Massage is the manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body. Massage techniques are most commonly applied by hands, fingers, thumbs, elbows, forearms, or a machine. The main goal of massage is typically for the relief of body pain or stress. In addition, massage can improve the health of your muscles and ligaments by relaxing them. It can also reduce swelling and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
For some people massage therapy may provide the only relief from chronic or continuing pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Other problems, such as menstrual cramps, migraine headaches, and lower back pain, can be relieved by massage. Massage can help to alleviate stress by relaxing the patient. The release of tension that results from massage therapy reduces stress hormones and improves circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Many different types of massage therapy techniques exist. In general most therapists use at least two massage techniques, one for the neck and shoulders and one for the face and head. Most massage therapists also use a breathing technique, such as pursed lip, chest breathing, or diaphragmatic breathing techniques. This technique works with the therapists to relax the patient before a massage therapy session.
Massage therapy also sometimes incorporates reflexology. Reflexology utilizes the idea of the life energy known as “chi” that lies just beneath the surface of the skin. Massage therapists use touch and pressure on these points to stimulate this chi, which can help to relieve aches and pains that have been experienced or prevent future aches and pains from occurring.
There are several different types of massage therapy that can be used on the human body. There are full-body massages, back and neck massages, hand and elbows massages, shiatsu, deep tissue, sports massage, and Thai massage. All of these different types of massages focus on the different parts of the body, helping to relax and loosen tense muscles and increase range-of-motion, circulation and lymphatic drainage. Some massages may also include special exercises that focus on certain areas or specific problems that an individual is suffering from.
Massage therapists have been known to use a variety of massage services to treat athletes and those who suffer from frequent pains and injuries. One type of massage therapy that has been used to treat injuries is known as sports massage. Sports massage services improve circulation, flexibility, strength and endurance. Sports massage therapists may also use ice to reduce swelling and reduce pain associated with injuries. Sports massage services also focus on stretching the muscles in order to increase range-of-motion, muscle strength, and flexibility.
Another form of massage therapy is kneading. A kneading therapy is gentle pressure applied to muscles, joints and soft tissues to help reduce tension and relieve pain and tension. The massage therapist may also use massage oil or lotion on the affected areas of the patient. A kneading action helps to break up the collagen fibers in the soft tissues, relieving them of tension and stress. A skilled therapist will know how to knead without causing too much pain to the patient and how to gently apply the pressure.
There are many other common types of massage including shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage and kneading. These different massage techniques all have their own purposes and benefits, depending on the needs of the patient. Each of these techniques requires the expertise of a highly skilled massage therapist who has years of training and experience. When choosing a therapist, be sure to choose someone who is experienced in the techniques you are interested in. In addition, ask for a written guarantee so you can have peace of mind that your massage will be as described.
