Is massage therapy right for you?
You have a pain in your shoulder. You have heard about massage therapy and the success stories but don’t know if it is right for you.
What is massage therapy is?
Massage is defined as the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues using various techniques.
What does that even mean?
Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary or moving – tension, motion or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, joints and other connective tissues.
Now that you have an idea of what massage is, you schedule an appointment but realize there are different types of massage.
Which one should you get?
Here is a list of the different types of massage One Counseling and Wellness offers.
Swedish Massage- The most common type of massage is swedish massage. It involves long, kneading strokes with light or firm pressure, rhythmic tapping strokes on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, swedish massage can be both relaxing and energizing. It can even help after an injury.
Deep Tissue Massage- Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, people who are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes) or clients who have sustained physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage can be quite therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.
Sports Massage- Developed to help with muscle systems used for a particular sport, sports massage uses a variety of approaches to help athletes in training -- before, during or after sports events. You might use it to promote flexibility and help prevent injuries. It can also help muscle strains, aiding healing after a sports injury.
Chair Massage- Chair massage is a 15-minute massage done while you are seated, fully clothed in a portable, specially designed massage chair. This massage involves massaging your neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands. You get the regular benefits of a swedish massage but in a shorter time frame.
Pregnancy Massage- During pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited.
Hot Stone Massage- In a hot stone of massage, the therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body, such as acupressure points. The stones may be used as massage tools or be temporarily left in place. Used along with other massage techniques, hot stones can be quite soothing and relaxing as they transmit heat deep into the body.
Now knowing the different forms of massages we offer you can make the decision on which one you want to try. Whichever form you chose just remember we are here to make you feel comfortable and feel better.
Melissa Foster is a licensed massage therapist; she is part of the Wellness team at One.
