Massage therapy is utilized to assist in managing health conditions and for the purpose and intent of enhancing wellness. It is a procedure that is performed by manipulating various types of soft tissue throughout the body.

It is one of the most common practices performed across all cultures, throughout history. In its emergence, it was a tool utilized by people seeking pain relief.

Today, many types of massage therapy are utilized to address a wide array of physiological and psychological health issues. In this two-part series, you will be introduced to popular massage therapy techniques and will learn how each will benefit you.

Massage – A General Description

The term “massage” refers to the act of applying pressure through pressure, rubbing, and the process of manipulating the skin, the tendons, the muscles, and the ligaments of the body – otherwise referred to as “soft tissues”.

The pressure may be deep or it may be a simple stroking. It is commonly considered to be an alternative, complementary, and/or integrative form of medicine.

While once considered a standalone activity pursued in spas and health clubs, it is now being offered along with medical treatments for the purpose and intent of addressing certain types of medical conditions, illnesses, and injuries.

Aromatherapy Massage

In aromatherapy massage, soft movements and gentle pressure is combined with the use of essential oils. These oils will be absorbed through the skin once placed on it by your massage therapist and will be inhaled through the means of a diffuser. In most instances, these sessions last an hour.

This type of massage therapy is ideal for boosting the mood, reducing depressive symptoms, alleviating tension in the muscles, reducing anxiety, eliminating stress, and relieving pain.

If you are sensitive to smells, experience allergies, have asthma, or another type of respiratory condition, aromatherapy may not be the best type of massage therapy for you.

Deep-Tissue Massage

If you experience bouts of extreme pain, have muscle issues, have suffered from an injury, or have severe anxiety, you may benefit from a deep-tissue massage.

A therapist will use deep pressure with their fingers and very slow strokes in order to alleviate deep-rooted muscle tension and issues with the connective tissue in the body.

If you have a sensitivity to pressure, this may not be the best therapy option for you; however, for most, this is an ideal option that does not result in any type of pain or soreness.

Prenatal Massage

This type of massage is designed for women that are pregnant. Many facilities will only offer prenatal massage during the second and third trimester.

Mild pressure is applied and it is typically geared towards the lower back area, the hip region, and the legs. It not only helps in alleviating tension in the muscles, but it also aids in boosting relaxation.

Conclusion

This concludes part 1 of this series. If you are interested in learning about the various types of massage therapy, we encourage you to stand by for part 2 of this series.

We will continue by expounding on the other types of popular massage therapy, which includes reflexology, Swedish massage, and trigger point message.

In the meantime, you may contact us here at Advanced Chiropractic and Wellness Center to learn more about massage therapy or to set up an appointment with one of our highly skilled therapists by calling: 706-738-7731