Luxury spas and fancy health clubs used to be the only places where you could get a massage treatment. However, massage therapy is already available in offices, clinics, hospitals, and airports. Learn about the health benefits of massage and what to expect during the session.
People of all ages use massage therapy to relieve stress, injuries, and chronic and acute diseases. It helps preserve health and wellness. According to Chinese archives, it is one of the earliest medicinal practices, dating back 3,000 years ago.
What is Massage?
Massages pressure, rub, and manipulate your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage techniques can range from gentle stroking to firm pressure. There are several types of massage, including the following popular ones:
Swedish massage
Swedish massage is a type of massage that is popular in Sweden. Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, deep, circular movements, vibrating, and tapping. It makes you feel both refreshed and relaxed.
Deep Massage
Deep massage uses slower and more forceful strokes. This technique targets deeper muscle and connective tissue levels. Deep massage aims to treat muscular damage caused by injuries.
Sports Massage
Like Swedish Massage, sports massage is also similar to it. Swedish massage is typical for those who participate in sports to prevent or treat injuries.
Trigger Points Massage
This massage focuses on muscular fibers that have become tense due to injuries or overuse. The goal of trigger point therapy is to release or soften a muscle knot. It aims to reduce the knotting pain and related pain can.
What is Massage Therapy?
According to the concept of Vis Medicatrix Naturae, massage therapy translates to “aiding the body’s ability to cure itself.” Massage Therapy is a set of manual techniques. It involves applying fixed or moveable pressure, holding, and inducing movement to body portions.
It aims to stabilize specific tissues. These procedures affect the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, neurological, and other body systems. Therapists can use the forearms or elbows in a massage treatment since it is through the hands.
Massage usually entails applying pressure and movement. Therefore, the massage therapist must use contact touch with sensitivity to identify the appropriate pressure for each individual. Applying too much pressure may cause the body to stiffen up, while using too little may have an insufficient effect.
Sensitive touch also helps the therapist get vital information about one’s body. Applying pressure, such as finding regions of muscular tension and other soft tissue abnormalities, results from sensitive touch. Sensitive touch can impart a sense of caring to the person receiving a massage. It can boost your sense of self and well-being.
Many massage therapists employ multiple techniques or methods, frequently combining them. Effective massage therapists assess each person’s needs before applying the strategies that best suit those demands.
Massage Health Benefits
Massage treatment is helpful for everyone but is particularly beneficial for patients who have cancer, heart disease, stomach difficulties, and fibromyalgia. Here are some of massage therapy’s benefits. Take note that you should inform your therapist about any of your medical issues before your first massage appointment.
Reduces Anxiety And Stress
A study discovered that a sense of relief could help reduce tension and anxiety. Your body has two nervous systems: a sympathetic nervous system, which controls your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations. On the other hand, a parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for routine and day-to-day functions that promote relaxation. A massage can stimulate your parasympathetic response, which can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Enhances Sleep
A massage can help reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) and raise serotonin and dopamine levels. Massage treatment has been effective for menopausal insomnia and congestive heart failure patients.
Reduces Pain and Muscle Tension
Numerous research has determined whether massage can alleviate acute back pain, neck discomfort, headaches, and knee pain. The results indicate that treatment may be temporary rather than have a long-lasting impact. In some circumstances, receiving a 60-minute massage several times per week had a better effect than obtaining fewer or shorter massages.
Strengthens Immuno System
Is massage capable of boosting one’s immune system? According to one study, regular massages raise your body’s white blood cell count, fighting illnesses.
Reduces Fibromyalgia Symptoms Severity
Massage therapy over five weeks relieves fibromyalgia symptoms, a chronic illness that causes muscular and joint pain and fatigue.
Assists in Cancer Pain Relief
The physical and emotional toll on cancer patients is significant. Numerous people have resorted to massage to alleviate cancer-related pain, boost relaxation, and enhance the overall quality of life. Studies have been conducted. Some conclude that massage therapy had no effect on cancer pain, and others show a beneficial effect.
What To Expect During Massage Session
Massage does not require any special preparation. Before the massage takes place, your massage therapist will ask if you have any medical-related symptoms, including your medical history and your goals for the session. Your massage therapist should explain the type of massage they will perform and the techniques.
You may undress or wear loose-fitting clothing for a conventional massage therapy session. Dress only to the point of comfort. Generally, you’ll lie on a table and cover yourself in a sheet.
The massage therapist will exit the room when you undress before the massage. You also have the freedom to massage while fully clothed in a chair.
Your massage therapist will conduct a touch evaluation. This procedure will identify sore or stiff regions and determine the appropriate amount of pressure to apply. Your massage therapist may apply oil or lotion to your skin to lessen friction, depending on your desire. Take note that you must inform your massage therapist if you have any known allergies to substances.
A massage session can run between ten and ninety minutes. It usually depends on the type of treatment and the amount of time available. Whichever type of massage you pick, you should feel calm and comfortable during and after the session. Maintain a regular breathing pattern during the massage.
If a massage therapist applies excessive pressure, request a gentler touch. At times, a sensitive area in a muscle may feel like a knot. It’s likely to be painful while your massage therapist works out the kinks. Yet, if it becomes uncomfortable, speak up.
Get A Massage Today
Massage treatment is beneficial whether you have a chronic or acute ailment. They usually cause pain or discomfort in the soft tissues of your body. Our Registered Massage Therapists work with clients of all ages and address a wide range of pain that causes discomfort.
Wait for no further and book your reservation with us as soon as possible. Contact us today, or you may download our mobile app for a hassle-free booking.