Massage refers to the act of rubbing body muscles to either ease tension or achieve some desired results. When carried out effectively, massage therapy can be very beneficial. Have you ever asked yourself the therapy is increasingly gaining popularity lately, yet it has been in existence for many years? It is interesting that even insurance companies are offering coverage to massage therapy sessions. There are so many benefits that you can gain from massage therapy. For instance, think of muscle relaxation! The main purpose of this treatment is to ease tension in muscles. It brings about relaxation and boosts flexibility on the affected muscles and tissues. It also increases the flow of blood to the affected muscles. The flow of blood ensures there is an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues, as a result, lessening stiffness and swellings. A combination of all these helps to eliminate pain.
In addition, a number of studies have confirmed that consistent massage sessions significantly reduces blood pressure. What is more, advanced studies have concluded that it actually lessens the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There are so many benefits that you can actually gain from massage therapy. But again, there are different types of massage treatments and the one that suits you often depends on what you personally want to achieve. Let us consider some common examples.
Different Types of Massage
To begin, we first want to ask you to talk to your doctor about your desire to try massage therapy. It will be easier for you to get linked to a certified and licensed therapist. It will also be important to talk to your therapist in advance. Share with him or her goals that you want to achieve from the treatment. It may also be important if you hire mobile therapists. This will make it easier to plan your sessions and to consider the issue of privacy in advance. We will address this in the course of the discussion. So then, what are the different types of massage therapies? We have a good number. Continue reading…
• Swedish massage Therapy. This is the most common type and it is offered in many places including gyms, clinics, and spas. During the session, the therapist applies gentle pressure than they would in other forms types of the treatment, especially deep tissue massage. It is often undertaken with a view of easing pain and muscle related problems. One recent study established that it can help lessen back pain. It involves the following five basic strokes:
a) Effleurage. This one involves long but smooth strokes
b) Petrissage. Involves kneading and rolling.
c) Friction. Involves some circular movements
d) Tapotement. Basically, percussion
e) Vibration. Involves some shaking movements.
Give it a try and you will enjoy so many benefits. If you are recovering from a form of injury, this is the right treatment for you.
• Aromatherapy Massage. As the name suggests, it involves some scented oils from plants which are included in massage oil. This is basically a type of Swedish massage. Since it involves oils extracted from different plants and flowers, there is a pleasant scent and help promote relaxation during the therapy. For instance, it has been established that Lavender and Rose significantly promote relaxation during the therapy. But there are more gains in this treatment. For instance, the soothing effects help deal with some conditions such as headaches, premenstrual symptoms, and some digestive disorders. Are you sensitive to smell? This may not be the right treatment for you.
• Deep tissue massage. This is a massage therapy meant to get deep in the muscles as well as to the connective tissues. In many cases, this type of massage targets the knots, the certain tension areas in the muscle fiber. The specific cause of the knots is still unknown, though sometimes they are attributed to the muscle overuse. A bad posture or sports can result in knots. Since the knots sore, this form of massage treatment is meant to relieve them and lessen pain. There is strong evidence that fortifies this assertion.
• Sports Massage. This is also common massage therapy and aims to promote the health of muscles and tissues in individuals who often participate in sports. It involves the manipulation of soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Generally, constant participation in sports results in excessive strain on body muscles and tissues. Targeting soft tissues are meant to deter pain and relieve the tissues, improve the performance of the muscles, and rectify muscle imbalances. Again, there is enough evidence showing sports massage significantly boost recovery from constant injuries. Also, there is evidence ascertaining that therapy enhances muscle performance. It can also be perfect for anyone who intends to enhance flexibility, lessen tension and boost their degree of motion.
• Prenatal Massage. This is specifically meant for expectant women. It lessens body aches, lower stress and relieves tension in muscles. The therapist will concentrate on the legs, hips, and back. The therapy should take a maximum of one hour. You can have this message at any period during pregnancy, though many therapists will avoid it during the first trimester because of the high chances of miscarriage. For this reason, it is very important to talk to your physician before trying this therapy. It is believed that some midwives stimulate some acupuncture points in the body to initiate labor. The point is, you will have to be careful if you are pregnant but you really need massage therapy.
• Chair massage. This is for individuals who want quick treatment. The therapist will only focus on the neck, shoulders and sometimes the back. It is also perfect for introducing individuals to massage therapy.
The Bottom Line
There are different types of massage treatment. In this discussion, we have considered six of the most common types. What do you want to attain from massage therapy? Discuss your targets with your therapy in advance. Follow the schedule that the therapist will help to draft. We hope that you will benefit more. In case you need more information, kindly let us know and we will get back to you.
