Many people think of a massage as pampering, or a way to relax after a stressful day. In reality, a massage can be so much more when conducted by a professional, including a potent healing therapy.
Varying massage therapy styles offer different benefits. In this guide we’ll look at some of the most popular massage therapy techniques and examine the approach and benefits of each treatment.
Swedish Massage
Most people have probably heard of Swedish massage therapy. This type of treatment involves a combination of long, kneading strokes and shorter, rhythmic taps to target the top layer of muscles. These massage strokes can also be combined joint movement depending on your needs. The overall goal of most Swedish massage treatments is to relieve muscle tension and provide relaxation. Many clients will also feel a renewed sense of energy after a Swedish massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
Another well-known form of massage therapy is deep tissue massage. This approach involves using slow, deliberate strokes to target deeper layers of muscle as well as tendons and soft tissue inside the body. The goal of deep tissue massage therapy for most clients is to gain relief from irritating and chronic areas of pain. This pain can be the result of an injury, tension, or aging.
Neuromuscular Therapy Massage
This approach to massage therapy is a more technological approach to massage that uses soft tissue manipulation to target underlying problems in various areas of the body. The most common use for neuromuscular therapy is to address muscle tension, circulation, and nerve compression to provide relief. It can also be used to relieve pain and treat problems resulting from issues with posture as well as biomechanical issues stemming from repetitive movements (e.g. sports related).
Hot Rock Massage
This type of massage might be the most popular approach for those looking to feel completely relaxed. During the process of treatment, a massage therapist will place heated rocks on the body, while massaging other areas using the rocks as extensions of their hands. In the end, clients get a soft, kneading massage while the stones transmit warmth deep into the body for a feeling of total relaxation.
Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage can relieve aches and pains associated with the mother’s body growing and changes shape. During the second and third trimester of the pregnancy, a prenatal massage will ease the stress caused by the extra weight of carrying a baby reducing cramps, spasms and headaches as well as increase circulation, which can reduce swelling and water retention.
Massage for Wellness
The benefits of Massage are no longer myth. A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine confirms massage therapy provides measurable and therapeutic benefit to the immune system. Another report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests massage therapy alleviates back pain better in the short term than traditional interventions of medicine, bed rest or exercise.
Why is massage therapy such good medicine? Because it helps move lymph, blood and oxygen to organs and tissues. In addition massage produces endorphins – a group of peptides found in the brain that produce pharmacological effects (such as pain relief).
While massage therapy cannot cure all your ailments, it has been proven to provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety, arthritis, back pain, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, muscle spasms, muscle tension nerve pain, soft tissue strains/injuries or sports injuries and even the side effects of cancer.
Book an Appointment for Good Health!
Call Bella Santé at 617.424.9930 or visit www.bellasante.com for more information and a complete menu of services.
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