Popular Types of Massage and Their Benefits
Massage therapy is a popular and effective way to promote well-being, relieve stress and muscle tension. The type of massage you choose will depend on your needs; however, several types provide different benefits for the body. The following article will discuss some of the most popular types of massage and what they do for your body.
Sports Massage Therapy
Sports massage therapy is a way to relieve muscle tension and soothe overused muscles. It helps the body relax by breaking down any knots in your muscles. This type of massage is typically performed on athletes who are training for a specific sport. After an intense workout, it is common for the body to experience some pain or stiffness, which can be relieved through sports massage therapy. Massage therapists manipulate the muscles to decrease lactic acid production, so that muscle fatigue does not occur after working out.
The two primary benefits of sports massage therapy are decreased muscle tension and increased muscle blood flow. This helps break up any knots in your muscles, allowing for a full range of motion without pain or discomfort. It also brings more oxygen-rich blood into the muscles while removing toxins that have built up over time.
Deep Tissue Massage
The deep-tissue massage focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Massage therapists use slow strokes, firm pressure, friction, and kneading to target the deepest layers of muscle tissue. Unlike Swedish massage, which generally includes lighter fluid strokes to relax the superficial layers of the muscles and tissues, deep tissue massage uses slower, more intense pressure on the contracted areas using a specific technique.
Deep tissue massage is most commonly used to treat chronic muscular pain. It can also be helpful for people who are recovering from an injury since it improves range of motion and helps break down scar tissue that forms in the body after an injury occurs. Deep tissue massage can help decrease nerve tension (also known as radiculopathy), commonly caused by degenerative discs or joints.
This type of massage benefits includes decreased pain and stiffness, increased circulation, improved flexibility and range of motion, reduced recovery time after an injury occurs, and relief from anxiety or stress. All of these benefits do not come without some pain and discomfort. After your deep tissue massage, you may experience some soreness, but this should go away within a few days. You may not even notice it because many people become so relaxed during their massage. A deep tissue massage is excellent for physically active people, have chronic pain or injuries, experience muscle tension or spasms, or want to improve their blood circulation.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping is a massage technique that uses cups to create suction against the skin. A masseur or masseuse will place the cup on the affected area and remove it after a few minutes. This may be done with or without lotion, depending on your needs and preferences.
Cupping is an effective way for therapists to treat pain and tight muscles. It can also draw blood flow towards a specific body area, which helps provide relief from pain and discomfort. It has a history of being used as a remedy for various health problems, including asthma and strengthening the immune system.
Application of cupping massage therapy typically releases tight muscles that accumulate toxins due to stress or an injury. Cupping is beneficial for those who experience chronic pain; however, it can be done alone or in conjunction with other types of massage therapy.
Prenatal Massage Therapy
Pregnancy causes many changes in a woman’s body, including both physical and emotional tension. Prenatal massage therapy is typically performed during the second or third trimester. It can be done to help strengthen the muscles that support the uterus and reduce aches and pains that may occur as a result of carrying added weight.
The benefits of prenatal massage include relief from pregnancy-related aches and pains, decreased stress or anxiety that can cause restless sleep, distributed relaxation to the entire body to relieve muscle tension experienced during early stages of pregnancy, less cortisol present in the bloodstream, which reduces hypertension, and it is a beautiful way for mothers to bond with their unborn child.
If you are pregnant, it is essential to remember that not all massages are considered safe. It is best to speak with your regular doctor before receiving any massage therapy.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a form of soft tissue therapy that aims to treat the fascia, layers of connective tissue that cover and support every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel, and organ in your body. Myofascia can become tight or contracted, which leads to pain and limited mobility. A therapist can release fascia and help your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments move freely through a series of slow strokes and gentle pressure.
A major benefit of myofascial release is its ability to reduce pain by releasing the tension or stress that contributes to it. This massage benefits decreased muscle stiffness through lengthening muscles and increased range of motion, improved posture, reduced recovery time after an injury occurs, and better flexibility and mobility of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Masseur or masseuse uses smooth, heated stones during a hot stone massage. The stones are placed on the body to help facilitate deep relaxation and improve emotional well-being. The benefits of this type of massage include relief from muscle tension, anxiety, and stress, decreased recovery time after an injury occurs, increased circulation and flexibility throughout the entire body, all of which help recuperate and relax the muscles.
Although massage therapy benefits, please remember that they will vary depending on each individual and their needs. If you have any questions about what type of massage may benefit you the most, feel free to speak with your regular doctor.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage speeds up circulation throughout the body, helps remove toxins, and stimulates the lymphatic system. The benefits of this type of massage include increased relaxation, decreased recovery time after an injury occurs, improved flexibility and mobility of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints for those who enjoy sports or strenuous activities that cause an overload of stress to the body, decreased tension and anxiety which can reduce irritability or depression caused by stress, stimulates digestive system function which helps with the elimination of waste. If you are pregnant, Swedish massage is a safe alternative to prenatal massage therapy.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as an effective treatment for many diseases and conditions. During an aromatherapy massage, your therapist will apply essential oils to specific points on the body to help you fully reap all of its benefits. The “four” most commonly used essential oils in this type of massage are chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint extract. Some of the benefits of this type of massage include improved circulation and skin tone, decreased stress or anxiety that can cause irritability or depression, it improves digestive system function, which helps with the elimination of waste, less cortisol present in the bloodstream, which reduces hypertension; but remember, aromatherapy is not an appropriate treatment for everyone.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is a blend of acupressure and assisted yoga postures. Your therapist uses compression and gentle, slow strokes to stretch and relax your muscles. The benefits of this type of massage include increased flexibility, relief from back pain, muscle relaxation, and stress reduction. Thai massage is probably not recommended if you have high blood pressure or are pregnant because certain areas are not massaged during this type of massage therapy.
Shiatsu Massage Therapy
As the name suggests, shiatsu massage therapy is all about pressure points. Your therapist uses your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure on different parts of your body that correspond to certain organs or glands. The benefits of this type of massage include relief of muscle tension and stiffness, improved circulation, relief from pain such as headaches or cramps, and stress reduction. Shiatsu massage therapy is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. Some people may have health problems that require avoiding this type of massage, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Reflexology
Reflexology is based on the idea that there are reflex points throughout the body and that by applying pressure to specific areas of the feet or hands, you can treat certain parts of your body. The benefits of this type of massage therapy include stress relief, lower blood pressure, pain relief from arthritis and migraines, improved circulation, and a boost in the immune system. Reflexology is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, reflexology may not be a good idea because certain parts of your body are massaged that can cause health problems if they’re massaged too roughly or too hard.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger point massage focuses on a certain area of the body, and the therapist applies pressure to this area, which can help release tension and pain. Trigger point massages are not only beneficial for your muscles, but they also help with improving your range of motion and flexibility. The benefits of this type of massage include reducing muscle pain, releasing endorphins, and relaxing muscles. Trigger point therapy is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. If you suffer from a heart condition or have low blood pressure, not receiving this type of massage may be beneficial for your situation.
How often should you get a massage?
Some people may get a massage about once a month, while others will get them on a weekly basis. If you want to benefit the most from your massage therapy, it’s usually recommended that you receive one about once or twice a month. Massages are beneficial for you, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. If you overdo it and receive messages every day, then the benefits that come from receiving massages every day may be lessened because your body will get used to getting them.
The Bottom Line
Now that we covered some common types of massages and their benefits, the next time you need a pick-me-up or relief from pain, feel free to try out any one of these types of massages. Whether you choose a deep tissue massage, a sports massage, myofascial release, pregnancy massage, cupping, hot stone massage, or maybe something else altogether, know that all of these types of massages are beneficial in their way, so you can’t really go wrong here.
Massage Therapy in Grande Prairie, Alberta
Massage therapy is becoming more popular every day as people realize the benefits of regular massages. Grande Prairie Massage Pro is here to help you find the best possible massage therapist for your needs and budget. Our massage therapists have years of experience and can help with everything from chronic pain to migraines, stress relief, sports injuries, or just a good old-fashioned relaxation session!
At Grande Prairie Massage Pro, we want everyone to be able to enjoy life without pain holding them back. That’sThat’s why we offer affordable rates that won’t break the bank so that you can get all the benefits of massage therapy today! Whether it’s an hour-long deep tissue session or a 30-minute massage – our goal is always 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Come see us today!
Contact us by phone at 587-495-2239 or email yourgprmt@gmail.com and schedule your first appointment with one of our professional massage therapists!