Understanding Different Types of Massage Therapy Before Getting One
Many types of Massage therapies work to manipulate the body’s soft tissues — tendons, muscles, ligaments, and skin. Variations in pressure and motion are utilised in massage treatment. Massage therapy is commonly used as a treatment for various medical ailments and is normally administered by a trained professional known as a massage therapist.
You should consult your physician before scheduling a massage if you suffer from arthritis or have any other health issues. Tell your massage therapist ahead of time if you suffer from arthritis, have had recent surgery, or have specific joints that need extra care.
When ready, you may look into the many different types of massage therapies. At Port Physiotherapy in Calgary, we can help you with your specific massage needs to relieve muscle tension, chronic pain, and other aches and pains.
Aromatherapy massage
This type of massage therapy is characterised by a combination of conventional methods and aromatic essential oils. Clients often receive a gentle full-body massage while diluted essential oils are rubbed into their skin. The back, shoulders, and head are commonly targeted during aromatherapy massages.
Aromatherapy massage, in which essential oils are used, has been used for ages by many civilizations. Peppermint, lavender, lemon, bergamot, and rose are some of the many popular fragrances available. The oils will be used when you have a Swedish, deep tissue, or other kind of massage. The calming effects of aromatherapy might also aid in getting a good night’s rest. Research suggests that aromatherapy massage is more effective than aromatherapy alone in helping nurses who work rotating night shifts get a good night’s sleep.
Swedish Massage
In Canada, Swedish massages are often the norm as this type of massage therapy aids stress management. Massage therapists use pressure and friction to relieve tense muscles and calm their patients. Swedish massage aims to calm the mind and body as a whole.
Long, sweeping strokes bring the blood back to the heart. In addition to the obvious relaxing benefits, this type of massage therapy can also—
- Boost the blood’s oxygen content
- Reduce the buildup of toxins in the muscles
- Increased mobility and flexibility
- Relax your muscles
- Reduce your body’s production of the stress hormone cortisol to lower your risk of diabetes.
- Boost your immune system by increasing your body’s production of lymphocytes.
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu, which translates to “finger pressure,” is an ancient Japanese massage technique. But that’s not all; your therapist may also employ knuckles, elbows, feet, and knees in their treatment. The essential premise is the free movement of energy, which can be written as “Ki” or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”).
According to practitioners, damage to the “Ki” is the root of all diseases. By redistributing vitality to where it is most needed, Shiatsu helps the body feel revitalised.
Traditional Japanese massage applies a rhythmic, pulsating pressure to certain body parts using the masseuse’s palms, fingers, and thumbs.
In addition to its physical benefits, such as lessening muscular tension, this massage therapy also offers mental health advantages, including alleviating stress, despair, and anxiety. It also works to alleviate headache pain.
It’s an excellent method of relaxing tight muscles and promoting healthy blood flow.
In addition to relieving constipation, reducing stress and tension, and treating sleeplessness are further advantages.
Sports Massage
Athletes and anyone who leads active lifestyles benefit greatly from receiving a sports massage.
The subject of this article is the effects of physical activity on the body’s articular cartilage, muscular tissue, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. An initial evaluation will gather relevant information and formulate a personalised treatment strategy.
Some of the techniques used in this type of massage therapy include — Swedish stroke, kneading, compression, friction, stroking, providing vibration, ensuring gliding, stretching, and releasing trigger points.
It’s easy to imagine how a tennis player’s shoulder might suffer from the thousands of swings of a racquet throughout a season. Athletes and other physically active people may benefit from a sports massage since it helps in many factors as mentioned below —
- Reduce resting time between workouts
- Get more out of your motions by increasing your flexibility.
- Enhance overall efficiency
- Help alleviate aches and pains in muscles and joints after a workout.
- Contribute to the reduction of sports-related injuries.
Knowing which service to choose when someone is in pain might be hard. This is especially true for athletes who need adequate treatment and care to perform well and prevent injuries. Both physiotherapy and massage therapy have parallels and differences.
Reflexology massage
The Reflexology Association of Canada states that reflexology operates on the premise that certain body portions correspond to various other components. Thus, applying pressure to a specific foot area may alleviate stomach discomfort.
The RMT will use a reflexology map to guide their hands and feet during the treatment. This chart illustrates which reflexes in the hands and feet correspond to which bodily systems. There is a lack of research in this area. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that reflexology has been shown to improve pain, mental health, and sleep quality.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue work aims to stretch and relax the deepest layers of muscle and surrounding tissue.
Compared to Swedish massage, the pressure used in deep tissue massage is often greater. By using substantial finger pressure and working slowly, the massage therapist can reach the deepest muscle and connective tissue levels and release built-up tension.
This might greatly benefit people with concerns like muscular soreness or persistent muscle discomfort. This has a greater intensity rate than usual, but it shouldn’t produce any serious muscle fatigue or discomfort as this intense therapy provides blood and nutrients to the muscles while eliminating toxins.
Book your massage in Calgary
End your search for getting a massage in Calgary by booking a session with certified massage experts at the Port Physiotherapy and Massage.
Book your appointment online by clicking hereOr call us on (403) 567-0189