The healing properties of massage have been known since ancient times. The Chinese were the first to invent and later describe various stroking and tapping techniques to treat bone pain, relieve fatigue and body spasms. This work was entrusted only to clergy, who subsequently opened schools of therapeutic gymnastics. In Ancient Greece, massage was considered a basic element of medicine. It was used everywhere and for any disease. Massage procedures were carried out in baths, during the process they rubbed patients with oils and medicinal ointments; later special creams appeared.
Definition of back massage cream
Massage cream is a cosmetic product that has a strong moisturizing effect and creates protection for the skin during massage. It provides ideal lubrication for the body during the procedure, making it painless and pleasant. This product provides ideal gliding of the master’s hands, thanks to which he can easily control the strength and depth of rubbing and stroking.
Unlike classic massage oils, the cream does not leave marks on the patient’s towels and clothes. Also, the latter has a denser structure, which allows it to be used economically.
Of all the advantages of massage cream, it is worth highlighting its special moisturizing properties. After application to the body, it creates a protective film on the skin that prevents moisture evaporation. This means that your body will not only become healthier after the massage procedure, but will also become significantly younger. You can learn about the features of massage masks by following the link.
The massage cream moisturizes and protects the skin.
Do not buy creams that contain nut extracts. They are the strongest allergen.
Anatomy of the spinal muscles
The muscles of the back and legs are the most powerful and largest. The spinal column experiences a huge load every day, associated not only with physical exercise, but also with the realities of everyday life. Sitting and walking already pose a lot of difficulties, so the back muscles must be well developed. If certain areas of the back cannot cope with the load, then a hernia, osteochondrosis, cracks and other unpleasant diseases may appear. All back muscles can be divided into two large groups: superficial and deep. In order to use them all during a massage, you need to carefully work out each group, for this we will highlight the main anatomical units:
- Trapezius muscle - located in the upper back, connects the scapula and cervical spine. Externally it is flat, close to a triangular shape. When the upper bundles of the muscle group contract, the scapula rises; when the lower bundles contract, it lowers. When the shoulder blade approaches the spine, all bundles of the muscle group contract. The trapezius muscles play an important role in the formation of posture.
- Latissimus Muscle – Found on most of the lower back. It is responsible for connecting the shoulder and back; the load falls on it at the moment of abduction and retraction of the arm. The latissimus muscle also plays an important role in breathing. At the moment of inhalation, the chest expands precisely due to the latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Rhomboid muscles - located immediately below the trapezius muscles and are shaped like a rhombus. When this muscle group contracts, the scapula is pulled upward towards the spinal column. Another purpose of the groups is to secure the edge of the blade in a certain position in relation to the pile of the cage.
- Back straightener. This is the longest, most powerful and strongest muscle group of the back. The erector spinae stretches from the skull to the sacrum along the entire spine. The muscle is so long that it is divided into three large sections: the longissimus, spinous, and vertebral-costal. Its main task is to form posture and implement all basic movements. Flexion, extension, and bending occur with her direct participation. Other small muscle groups are also involved, but such anatomical knowledge is enough to create a massage program at home.
- The teres major muscle is located just below the latissimus muscle. With its help, basic hand movements occur. The teres major muscle is responsible for lowering the raised arm and moving the arms forward and backward. Anyone who wants to visually expand their upper back should train the teres major muscle.
There are several dozen more groups and subgroups of muscles in the back. But the listed anatomical features are enough to understand the basic principles and techniques of massage. It's time to talk about basic techniques.
Mechanism of action
The effectiveness of a massage cream depends entirely on the composition and quality of the ingredients. Each of them has its own function:
- vitamins A, B, E nourish the skin and accelerate metabolic processes in cells; You can learn about face masks with vitamin E in this material;
- chamomile and tea tree extracts have an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect;
- menthol and hot pepper quickly warm up the body, preparing the muscles for massage, and accelerate blood circulation;
- beeswax is responsible for moisturizing the skin;
- snake venom relieves pain;
- seaweed extract accelerates blood flow; You can learn about face masks with algae in the article;
- essential oils relax.
Approximate composition of massage cream
Massage helps a person relax and relieve back and neck pain. The cream is a necessary component; it enhances the gliding and effectiveness of the procedure itself. You can learn about the effects of anti-cellulite creams here.
Don't buy creams with artificial flavors. They can cause redness and irritation of the skin.
No pain!
What drugs, ointments and creams effectively help against osteochondrosis? First of all, drug therapy for this disease is aimed at relieving unpleasant, painful sensations that exhaust the patient. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have an analgesic effect, including when used externally.
NSAIDs for external use have local analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-exudative effects for various diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including osteochondrosis. They are absorbed into the blood in small quantities, practically do not accumulate in the body and have low bioavailability, which, of course, has a beneficial effect on safety. However, in case of erosive and ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, external NSAIDs should be used with caution [4], since they all non-selectively inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, which protects the gastric mucosa, and cyclooxygenase-2, which is associated with the inflammatory process.
If the patient has osteochondrosis and peptic ulcer disease without an exacerbation, it is necessary to scrupulously follow the recommended dosage of local NSAIDs and the course of treatment, and if pain or discomfort occurs in the epigastrium, discontinue the drug and consult a doctor. During exacerbation of peptic ulcer, any NSAIDs are contraindicated.
External NSAIDs are available in a wide range of dosage forms, which allows you to choose the most “convenient” drug depending on individual preferences and tolerability. You can use ointments, creams, gels and even patches; they all help well against osteochondrosis and provide an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, regardless of the etiology of the disease. By the way, the effect of external NSAIDs can manifest itself very quickly. For example, a combination of emulsion and gel begins to work within a few minutes after rubbing in and lasts for 6–8 hours.
Diclofenac, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, nimesulide, meloxicam, piroxicam, and indomethacin are used externally.
Types: anti-cellulite for body, face, cosmetic, children
The effectiveness of massage procedures depends not only on the hands of the master, but also on the choice of cream. A special product has been developed for each type of massage.
There are the following types of massage creams:
- Cosmetic. It is used for classic relaxing massage and lymphatic drainage. The composition of the product is enriched with vitamins and nutrients that improve skin condition.
- Anti-cellulite. It has a strong warming effect. The main components of the product: menthol, pepper, cloves. The second purpose of the cream is to relieve puffiness, so the composition contains: honey, seaweed extracts and coffee. To increase skin elasticity, vitamin E and stearin are added to the product.
- Anti-inflammatory. This type of cream is often used in therapeutic massage for medical reasons. To relieve pain and quickly heal the skin, bee venom, cinquefoil and mumiyo are added to such products.
- Facial massage cream. It contains natural non-aggressive components (avocado and grape seed oils, fruit acids) that nourish and moisturize cells. After the procedure, the skin is noticeably tightened, wrinkles and peeling are removed.
Buy quality organic products. They do not contain parabens, which means they will not harm your health.
How to properly use massage cream according to application technique
To achieve the best effect from a massage, you need to choose a good cream and learn how to use it correctly. We will give you some recommendations:
- A small amount of cream is applied to the skin immediately before the massage procedure.
- Do not add cream too often during the session. It has a fairly thick and greasy consistency. The initial amount should be enough for the entire procedure.
- As for the facial massage cream, you need to select it according to your skin type. For dry skin, a product with kelp and olive extract is perfect, for oily skin - with chamomile or calendula.
- Anti-cellulite products require preheated skin. That is, before starting the procedure, take a hot shower and use scrubs to deep clean the pores. Next, apply the cream and rub it in with massage movements until complete penetration. When massaging with cups, a little cream should remain on the skin. Reddened skin with a tingling sensation is a sign that the product has worked. Find out if Vitex anti-cellulite cream is effective here.
- Anti-inflammatory massage cream is applied to problem areas of the skin, preheated with gauze compresses (bandages are moistened with hot water and applied to inflamed areas of the body). Then the product must be thoroughly and evenly rubbed into the skin.
A small amount of massage cream is enough for the entire procedure.
The cream should not be applied to inflamed or injured skin, and its use is not recommended at all stages of pregnancy.
Recipes at home
You can prepare a product for professional massage yourself. By combining different components, you can get different effects.
Anti-cellulite cream
- Baby cream – 2 tbsp. spoons;
- Mumiyo – 4 tablets;
- Juniper essential oil – 10 drops;
- Cinnamon – 5 drops;
- Orange – 11 drops.
Mix the cream and mummy tablets in a glass container. Add essential oils and mix well. Place in a dark place for half an hour so that the active ingredients are evenly distributed. Apply to clean, dry skin with massage movements.
Massage each area of the problem area for 15 minutes. Patting is very effective. In terms of effectiveness, this folk remedy exceeds most cosmetic anti-cellulite creams.
Awakening cream
Erotic massage replaces foreplay before sex. Gentle touches of hands with a certain smell act on consciousness and awaken sexual desire.
- For women: for 10 g of almond oil, 4 drops of jasmine.
- For men: for 10 g of almond oil, 3 drops of ginger.
A mixture to excite a man:
- sandalwood – 6 drops;
- cedar – 4 drops;
- ylang-ylang – 2 drops;
- patchouli – 2 drops.
Blend to increase sensitivity in women:
- jasmine – 4 drops;
- Damask rose – 4 drops;
- sandalwood – 2 drops;
- bergamot – 2 drops.
The mixture is added to a base oil, for example, almond or peach. Apply to the skin and massage.
What good ones
Massage cream is very popular in the modern market. Each of us wants to improve our health, and at the same time relax. Which product to choose among the hundreds presented on the shelves?
We have compiled for you a rating of the best massage creams based on customer reviews:
- Cream “Ballet” is the best, according to experts, means for general body massage. It improves blood flow to problem areas, relieves muscle tension, makes the skin soft and velvety.
- Muravivit massage cream contains formic acid, which has a powerful analgesic effect. The product quickly warms up the skin and is recommended for use in acute traumatic pain.
Warming cream for massage Muravivit warms up; improves blood circulation; softens the skin, protects it from dryness and loss of elasticity.
- “Multi Purpose Crème” from Bon Vital is chosen by professional massage therapists. The product consists entirely of natural ingredients: avocado and sesame oils, a complex of vitamins. Easily absorbed and does not contain aromatic additives.
- Nega cream is suitable for all types of massage. It relieves muscle pain well and also has an antiseptic effect. This product accelerates blood microcirculation, relieves itching, and moisturizes the skin. The composition of the cream includes mineral oils and vitamins.
- Cream-balm “Valentina Dikulya” treats arthritis and osteochondrosis, reduces inflammation and sprains, and eliminates muscle pain. The recipe for this product includes: sea buckthorn oil, chamomile and celandine extracts, beeswax and poison, bear bile. The drug penetrates deeply into muscle cells, warms and heals.
- Tentorium cream is excellent for treating bruises, muscle spasms and physical fatigue. The main components of the product are propolis and royal jelly.
Massage cream “Tentorium” 50 ml costs 612 rubles.
- “Dual Purpose Creme” from Biotone is a universal product that is even suitable for facial massage. It contains ivy extract, which is excellent at fighting inflammation.
- “Collagen facial massage cream” from the Polish manufacturer Farmona contains hyaluronic acid, the source of youth. Collagen cream is easy to apply, moisturizes the skin and improves its elasticity.
For massage procedures in children under 12 years of age, only regular “Children’s Cream” is suitable. Other means should not be used, they can negatively affect children's health.
Cartilage Defenders
And the last group of external agents used for osteochondrosis are chondroprotectors. It is represented by drugs with one active ingredient - chondroitin sulfate, which is available in the form of cream and gel. The instructions for use indicate that it stimulates the synthesis of the main substance of connective tissue, proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, and prevents damage to the cartilage matrix [6]. There is data indicating a slowdown in the progression of osteochondrosis, a decrease in the severity of pain and inflammation, and stimulation of the restoration of articular cartilage against the background of local chondroitin therapy. However, it should be noted that the evidence base for the effectiveness of chondroitin sulfate in pathologies of the musculoskeletal system is insufficient. Thus, a 2007 review systematizing the results of 20 clinical studies that studied the properties of chondroitin as a treatment for osteoarthritis showed that the symptomatic effect of the drug was insignificant [7]. In the USA, chondroitin is produced only as part of dietary supplements and cosmetics. Nevertheless, in the Russian Federation, chondroprotectors are very popular for dystrophic and inflammatory-dystrophic diseases of the joints, including various types of osteochondrosis.
Sources
- Ytrehus B, Carlson CS, Ekman S (July 2007). "Etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondrosis". Vet. Pathol. 44 (4): 429–48.
- Resnick D. Osteochondroses. Resnick D. Diagnosis of bone and joint disorders. 4th. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders; 2002. 4: 3686–741.
- Nikiforov A. S., Mendel O. I. Osteochondrosis of the spine: pathogenesis, neurological manifestations and modern approaches to treatment //Ukr. honey. clock-writer - 2009. T. 5. P. 6.
- Badokin V.V. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in local therapy of rheumatic diseases // Attending physician. — 2010. No. 4. P. 72–74.
- Fattori V. et al. Capsaicin: current understanding of its mechanisms and therapy of pain and other pre-clinical and clinical uses //Molecules. — 2016. T. 21. No. 7. P. 844.
- Mazieres, B; Combe, B; Phan Van, A; Tondut, J; Grynfeltt, M (January 2001). "Chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis of the knee: a prospective, double blind, placebo controlled multicenter clinical study." The Journal of rheumatology. 28 (1): 173–81. PMID 11196521. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
- Reichenbach S. et al. Meta-analysis: chondroitin for osteoarthritis of the knee or hip // Annals of internal medicine. - 2007. T. 146. No. 8. P. 580–590.
How is lumbar massage performed?
If osteochondrosis has affected the lumbar spine, you need to place the patient on his stomach and place a small cushion under the sore area. Your arms should be along your body and your head should be turned to the side. You need to try to relax as much as possible.
First, the massage therapist will warm up your lower back. He will work the massaged area with gentle rubbing movements. For the next 5 minutes, the specialist uses kneading movements that improve blood flow in the lumbar region, allowing you to stretch and warm up not only the skin, but also the muscles.
It is also necessary to treat the gluteal area near the lower back with intense circular movements. You can end the session with stroking.
