Finding the right massage for your health needs requires knowing your options. This guide explains everything to know about therapeutic massages.
A therapeutic massage focuses on the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue as a means of reducing pain and stress. The history of massage therapy dates back to more than 5,000 years ago and originated in India, where it was seen as a means of natural healing. As a ‘life health’ medicine, massage has long been used to relieve pain, heal injuries, and cure illnesses.
In modern times, massage therapy remains incredibly popular. In the United States, more than 47 million Americans undergo massage therapy each year (totaling more than 214 million massages). The vast majority of people agree that massage is effective in reducing pain and boosting overall wellness.
If you are interested in therapeutic massages, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight the therapeutic massage benefits that you should know about and some of the most common types of therapeutic massages available. At Allen Therapeutic Massage, we are available to bring relief to both your body and mind through our range of massages and related services.
What Are the Benefits of Therapeutic Massages?
Therapeutic massages have been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions and their associated symptoms. These benefits include:
- Low back pain
- Osteoarthritis of the knee
- Fatigue-related to cancer
- Neck pain
- Boosting immune system functioning
- Reducing post-op pain
- Lowering blood pressure
- Disc herniations
- Decreasing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Decreasing pain in cancer patients
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Reducing headache frequency
- Fibromyalgia
- Sports-related injuries
They also help with depression, anxiety, sleep problems, relaxation, and stress reduction. Most patients experience a strong feeling of calm and relaxation after receiving a massage, which can help them unwind from the stresses of everyday life.
Before a massage, your therapist may look at your health history; consider your range of motion, posture, and gait; conduct a pain interview to understand your complaint, and look at the condition and health of your tissue.
What Are Some Popular Types of Therapeutic Massage?
There are many different types of therapeutic massage. Different massages focus on different parts of the body or have different healing approaches. Your massage therapist will recommend the most suitable type of therapeutic massage for you.
Here at Allen Therapeutic Massage, our table massages can be booked for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes.
Let’s look at some of the most popular types of therapeutic massages.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is a well-known type of massage. It is a gentle form of full-body massage that is suited to people experiencing a lot of tension and those who are new to massage. Swedish massages can help to release muscle knots and is a wonderful option for people seeking deep relaxation and management of minor pain.
During this type of massage, the massage therapist will use a combination of movements. These include kneading, deep circular motions, long strokes in the direction of the heart, and passive joint movement techniques.
Deep Tissue Massage
In comparison to the Swedish massage, a deep tissue massage uses more pressure. It is an excellent option for people experiencing:
- Chronic muscle problems
- Injury
- Soreness
- Imbalance
- Anxiety and stress
During this type of massage, slow strokes and deep finger pressure are used to relieve tension. There is a focus on the body’s connective tissues and the deepest layers of muscles.
Deep tissue massage can also help to break up scar tissue, making movement easier, and lower both heart rate and blood pressure.
Sports Massage
As the name suggests, sports massage is a good option for people who have been injured while playing sport or have a repetitive use injury to a muscle. This type of massage is recommended for people seeking to prevent sports injuries, boost flexibility, and increase overall sporting performance.
The massage may focus on a specific area of the body or can be performed as a full-body passage. It can include boot soothing strokes and deep pressure, depending on the specific goals of the patient.
Myofascial Release
This type of massage therapy is used to treat myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder. When the body’s myofascial tissues are tight and sensitive, people can experience pain, tightness, and tension. People who experience headaches may also benefit from this type of massage.
Treatment may include massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, hot or cold therapy, and passive stretching.
Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle form of massage that supports the movement of lymph fluids around the body. Those who can benefit from this type of massage include people experiencing the following conditions:
- Fibromyalgia
- Lymphedema
- Skin disorders
- Digestive problems
- Edema
- Arthritis
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Stress
This massage can be performed on different parts of the body as required.
Lypossage Massage
Lypossage is a type of massage that focuses on reducing the appearance and presence of body fat. It is a manual contouring treatment that works to improve muscle tone, circulation, and lymphatic drainage. Click here to learn more about lypossage or book a free consultation with a therapeutic massage specialist.
Your Guide to Therapeutic Massages
Therapeutic massages can help you to feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. They are an effective treatment option for a range of conditions, helping to treat chronic pain, everyday stress, and prevent future injuries.
We are your No. 1 choice for therapeutic massages in Allen, Texas. Book an appointment with our highly-trained and professional team today and receive your first visit for only $49.95. We look forward to speaking with you.