Benefits of Massage

Massage therapy has been used since ancient times as a means of easing sore muscles, healing injuries, and restoring the spirit. There are a variety of different massage techniques that a therapist can employ, depending on whether the massage is needed for a particular condition, or just intended for relaxation. Each technique has its own specific benefits. You’ll want to consider the reason for the massage, and find out what type of style the therapist uses before you actually book a massage.

Swedish Massage

This is the most commonly practiced type of massage. It combines long, soft strokes that knead your muscles with light, rhythmic strokes or tapping and joint movement. The massage will typically begin with effleurage, which is a gliding stroke that relaxes the soft tissue. This is followed by petrissage, which is a kneading or squeezing of the muscles. Then you’ll receive friction massage, which is deep movement that increases the flow of blood to the area. Finally, there’s tapotement, which is tapping done with the edge of the hand or the fingers.

Swedish massage is done to relax and energize you. It can also be beneficial in aiding recovery following an injury.

Deep Tissue Massage

If you’re troubled by aching joints or tired muscles, you’ll benefit from this type of massage. The therapist will use slow strokes that apply pressure to the tendons, muscles, and deep tissues.

If you suffer from chronic pain, nerve compression or poor circulation, you’ll benefit from deep tissue massage. Although it’s somewhat more vigorous than Swedish massage, it can still be very relaxing.

Neuromuscular Therapy Massage

This is a means of manipulating the soft tissues. It’s similar to deep tissue massage in that it focuses on pain relief and flexibility. It’s medically recommended, and very good for people who are recovering from injuries caused by repetitive movements.

Sports Massage

This type of massage is specifically geared for athletes. It’s done before and after training, and sometimes even during breaks at sporting events. The focus is on helping with muscle strains, aiding flexibility, and facilitating healing following sports injuries.

Chair Massage

With this type of massage, the therapist often comes to you. Companies that offer massage therapy often have the therapist come to the place of business, bringing a special chair. You’ll have your shoulders, neck, arms, back and hands massaged while you sit, fully clothed, in the chair. This type of massage usually lasts for 15-20 minutes.

Thai Massage

With Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her body to manipulate yours into different positions. This method combines joint mobilization and muscle compression with the ancient art of acupressure.

Shiatsu Massage

This is another oriental massage technique involving acupressure. Shiatsu is a Japanese term meaning “finger pressure.” The therapist exerts rhythmic pressure on precise body points known as “acupressure points.” It is believed that this type of massage relieves blockages of the chi, which is the body’s flow of vital energy.

Pregnancy Massage

The body of a pregnant woman goes through a lot of changes, and when medical options aren’t effective in easing joint pain, muscle cramps, swelling in the legs, and other stresses, massage can be helpful. The massage therapist will use special pillows that allow a woman to maintain a comfortable position while being massaged.

Reflexology

It is believed by reflexologists that certain points on the feet correspond to various body parts. By massaging the appropriate zone on the foot, healing is delivered to the body part being targeted.

Hot Stone Massage

Warm stones are often employed along with various massage techniques. They may be used as actual massage tools, or left on various acupressure points while other areas are massaged.

Health Benefits

Any of these massage techniques can be very relaxing, and can also provide health benefits. Massage therapy is well known for its effectiveness in easing back pain, and it can also work to relieve the following conditions:

• Headaches: Massage therapy can reduce the frequency of migraines and stress headaches.
• Anxiety: Massage therapy can reduce the levels of cortisol, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is released in times of stress. It stimulates the “fight or flight” response that helps us react quickly to perceived dangers. When a person feels constantly stressed, however, too much cortisol is released, and that can be harmful to muscles and tissues. Massage therapy can reduce cortisol production by almost half, and can also increase the levels of helpful neurotransmitters that relieve depression.
• Cancer Symptoms: When used in conjunction with traditional medicine, massage therapy can ease the side effects of cancer treatment. It’s proven to be effective in reducing nausea, fatigue, swelling, pain and depression. It’s also believed to give a boost to the body’s natural immune functions.
• Osteoarthritis: A massage a couple of times a week can help with stiffness and pain.

Clearly, massage therapy can be very beneficial to your physical and mental health. With the various types of massage available, there’s sure to be a technique that will work for you.

You’ll feel much better after a therapeutic massage, so connect with Fidel today to book your appointment.

 

Sources:

http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits