Effects Of Massage On Body Systems Flashcards
1
Q
MUSCULOSKELETAL (THIS INCLUDES BOTH SKELETAL AND MUSCULAR) SYSTEM (10)
A
- helps to enhance circulation to and from muscles. This will increase nutrient supply and reduce accumulation of waste products.
- helps to improve blood supply to joints, which promotes lubrication for joints.
- improves circulation, which can help bone to heal.
- will stretch and realign scar tissue.
- will help to reduce adhesions (knots) in the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
- can maintain and improve range of motion in joints.
- can help to address compensatory changes from injury situations by re-balancing the body’s muscle groups.
- helps to eliminate trigger points (hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle).
- helps in the recovery from peripheral nerve lesions by encouraging blood flow to denervated tissue areas.
- promotes decreased muscle tension by generating overall relaxation and a sense of well-being.
2
Q
CIRCULATORY / LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (7)
A
- mechanically increases blood through the veins and lymphatic flow which helps clear metabolic wastes and by-products from tissue damage and inflammation.
- increased blood flow through the arteries increases the efficiency of oxygen and nutrient delivery to the body’s tissue cells.
- decreases muscle tension, which allows the lymph system to flow more effectively and efficiently. (Muscle tension impairs lymphatic efficiency.)
- helps to release restrictions on the circulatory flow. Restrictions include fascial tension, muscle spasms, and restrictive scarring.
- reduces edema and bruising.
- reduces congestion and helps normalize circulation in various injury / disease states.
- induces the parasympathetic response which causes slowing and strengthening of the heart beat.
3
Q
FASCIAL SYSTEM (3)
A
- The modalities especially geared toward breaking up or releasing fascia produce the most positive effect for the fascial system. These include myo-fascial release, connective tissue work, and other fascia-release methods.
- These modalities act to break down adhesions between other body tissues. In turn, this will free up the muscles and allows them to move easier and more effectively.
- Benefits may include improved posture, improved flexibility, reduced muscle tension, and better blood and lymph flow through the body. Most of the benefits listed in the muscloskeletal section are also applicable to positive effects on the fascial system.
4
Q
NERVOUS SYSTEM (4)
A
- The relaxation response from massage helps to reduce strain on the nervous system. This response can include decreased heart rate and a decrease in nerve firing.
- can help reduce pain by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.
- reduces fascial and muscular tension and reduction of joint stiffness which can release impingement of peripheral nerves.
- can help reduce the amount of time a body spends in “sympathetic overdrive”; in other words too much constant stress and being in the fight or flight mode.
5
Q
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM (3)
A
- By stimulating general circulation, massage helps to improve the transport of hormones throughout the body.
- can normalize endocrine activity because it balances the autonomic nervous system.
- can stimulate the pituitary gland which can release endorphins and decrease pain.
6
Q
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (6)
A
- Relaxes diaphragm tension which encourages deeper breathing. Deeper breathing will promote more efficient gaseous exchange in the alveoli / capillary beds.
- When massage and bodywork are performed adjacent to the thoracic spine, the nerve feed to the lungs and related tissue is improved.
- will reduce tension in the muscles that support breathing. This will reduce hypertonicity and trigger points in the intercostal muscles (between the ribs), the pectoralis muscles and serratus ventralis. Relaxation of the back muscles will also help to increase rib cage mobility.
- help to increase metabolism in the lungs.
- stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which will produce deeper and more efficient breathing. This can decrease symptoms of respiratory disease such as COPD or heaves.
- will increase fluid discharge from the lungs.
7
Q
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM (4)
A
- help to relax and dilate blood vessels.
- help to improve blood circulation.
- help to reduce ischemia (decreased blood flow to part of the body - primarily to the intestines).
- induce the parasympathetic system which will decrease blood pressure, reduce heart rate and strengthen the heart beat.
8
Q
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM (5)
A
- help in the reflex stimulation of peristalsis (the series of muscle contractions that occur in the digestive tract).
- stimulate the parasympathetic state, which stimulates digestive tract activity (Rest and Digest).
- decreases muscle tension related to the lower thoracic and lumbar spine which helps to facilitate nerve feed to the various digestive organs.
- promotes evacuation of the colon.
- can help to relieve intestinal gas and colic. (*serious colic symptoms should always include care by a veterinarian).
9
Q
URINARY SYSTEM (3)
A
- promote the excretion of metabolic wastes by increasing circulation.
- help to reduce water retention in the body by moving fluid back toward the kidneys for filtration.
- increase urine output because this excess fluid moving through the kidneys ends up in the bladder for elimination. (A horse will quite often need to urinate during or just after a bodywork session.)
10
Q
INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM (9)
A
- provide overall stimulation and health of the skin.
- stimulate sebaceous glands, which produce sweat.
- improve skin condition, texture and tone.
- stimulate sensory receptors.
- enhance tissue repair.
- enhance healthy scar (keloid) formation.
- soothe and sedates the body through the power of touch.
- open the skin’s pores assisting with waste elimination.
- can increase the temperature of the skin.
11
Q
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (6)
A
- Massage over the abdomen and around the reproductive organs can improve the health of reproductive organs by relaxing the pelvic muscles.
- can help to relieve tension and cramping due to a mare being “in heat” or in their menstrual cycle.
- can help to ease the pain for a mare during labor.
- can help to ease the tired muscles used for breeding in a stallion.
- Certain Acupoints from Traditional Chinese Medicine that are used in bodywork can help to strengthen the reproductive system.
- can ease tension around the reproductive organs, allowing them to function better.
12
Q
LYMPHATIC SYSTEM (3)
A
- Promote lymph circulation
- Increase lymphocyte count
- Increase the number and function of natural killer cells
