Wednesday, July 15, 2009

What's Your Favorite Type of Massage?

By Amy Nutt

There are many ways for a person to find comfort in this day and age, as relaxation is something that is quite important. In a bustling world of constant work schedules and deadlines to meet, there is really a need for a person to be able to take a load off. Luckily, this has become a big market in countries around the world, and many of these methods have been very successful. With all of the options available in the world of relaxation, there is really something out there for everyone to partake in. So, for a person who are really feeling stressed or burnt out on the world, please relax and take up some of the techniques that people have been using for years!

For instance, there are very few things in this world that is better than a relaxing massage. A massage is something that can really help a person relax and escape from their worries, and even luckier still, there are very many different types of massage for a person to take in.

The Swedish Massage. This is probably the most common, and popular massage in many counties of the world. In this particular form of massage, the masseuse uses long broad strokes, circular movements, as well as deep kneading to remove the knots that a person may have.

Hot Stone Massage. This increasingly popular form of massage is something that is really beneficial for relaxation purposes. It is called a hot stone massage because it involves heated stones are placed on certain parts of the body to warm the muscles and relieve the tension. The therapist may even apply pressure with the stones for deeper treatment, perfect for those with a lot of tension.

Deep Tissue Massage. As the name implies, this type of massage focuses on the deep layers of muscles and the connective tissue. This is ideal for those with muscle pains that are on-going, and is often seen as the most effective technique in the massage world.

Shiatsu. This Japanese technique is something that has become quite popular in the western world over the years. This is a specialized massage, focused on the places similar to acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for a few seconds and released to promote positive energy flow, as well as letting the body keep balance

There are many forms of massages, as many people are finding out. While some may not be good for a portion of the populous, there really is no bad massage. The massage is something that has to really be experienced to really see the benefit. People really need to relax, and the massage is genuinely the answer to many of the problems that you simply cannot answer.

In this ever bustling world, the massage can really relieve the tension, and make the world a happier place in turn. And with all of these forms available, there are really methods for even the most skeptical to find something that they can really find enjoyment in. So, the question is, what's your favorite type of massage? - 15440

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What Is The Difference Between Hydrocollators And Thermalators?

By Amy Nutt

When a person is injured due to exercise, sports, or other activity, the use of heat or cold is a common treatment employed in their physical therapy sessions. The use of heat is a non-evasive and helpful means of treatment. The use of heat therapy promotes an increased blood flow to the injured tissue. The flow of blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the injured area while decreasing muscle spasms, alleviating pain, and relaxing the muscle tissues. Heat is available in many forms such as hot and moist compresses, dry or moist heating pads, hydrotherapy, and silicate gel packs. Two popular methods used in heat treatment for injured muscle and tissue are Hydrocollators and Thermalators.

Hydrocollators

In physical therapy, a hydrocollator is a liquid heating apparatus that is used to heat and store 'hot packs.' The hot packs are used to treat physical conditions such as muscle spasms, sprains, and bruised tissue. They are often used to prepare an injured area for a deep tissue massage. A pack is heated to about 65C and then placed on the injured area. The increased blood flow helps to minimize pain and stimulate healing. The hydrocollator pack is a small pack filled with a silica gel. The pack is soaked in hot water in the hydrocollator device in order to provide extended moist heat to the tissue. The silicate gel absorbs the water and retains the heat. They are usually applied over wrapped layers of towels for a specified period of time, which is usually about 20 minutes. Decreasing the thickness of the towel reduces the heat flow and produces an intentional decrease in the temperature. The maximum temperature is obtained after about 8 minutes, followed by a reduction in temperature. Repeated application of hot packs may extend the period of temperature elevation, but does not alter the distribution of the heat.

Thermalators

Thermalators are hot therapy devices that are used to maintain a continuous heat temperature. The purpose is to provide comfortable and effective physical therapy. Proper heating of the packs allows for an extended period of application on the injury. Thermalators are used in physical therapy clinics and rehabilitation facilities. They maintain a constant water temperature which reduces the need for manually controlling the temperature of the water. Thermalators are also used to maintain massage lotions at a constant warm temperature. Professional equipment such as the thermalators ensures heat treatment items do not cool down in the middle of treatment. Water is thermostatically controlled and the device contains a snap-off thermal protector to prevent overheating.

Injury to the muscle tissues due to exercise and sports activities are a common every day occurrence. Advancements in technology have made healing quicker, more relaxing, and less painful. Heat is used in physical therapy and rehabilitation to help promote tissue healing, reduce pain, and increase a range of motion. The proper temperature is crucial to providing effective therapy. Thermalators and Hydrocollators ensure that a patient maintains comfort while undergoing treatment for their injury. - 15440

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