Massage Therapy
What is Massage Therapy ?
Massage Therapy is the practice of applying structured or unstructured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints, lymphatic vessels, organs of the gastrointestinal system to achieve a beneficial theraputic response. “Massage” as opposed to “massage therapy” is normally practiced by non-licensed individuals who are not qualified to provide theraputic care and who normally practice simple “relaxation” body rub procedures. Massage therapy is performed in Estonia by professional Massage Therapists who are registered with EMMCA and licensed to practice massage therapy with the designation of Registered Massage Therapist or R.M.T. Various advanced forms of massage therapy and soft tissue techniques may also be used by other Healthcare practitioners such as Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physical Therapists. Unqalified masseurs without licensing have not met the professional educational and ethical standards set by EMMCA and may not be competent in providing theraputic care or treatment.
Massage Therapy can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to aid the process of injury healing, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physiological, mental, and mechanical benefits, it may be termed “therapeutic massage” or manipulative therapy. Massage Therapy can also be a part of lovemaking.
In professional settings, massage therapy involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. Except for modalities such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai Massage, or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is generally unclothed or partially unclothed, also referred to as disrobed. The patient may also be “draped” with towels or sheets depending upon their preference.