Choose the right style of massage to get the results you need
If you’re confused about the different styles of massage offered, here is some clarification.
Swedish massage
This is the most common style of massage. This style focuses mainly on the relaxation and circulatory benefits it offers. The therapist uses light to medium pressure with long, more superficial strokes. This is ideal if you are looking for stress relief and relaxation.
Deep tissue massage
This style of massage is performed to address chronic muscle pain and aid in pain management. It is performed to address the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The therapist uses medium to deep pressure to address specific areas that may have adhesions “knots” in the muscle to help release pain and tension.
Prenatal massage
This is a style performed for women who have passed their first trimester of pregnancy. It can relieve some of the many conditions an expectant mother endures during pregnancy. This includes relief of low back pain, the increased level of stress, and swelling that commonly occurs. The massage is performed in side posture with several pillows used for support.
Sports massage
This massage is designed for athletes. Sports massage can be performed prior to a competition or sporting event in order to warm muscle tissue and help invigorate the athlete. The massage strokes are fast paced and vigorous in nature to invigorate and keep the client alert. Post event sports massage is performed after competition and is done at a slower pace in order to slow body functions and help prevent soreness.
Sports massage is also good for anyone that has a very active lifestyle and/or participates in very physical activities.
Trigger point massage
This is a very therapeutic form of massage that addresses the tender areas in muscle tissue. Some clients may not know until the trigger points are touched that there was even soreness in that area. Trigger points refer pain to other areas of the body. This style can be painful at times but the results you get will feel amazing. The pain scale of 1 to 10 is used and the client should not let that exceed a 7.
If you have questions when receiving massage, ask your massage therapist. Communication is key in receiving a good massage, in order to get the results you want.
Do not take pain relievers prior to getting a massage. Your tolerance level will be much higher and the massage will feel good at the time. But when that medication wears off you will likely feel sore and think the massage therapist caused that pain.
