Ackermann Institute

Massage

Tactile soft tissue stimulation

Massage, deep stroking and kneading of muscles and of the skin with its abundance of nerve receptors receiving information from the outer world and from inside the body, may reduce muscle spasm and increase mobility. Muscle tensions are reflex changes produced by the nerve receptors secondary to changes in articular and muscular function. These dysfunctional states give rise to pain. Massage with its effects on reflex changes in soft tissues is thus regarded as a reflex therapy.

Treatment for preparatory mobilization and maintenance of mobility

The term massage covers a great variety of techniques having in common that they treat tensions in muscles and connective tissues.  Tensions are in turn produced by vertebral and articular stress and strain. Dysfunctions in turn give rise to pain with subsequent tensions. It is essential to break this vicious circle by applying soft tissue techniques to the spine and the extremity joints.

Muscular nodes

The soft tissues surrounding the locomotor system must adapt to its pathologic changes. And in the tissues there are many receptors producing reflex effects.  The skin will display adhesions and tender points and painful myofascial trigger pints will be activated and painful and around them the fascia forms areas with increased resistance to stretch (restrictive barriers). . Barriers may be treated by massage, stretching, folding or shifting the skin and the underlying musculature and connective tissues.

Neuro-muscular techniques

Movement restriction around a joint may be treated by post-isometric  relaxation, specifically when there is increased tension in neighbouring trigger points. The therapist asks the patient to exert contraction of muscles in tension against the therapist´s resistance followed by relaxation until mobility increases.   In acutely painful lesions tenderness of the painful points diminishes if the correct relief position of the patient is found.  In this pain-free position  trigger points are treated whilst the patient is relaxed.

Well-being

Reports on patients treated with massage show increased feeling of wellness. Massage is suggested to alleviate pain, inflammation and hypertonicity, which in turn leads to relaxation, easiness and increase in well-being. Massage-therapy has been related to stimulated release of endogenous pain-relieving endorphins and the wellness hormone oxytocin.

Increased capacity

Massage-therapy has been reported to positively influence the ability to communicate and to concentrate as well as also to be capable of strengthening the immune system. Thus soft tissue therapy may prove to be a useful investment for your personal health care and also for your business company.