Massage Therapy
Massage is an excellent method for improving overall health and musculoskeletal efficiency. Massage has a number of beneficial effects on the body and the mind. Some of these include removal of toxins that can build up in the muscles of the body, increased circulation, and increased flexibility in not only the muscles, but also the connective tissue within the body.
Preventative Health
Consistent massage at least once per month has a host of preventative benefits. To prevent the body and mind from disease, we must take a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition, massage therapy, exercise and overall chiropractic care. In keeping with this mentality and regimen, you will have a significantly higher chance of relieving stress and minimizing pain and injury. In addition, the ability for you to fend off disease will be increased as your body will be in top form!
Recommended for
Massage Therapy is recommended for a number of conditions and illnesses. Some of the conditions it is recommended for include: arthritis, tmj, immune system issues, muscle spasms, insomnia, fibromyalgia and many others. It remains an excellent way to help the body heal itself and rid itself of any potential toxins that build up in the system.
Benefits
The benefits of massage therapy are well noted. Throughout the years, massage therapy has been known to fight a large number of conditions. Some of the benefits of this therapy include, relief from joint and muscle pain, increased blood circulation as well as stress and depression reduction. Massage Therapy has also been known to detoxify the body and remove waste and toxins from the body. The overall result that is sought after in massage therapy is the ability to bring the body to its natural state with increased healing capabilities.
Different Types of Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
While many massage techniques induce relaxation with soothing and gentle kneading, deep tissue massage involves more intense muscle manipulation, but offers proven healing that can restore mobility and relieve chronic pain.
Unlike most traditional massage that promotes whole-body relaxation, deep tissue massage is often used to target specific trouble spots after an accident or injury has left the client stiff and sore, as in instances of whiplash or falls. Repetitive- strain injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, benefit from deep tissue massage therapy, as well as those suffering from conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis that can cause achiness, inflammation and limited ease of movement. Chronic pain, muscle spasms and tenderness during recovery after an accident can all be effectively treated with therapeutic deep tissue massage.
Before a deep tissue massage, a trained and certified massage therapist will discuss the client’s accident, injury or complaints of generalized stiffness, gaining an understanding of how the pain or injury is impacting the client’s daily life and what he or she is hoping to gain from the massage therapy. The massage itself will be customized to the specific needs of the client, focusing on the stiff, sore and achy areas that are of the most concern.
Deep tissue massage works by breaking down muscle adhesions that often build up after an accident or are the result of a chronic illness. By applying intense, controlled pressure and friction to an afflicted area across the grain of the muscle, deep tissue massage relaxes rigid tissue and relieves the pain associated with stiff muscles, ligaments and tendons. Deep tissue massage may cause some discomfort and therapists encourage their clients to keep them informed about their comfort level and pain tolerance during deep tissue therapy. Therapists may encourage their clients to apply ice to tender spots following a deep tissue massage. Some soreness the day after a deep tissue massage can be expected, though the discomfort should pass in a day.
Sports Massage
Sports massage works on the connective tissue and deep muscle structures. The massage is applied using hard and deep strokes, combined with finger pressure. Sports massage is specifically designed to increase flexibility and prevent injuries. It is specifically designed for the types of injuries obtained during athletic activity.
Though originally designed to help athletes perform at optimum levels during games, sports massage is growing in popularity as an effective treatment for sport-related injuries or limited range of motion for people of all ages and fitness levels. Sports massage focuses on a client’s trouble spots, like shoulder soreness after eighteen holes of golf, or a tender hamstring just before a big race. Sports massage therapists understand sport-related injuries and can help minimize pain, speed recovery and help clients perform their best at their favorite activities with full range of motion.
There are four variations of sports massage and choosing the right one is based on the client’s current level of discomfort and upcoming athletic events:
- Pre-event sports massage involves a vigorous and stimulating Swedish massage that targets the muscles that will be used during the upcoming event, boosting circulation and revving up energy levels with brisk massage techniques that invigorate.
- Post-event sports massage is designed to help the athlete wind down after intense physical exertion, targets muscle soreness and helps to normalize body tissues and prevent muscle stiffness the next day.
- Restorative sports massage is provided during training to keep an athlete at peak performance level. Muscles are kept warm and supple, enabling more intense exertion during training time and minimizing the risk of injury.
- Rehabilitative sports massage is aimed at treating sports injuries and speeding recovery time. Targeted at a specific trouble spot, rehabilitative sports massage helps increase circulation and protect range of motion.