Massage therapy dates back thousands of years, and it’s been proven to have some powerful benefits on the body and mind. These days, massage therapists offer more than just relaxation and stress relief — they also can treat more serious conditions like fibromyalgia, muscular dystrophy and carpal tunnel syndrome. Before you book your next massage appointment, take a look at the different types of massages below to see which will be most beneficial to you or your loved one.
Deep Tissue Massage
One way this type of massage may be used is during rehabilitation from an injury to reduce swelling and promote healing by increasing blood flow to an area while decreasing inflammation.
The pressure applied in deep tissue massages can be very intense, and if done improperly can lead to further injuries or discomfort for the patient. Deep tissue massage is usually not recommended for those who have conditions such as high blood pressure or heart problems. Deep tissue massages should only be performed by a professional therapist because it requires a great deal of skill and training to apply these types of pressures without damaging tissues.
It’s also important that people do not attempt to replicate deep tissue massage at home; doing so could lead to serious injury!
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is a combination of massage techniques that use gentle, long strokes to relax tight muscles. These strokes are applied with either the hands or the forearms. This massage is a popular choice for reducing tension and stress, easing muscle aches and pains, improving circulation, and stimulating the immune system. Swedish massages are also used as an adjunct to other types of therapy, such as pregnancy treatments. It’s important to note that a Swedish massage is not meant to be deep tissue or therapeutic in nature. Rather it’s designed to be relaxing and provide relief from common aches and pains from overuse or injury.
Sports Massage
A sports massage session typically lasts 60-90 minutes during which time the therapist will use various techniques to address your specific needs. A person who is recovering from a physical injury may need deep tissue work that focuses on the underlying tissue rather than superficial muscle, for example.
This type of therapy can be great for people who are in rehabilitation as it improves circulation and relieves pain. Another beneficial aspect is that a sports massage is often completed with gentle stretching or light exercise.
Typically, a person’s muscles are sore after they finish exercising because they have been working hard so this helps loosen them up in order to keep them strong and flexible!
Shiatsu
A gentle, but deep-tissue massage style, shiatsu is a type of Asian bodywork that is said to balance energy or chi. The therapist typically uses their thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows or knees to apply pressure across a wide range of muscles. Clients may experience an overall sense of relaxation after this treatment. A more focused approach can be applied to specific regions in need.
Hot Stone
A hot stone massage is a massage where heated stones are placed on different parts of the body. It is a deeply relaxing experience that melts away stress and knots in muscles, relieving tension all over the body. The heat from the stones is absorbed into your skin, warming you up from within. This type of massage can also help to improve circulation by releasing toxins that cause stiffness in joints and muscles. The therapist will guide you through a series of stretches to release any residual tension after your treatment. If you have an injury or chronic pain, a hot stone massage may be able to help relieve it as well.
Thai Massage
This type of massage is a mixture of many different techniques that work together to provide deep stretching and joint release. Thai massage can have many benefits for people suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis. It can also be helpful for those who are recovering from injuries or surgeries.
Here at LaVida Massage, we customize your massage for your needs. Using different combinations of massage allows your Massage Therapist to explore which modality is most beneficial for your health and wellness. Customizing your massage session allows you to discover your preferred modality. The Massage Therapists at LaVida Massage will consult with you at the beginning of your session to determine what modalities are best suited for you.