The History of Massage Theory

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The history of massage therapy can be traced back over 4,000 years varying in several different applications and styles. The word ‘massage’ originates from the Arabic root “mass’h” which means to touch, knead or squeeze. Massage is traced back to the Ancient Chinese, Greek and Roman history and some of the greatest medical historians and physicians of antiquity have recorded their use of massage for therapeutic purposes including the enhancement of circulatory and joint movement. In the 1850s, two American physicians who had studied in Sweden introduced massage therapy becoming popular, it was encouraged for a variety of health purposes. During the 1930s and 1940s with scientific and technological advances of medical treatment, the United States lost interest, only to revive the use of massage therapy in the 1970s, particularly amongst athletes.
Massage therapy is a style of a therapeutic modality utilized by all individuals who participate in any athletic or exercise to improve performance, speed recovery, release tension, stress and prevent injury. Also assisting to clear lactic acid and other waste products reducing pain and stiffness of the muscle and joints. Methods such as effleurage, petrissage, tapotement and friction involving kneading, compression, rolling, and other movements are performed over areas of the body that are overworked and strained from repetitive and often aggressive movements. Numerous professional and college athletic programs employ massage therapists, sports massage has been sought after for many years by athletes of differing backgrounds for several reasons. Massage therapy is used not only to relax the human body, but to increase the overall health of the individual receiving it.
According to the 20...

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.... There have been plenty of documented incidents where trainers provide their athletes with pain killers, anti-inflammatory medicine, and other drugs which bring temporary pain relief. With the muscles still strained and tensed; going untreated could lead to more severe injuries occurring in the future, damage or even end an athlete’s career.
The reoccurring issue of the best therapy modality will always ascend. Various studies will continue to test which specific therapies are more effective, not all resulting in the same conclusion. Again, massage therapy is frequently practiced with athletic trainers from little league to professional football. The research and studies are inconclusive in proving that it is the best therapeutic modality. It can be determined on the physical therapist providing the service, and the athletes before and after treatment performance.

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