Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of massage therapy is that it’s noninvasive and fairly easily tolerated by the client. “Second,” says Jurch, “is that other forms of treatment may not address all of the necessary areas.” Meaning, again, that some of your clients may be feeling pain in one area whose source is actually in another. “A massage therapist can understand the relationship between each of the muscles that have an impact on a joint,” explains Donnelly. “Knowing which muscle needs to be released first in order for subsequent muscles to be effectively treated is immensely helpful.” That a massage therapist is focused on muscles, tendons and insertion points is also helpful, according to Donnelly. “A massage therapist can use the referral patterns of the trigger points to follow the point of pain described by the client back to the originating muscle, locate the trigger point in that muscle and apply direct pressure to release the spasms,” she explains. Typically, massage therapists use a type of compression—sometimes referred to as digital pressure—to help relieve trigger points. “The goal of treating trigger points is to remove the spasm and return the sarcomere to its original length,” Jurch explains. “Digital pressure works by applying pressure to a ‘knot’ for anywhere from 30 seconds to 90 seconds, until a change in the tissue is felt.” However, both Donnelly and Jurch agree that while doing this work, clearly communicating with your clients is imperative, as they may experience some pain and you need to be able to adjust pressure when necessary. “Unlike a relaxing massage, trigger point therapy can be uncomfortable to receive, especially while applying the direct pressure on the trigger point,” Donnelly says. “I always explain to clients that it’s very important for them to tell me immediately if the pain is not tolerable to I can adjust my pressure.” Jurch shoots for a seven out of 10 on a client’s pain scale, cautioning that massage therapists don’t want to be too aggressive with this work and cause irritation to the tissue. “Once the therapist feels the tissue change,” he says, “they should remove the pressure and perform some general massage strokes to the area.” So, while you are used to checking in with clients during a massage therapy session, doing so more frequently may be necessary when doing trigger point work. “What may be just fine in one area might be intolerable in another,” Donnelly explains. “I ask my clients over and over ‘Is this pressure OK?’ Sometimes we laugh because I ask so often, but they definitely get the point that it’s vital for me to know how they are doing during the entire massage therapy session.” Clients who are in chronic pain, no matter what the cause, are looking for one thing: relief. More and more, massage therapy is proving helpful. For your clients who look to you for help managing chronic pain, understanding—and being able to treat—trigger points can sometimes make all the difference.

1. MASSAGE THERAPY
BY DR SHIVAM MISHRA

2. • massage therapy involves using different pressures, movements and techniques to manipulate
muscles and other soft tissues in the body.
• With a goal of slowing down your nervous system, massage therapy can be used to release stress
and tension, provide relief from symptoms, heal injuries and support wellness.

3. TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY
SWEDISH MASSAGE
• A Swedish massage is a classic go-to for major relaxation. Swedish massage is typically a full-body
massage that uses a gentle touch.
• It’s a good pick for people new to massages.
• “It can help calm your nervous system.
• Swedish massage is also a good avenue for encouraging a relaxed emotional state of mind which
can directly impact your muscles,” says Bodner.
•

4. SWEDISH MASSAGE
• The massage therapist will use a combination of:
• kneading
• long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart
• deep circular motions
• vibration and tapping
• passive joint movement techniques
• Usually, a Swedish massage will last 60 to 90 minutes.

5. DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
• Your muscles can get tight from repeated use — even from something less active like sitting, driving or hunching over your laptop.
• “Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness,” Bodner says.
• It’s good for people with injuries, general muscle tightness and chronic muscle pain.
• It’s a good option if you have muscle problems, such as:
• soreness
• injury
• imbalance
• tightness
• chronic muscle pain

8. SPORTS MASSAGE
• Sports massages are similar to deep-tissue massages, but they zero in on the muscles that take a
beating when you play sports or do another repetitive physical activity.
• “Athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person,” Bodner says.
• “A massage therapist with experience in sports massage can get in there to break up muscle
tightness and address sports injuries.”

9. REFLEXOLOGY
• Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands, and ears. It’s best for people who are looking
to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option for those who aren’t comfortable being touched on the entire body.
• Reflexology may be especially beneficial for:
• relaxation
• reduced pain
• reduced fatigue
• improved sleep
• reduced anxiety
• improved mood

10. PRENATAL MASSAGE
• Prenatal massage can be a safe way for women to get a massage during pregnancy. It can help reduce pregnancy body aches,
reduce stress, and ease muscle tension.
• However, many facilities, especially in the United States, do not offer massages to women in their first trimester due to the risk
of miscarriage during this time. If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving a massage.
• Prenatal massage uses mild pressure similar to Swedish massage. The therapist will focus on areas such as your lower back,
hips, and legs. You can be fully or partially undressed, depending on your comfort level.
• During the massage, you’ll either lie on your side or on a specially designed table with a cutout for your belly. If you’ve had pain
in your calves or other parts of your leg, see a doctor before you have a massage.
• The massage will usually last 45 to 60 minutes.

11. CRANIAL SACRAL THERAPY
• craniosacral massage is a type of bodywork that helps release compression in the bones of the head,
low back, and spine.
• The idea behind cranial sacral therapy is that gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull, spine, and
pelvis, can help the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system. It can also produce deeply
relaxing results.
• Some conditions that may benefit from cranial sacral therapy include:
• migraine
• headaches
• constipation

12. HOT STONE MASSAGE
• A hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax.
• This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their
hands.
• Hot stone massage may help:
• ease muscle tension
• improve blood flow
• alleviate pain
• promote relaxation
• relieve stress
• During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas of the whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage
different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques with gentle pressure. Sometimes, cold stones are also used.
• You don’t wear clothes for a hot stone massage unless you’d prefer to wear your underwear. You’ll be covered with a sheet.
• Usually, the massage is 90 minutes long.
•

13. TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE
• A knot in your neck or a tight spot in your back is known as a trigger point.
• “A trigger point is a tiny muscle spasm or tight spot in the tissue,” Bodner explains.
• In a trigger-point massage, the massage therapist uses focused and direct pressure to target those
spots.
• This increases blood flow to the areas, helping them release.
• This type of massage can also be helpful for people with chronic pain.

14. MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
• The fascia is a web of connective tissue under the skin.
• “It supports the muscles and allows us to move freely,” Bodner explains.
• When you get a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and
fascia to work out tension and tightness. “It’s a form of deep stretching often used together with other
therapeutic massage techniques,” she says.
• “It’s great for opening up tightness in your neck, shoulders and your upper and lower back.”
•

15. LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
• Lymphatic fluid has several important functions, including maintaining fluid levels and removing waste
products from the body.
• Lymphatic massage uses a gentle touch to help lymphatic fluid flow more freely through the body.
• “Lymphatic massage is great for people with inflammation — including people with illnesses like arthritis,
as well as people who have had mastectomies, which often involve removing the lymph nodes,” Bodner
says.
•

16. PRENATAL MASSAGE
• Prenatal massages are great for helping moms-to-be relax and can help address the aches and
pains of growing a baby.
• “Prenatal massages are wonderful for taking pressure off the hips and can help with swelling in the
feet and legs,” Bodner says.
• “And when mom is relaxed and feeling well, the baby benefits, too.”

17. HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
• Massage therapy may be beneficial for anyone but has been noted to help those who have various
conditions like cancer, heart disease, stomach problems and fibromyalgia.
• You should make sure you talk to your therapist about any medical issues prior to your first session.
Here are some of the benefits of massage therapy.

18. REDUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY
• That feeling of calm after a massage can aid in reducing stress and anxiety, a study found.
• Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight”
response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that focuses on routine and
day-to-day operations that lead to relaxation and rest.
• A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which can decrease feelings of
anxiety.

19. • Improves sleep
• Getting a massage can decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine,
neurotransmitters are known to stabilize your mood.
• Studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial for those who have insomnia related to menopause and congestive
heart failure.

20. • Lessens pain and muscle tension
• A variety of studies have looked into how massage may help lessen pain like acute back pain, neck pain, headaches and knee
pain.
• The results show that relief may be short-term, rather than long-term and in some cases receiving a 60-minute massage multiple
times per week had better results than fewer or shorter massages.
• Improves immune function
• Can a massage boost your immune system? A study suggests that regular massages increase your body’s level of white blood
cells, which work to combat viruses.

21. • Relieves constipation
• A study shows that for those dealing with constipation after surgery, an abdominal massage may help with bowel movements.
• Lessons fibromyalgia symptoms
• From sleep, memory and mood, studies have shown that using massage over the course of five weeks may improve symptoms
of fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that causes muscle and joint pain and fatigue.
• Relieves cancer pain
• For people undergoing cancer treatments, the physical and emotional toll is great. Many have turned to massage to help lessen
cancer pain, increase relaxation and improve quality of life.
• There have been a variety of studies, some that say massage therapy doesn’t improve cancer pain and others that show a
positive impact.

22. WHO SHOULD TRY MASSAGE THERAPY?
• Many of us can benefit from a massage — it’s a great way to improve wellness, help with pain and more.
• If you have a medical condition, you should check with your doctor and have a conversation with your massage therapist.
• For those who are pregnant, a prenatal massage can help alleviate pain and swelling.
• “There are so many good reasons to see a massage therapist,” Bodner says.
• Not sure what type of massage is right for you? You don’t have to zero in on the perfect massage before booking an appointment. In
fact, massage therapists often mix and match techniques to address your unique concerns.
• “The different types of massage aren’t exclusive from one another,” Bodner says.
• “A massage therapist uses a combination of techniques to help you relax, get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.”

24. SWEET ALMOND OIL
• Sweet almond is one of the most popular massage oils, and most masseuses will carry
a bottle or two of this pale yellow oil with them. It has a pleasantly mild scent and a nice
texture for smooth gliding massage motions. It’s also a light oil that won’t require
frequent application.
• Also, non-allergenic, sweet almond oil is a great all-purpose choice of massage oil, in
terms of both benefits and price. It’s rich in minerals and vitamins like vitamin E,
monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, potassium, and zinc. Skin loves this nutritiously
beneficial hypoallergenic oil! It’s also a great base ingredient if you’re looking to add a
few drops of essential oils.

25. COCONUT OIL
• You can choose to buy coconut oil in its pure or fractionated forms.
• It’s made this way by removing the long-chain triglycerides. Regular coconut oil
also works, you just need to warm it up in your hands a little bit first.
• Many masseuses love coconut oil as it doesn’t stain sheets or towels like some
other oils. It has a delicious fragrance and is also easily absorbed on the skin for
a supple, freshly moisturised feeling.
• It’s a great choice for people with skin conditions like acne or sunburn as it won’t
clog pores.

26. • GRAPESEED OIL
• JOJOBA OIL
• AVOCADO OIL
• Olive Oil
• Mustard Oil
• Aroma Oil
• Pain Killer Oil
• Coolants and Hot Oil

27. POINTS OF BODY
• Chronic pain is but one of several reasons you might find clients coming to you for massage therapy. Still,
as more and more health professionals start valuing the role massage therapy can play in helping people
deal with conditions that have pain as a major symptom, you might find an uptick in the number of
clients looking to you for some relief.
• And knowing ways you can help is going to be key.
• Trigger points can be implicated in a wide range of common conditions that involve chronic pain,
including sciatica, plantar fasciitis, low back pain, trigger finger and frozen shoulder, to name a few.
By learning what trigger points are and the benefits massage therapy can provide, you’re giving yourself
one more tool to use with clients who come to you in pain.
•

32. Thanks