salvo, 2003).

Massage has been reported to aid sleep patterns (Tuchtan et al., 2004) and may be reported as “deeper” or “better” because of all the other changes and benefits of massage (reduced muscle tension, increased circulation and improved mood). Satiety is a feeling of emotional satisfaction which can be fulfilled with massage. Unmet emotional needs for attention, acceptance and caring can be met through massage.

The PNS is dominant during the digestion of food, “massage promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion” (Salvo, 2003, p93). Massage therapy is also a useful method to reduce local and referred pain. Massage elevates endorphin levels, reduces pain perceptions and increases circulation all leading to a reduction in pain (Tuchtan et al., 2004; Salvo, 2003). Salvo (2003) outlines a number of reasons how massage can improve a clients mood, it can improve body image, improve self esteem, decrease feelings of anger and reduce stress levels. Mood will improve with the increase of endorphin levels. By relaxing the body and mind and reducing stress levels, massage can increase mental alertness and help with concentration levels (Salvo, 2003).

Overall, massage therapy can have huge and far ranging effects as described above. Most importantly in Relaxation massage I believe is the ability to reduce stress levels, improve mood and reduce pain levels.

References

Fritz, S. (2003) Mosby’s fundamentals of therapeutic massage (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Holey, E., & Cook, E. (2003) Evidence-based therapeutic massage : a practical guide for therapists (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Salvo, S. (2003) Massage therapy: principles and practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.

Tuchtan, C., Tuchtan, V., & Stelfox, D. (2004) Foundations of massage (2nd ed.). Australia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.