Bodywork therapy is a valuable method for easing panic disorders, a serious condition affecting an increasing amount of people. They can occur repeatedly and without warning each day. While diagnosing a panic disorder is out of a massage therapists scope of practice, bodywork therapy can help to alleviate the severity of a panic attack by reducing a client's stress and tension level, helping them to relax.

Symptoms of a panic attack can be quite scary for the person experiencing them. They often include chest pains, shortness of breath and a racing heartbeat. Panic attacks typically occur without any notice, yet often pass within minutes. Because of their unpredictable nature, those who experience panic attacks fear another one will happen just as quickly.

Among the therapeutic methods of treating panic disorders are pharmaceuticals, psychotherapy, and bodywork therapy. If a panic disorder sufferer chooses prescription medications as treatment, they may experience side effects such as insomnia, chest pains, light-headedness, or an irregular heartbeat. It is imperative for a massage therapist to be aware of the medications their client is taking, in order to determine the most appropriate massage strokes to offset the possible side effects.

Bodyworkers can utilize various techniques to reduce stress and anxiety to help relax the client. A few ways to accomplish this are through specific acupressure points, slowing the rhythm of strokes, or even integrating aromatherapy into your massage sessions. There are a number of essential oils at a massage therapist's disposal known to have relaxation and healing properties.

Enlightening your client on the benefits of psychotherapy may assist them with behavioral adjustments; thereby preventing future panic attacks from occurring.

Learn how you can incorporate various techniques into a massage session to help relieve the symptoms associated with panic disorders at http://www.homestudycredits.org.

This article was prepared for HomeStudyCredits.org. Learn more about massage therapy, and massage continuing education programs.