Massage Therapy: Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints of the body. Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that avails alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, and many chronic pain conditions.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. A wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation, and disability. There has been a wide variety of research proving the benefits of massage therapy for various conditions. Benefits include-
- Improve joint mobility.
- Reduce pain.
- Improve lymphatic drainage.
- Improve circulation.
- Reduce muscular tension.
The following conditions for massage therapy, when provided by a Registered Massage Therapist, can prove beneficial:
- Anxiety and depression
- Back, leg, and neck pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sports injuries Strains and sprains
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Fractures and edema
- Headaches
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis
- Insomnia
- Muscle tension and spasm
- Palliative care
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Stress and stress-related conditions
- Tendinitis
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Types of Massage Therapy
Most massage therapists utilize a variety of massage techniques in a massage therapy session. Some popular massage therapy are-
Swedish Massage Therapy-
The most common type of massage therapy is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy. In this type, conditions .massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on the superficial layers of the muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage is very gentle and relaxing.
Deep Tissue Massage-
Deep tissue massage is the deeper layers of the muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques. Deep tissue massage is used for tight, painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury.
Reflexology-
Reflexology is involving pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs in the body. Reflexology is for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, and achy feet.
Sports Massage-
Sports massage is specially designed for people who are involved in physical activity. Sports massage focus isn’t the only relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.
Aromatherapy Massage-
Aromatherapy massage is particularly used for stress-related conditions. The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc.
Thai Massage-
Thai massage using gentle pressure on specific points of the body. Thai massage also includes compression’s and stretches.
Massage Oil
There are many different types of massage oils available, here are massage oils th
at use massage therapists-
Melrose H2Oil – Water Dispersible Massage Oil- Melrose Sweet Almond Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Avocado Oil
- Olive Oil
Sometimes massage therapists may use specially-formulated massage gels and massage lotions and massage balms depending on the style of massage, for example, deep tissue massage whether more grip or glide from the massage oil.