Massage therapy has been proven to assist in mending of a large number of conditions including:
Back pain
Postoperative care
Sleep disorders
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Disc issues
Pinched nerves
Joint pain
Headaches
While many massage techniques induce relaxation with soothing and gentle kneading, deep tissue massage involves more intense muscle manipulation. Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. Additionally, this type of massage reduces stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Unlike most traditional massage that promotes whole-body relaxation, deep tissue massage is often used to target specific trouble spots after an accident or injury has left you stiff and sore, as in instances of whiplash or falls.
Deep tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments such as:
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia
Injured muscles
Limited mobility
Postural problems
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
A Typical Deep Tissue Massage
Before a deep tissue massage, a trained and certified massage therapist will discuss the client’s accident, injury or complaints of generalized stiffness, gaining an understanding of how the pain or injury is impacting the client’s daily life and what he or she is hoping to gain from the massage therapy. The massage itself will be customized to the specific needs of the client, focusing on the stiff, sore and achy areas that are of the most concern.
Deep tissue massage works by breaking down muscle adhesions that can build up after an accident or a chronic illness. By applying intense, controlled pressure and friction to an afflicted area across the grain of the muscle, deep tissue massage relaxes rigid tissue and relieves the pain associated with stiff muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Deep tissue massage may cause some discomfort, and therapists encourage their clients to keep them informed about their comfort level and pain tolerance during deep tissue therapy.
Therapists may encourage their clients to apply ice to tender spots following a deep tissue massage. Some soreness the day after a deep tissue massage can be expected, though the discomfort should pass in a day.
Though originally designed to help athletes perform at optimum levels during games, sports massage is growing in popularity as an effective treatment for sports-related injuries or limited range of motion. Sports massage focuses on a client’s trouble spots, like shoulder soreness after eighteen holes of golf, or a tender hamstring just before a big race. Sports massage therapists understand sport-related injuries, and can help minimize pain, speed recovery and help clients perform their best at their favorite activities with full range of motion.
There are four variations of sports massage and choosing the right one is based on the client’s current level of discomfort and upcoming athletic events:
Pre-event sports massage involves a vigorous and stimulating Swedish massage that targets the muscles that will be used during the upcoming event, boosting circulation and revving up energy levels with brisk massage techniques that invigorate.
Post-event sports massage is designed to help the athlete wind down after intense physical exertion, targets muscle soreness and helps to normalize body tissues and prevent muscle stiffness the next day.
Restorative sports massage is provided during training to keep an athlete at peak performance level. Muscles are kept warm and supple, enabling more intense exertion during training time and minimizing the risk of injury.
Rehabilitative sports massage is aimed at treating sports injuries and speeding recovery time. Targeted at a specific trouble spot, rehabilitative sports massage helps increase circulation and protect range of motion.
For anyone participating in regular physical activity, sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen.
Considered the perfect balance of therapy and relaxation, Swedish massage is universally popular for its gentle yet effective results and benefits. Swedish massage is the perfect “beginner’s massage,” providing gentle pressure and friction that soothe sore muscles and loosen tight joints. Among its many benefits, Swedish massage effectively eases tension, wipes out stress and promotes deep relaxation.
Swedish massage is performed on a massage table with the client undressed and draped in a sheet for comfort and privacy. Using massage oils to lubricate the skin, Swedish massage consists of massage strokes that vary from smooth gliding to kneading, stretching and tapping.
The pressure and amount of friction used during a Swedish massage can range from light to firm, depending on the preference of the client and the goals of the therapist. As with any massage procedure, the client’s comfort level is of the highest importance and clearly expressing touch and pressure preferences to the therapist can only enhance the overall experience and increase the effectiveness of the massage.
Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. This type of massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, and improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Intensely comforting and remarkably gentle, hot stone massage is a unique pampering experience that is perfect for those who prefer a lighter massage with many of the benefits of deep tissue work. With hot stone massage therapy, the heat conducted by the smooth stones used during the massage loosen and relax tense muscles, promoting deep relaxation that allows a massage therapist to manipulate the muscle intensely without causing pain or discomfort.
Hot stone massage is a variation of traditional massage techniques and engages the use of smooth stones containing basalt, which retains heat well. The smooth, rounded stones are heated in water to the ideal temperature and then placed in optimum spots on the body, such as the spinal column, and placed in the palms of the hands and between the toes. The stones are also often used as massage implements and help massage therapists deeply massage the muscles with minimal discomfort. Many hot stone massage clients enjoy the comforting warmth provided by the stones, making this type of massage very popular.
Hot stone massage offers many benefits. The warmth of the stones is welcomed by clients with cold feet, and the heat can spread warmth and also increase circulation throughout the body. Hot stone massage effectively zaps tension, relieves stress, and many report its ability to alleviate symptoms of disorders like depression, insomnia and arthritic stiffness.
Attending to the unique needs of expectant mothers is the goal of every prenatal massage. Certified prenatal massage therapists are specially trained to tailor their massage techniques to help alleviate common pregnancy complaints and to protect both mother and child during the massage.
Prenatal massage is unique in its application. During the massage, the expectant mother is carefully supported by cushions and pillows in order to provide superior comfort and protect her and the baby from strain or injury. This also helps alleviate extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques are applied.
Prenatal massage is especially gentle, and deep tissue techniques are never used as a safety precaution. In fact, many areas of the body are avoided during this massage to protect mother and child, while extra attention is given to areas of the body that are particularly affected by pregnancy, like the feet and back.
The benefits of prenatal massage are numerous. The gentle kneading massage can be supremely comforting both physically and emotionally to an expectant mother, and the psychological benefit itself can be quite therapeutic. In addition to stress and anxiety reduction, prenatal massage can help reduce expectant mothers’ common aches and annoyances, like swollen ankles lower back pain, leg cramps and headaches.
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from prenatal massage. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program.
Indulgent and soothing, relaxation massage may not provide therapeutic treatment, but the psychological benefits of the deep relaxation it provides are equally beneficial to body, mind and spirit. Intended to relax tense muscles and ease stress, relaxation massage is the perfect antidote to workweek stress and a wonderful way to unwind.
Relaxation massage is typically performed in a temperature-controlled room with a soothing ambiance, delicate lighting and relaxing music. The client lies comfortably on a massage table, undressed, but adequately draped with a large sheet. This type of massage is entirely customizable. The massage therapist will tailor the massage to the needs and preferences of the client and increase or decrease pressure accordingly. Gentle and soothing, relaxation massage involves rubbing and kneading of the upper tissue layers, inducing profound tranquility that can often lull clients to sleep.
Relaxation massage focuses on the neck muscles and shoulders, where much tension is held, as well as the muscles of the back, legs and feet for head-to-toe soothing. Fragrant oil aromatherapy is often combined with relaxation massage for a holistic and nurturing sensory experience.
Following a relaxation massage, clients should feel relaxed, pampered and recharged. In the hours following a relaxation massage, clients are encouraged to drink plenty of water to help flush toxins and to rehydrate the body.