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[M303]Massage Therapy Pain Relief

by Tom Sample, Tom

Practiced basically since the beginning of human existence, this form of therapy has some solid medical benefits and can in fact prove useful in the treatment of many ailments. Plus, it's known to help relieve stress, which of course has benefits for the entire body. When properly applied, massage can improve muscle tone, stress levels and help the body with healing.

The benefits of massage therapy have become so widely known that now more than chiropractors work in conjunction with licensed therapists. Rheumatologists, internists and more are recommending therapy for their patients and it's even been incorporated into physical therapy as an ideal way to loosen the body prior to more rigorous therapy sessions or to relax it afterwards.

Massage basically involves a series of stroking, pressing and kneading measures on different parts of the body. It can relieve pain, relax muscles, stimulate blood flow and even help tone the body. Some forms of therapy can even work on the soft tissues - tendons and ligaments.

The overall benefits of qualified massage therapy include relaxation, healing, tension relief, pain improvement, improved breathing, improved circulation and an improvement in stiffness.

Depending on the particular problem and what is recommended, therapy generally involves more than one visit. This is especially so for therapy designed to help in healing or to improve pain conditions. The effects of therapy are considered to be cumulative.

Massage is widely used to treat a number of conditions from muscle strains and sprains to more severe injury. It can be performed on just about any area of the body and is even beneficial for pregnant women and especially appreciated post delivery.

Finding the right massage therapist generally isn't difficult. Often times medical doctors will recommend them to their patients who are suffering the effects of muscular problems or stress. They may even be used in conjunction with an outlined plan to help a patient get on their feet after an accident or surgery.

Should you desire to locate a therapist on your own, look for a therapist that is licensed by the state in which you live. There are specialized schools to help therapists learn their trade and there are state licensing requirements. Word-of-mouth recommendations are very good, but do check background as should be done with every medical type professional.

Once a good therapist has been located, it's okay to request a consultation. This will help the patient see if the person is one they are comfortable with. It's very important for a good rapport to be developed for therapy to be successful. If the patient is stressed out during the procedure, it defeats the purpose.

Many discount massage therapy and its benefits, but considering it's a very ancient practice with some solid results on record, this is a form of pain and stress relief almost anyone should consider.

It's sensible to consider options for pain relief before labor starts, discuss what is available a few weeks in advance with your doctor and put your wishes in a birth plan. Many women like the idea of a birth with out the need for drugs, but it's good to be prepared; you can't predict how you'll react when you're in labor.

Demerol

A narcotics pain reliever given by injection. Demerol is quite strong, so you may feel sick or woozy after ward. It can also affect a baby's breathing at delivery (though this can be treated), and makes the baby drowsy and slow to respond to stimuli.

Epidural anesthetic

An epidural block prevents pain from spreading beyond the uterus by acting as a nerve block in your spine, numbing the body from the top of the abdomen down to the toes. A fine, hollow needle is inserted into the region around the spinal cord and a thin tube known as a catheter is then threaded down in side the hollow needle. The needle is removed, leaving the catheter in position. The catheter is taped firmly in place, and anesthesia is syringed down the catheter. An epidural usually takes 10-20 minutes to be set up and the anesthetic takes effect with in a few minutes. Most hospitals have 24-hour anesthesia coverage so you shouldn't have to prearrange an epidural.

Epidural

The anesthetist inserts a fine needle in to the epidural space the region around the spinal cord.

Tens

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves having electrodes taped to your back that connect to a stimulator. You give your self small, safe amounts of electrical current to stimulate the production of endorphins, or natural painkillers.

Birth pool

Many hospitals now have pools available for use during labor to help relieve the pain. Buoyancy helps reduce the pressure on the abdomen, making your contractions more efficient, and being in water enables you to move easily in to different positions. If you want to use a birthing pool, check early on in your pregnancy to make sure that one will be available for you.

Father

Make sure you can always be contacted easily. If you have a cell phone, keep it turned on. What to take to the hospital.

A change of clothes; labor wards are very hot.

Food and drink hospital cafeterias rarely open at night.

CD player and CDs.

Camera or camcorder.

Calling card or change for a payphone, plus important numbers. (Don't use a cell phone in the hospital.)

Mother

Labor can start any time from 36 weeks, so be prepared. Carry telephone numbers for your partner and your health care provider. Have your bag ready. What you need.

Your hospital notes.

A large T-shirt or short, loose night gown for labor.

You may also need a hot water bottle for backaches, bottled water and a natural sponge to suck, a water spray bottle to cool you, and a hand mirror to see your baby's head as it appears.

Socks in case you're chilly immediately after delivery.

Two front opening night gowns or pajamas, a bathrobe, and a pair of slippers.

Two packets of super sanitary pads and several pairs of cotton underpants. Some disposable underpants can also be very useful in the early days of heavy blood loss.

Properly fitted nursing bras and disposable breast pads.

Toiletries, wash cloth or sponge, and a couple of bath towels.

For your baby, you'll need stretch suits or nighties and T-shirts, diapers, and diaper changing equipment. You may also need a blanket or shawl for your baby.

Article Source : Massage Tool

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Both Tom Sample & Robert Baird are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Tom Sample has sinced written about articles on various topics from Herpes Cure, Advertising Guide and Home Improvement. #1 Resource. Tom Sample's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.

Robert Baird has sinced written about articles on various topics from Babies, Family and Pregnancy Problems. Read out . Also know about and. Robert Baird's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.