PHYSIOLOGIC EFFECTS OF MASSAGE.

Mechanical stimulation of tissues by rhythmically applied pressure and stretching. 
Often used to increase flexibility and coordination, decrease pain & neuromuscular excitability, stimulate circulation and facilitate healing

• Effects of massage may be either reflexive or mechanical
• Reflexive 
• Effects sensory and motor nerves locally and some central nervous system response 
• Mechanical
• Makes mechanical or histological changes in myofascial structures through direct force applied superficially.
• Attempts to exert effects through skin and superficial connective tissues 
• Contact stimulates cutaneous receptors. 
• Reflex mechanism is believed to be an autonomic nervous system phenomenon .
• The reflex stimulus causes sedation, relieves tension, increases blood flow.
• Effects on pain.
• Modulates pain through gate control & b-endorphins
• Effects on Circulation
• Increase blood flow
• Light touch causes transient dilation of lymphatics and small capillaries
• Results in increased temperature in area
• Increased lymphatic flow
• Assists in removal of edema
• May also impact lactate clearance
• Effects on Metabolism
• Does not alter general metabolism 
• No alterations in acid-base equilibrium of blood
• No significant effects on cardiovascular system
• Assists in removal and hastens resynthesis of lactic acid 


Mechanical Effects.

• Effects on muscle.

– Mechanical stretching of intramuscular connective tissue 
– To relieve pain and discomfort associated with myofascial trigger points
– Increase blood flow to skeletal muscle 
– To retard muscle atrophy following injury
– To increase range of motion 
             Does not increase strength or muscle tone.

•  Effects on skin.
– Increase in skin temperature
– Increases sweating 
– Mechanically loosens adhesions and softens scar 
– Stretches and breaks down fibrous scar tissue 
– Breaks down adhesions between skin and subcutaneous tissue

       Psychological Effects of Massage.

• Psychological effects of massage can be as beneficial as physiologic effects 
• “Hands on” effect helps patients feel as if someone is helping them
• Lowers psycho-emotional and somatic arousal 
          Tension & anxiety.


Autor Jaime Valenzuela C.
           Quiromasajista y Osteopata






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