Massage can be an effective tool that can help you take control for your overall health wellbeing. Check out whether it’s right for you.
Massage was previously available only in spas with luxury and health clubs with a high-end design. Nowadays massage therapy can be found at clinics, companies and hospitals, as well as airports. If you’ve never tried massage take a look at its potential health benefits as well as what you can expect from a massage session.
How do you define massage?
It is a broad term for pressing, rubbing , and manipulating your muscles, skin and ligaments. It can vary from gentle strokes to intense pressure. There are many types of massage. Some of them include these common types:
Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that involves prolonged strokes of pressure, the kneading, long circular motions, vibration and tapping. It can help you feel more relaxed and refreshed.
Deep massage. This technique employs longer, more powerful strokes to reach the deep layers of connective tissue and muscle. It’s commonly used to help those who suffer from muscle injuries.
Massage therapy Vancouver for athletes. It’s similar with Swedish massage, but it’s geared toward people involved in sport activities to help in preventing or treating injuries.
Trigger point massage. This massage targets specific muscles with tight fibers that could form in your muscles following injuries or excessive use.
Benefits of massage
Massage is generally considered an integral part of the medical field. Massage is increasingly being provided along with standard treatments for a variety of medical ailments and circumstances.
The benefits of massage could be:
Stress reduction and relaxation
Reduces muscle soreness and pain and tension
Improving energy, circulation and alertness
The lower heart rate can reduce blood pressure
Improving the function of the immune system
Although more research is required to verify that massage is beneficial therapy, some studies have found massage could be beneficial in the following areas:
Anxiety
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Stress-related insomnia and insomnia
Low back discomfort
Myofascial pain syndrome
Pain in the nerve
Injury to soft tissues or strains
Sports injuries
Temporomandibular joint pain
Neck and upper back tension
Beyond the benefits of massage for specific ailments or conditions, some clients enjoy massages because it often produces feelings of comfort, care and connection.
Even though it’s beneficial, massage isn’t meant as a replacement for regular medical treatment. Let your doctor know you’re trying massage and be certain to follow any regular treatment plans you have.
Massages are risky because of the risks involved.
Many people gain from massage. However, massage may not be the best option if you have:
Bleeding disorders or take blood thinners
Burns or wounds that heal
Deep vein thrombosis
Infections
Broken bones (fractures)
Osteoporosis that is severe
A low number of platelets (severe thrombocytopenia)
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks to massage with your doctor in particular if pregnant or suffering from troublesome cancer or unanswered pain.
Certain kinds of massages can cause you to feel a little stiff the next morning. Massage shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If a part of your massage feels good or hurts you should seek help immediately. Most serious issues arise from too much pressure in massage.
What can you expect from a massage
You don’t need any special training for massage. Before your massage therapy session begins, your massage therapist should ask you about any symptoms as well as your medical history. They should also ask what you’re hoping to get from massage. Your massage therapist should explain the type of massage and the techniques she will employ.
In the normal massage treatment, you’ll need to dress or wear loose fitting clothing. Undress only to the point that you’re comfortable. You generally lie on a table and then cover your body with a towel. The massage therapist will leave the room after you have removed your clothes before the massage and when you put on your clothes following the massage. You can also receive massages while sitting in a chair completely covered. Your massage therapist needs to perform an evaluation through touch to identify tense or painful areas , and then decide how much the pressure should be applied.
If you prefer the massage therapist you choose to work with may employ lotion or oil to reduce pressure on the skin. Inform your massage therapist that you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
A massage session may last from 10 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage you want and the length of time available. Whatever type of massage you pick it is important to feel relaxed and calm both during and after your massage. Breathe normally throughout your massage.
Your massage therapist could use music to help you relax or talk to you but you can tell him or her if you prefer to be in a calm.
If the massage therapist presses too hard, request less pressure. There’s a chance that you’ll experience the sensation of a muscle that feels like a knot. You’re likely to feel painful while your massage therapist works on it. If it gets too painful you should let them know.
Locating the right massage therapist
Consult your physician or someone whom you trust to give you a recommendations. Many states regulate massage therapists through licensure, registration or certification standards.
Don’t be scared to ask a prospective massage therapist questions like:
Are you certified, licensed or registered?
What is your training and/or your experience?
How many massage therapy sessions do you think I’ll require?
What is the cost and is it covered by health insurance?
Massage is a take-home message
Let go of any notion that massage is only the perfect way to relax or indulge yourself. To the contrary, massage can be an effective tool that can help you take control of your health and well-being, regardless of whether you suffer from a particular health issue or are simply trying to find a new stress relief. You can even learn how to self-massage yourself or to massage with a friend at home.
