Types of massage for coughs in adults, its indications and contraindications

From ancient times, evidence has reached us about unusual, at first glance, ways of healing the human body with the help of vibration. Thus, the Greek healer Asklepiades recommended shaking the patient’s body in every possible way, Hippocrates applied a sounding tuning fork to the problem area, and the healers of ancient Rus' took the sick to church, where they were healed by ringing bells. Surprisingly, modern medicine confirms the effectiveness of such methods and even gives them a scientific interpretation. Some popular medical procedures today are based on the same, centuries-tested principles of the effect of small oscillatory movements on the human body. A striking example is vibration massage, often prescribed by doctors for respiratory diseases.

Indications

Massage is prescribed for coughs accompanying the following diseases:

Asthma

• ARVI;
• pneumonia;
• asthma;
• bronchitis.

The most common cough is during colds (respiratory) diseases, as a natural reaction to the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into the upper respiratory tract. It is recommended to start using massage after the appearance of exudate, when a dry cough turns into a wet (wet) one. For pneumonia and bronchitis, the procedure is used after relief of the general condition and only together with the main complex of therapy aimed at eliminating the cause. Supplementing the massage course with physiotherapeutic methods helps enhance the effect.

The procedure is indicated for both adults and children of any age (more delicate and easier effects) after the temperature has normalized. It can be done at home or in a specialized massage center. An important rule is not to combine it with the use of centrally acting antitussive drugs that suppress cough and prevent the evacuation of sputum. In case of bronchial asthma, massage therapy is aimed at preventing complications associated with the allergic nature of the underlying disease (atelectasis, pulmonary failure, prolonged attacks).

Pulmonary failure

To treat your child with massage, it is recommended to first consult a pediatrician. The specialist, taking into account the anatomical and physiological characteristics, will select the optimal method for a newborn, preschooler or teenager.

Conditions

With the right approach, bronchitis can be treated comprehensively. Medications, herbal medicine, physiotherapeutic procedures, and massage are used. Regular massage alleviates the condition of acute and chronic bronchitis. The pediatrician himself prescribes this type of auxiliary therapy to the child to help him recover faster.

Before the age of six months, the procedure is not allowed. They do not do it for influenza, hyperthermia, or hypersensitivity of the skin.

Manipulations are carried out one hour before meals. The session is carried out in a cool room, the temperature does not exceed 22 degrees. 30 minutes before the start, the child takes an expectorant, which helps to further thin out accumulated mucus, and then drink a warm drink to expel the mucus.

The effectiveness of massage for coughs

The main effect of massage when coughing is to accelerate the discharge of sputum and reduce its viscosity. Along with the acceleration of exudate release, microorganisms-pathogens and toxins, as well as dead immune cells, are removed. Massage in the chest area increases blood flow and lymph circulation, which leads to normal nutrition of tissues subject to inflammation and their regeneration. Increasing blood flow and pulmonary ventilation by affecting the muscles warms up the bronchial tissue and speeds up the detoxification process. The respiratory muscles are strengthened, which is important for babies who, with weak muscles that are not fully developed, find it difficult to cough up stagnant mucus themselves.

Removing mucus with medication

Massage for sputum removal in children is allowed from 4-5 days from the onset of the disease. Drainage procedures will be effective if the bronchial secretion has a semi-liquid consistency (this results in a wet cough). To thin mucus, expectorants are selected for children based on their age. The medicine is selected by the pediatrician, and is most often used:

• Ambroxol;
• Mukaltin;
• ACC;
• Bromhexine.

Inhalation with alkaline mineral water is good for stimulating the discharge of sputum, but the procedure is allowed for children over 2 years old.

Folk remedies include decoctions of mint, sage, eucalyptus or birch leaves.

Types of massage

Massage for coughs
Depending on the technique used and the method of influence, there are several types of massage that are used to treat coughs at home.

Drainage

Its most effective use is to accelerate the removal of exudate and improve blood circulation. An important condition is the correct position of the patient: to drain sputum from the bronchi, the chest must be raised above the head. To do this, a person lies down with his back up, and a bolster or pillow is placed under his stomach. If a massage is performed on an infant or young child, he is placed on his stomach so that the pelvis is higher than the head and the arms are extended forward. Babies aged 12 weeks or older can use a baby fitball with the baby positioned on it with their back facing up. This makes it easier to hold the desired position, and therapy turns into a game.

The massage effect begins with warming up the muscles. Alternately, strokes are made on each side of the spine with an open palm in the direction from bottom to top. Next, more active rubbing is performed with the pads of the fingers in spiral and circular movements over the entire surface of the back. The next movement is rubbing with your knuckles, pressing them against the patient’s skin and running along the back like a rake. When the skin warms up and acquires a slightly pink tint, proceed to light tapping. The edge of the palm is tapped on the back with a force that is comfortable for the patient. It is not recommended to directly affect the area of ​​the spine and kidneys. You can finish the procedure with deep strokes. After drainage massage, the patient is advised to cough for some time. To provoke a cough in your baby, just press lightly with a small spoon on the base of the tongue.

Vibrating

Vibration massage promotes better expectoration in wet coughs and is prescribed in conjunction with phlegm-thinning medications. The technique consists of vigorously tapping the back with the edge of your palm without touching the spinal column. To treat infants (children from birth to one year of age), a gentle method is performed: a hand, palm down, is placed on the child’s back, and it is tapped with the knuckles of the other hand. For infants, the manipulation is performed within a couple of minutes, for those under 3–4 years of age – for 5 minutes, for older children and adolescents the duration is increased to 15 minutes. The optimal frequency is 2-3 times a day, mainly in the first half of the day and before bedtime.

For better coughing, adults are recommended to take a steam bath (inhalation) with eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine oil before the procedure. After the massage, wrap yourself in a blanket, provided there is no elevated temperature.

Canning

Cupping massage
The use of heated cups during the massage process promotes faster recovery: tissue nutrition improves, excess fluid is removed, and muscle swelling is relieved. Rubber or glass medical jars are used, the skin is lubricated with massage oil or cream for better glide. Two heated containers are placed in the middle of the back on either side of the spine, and synchronous rotational or spiral movements are performed towards the neck. Then the banks are moved from the spine to the shoulders in opposite directions, all movements are repeated 10 times. After completing the procedure, it is recommended to wrap yourself up and sleep.

Spot

Acupressure is a direction of traditional oriental medicine, a type of reflexology, widely used for various pathological conditions due to the versatility and accessibility of the method. Physical impact on a certain area of ​​the body has a corresponding effect. During acupressure when coughing, pressure and pinching are performed on biologically active points, which are the projection of the organs of the respiratory system. Having studied the localization of active points used in reflexology, they can be lightly kneaded. It is necessary to massage the areas alternately for 2-3 minutes. You can learn the technique of acupressure self-massage for coughs at an appointment with a massage therapist or acupuncturist.

Hardware vibration therapy

Even the most skilled fingers of a massage therapist sometimes get tired, especially if you need to perform monotonous continuous movements for a long time. At this moment, special devices come to the rescue, replacing human hands and performing monotonous work. The first such device was created back in the 19th century in Sweden to treat neuralgia. Much time has passed since then, massagers have become more diverse, more sophisticated and have spread widely throughout the world. Today, every salon offers vibration therapy sessions using special devices.

Cellutec

The device was developed by the American corporation General Physiotherapy Inc. This stationary vibro-impact installation is equipped with various applicators, which allows you to use almost all known techniques, including thermal and cryomassage. The system is designed so that the applicators simultaneously affect the problem area in two directions:

• one, parallel to the body, creates vibrations, stimulating blood flow in the superficial layers of the epidermis;
• the other, like a hammer, placed perpendicularly, adds effleurage massage.

  

The created shock-vibration movements under a certain pressure affect the skin, deep tissues, muscles and even fluid in the human body, which leads to amazing results:

• cleansing of waste and toxins occurs;
• blood flow is stimulated;
• the appearance and turgor of the skin improves;
• signs of cellulite disappear;
• there is a reflex effect on internal organs;
• the pain subsides;
• muscle tone decreases;
• excess weight goes away;
• aging processes slow down;
• the psychological mood improves noticeably.

Thanks to these results, therapy using the Cellutec device has become widespread in sports clubs, spas and various health centers.

Vibramatic

This mobile massage complex, produced by the same American corporation General Physiotherapy Inc. Massagers of this type have a variety of replaceable attachments and are designed for the following types of massage:

• therapeutic, for diseases of internal organs and during the rehabilitation period;
• segmental-reflex;
• periosteal;
• sports;
• spot;
• percussion;
• lymphatic drainage;
• cryomassage.

The complex is especially effective in combating respiratory diseases. Procedures using this device, which allow for postural drainage, are prescribed to both children and the elderly. Two components enhance the vibration massage effect:

• vertical helps to soften accumulated secretions and separate them from the walls of the respiratory tract;
• horizontal helps remove it from the bronchi.

The Vibramatic massage complex control program allows you to choose between vibration and percussion (tapping) effects and alternate them in any sequence and intensity. The procedure is considered completely safe, since the patient’s condition is constantly monitored during the session.

Avim-1

This vibration device is made in the form of a pillow and is intended for the treatment of a number of genitourinary diseases in men and women. It eliminates:

• prostate problems;
• pathologies of the bladder;
• enuresis;
• chronic pelvic pain;
• vaginal dysfunction;
• vulvovaginitis;
• congestion of the pelvic veins.

The therapeutic effect of the Avim-1 device consists of a pulsating magnetic field combined with thermal effects. The massage is carried out in a sitting position, while the patient himself has the opportunity to regulate the strength of vibration and thermal radiation thanks to a convenient remote control. Vibrations are transmitted not only to the pelvic area, but also higher. As a result, venous congestion decreases, capillary blood flow increases, swelling and inflammation go away.

Ormed-relax

Externally, the device resembles a regular massage couch. But there are rollers built into it that work out every element of the spinal column. Rubbing, kneading, pressing are repeated up to 300 times per session. In addition, the rollers also vibrate, complicating the trajectory of impact on the surface of the back. As a result, the back tenses and then relaxes again, correcting the position of the vertebrae. In addition, lactic acid breaks down in overtrained muscles, their fibers become elastic and stretched, breathing is evened out, heart rate and pressure are normalized, and the nervous system calms down.

"Ormed-relax" is indicated for:

• protrusions;
• intervertebral hernias;
• scoliosis;
• osteochondrosis.

The procedure is suitable for adults and children over 6 years old.

swing machine

A very popular spinal simulator today, the action of which is based on the classic “goldfish” exercise, borrowed from Japanese health gymnastics. The device is a special support for the legs, which begins to vibrate, transmitting wave-like vibrations to the spine. As a result, the muscles of the back and abdomen are stretched, blood circulation and lymph flow improves, and the body receives more oxygen.

The procedure is very simple to perform. You only need:

• lie down on the floor or other flat and hard surface;
• place the shins on special supports provided in the swing;
• relax completely.

The sensations during the massage are very pleasant: wave-like movements are replaced by a feeling of relaxation and stretching in the muscles. But you shouldn’t force things: the first lesson on a swing machine should last no longer than 5 minutes, then you can gradually increase the procedure time to a quarter of an hour.

Hiwamat

This device affects the human body using electrostatic impulses. Moreover, not only the superficial layers are worked out, but also deep fat deposits, connective tissue and even blood vessels.

Oscillatory movements, attraction and shaking are felt by the patient when the massage therapist either brings his hands in special gloves to the body or moves them away. Indications for use of the technique are:

• muscle weakness;
• pain syndrome of various origins;
• damage to skin and tissues;
• respiratory pathologies: asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis;
• osteoporosis;
• arthritis;
• obesity, cellulite.

Interestingly, the procedure with the Khivamat system greatly helps to heal bruises, scars and scars, including post-operative ones, by stimulating the formation of new cells.

During the session, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:

1. The problem area is exposed.
2. The skin is sprinkled with talc to keep it completely dry.
3. The patient picks up a special neutralizing plate.
4. The massage therapist puts on gloves connected to a panel that generates electrical impulses.
5. Treatment of the problem area involves simply touching, stroking, rubbing and kneading the surface.
6. After the procedure, the skin is cleansed and a soothing agent is applied.

The number of sessions and their intensity is determined by the doctor based on the patient’s condition. The cost of the procedure depends on the massaged area, duration and intensity of exposure. On average, the price per session ranges from 500 to 3,500 rubles, but the high cost is more than compensated by excellent results, as evidenced by the many positive reviews left by grateful patients.

Oleg, 45 years old. After the injury, severe back pain began. I couldn’t sleep at night: it ached and twitched to the point of tears. I went to doctors, even turned to healers - nothing helped. A friend recommended taking the Ormed-relax course. I didn't really believe in all this newfangled stuff. But there was no limit to surprise when after the 5th session I suddenly felt better. The pain dulled, sleep returned, and with it a good mood. An effective procedure for unloading the back. I recommend.

Irina, 54 years old. Last fall I became very ill – I contracted an infection that developed into obstructive bronchitis. The cough simply tormented me: there was chest pain and shortness of breath. The doctor prescribed a course of Vibramatic. After only 3 procedures, a wet cough appeared and sputum began to disappear. A week later I completely forgot about my problem. Thanks to the Vibramatic complex.

Places of influence

For the acupressure procedure, the following active points are used:

• areas 1.5 centimeters below the base of the skull, on opposite sides of the spine;
• between the area of ​​the scapula and the spinal column (on the right and left sides) at the level of the heart;
• paired points on both sides between the collarbone and sternum;
• in the region of the clavicular cavity.

When massaged using the drainage or vibration method, the entire back surface of the chest is affected; if desired, these manipulations can be supplemented with acupressure. All movements must be done in the direction from bottom to top (from the lower back to the neck) to enhance the drainage effect; in children and people of asthenic physique, it is important to perform them as delicately and easily as possible.

Rules

In order for a massage to remove sputum in children to help alleviate the condition and not aggravate the course of the disease, a number of recommendations should be followed:

1. Condition assessment. Massage drainage is allowed on the 4th-5th day of illness, when health improves, the temperature subsides and a wet cough appears. You should not massage children with fever or other signs of deterioration in health.
2. Food addiction. Massage is prohibited immediately after eating (at least half an hour must pass).
3. Creating comfort. The temperature in the room should be within 25° C, then the undressed baby will not be hot or cold.
4. Increased air humidity. A necessary condition for improving sputum discharge. If the air in the room is dry, then hang wet towels or place containers of water to humidify.

It is recommended to do massage twice a day, spending 10-15 minutes per session.

The procedure should be enjoyable. If the child complains that it is uncomfortable to lie on his stomach or that movements are unpleasant and painful, then the massage should be stopped.

Contraindications

The procedure has a systemic effect, so its use is not advisable for some ailments. Contraindications to the procedure:

• active acute infectious process with severe fever;
• pulmonary tuberculosis;
• bronchiectasis;
• severe cough due to whooping cough;
• tumors in the chest area;
• pregnancy;
• postoperative period;
• exhaustion;
• injuries;
• the presence of open wounds, inflammatory elements of the skin at the site.

The decision to prescribe a massage course for a cough should be made by a doctor after eliminating all contraindications. When a cough occurs, it is important to carry out complex therapy, the key task of which is to eliminate the cause of the underlying disease. Massage is a type of symptomatic therapy, with which you can alleviate the condition only in the presence of adequate treatment, individually selected by the doctor.

Why do they do it?

Bronchitis is a serious disease and has complications. With this disease, chest massage is not allowed for children under six months of age. It should not be done in case of tracheitis, an inflammatory process in the larynx, which is accompanied by hyperthermia. If the procedure is carried out without following the rules, the condition worsens.

With inflammation of the bronchi, inhibition of the cough reflex is often observed, as a result of which sputum is difficult to separate and remove from the organs. The secretion stagnates and sinks lower into the lungs. Among the types of massage, vibration chest massage for children is popular among parents because it improves breathing in diseases of the lower respiratory system. Thanks to therapeutic procedures, bronchial spasms are eliminated, phlegm is cleared from the lungs quickly, this is a good prevention of complications.

Vibration massage improves blood microcirculation and improves the functioning of the muscular system. With its help, the protective function of the bronchi, lungs, and respiratory tract is strengthened.