Our body is good at signalling that we need rest or a massage. However, it would have been great if our body could tell us what type of massage will benefit us the most. With so many different varieties of massage treatment, it can be hard to know what kind would suit you.
Most of you might be familiar with the image of a traditional massage table and oils. But let us make it clear, massage does not fit into one category; there are dozens of massage variations. Different types of massages and methods are called Modalities. The massage therapist uses various techniques to target specific issues or areas of concern to get the best outcomes.
But before learning about other techniques, one needs to discover more about massage therapy in Naturopathy. Under this technique, the therapist uses hands to press or rub soft tissues of the body. They help manipulate the muscles to enhance blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, provide relaxation, increase joint mobility and flexibility.
In this post, we have penned down the different styles and benefits of massage. With these tips, one can choose a suitable one as per their health condition and requirement.
Massage for Treating Pain or Particular Conditions
When you have knotted muscles or a specific condition, the therapist uses more attentive techniques.
Deep Tissue Massage
In deep tissue massage, the therapist uses hands, knuckles, and elbows to dig in, aiming to relieve tension in the deeper layers of muscle tissue and fascia. Go for deep tissue massage if you are dealing with musculoskeletal disorders, postural issues, or chronic muscle pain and tension. Avoid this type of massage if you have inflamed joints or ailments.
Benefits: It is ideal for releasing chronic tension and treating stiff, painful spots like the neck and shoulder. Also, the massage technique helps release stress, reduces High Blood Pressure, Muscle Tension, recommended for patients suffering from sciatica, tennis elbow, or sports injuries.
Learn more: How is Deep Tissue Massage different from Swedish Massage?
Trigger Point Massage
Instead of massaging the whole body, trigger point massage aims at particular areas of the body. In this type of massage, the therapist manipulates or presses the targeted point that relieves tension in the entire area.
Benefits: Lessens the pain caused by stiff joints, sciatica, rotator cuff issues, and other specific conditions. It is one of the best massage techniques for headaches and muscle tension. This massage technique helps in improving the efficiency of a range of motions, blood flow, flexibility, and better posture. This type of massage therapy has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Neuromuscular Therapy
This therapy is a subdivision of trigger point massage. In neuromuscular therapy, the massage therapist applies pressure to the areas where you have a muscle spasm.
Benefits: This massage therapy can help treat injuries and problems like posture issues and lower back pain. Further, the neuromuscular technique helps improve blood flow, better posture, helps in easy movement, high flexibility, brings in more strength.
Massage for Better Overall Health
From reducing stress to improving blood circulation, energy flow, add attentiveness and alertness to the body, massage therapy is one of the best practices. Here we have covered some types of massage that can help boost your energy.
Sports Massage
Sports massage aims to address aches caused by repetitive motion and help people make a rapid recovery from injury and stress. A therapist often combines massage techniques, such as Swedish or Acupuncture, to tailor the athletes’ specific needs.
Benefits: Quicker recovery times, better range of motion, lessen muscle tension, decrease muscle spasms, better sleep, and improved health performance.
Shiatsu Massage
This type of massage aims to remove obstructions that keep the body’s energy force from flowing freely. Therapists use various techniques, often employing their elbows, hands to work out tension from joints, limbs and back.
Benefits: Promotes healing from sprains, helps reduce stress, improved circulation process, recommended for people suffering from fatigue and overall weakness issues.
Massages for Relaxation
Some massages are more soothing than others, helping you feel more relaxed and stress-free. Check some of the massage types best suitable to reduce stress and enhance relaxation.
Swedish Massage
Also known as traditional massage, Swedish Massage is the most common type of massage therapy. In this type of massage, therapists use a sequence of long, gliding strokes, kneads, and circular motions to loosen muscular tension and improve blood circulation.
Benefits: Swedish massage help relax the muscles and ease superficial tension. It also helps boost circulation throughout the body. This massage technique is beneficial for patients with health conditions, such as sciatica or osteoarthritis. It is also known to relax layers of muscle, improve the immune system and reduce stress.
These are some of the most popular massage types; however, there are many others as well. Regardless of the one you choose, inform your massage therapist of the areas of issues and whether you’ve any health problems.
Massage Therapist will communicate, diagnose your health condition, and will accordingly brief you with the suitable technique. Some massage therapists differ in terms of oils used in the process. For instance, due to the popularity and health benefits of the exercise of CBD oil in massage therapy, many therapists also use the same in their sessions. You can coordinate with your therapist and book CBD oil for massage therapy for faster relief and additional health benefits.
There are also various risks associated with different types of massage therapy, such as nerve injury, Bone Fractures, burns, or bleeding disorders. But the count of such cases is rare. To have a better massage session it is recommended to update the therapists about your overall health issues. This may help the therapist to understand your current health condition. Accordingly, he can suggest the right massage therapy for you. Stimulate your nervous system, relax, and reduce stress with the help of massage therapy. One can even book online massage therapy sessions nowadays!