When does a head massage help?
Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, are associated with persistent spasm of the muscles of the scalp, forehead and temples due to stress and prolonged work at the computer. Head massage relaxes these muscles and improves local blood circulation, due to which pain decreases already during the session. An additional effect is an improvement in falling asleep and sleep quality, so the procedure is often prescribed for insomnia due to fatigue. The session is short, about 15–20 minutes, and goes well with a massage of the collar area.
Why massage is counted by zones
The cost and duration of the session are determined by the area of the treated surface and the number of muscle groups. Working on the collar area takes 15–20 minutes, on the back – twice as long, and a general massage of the whole body – about an hour.
This approach is also convenient clinically: the doctor prescribes an effect specifically on the problem area, and not “massage in general.” For lower back pain, there is no point in paying for arm work, and for tension headaches, the key area will be the neck and shoulder girdle.
How does massage therapy work?
Mechanical action improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage in tissues, relieves muscle spasms, reduces pain and increases mobility. For chronic back and neck pain, massage is included in standard treatment regimens along with physical therapy.
The effect is cumulative: after one session, temporary relaxation occurs, a stable result appears by the end of the course of 8–10 procedures.
Contraindications
Massage is not performed in acute inflammatory processes and high temperature, purulent skin diseases, vein thrombosis, bleeding, in the acute period of injury and in case of malignant neoplasms without the consent of the oncologist. For hypertension, pregnancy and after operations, the technique and zones are selected separately.