Massage Therapy Products

According to Massage Today, Massage Therapy has existed for centuries, and was even described in the writings of Hippocrates, a very important person in the development of medicine. Therapeutic Massage involves using the hands, elbows, feet, or the use of instruments to provide a therapeutic effect on the body.  Massage therapy is done utilizing different techniques such as effleurage, pettrissage, kneading, tapotement, trigger point release, myofascial release, and many more. 

Massage Lotions

There are many massage therapy products used in conjunction with massage therapy.  Massage may be done with or without the use of lotion and oils.  These range significantly, some are scent-free and hypoallergenic, others possess strong scents to fulfill the clients liking.  There are many different brands of lotions/oils and not all are comparable as far as workability; the two better ones on the market today are Biotone advanced therapy massage lotion and gel, and Jojoba lotion.  Analgesic creams may be incorporated such as Biofreeze and Sombra; these decrease inflammation and pain perception. 

Massage Therapy tools

Massage therapy tools like t-bars, may be used to perform muscle stripping and trigger point release to assist in breaking up fibrous adhesions within taut muscles.  There are personal self-assisted tools, such as the Thera cane.  When heating the client for warmth or the assistance in breaking up adhesions, a table warmer is particularly useful in achieving this effect.  It warms the entire body allowing blood to circulate throughout the body close to the surface, all the while decreasing muscle tension and making the tissue more mobile. 

Pillows

Other types of massage therapy products include orthopedic pillows, pregnancy pillows and bolsters, and therapeutic music.  Pregnancy massage requires the use of many pillows, specifically a body pillow, triangular foam wedges, and bolsters; all are necessary for patient comfort, stabilization, and relaxation without compression on the mother’s stomach, legs, or breasts.  Massage therapy tools are inexpensive to incorporate into any massage to ease the job of the practitioner and further relax the massage client.