• Massage with Apparatus

  Filed under Types of massage
  Nov 29

   

  Massage with special apparatus

  Attempts to make mechanical effect (massage) on the patient’s body surface were initiated a long time ago. Many kinds of devices that can facilitate the masseur’s work were invented at the same time extracting stronger (and more versatile) effect than it is possible with manual massage. However, a very wide mechanical massage application in the practice started only when the physiological effects of vibration to the body was fully explained.

  Original construction machines were suggested, which could be used to make certain massage actions attempting scientifically validated results using appropriate methods of treatment.

  Apparatus used to greatly facilitate the application of vibration and greatly developed the possibilities of this method. Manual vibration application was also not always possible because of certain, specific, anatomical – topographical features of massaged area (such as the nasal cavity or rectum), which may not have been an obstacle when treating other medical issues, such as ADHD symptoms or depression, but for physical ailments became a concern. Massaging with apparatus, the vibration can be carried out long enough, and with the help of special tips – vibrators it massages even in places where the masseur’s hand cannot reach.

  Specific regulators which are applied to such apparatus make it possible to dose effects of vibration protecting the patient’s health and forces of the masseur. However, despite all the advantages of massaging machines, no measure can completely replace the massage that is consciously managed and carried out by the human hand that can not only determine the condition of tissues and detect the slightest counter-reactions of the body, but also to adapt to the anatomical-topographical characteristics of the human body. Given the changes that occur during the massage procedure, the masseur can modify the intensity and type of massage actions at any time at the same time working with both hands, what is in fact impossible massaging with the help of apparatus. In addition, the mechanical vibration massage only complements the therapy with hand massage, strengthens its impact, and thereby increases the physiological effect of this treatment method.
  According to the effect volume the vibration devices can be divided into two groups: local effect and general effect.

  The local effect machines usually are compact, lightweight, small size, they can provide equal vibration, without burdening the masseur’s hands, and the specific regulators can change the frequency and amplitude of movements.

  At the moment we are manufacturing various vibratory apparatus designed on the principle of electro-magnet effect and powered by AC power source. Vibrator consists of rubber, metal or ebonite. Strong vibrators are used for intensive and deep tissue massage, softer – for easy surface massage.

  In order the effect vibrator would be more as soft as possible, its head is attached to the top part of the masseur’s hand and his hand finger tips are placed on the patient’s body. Thus, the vibrant movements are transmitted through the masseur’s hand. This method is called indirect vibration. It is applied to particularly sensitive and painful areas. Using similar approach flat vibrators, covered with porous rubber layer were created.

  The shape of vibrator is different. It depends partly on the anatomical-topographical features of the massaged area and on the specifics of the impact on tissues – deep or surface. If the effects of vibration are transmitted to a greater body surface area, flat rubber or ebonite semi-circular tips are used.

  Flat vibrator with certain fur similar to a brush is used for massage of the hairy covering of the head; for face and other painful surface massage – flat, porous covered in rubber (or – rubber infundibular) tip of vibrator is used; for head, back, chest, abdomen, limb massage – spherical (or semi-circular) shape ebonite vibrator tip is used; for nerve outlet to the body surface – tiny round rubber tip is used, for throat, nasal cavity, prostate (also gynecological) massage – a special vibrator tip is used.

  With the help of these tips the vibrating stroke, rubbing or pressure may be carried out. During mechanical vibration stable irritation of painful points or nerve outlet points may be carried out. As a method of labile affect such method is used in the locations of the damaged nerve branching, in case of neuritis and neuralgia. Using electro-vibrator its handle is not pressed and is kept almost at the end. In order to avoid machine breakdown, a vibrator cannot be pressed too strong to the massaged surface.
  General effect apparatus are used for whole body affect. Most of them are stationary, large volume. They can make up to several tens of thousands of vibrations per minute. There are also simpler general effect machines whose operation depends on the patient’s leg muscle strength.

  The simplest device is the general effect vibrating chair, whose seat is mounted on a special spring. The chair starts functioning after switching on the electric engine installed under it. Vibration frequency may be regulated, so the effect of vibration effect can be very precisely dosed, providing the patient with the optimal (procedure duration and intensity) quantity.

  Hoff’s apparatus may be an example of the simplest general effect apparatus. Using this device, passive tissue shaking coincides with the active patient’s leg movements. The device structure recalls the bicycle frame, which is fixed to the floor. Saddle is connected to the joysticks and toothed selvage through a joint system. The patient seated on the saddle and, in holding the steering wheel, turns the pedals connected by chain. At the time, the saddle spreads the vibrating movements. The stronger pedals are turned, the higher the frequency of vibrations is made.

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