If you have found this post, you might be wondering what kind of massage therapy is right for you. You’ve heard of the many different types of massage therapy available, but you’re not sure which ones are scientifically proven to benefit your health, and which ones are just not going to provide you with the relief you are looking for. This post will help you learn what’s the most common type of massage therapy available and guide you toward the best massage for your specific needs. Combining aromatherapy or CBD oil with your massage could provide greater relief from pain and inflammation. Below you will learn about some of the main techniques of massage therapy available. We hope that this summary can help you decide the next steps of your wellness routine!
First, let’s clarify some misinformation surrounding the effects of massage therapy.
Claim: “You need to drink water after your massage session to detox the body”
Facts: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Of course, drinking the recommended amount of water will keep you hydrated and help the body get rid of toxins – with or without massage therapy – by supporting healthy kidneys, liver, and lung functions.
Claim: “If you don’t feel pain after a massage, it did not work”
Facts: It’s normal to feel a little sore after a massage due to all the stretching and movements that can feel like a workout to your muscles, but not every session will get you that sore, especially if you get massaged or exercise regularly. That does not mean your massage therapist didn’t do what’s required of them. An important fact to point out here is that if you are feeling lots of pain during your session, you have to let your massage therapist know! There could be an underlying issue that will require a different approach to not overstretch and cause further damage.
Claim: “The effects of massage therapy are only temporary”
Facts: Getting a massage can reset muscle memory, reducing chronic pain or stiffness for a prolonged period. Doing it regularly is even better!
Types of Therapeutic Massages
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the country’s most well-known types of massage therapy, utilizing mainly 5 techniques that can provide relaxation and stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation: Stroking, Rubbing, Kneading, Vibration, and Rhythmic Chopping. Aromatherapy can be used in conjunction with a Swedish massage to boost its mood-enhancing and relaxing effects.
Some of the proven benefits of Swedish massage include:
- Anti-inflammatory effects;
- Pain relief, particularly for those dealing with rheumatoid arthritis;
- Improved range of motion;
- Stress, depression, and anxiety relief due to the release of “feel good” hormones;
- Boosting your immune system;
- Improved blood circulation.
As you can see, Swedish massage is an “all-benefits-in-one” type of treatment, but if you are looking for a treatment that is more specific to a particular issue, fret not! Here are some quick facts on different types of massage therapy that will help you make up your mind:
Deep Tissue Massage
Another well-known type of massage is deep tissue massage, which uses the same techniques as a Swedish massage but with a significant difference in the pressure applied. Swedish massage works on the superficial layers of the muscles and soft tissues, while deep tissue massage works in the inner layers of your muscles and on your joints.
A deep-tissue massage is a better fit for those interested in healing from muscle or joint injuries. It promotes healing by breaking up scar tissue that can form after an injury and reducing tension build-up from muscles and joints, as well as improving blood flow.
Thai Massage
You have most likely heard of Thai massage, but are you familiar with its techniques? If you are uncomfortable undressing for a massage session, this might be the best fit for you! During a Thai massage session, you will lie on a floor mat fully clothed while a massage therapist uses stretching and pulling techniques to boost your blood circulation, release tension, and improve your range of motion.
Sometimes referred to as “assisted yoga”, this type of massage also uses motion, rocking the body while holding it in different positions similar to yoga poses. The massage therapist will use their own body to support yours. For example, they might sit or kneel on parts of your body to hold a position and/or apply pressure. To learn about the many proven benefits of Thai massage, click here. Many of the benefits are similar to the therapies mentioned above.
Reflexology
You may have heard of reflexology and how pressure points in your hands, feet, and ears can affect other organs and systems in your body through the nerves that connect them all. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood by releasing stress, and while more research is needed, it may also assist in reducing pain and neuropathy. Learn about the history behind this 3,000 years old form of massage therapy!
**If you are pregnant, you might want to try a different type of massage since reflexology could potentially induce contractions.
Myofascial Release
This technique could be an add-on to your massage session. This practice works on your myofascial tissues – tough membranes that wrap, connect, and support your muscles. “Myo” means muscle, and “fascia” is the thin connective tissue that is wrapped around every muscle, organ, blood vessel, and nerve fiber. Your myofascial tissue could become sensitive and tight, causing chronic pain.
Myofascial release focuses on releasing tension from these tough areas by applying pressure to trigger points on the tissue. The massage therapist feels for toughened parts of your myofascial tissue that should feel elastic and malleable. Since that membrane is connected to several parts of your body, you might be massaged in areas away from the source of your pain but that might be contributing to the issue. If you’ve been working on your muscles and back pain but still feel persistent pain, you might want to give myofascial release a try!
Alternative Wellness Centers offer CBD massages at our clinics in Worcester and Hadley, Massachusetts! Give us a call at 617-420-7890 to book, or visit our booking page on our website.