FM Task 2: The Effect of Massage Strokes

THE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE ON THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the involuntary activities in the body through stimulation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands. The ANS consists of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These two systems generally affect the same organs but causes opposite effects(Marieb, 2004).

The role of the sympathetic division is to prepare the body to cope with situations that threaten survival. It is also called the “fight-or-flight” system. The parasympathetic division, in contrast, can be called the “resting and digesting” system. Both systems work together to maintain homeostasis in the body (Marieb, 2004).

Massage can stimulate the function of either of the sympathetic or parasympathetic subdivisions, depending on the techniques and strokes applied. The massage therapist can adapt a massage to the needs of a client, by knowing the effect of different massage strokes on the nervous system.

When starting a massage, the first effect of touch, even on a fully clothed client, is involuntarily arousal of the sympathetic functions of the body. This response can be maintained by doing a fast-paced massage and compression techniques as is typically used in sports massage. This can also be used to lift depression temporarily (Fritz, 2004).

If a parasympathetic response is required, using holding techniques and breathing with the client will help to connect the practitioner to the client and to diminish the initial sympathetic response. This gives the client’s body time to integrate the sensory input. Massage strokes then need to be applied slowly, rhythmically and with pleasurable but not painful pleasure (Fritz, 2004).


THE EFFECTS OF MASSAGE STROKES

Touch and holding serves to reassure the client at the start of a massage and helps them to adjust to the sensory stimulation.

Effleurage, a gliding stroke, assists in lymphatic drainage when applied lightly It also warms up the tissues by increasing blood circulation and makes the tissues more extensible. Effleurage helps to flush metabolic waste out of the tissues after the use of other deeper strokes like pétrissage and tapotement. If applied in the direction of the muscle fibres, effleurage also helps to increase muscle length (Salvo, 2007).

According to Salvo (2007), effleurage calms the nervous system when done slowly and rhythmically, but stimulates the nervous system when done quickly. Fritz (2007) also states that slow superficial strokes are very soothing, whereas fast superficial strokes are stimulating. If a deeper stroke pressure with a slower rate of application is used, the effect is more mechanical and stimulates parasympathetic dominance.

Petrissage, a kneading stroke, is effective in releasing muscle tension. According to Fritz (2004), petrissage has the mechanical effect of softening and creating space around the muscle fibers, making the tendons more pliable. When lifted, the tendons are stretched, which creates tension in the Golgi tendon receptors. The muscle then reflexively relaxes to keep it from harm. Fritz states that petrissage is a method of ‘tricking’ the muscle into relaxation. The increased blood flow achieved with petrissage brings more oxygenated blood to the tissues, helps to rid the body of metabolic wastes and reduces local swelling, muscle soreness and stiffness.

Skin rolling is a form of pétrissage which involves lifting the skin from the underlying muscle layer. This method has a warming and softening effect on the superficial fascia, and causes reflexive stimulation of the spinal nerves. Pain relief can also be achieved by skin rolling as it causes the stimulation of pain-relieving substances like endorphins (Fritz, 2004).

Compression effectively increases blood circulation in the body. The pressure change in the capillary beds encourages fluid exchange. Compression on arteries causes back pressure to build up. On release, arterial flow is increased, bringing fresh, oxygenated blood into the area. This has a stimulating effect on muscles and tissues and is not generally used for a relaxation massage. However, when used repetitively, the muscles eventually gets fatigued and starts to relax in response (Fritz, 2004).

Fritz says that tapotement has a stimulating effect and enhances sympathetic activity. When tapotement is applied to a tendon it causes the tendon to stretch and the reflexive action is to contract. This causes the antagonist muscle to relax. When used mainly on the skin, percussion initially causes the blood vessels of the skin to contract. Heavy or prolonged light tapotement again dilates the blood vessels due to the release of histamine, is a vasodilator.

Vibration stimulates nerve activity and can be used to ‘wake up’ nerves. Muscle pain and joint pain are often confused and with vibration this perception can be changed (Fritz, 2004).


OTHER EFFECTS OF MASSAGE

One of the major effects of massage is increased blood circulation, which increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. The increase in blood supply enables the body to get rid of metabolic waste faster, and that helps to relieve muscle soreness, fatigue and spasms. Deep strokes serves to mechanically assist venous return (Salvo, 2007 ).

Salvo (2007) also states that massage improves lymph circulation and reduces oedema. It also relieves muscle tension. Massage furthermore assist in connective tissue healing by reducing keloid and excessive scar tissue formation, decreasing the formation of adhesions. Salvo states that with deep tissue massage, fibroblasts were activated. These cells form CT matrix which promotes tissue healing as it increases collagen production.

Massage helps to lower blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic). By inducing relaxation, massage also helps to alleviate insomnia. According to Salvo (p 95, 2007) patients said that massage made them feel “cared for, happy, physically relaxed, less anxious, calm, and restful and gave them a feeling of closeness with the individuals who gave massages.” Anxiety and depression also respond well to massage, as is common in patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia.

Massage stimulates digestion and relieves constipation as it induces relaxation and supports the function of the PNS (Salvo, 2007).

The increased circulatory effect of massage helps to relieve local and referred pain. Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, enkephalins and other pain-reducing neurochemicals. The general relaxation effect of massage also contributes to lower pain levels as it interrupts the pain cycle by relieving muscle spasm and increased blood circulation.

Massage increases mental alertness by its relaxation effect and helping the body to cope with stress. Academic performance was also seen to improve in massage studies (Fritz, 2004).

My personal experience with massage is that clients always commented on feeling as if they are 'floating', 'lighter' and some have called it a 'nurturing experience'. With follow-up, most commented on having a great sleep after a massage. I have found that a bonding occurs between a positive experience with a client and that they enter into a trust relationship and share their experiences readily.



CONCLUSION

The effects of massage are vast and are gaining popularity as more people are utilising it as a tool to aid health and well being. Massage therapists are privileged to know that the strokes and intensity and their intent can all contribute to create a relaxing and therapeutic experience for their clients.


REFERENCE LIST

Fritz, S. (2004) Mosby’s fundamentals of therapeutic massage (3rd Ed). St. Louis: Mosby.

Marieb, E.N. (2004) Human Anatomy & Physiology (6th ed). Pearson Benjamin Cummings: San Francisco.

Salvo, S. (2007) Massage therapy: principles and practice (3rd Ed). Saunders: Mosby.