Synopis

The healing effects of massage were known to the ancient Egyptians, Chinese and Romans. The word ‘masa’ is derived from the word ‘massein’ – to knead. The objective of massage is to help ease muscle strain caused by disease, surgery or exertion. Massages are also a good preventative treatment and provide physical as well as mental relaxation. Mr. Marián Markech, the head doctor of the Slovak Spa Piešťany, explains.

Why are massages so important for the human body?

Massages strengthen the muscles and improve blood circulation, which is necessary for the everyday functioning of the human body. The older you are the more important this is, because the muscles weaken and blood circulation is not as efficient. Poor blood circulation can also be the result of a sedentary lifestyle and smoking.

Massages in combination with other therapeutic treatments help to ease muscle spasms. They also have a regenerative effect, particularly for athletes and those who are physically and mentally exhausted. Generally, massage improves physical functions and contribute to healing of the musculoskeletal system diseases.

How do massages affect the musculoskeletal system?

The objective of the massage in cases of musculoskeletal diseases is to relax the muscles and to improve the blood circulation and metabolism. In some cases, it is used to strengthen the muscle corset.

How and for which diseases can massage help?

Massage is used primarily for the treatment of degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, muscle problems and some neurological diseases associated with lack of mobility. Massage is also used for rehabilitation following injuries and surgery to the musculoskeletal system. Massage can also be used in the treatment of specific urological and gynecological conditions. In such cases, clearly defined procedures are followed by the masseur, for example, when abdominal massage is used during detoxification.

How often should massages be taken?

When massage fulfills a therapeutical task, it should be used only following consultation with a doctor. If it is a question of relaxation, then both the frequency and type of massage is the personal choice of the client. However, consulting a doctor can, in some cases, highlight certain types of massage than may be harmful to an individual.

Massage should not be thought of as an ‘all-healing’ and safe type of therapy for everyone. It is not suitable for everyone, and should not be applied to all parts of the body without consultation.

Why is massage important for prevention of muculoskeletal disorders?

Massage not only has therapeutical effects but also improves the way the musculoskeletal system functions. It therefore plays an irreplaceable role in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, as well as lifestyle diseases resulting from stress, obesity, and lack of excercise.

Who can give a massage?

Massages should only be done by trained and experienced masseurs. Massage is a complicated and highly specialised treatment provided by a fully qualified masseur.

Different types of massages

•Classical Swedish masssage: The classical Swedish massage is designed mainly for people with musculoskeletal diseases and for rehabilitation and relaxation. It improves blood circulation, warms the muscles, and reduces imflamation and pain. During the massage, the blood vessels expand, blood flow increases helping to reduce any swelling or bruising, exhaustion is eliminated and muscle nuitrition improves. Massage stimulates the autonomic nervous system and the transportation of blood from superficial veins and lymphs. At the same time, it has positive effects on mental well-being and on internal organs. During massage, targeted mechanical grips are used: rubbing, kneading, brushing, vibration. The massage can take twenty-five, or fifty minutes, depending on the length of treatment selected.

•Reflex massage: Reflex massage is a form of special reflex therapy by means of nerve connection and nerve endings in the area of selected reflex arcs. It is a manual therapeutic procedure on the surface of the body in the affected areas. Irritation techniques, such as pulling, are used for the treatment of nerve endings. Reflex massage is a sensitive procedure and beside local feeling (dull pressure, friction, etc), it can cause also other reactions and feelings (raising heart, shorter breath, abdominal pain, sudden tiredeness with an acute need for sleep). There are four basic areas targeted for reflex massage: neck and head, back, thorax, and pelvis. The treatment usually lasts 20 minutes.

•Massage with warm towels : To start, the masseur puts warm towels on the body to warm it and prepare it for the massage. The classic Swedish massage is then applied using aromatic oil. This method is especially good for relaxing tense shoulders, neck and back. The massage has a calming effect, releasing muscle pain and takes fifty minutes.

•Royal four-hand massage: A full body massage with two masseurs, who use a special combination of massage techniques to assist relaxation. The massage lasts fifty minutes and can result in tingling of the muscles, as all muscles are targeted.

•Head and neck massage: Strained and stiff muscles in the head and neck can cause headaches, while stress and tiredness can lead to head and neck pain. Two or three massages that target the neck, head, eyes, temple areas and shoulders can effectively relax this type of muscle tension. Each treatment lasts twenty-five minutes.

•Hot stone massage: This relaxing massage lasts up to twenty minutes. The masseur massages the body with special hot stones and aromatic oils, a process that causes the muscles to warm up and relax.

•‘3in1’ massage: Whole body peeling, toning and reflex massage with special spa products that include mineral salts, body butter and mineral mud.

About Danubius medical and rehabilitation spa resorts in Slovakia

Danubius Hotels Group is one of Europe’s largest spa operators in Central Europe - with 28 spa hotels and a further 18 hotels throughout Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and the UK.