Effects
and significance of the application of the dry-water
massage
The dry-water massage produces almost all of the beneficial
effects of heat treatment, and of both the classic and
the underwater massage. It is the almost perfect vehicle
for making certain findings accessible to the man in
the street. The raised temperature of the water generates
well being and bodily warmth, engendering general relaxation.
The dry-water massage bed can be adjusted to accommodate
individual reactions to the treatment. On the one hand
the continuously variable intensity of the jets of water
on the body and the duration of the treatment applied
to specific parts of the body mean that the application
can be calming and relaxing. Painful muscular hardening
and spasms (e.g. caused by lengthy bending, incorrect
driving position or when working at a desk) can also
be corrected. And on the other hand, the dry-water massage
can, through relief, build up muscle tone restoring
functional stability to the skeletal structure.
The light stroking massage, applied with gentle pressure
has a calming effect reducing muscle tone (muscular
tension). In contrast, stroking with increased pressure
can raise muscle tone. Its effect depends therefore
upon the intensity and upon duration of the treatment.
The jet slot applying the dry-water massage moves from
the foot end, stroking tissue and veins towards the
heart. The variable pressure makes it possible to apply
an individual massage, which corresponds in length and
intensity to the application of a manual underwater
massage.
The jet massage of the dry-water massage bed is comparable
to a forceful massage of individual muscles and body
regions. Depending upon the intensity of the treatment
tension is pressed out, down to the deeper layers. Its
effect corresponds to that of deep powerful strokes
applied with the finder or with the back of the hands
in the classic massage.
The intensity can be adjusted to individual requirements
and body build. The delicate spinal column is only massage
peripherally in order to avoid excessive excitation.
The sickle shaped jet massage of the dry-water massage
bed is comparable in its effect to that of the underwater
rotary massage. It reaches all the important muscle
groups whilst avoiding the sensitive parts of the body.
Depending upon the pressure and the duration of the
massage, all the soft body layers including the deep
muscles are reached. This form of massage is particularly
suitable for loosening muscle spasms and hardening but
also for rebuilding the muscle tension required for
correct muscle function.
Empirical tests have shown that the dry-water massage
can be used in practically every case where massage
is prescribed as a supporting measure to physiotherapy.
This type of massage is especially suitable for mental
relaxation and regeneration in cases of job-orientated,
psychological and sports stress. The gentle treatment
over large areas of the body, accompanied by relaxing
and calming heat, restricts the production of centrally
controlled increased stress hormones (e.g. adrenaline,
noradrenaline, and cortisol). Through the positive effect
on the psycho-neuro-hormonal regulation, the body is
set (by an anabolic state) to recovery, regeneration.
At the end of such a dry-water massage, one experiences
the same well being as with the underwater massage without
the need for a 20 to 30 minute rest period to stabilise
the circulation (essential following underwater massage
treatment). Instead, vessel and muscle toning are stabilised
to such an extent by the massage treatment that full
mental and physical performance potential is established.
The dry-water massage bed has also proved ideal as
a preparation for physiotherapy or for a physical course
of treatment. The effectiveness of the measures carried
out by the physiotherapist, particularly in rehabilitation
following injury, can be enhanced by dry-water massage
in the recovery period between two courses of treatment.
Source: Prof. Dr. med. Heinz
Liesen
Leader of sports medical institute of the university
Paderborn / Germany
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