What is a therapeutic massage?
A therapeutic massage is a procedure for the treatment of various health complaints and diseases. Its effectiveness has been scientifically proven, which is why it belongs to the recognized remedies and is paid for by health insurance companies – provided it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Therapeutic massage belongs to the measures of physical therapy according to the catalog of remedies. Using combined massage techniques, the therapist directly stimulates the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, tendons and connective tissue along with the associated nerves, blood and lymph vessels. Indirectly, internal organs can also be influenced.
When to use therapeutic massage?
Tension in the muscles, for example in the shoulder or back area, and associated pain can be treated well with therapeutic massage. However, there are other types of complaints that respond to this form of treatment, for example:
- fluid accumulation in the tissues (lymphedema)
- Constipation (obstipation)
- @ Scarring
- Chronic pain
How is therapeutic massage applied?
The massage therapy itself is performed by physiotherapists, trained masseurs or medical bath attendants. But what kind of massages are there? Depending on the symptoms, different forms can be used.
Classic massage therapy (KMT massage)
Connective tissue massage
This type of massage targets the connective and fatty tissues located directly under the skin. The therapist works on it specifically with special massage techniques to loosen the tissue and remove any adhesions. The connective tissue massage has a reflexive effect, which means that it influences the functioning of various internal organs – depending on which part of the body it is applied to.
Lymphatic drainage
Lymphatic drainage is used to remove accumulated tissue fluid (lymphedema). The therapist stimulates the lymphatic vessels with circular movements to stimulate the removal of lymphatic fluid. Arms, legs, face or neck are usually treated, as lymphedema usually forms in these areas. After the manual treatment, the treated body part is wrapped (compression therapy) to prevent edema from forming again.
For more information on lymphatic drainage, see the article Lymphatic Drainage.
Colon massage
In order to treat or prevent chronic intestinal complaints such as constipation and flatulence, colon massage (colon: Greek for intestine) is a suitable treatment. The aim is to activate the intestinal function and thus stimulate digestion. For this purpose, certain points of the lower abdomen around the colon are stimulated with gentle pressure and stroking movements in the direction of the rectum.
Periosteal massage
It also has a reflex effect, improving the functioning of internal organs. This type of massage is used, for example, for arthritis, stomach ulcers, dizziness, migraine, kidney and gall colic, chest pain and chest tightness.
Underwater massage
Water or underwater pressure jet massage is suitable for the treatment of various complaints. The focus is on tension, adhesions and scarring in muscles and tissues. This is because the underwater massage stimulates the metabolism and promotes the removal of congested tissue fluid. In addition, this massage can have a blood pressure lowering effect.
When is therapeutic massage not suitable?
- acute injuries of the musculoskeletal system
- fresh muscle tears
- bone injuries and fractures up to the 6th week
- fresh scars
- acute thromboses
- skin inflammations like eczema
- varicose veins (varices)
- severe osteoporosis
- taking medication to inhibit blood clotting (anticoagulation)
- febrile diseases
- infectious diseases
- high-risk pregnancies
