Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an alternative health modality that has become extremely popular and gained well-earned credibility in the areas of stress relief and pain management. When incorporated into a person’s lifestyle, massage therapy can aid in ameliorating specific health issues, enhance overall well-being and provide an alternative route for pain relief.

There are many types of massage a person can benefit from, depending on what the need is for the session. The following are some of the various types of massage therapy treatments:

Swedish Massage Therapy

This type of massage therapy is also known as relaxation massage. Light, soft strokes are used on superficial layers of the muscles and the purpose is not to accomplish any muscle manipulation to address problem areas, but simply to unwind. Swedish massage is a good way of getting introduced to massage if someone has never experienced a massage therapy session.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage integrates highly concentrated plant oils called essential oils. These essential oils are added to the massage oil or lotion. When you inhale the scent from these oils, the scents are considered to send messages to the limbic system. The limbic system controls emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. These messages, in turn, affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion and the immune system. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin. There are various essential oils and each are thought to have distinct healing properties.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is done with heated, smooth stones that are placed on particular points on the body. The stones warm and loosen tight muscles while balancing energy centers. Another method of hot stone therapy is for the massage therapist to hold the stones and apply gentle pressure. The warm heat from the stones is comforting and relaxing, yet loosen muscles to accomplish a therapeutic effect.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is used for addressing the deeper layers of the muscles and connective tissues. Deep tissue work is done when a person is experiencing chronic tightness in the muscles that create pain and discomfort. Slower strokes are used along with friction techniques and trigger point therapy. People often feel slightly sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage. Slight muscle soreness post-massage is not indicative of an unskillful massage, but rather that the muscles underwent a necessary “work-out” as a part of the therapy method.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses finger pressure in a localized area using a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for a few seconds to improve the flow of energy in order to assist the body to regain balance. It is relaxing with some firmness and usually no soreness is experienced after the sesson.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu and aligns the body energies using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also incorporates compressions and stretches into the session. In this type of massage, the individual experiences a session where the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is also referred to as prenatal massage. Pregnancy massage is very well received by expectant mothers for obvious reasons. Pregnancy massage is done with the person lying on their side and is positioned properly for maximum comfort during the session. Techniques are modified depending on the trimester and to accommodate the body during pregnancy.

Reflexology

Reflexology is sometimes referred to as foot massage, however it encompasses much more. The theory behind reflexology is that there are specific reflex areas on the feet and hands that correlate to specific organs, glands and other parts of the body. It is believed that applying pressure to these certain reflex points can assist in promoting health for the corresponding body part through energetic pathways. Reflexology is also extremely relaxing and helps not only the feet feel comfortable and soothed, but also the entire body.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is specifically intended for people who are involved in physical activity. However, you don't have to be a professional athlete to have a sports massage. Sports massage is also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on the prevention and treatment of injuries and enhancing athletic performance.

Back Massage

Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. Some people prefer not to have a full-body massage and would rather the therapist concentrate on the back and neck muscles only. Many people suffer from chronic back and neck pain and find a 30 minute-session on just these two areas are very effective in providing stress relief and pain management.

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na is a bodywork technique that derives from traditional Chinese medicine. The key focus of treatment is targeted on pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints. Tui Na sessions incorporate various hand techniques, and passive and active stretching to restore anatomical musculo-skeletal associations and is appropriate for both acute and chronic pain. Tui Na is very effective in alleviating pain and reestablishing joint mobility.

Massage therapy brings great rewards for the therapist and many benefits for the recipient.  With the appropriate massage techniques, the body can experience muscle relaxation, pain reduction, increased joint mobility, and an overall feeling of wellness.