Massage used to be considered a thing for the wealthy and pampered. Thankfully, the benefits of massage have been proven, noticed, and have become part of mainstream healthcare. Massage can be found anywhere from businesses, health clubs, and even airports. If you haven’t yet discovered the benefits of massage therapy, it’s about time you did.
“Massage” can sometimes be a loosely used word, but in general, massage is the term for rubbing, pressing, or manipulating your muscles, skin, ligaments, and tendons. It ranges from a light touch to a deep use of pressure. While there are lots of different types of massage, there are four common types.
Deep tissue massage is a slow massage technique that is combined with forceful movements that target the deep muscle layers and surrounding connective tissue. This type of massage is especially helpful for damage done to muscle from injury.
Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that utilizes kneading, movements in a deep circular pattern. The use of tapping and vibration also helps to relax and energize the body.
Similar to a Swedish massage is a sports massage, though this one is geared to those that have been involved in sports. Swedish massage can help treat existing injuries and prevent new injuries from occurring.
The final common type of massage is a trigger point massage, which focuses on areas of the body where there are tight muscle fibers that form in muscles, possibly after injury, or from overuse.
While a massage can feel like a luxury, it has become a standard part of integrative medicine. It is becoming a common treatment for a large variety of medical situations and conditions. Benefits have been well documented for the effective treatment of stress, pain reduction, and easing muscle tension. There is evidence that massage may even help digestive disorders, headaches, insomnia, temporomandibular joint pain, anxiety, and soft tissue injuries.
While not common, there can be risks of massage for some. Those with bleeding disorders, or taking blood-thinners, healing wounds, deep vein thrombosis, or advanced osteoporosis, should discuss massage with their healthcare provider, to see if massage is right for them.
If you haven’t experienced a massage, you may want to know what to expect before you go. You should expect an experienced therapist to ask about your medical history, any symptoms you may be having, and what you’d like to get out of your massage. You should feel free to ask any questions about the technique, and the massage type should be explained to you.
Typically you undress to your comfort level or wear loose-fitting clothing. You often lie on a table and are offered a sheet to cover yourself. Some massages can be done in a chair, while you are fully clothed. Your therapist should check for any painful, or sensitive areas, to understand how much pressure is comfortable for you. You may be given a choice of oil or lotion, which helps reduce friction on the skin. Be sure to tell your massage therapist if you have any allergies to any particular ingredients.
The session will typically go from ten to ninety minutes, depending on the massage you selected. Regardless of the time limit, or massage type, you’ll want to make sure you are feeling calm and relaxed to reap the biggest benefit from your time. If you find too much pressure is being used, simply ask for lighter pressure. If something is uncomfortable or painful, speak up.
If you want to check out a massage and aren’t sure where to go, ask around for recommendations. Your healthcare provider can also be an excellent referral source. If you aren’t sure if a therapist is right for you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. It might make sense to ask if the therapist is licensed, registered, or certified. Ask about any particular training or experience they may have, and how many sessions they think you’ll need. Ask upfront about cost, and if the massage may be covered by your health insurance.
Massage is no longer a simple indulgence, it can be used as a powerful tool to improve your health and overall well-being. Whether you have chronic issues, or simply want to prevent injury, do a little checking around and find the massage that’s perfect for you.
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