Common Massage Types
Relaxation massage uses gentle massage techniques (Swedish) that are used to decrease activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Some of the benefits include a decrease in stress, anxiety, improved lymph drainage, improvement of blood circulation, decreased blood pressure, decreased muscle soreness and improved digestion.
It is common for patients to fall asleep during this treatment which is a great way for the body to completely relax and for you to unwind.
It is common for patients to fall asleep during this treatment which is a great way for the body to completely relax and for you to unwind.
Deep tissue massage is typically used for those experiencing chronic muscle tension. It is similar to Swedish massage but performed in deeper layers of the tissue. For some people, this therapy can be uncomfortable during the treatment but the results are highly effective. This method of massage helps to realign tight muscle fibers and connective tissues to decrease muscle tension, decrease pain and increase range of motion.
Sports massage is used for athletes looking to improve performance, recover from an injury or improve muscular imbalances. This form of massage therapy tends to be deeper in nature and can be used for rehab or preventative purposes. Also incorporated in sports massage is PNF, which stands for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. This is known as one of the most effective forms of muscle stretching. PNF is performed passively by a trainer or therapist to increase range of motion of a specific muscle group or joint. Joint mobilization is also performed to increase joint mobility.
Sports massage is used for athletes looking to improve performance, recover from an injury or improve muscular imbalances. This form of massage therapy tends to be deeper in nature and can be used for rehab or preventative purposes. Also incorporated in sports massage is PNF, which stands for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation. This is known as one of the most effective forms of muscle stretching. PNF is performed passively by a trainer or therapist to increase range of motion of a specific muscle group or joint. Joint mobilization is also performed to increase joint mobility.
Cupping originated in ancient Chinese medicine with use of glass or silicone cups that create a suction of the fascia inward. This brings blood flow to a specific area to aid the healing process, relieve muscle tension and reduce inflammation. It is not intended to be a painful treatment, but can sometimes be uncomfortable especially when working with tight and tender muscles. You may feel pinching or burning sensation before release and palpable change.
Cupping can leave circular “bruise like” marks on the skin that may last a few days to a couple weeks. However, unlike a bruise, these cupping marks are due to a release of unwanted toxins from the tissue not from tissue injury.
Cupping can leave circular “bruise like” marks on the skin that may last a few days to a couple weeks. However, unlike a bruise, these cupping marks are due to a release of unwanted toxins from the tissue not from tissue injury.
Prenatal massage helps by stimulating the soft tissues of the body to reduce the fluids that cause swollen joints. This practice helps remove the tissue waste to reduce muscle aches and joint pain. Predominantly uses the Swedish massage technique, which focuses on long, sweeping strokes with only minimal pressure applied to the body. Deep tissue pressure, which is common in other therapeutic massages, will only be used in the neck and upper back as it could be potentially harmful if used in other areas of the body during treatment. Stretching is not used due to the hormones creating ligaments to already be more lax than usual.
Massage can soothe your baby and help them to sleep. Massage has many added benefits for your baby, including improving weight gain, aiding digestion, improving circulation, and easing teething pain. Toddlers and children can also benefit from massage the same way an adult can and will also be a helpful preventative measure for imbalances of the tissues and joints.
Visit my Instagram profile for free home care for common issues, stretches and exercises.