Massage Therapy
Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a hands-on technique designed to relax the muscles by applying gentle or deep pressure on muscles. These smooth and rhythmical techniques have relaxing effects on body and mind.
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the blood flow, oxygenate the muscles, and release the toxins in the muscles. It will have many other positive effects such as:
Increase of:
- coetaneous circulation
- lymphatic drainage
- elasticity of scar tissue
- cell metabolism
- flexibility of ligaments and muscles
- stimulation of sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- flexibility
- endorphin release
Decrease of:
- pain
- muscle spasm
- trigger points
- stress
- edema
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension and knots, freeing locked up energy areas, and realigning muscles and connective tissues of deeper laying muscles. Individuals with chronically tense and tight muscles in areas such as neck, low back, and shoulders will especially benefit from deep tissue massage.
How does deep tissue massage work?
During the course of the session therapist localizes muscular adhesions (tender and tight tissues that block the energy flow, blood circulation, limit range of motion and increase inflammation). Then the therapist releases and breaks down these adhesions manually with slowly applied deep pressure or friction across the muscle.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
If performed with caution and patience, one should not feel pain during a deep tissue massage session. However, the adhesions are tender points by nature and applying pressure to them may result in some discomfort. Therefore communication between the patient and the therapist is essential to determine the amount of the pressure applied. Nevertheless, throughout the session the tenderness should ease up, the tension should cease and the locked up energy should be released.
What conditions is deep tissue massage good for?
Unlike the Swedish massage, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage focuses on specific issues. Some of the conditions it helps to ease up are:
34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescribed medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs (Consumer Reports, 8/2005).
Tip
-Don't eat a heavy meal before your massage session
- Drink lots of water after your session.
- Pregnant women should consult their doctors before getting a massage.
- Individuals with heart disease, osteoarthritis consult their doctors before getting a massage.