When most people think of massage therapy, they think of taking a little time out for pampering and to get away from the stresses of day-to-day life. What many do not realize is that it is so much more than that. Massage therapy is a common treatment to relieve pain and tension and provide healing and relaxation originating from a variety of causes.
In fact, massages are effective in relieving painful symptoms of chronic illnesses such as certain cancers and fibromyalgia. Massage therapies are performed only by trained and licensed professionals who know how to manipulate the soft tissues, muscles, and connective tissues using specific movements and pressures to provide relief and increase your overall well-being.
How Does Massage Therapy Provide Pain Relief?
According to Harvard Medical School, there are several mechanisms that are involved in pain relief through massage therapy. This type of treatment causes the relaxation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Studies show that the body has what is called a relaxation response. This is the state in which the body's heart rate slows down, blood pressure decreases, the level of stress hormones are reduced, and the muscles are in a relaxed state. The result is a reduction in pain, stress, and anxiety.
Serotonin levels, however, increase. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that has a positive effect on your emotional state. Pain is thought to be further reduced by suppressing pain signals to and from the brain.
Common Massage Types
Let's take a look at the 5 most popular massage therapies available and the benefits they provide to patients.
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage therapy targets muscle knots in the deepest layers of connective tissues and muscles in the body. This type of massage therapy is beneficial at relieving pain associated with tight muscles, posture issues, and injury from repetitive movements and muscle strains. Scar tissue typically results from injuries. Deep tissue massage therapy can help break up the scar tissue that has formed and increasing the range of motion in that particular area. This type of therapy has also been found to return blood pressure and heart rate to normal.
Sports Massage Therapy
As is indicated by the name, sports massage therapy is geared towards athletes and those who are involved in repetitive, strenuous physical activity. Individuals who are involved in sports are prone to overuse of muscles resulting in sprains and strains which can anything from minor discomfort to severe pain. This type of treatment is focused on relieving muscle tension and promoting muscle healing from strains and sprains brought on by overextension of the muscles. It is also used to help prevent injury and keep athletes performing at their best. A sports massage can either be given before or after an activity.
Reflexology Massage Therapy
This type of massage works off of the premise that all muscles, tissues, and organs are connected to the nerves in your hands, feet, and ears. By applying varying amounts of pressure to specific areas of your hands and feet, it will help to realign your body as a whole, increase your health, and help your body function better as a whole. The benefits of reflexology include a sense of relaxation, improved circulation throughout the body, improved nerve function, increased metabolism, and a boost in energy.
Shiatsu Massage Therapy
Of Japanese origin, Shiatsu works off of the principle that imbalances in energy are the cause of various pains and discomforts. Acupressure is used to release tension and restore the balance of energy to the body. In addition to the use of specific pressure points, Shiatsu also incorporates a focus on body posture as well as breathing exercises to relax the body and mind. Shiatsu is considered a full body healing massage therapy technique.
Swedish Massage Therapy
When you think of a standard massage, you are probably thinking of a Swedish massage. The ultimate goal of a Swedish massage is to relax the body from head to toe and relieve discomfort and pain brought about by muscle tension. This type of therapy provides benefits to patients such as reducing the level of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body. It can also increase the number of white blood cells, which is important in boosting the immune system which in turn helps fight off infections and disease.
How Do You Know Which Type of Massage Therapy is Right For You?
At first, it can be confusing to know which type of massage therapy is right for you. There's no need to worry! Let's take a look at a few tips to narrow down which therapy is right for you. The first step is to determine why you are looking for massage therapy in the first place. Are you primarily looking for pain relief from an injury or muscle tension or are you looking primarily for relaxation?
It's also important to take into consideration your personal preferences. Are you looking for massage therapy that offers deep pressure or therapy that is a little more gentle? You also need to take into consideration your physical health and any restrictions that might not allow you to take part in certain therapies. If you are unsure as to what type of massage therapy is best for you, a physio expert can help.
How Can a Physio Expert Help?
Physiotherapists have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and how certain stimulations and manipulations affect different areas of the body. They are experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating the symptoms from certain injuries and illnesses.
Your physiotherapist will conduct a physical exam and obtain a full medical history in order to create a unique treatment plan specific to your individual needs. In addition to a variety of services to help individuals regain mobility and independence, they also offer massage techniques to relieve discomfort and pain from conditions such as tension, injuries, and illnesses.
Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed to make sure you are on the right track to achieving your goals. Take the first steps to live your best life and find a reputable physiotherapist near you! Contact us today to book your first appointment!
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