The Lowdown on Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a technique used to promote relaxation and increase the natural abilities to heal the body. No matter if you suffer from lower back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, fatigue, or a host of other conditions, Massage Therapy has proven to be a powerful ally in your health regime. Often used as a complement to chiropractic activities, they work together to help restore optimum health to the body. No matter whether you are looking for a therapeutic treatment for stress and injury or just want to relax and unwind, one will not be far as it is a growing industry. There are several types of massage today. Here is the lowdown on just a few:

SPORTS MASSAGE:

The specific goal of this massage is to facilitate optimal recovery and to help athletes return to play after an injury. Generally the focus is on sport-specific muscles to improve the range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

THERAPY Trigger Point / Myofascial Release:

This technique is used when doing work with the fascia, the connective tissue covering the body. This deep, penetrating massage is applied to the fascia and trigger points to help eliminate pain, to free the muscle spasms, to fortify and extend the targeted muscles.

SWEDISH MASSAGE:

This classic form of massage is used to promote relaxation, improve circulation and reduce muscle tension. A traditional Swedish massage includes the following types of manipulation: the delicate touch of massage, soft petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion type movements, and movement of the joints.

NEURO-MUSCULAR:

This treatment concentrates on breaking the adhesions that attach to muscles and prevent nerves from firing. The result is that muscles are not as strong thus limiting extension of the joints. Patients find that these adhesions are fibrous, and the areas are tired plus pain and tension may be present.

HOT STONE MASSAGE:

This relaxing experience using hot lava stones placed on specific points on the body to open energy pathways called 'meridians'.

PRENATAL MASSAGE:

When a patient feels morning sickness, backaches, leg cramps, and any discomfort associated with pregnancy, this type of massage can help. Many trained experts can help you with comfort throughout pregnancy.

Of all the different types my favourite is Deep Tissue massage. I like it because it focuses on targeting the deep layers of muscles and connective tissues. It works by physically breaking adhesions by the application of deep strokes or friction on the aching muscle fiber. This form of massage is often used in the skeletal structures that are located deep within the body that have been subjected to muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries. It can be painful at first but as they say no pain no gain. I love nothing more than a relaxing massage after any long physical activity.