Know the types of Massage treatments and how they can benefit your health?
Massage treatment dates to the early days of civilization. Massage is mentioned in ancient Arabic, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Egyptian texts. Particularly, in Greek history, Hippocrates described medicine as “the art of rubbing.” Going to the Renaissance, massage became popular throughout Europe. Massage therapy was brought to the United States in the 1850s by two Americans physicians trained in Sweden.
It quickly gained popularity and was marketed for several health objectives. Massage treatment started getting favour in the 1930s and 1940s as medical therapy advanced scientifically and technologically.
Getting the best massage therapy in Calgary appears to carry minimal hazards when performed by a competent practitioner. However, massage therapists must take particular care while working with specific health problems.
- Unless approved by the patient’s physician, intense pressure must not be utilized in regions where a patient now has cancer or a tumour.
- In certain instances, pregnant women should avoid massage treatment. Consult your doctor or even other health care practitioner before receiving a massage if you are pregnant.
- Individuals with bleeding problems or low platelet counts and those using anticoagulant medicines (blood thinners) such as warfarin must avoid deep tissue and vigorous massage.
- Massage must not be done on wounds or other vulnerable parts of the skin.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most often practiced kind of massage. The procedure includes gentle, lengthy kneading strokes on uppermost layers of muscles and mild, rhythmic tapping strokes.
Also, joint mobility is included. To be both soothing and refreshing, Swedish massage alleviates muscular stress. And in certain cases, it may even assist when someone has an injury.
Swedish massage utilizes four standard strokes:
- Friction: deep, circular motions that induce layers of tissue to rub against one another, increasing blood flow and breaking away scar tissue.
- Effleurage: a gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
- Tapotement: a brief, alternating tap using cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand.
- Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that occurs after effleurage
Hot Stone Massage
The therapist applies warmed stones to certain body areas, such as acupressure points, during this kind of massage. The stones could be used as massage techniques or left in place temporarily. When used in conjunction with other massage methods, hot stones may be very calming and relaxing due to their ability to conduct heat deep inside the body.
Deep Tissue Massage
To relieve stiffness and aches, look for discomfort areas or “problem spots” in your body. Because she works with her clients at their own pace, the massage therapist utilizes slow, methodical strokes that focus on precise areas under the skin’s surface. However, deep tissue massage doesn’t have the regular pulsation associated with other forms of massage, thus it may also help treat chronic stress patterns and soft tissue injuries, such as those associated with sprains.
Sports Massage
Sports massage was developed to assist athletes with the muscular systems required for a specific activity. It employs various techniques to aid players in training — before, during, and after sporting events. You may use it to increase your flexibility and avoid injuries.
Chair Massage
When you attend a county fair, music festival, or conference, do you wish you could acquire a massage chair like the ones other people have? Would you see that if you passed through the chair massage department at an airport? In this case, the statement that you’re “fortunate enough” to work for a company that offers fifteen to twenty-minute massages as a regular reward is true. Onsite, chair massages are performed while you are sitting in a specially built chair while fully clothed. Neck, shoulders, chest, arms, and hands frequently get massaged in these treatments.
Pregnancy Massage
Your body undergoes significant changes throughout pregnancy. Massage during pregnancy can assist with these changes by lowering stress, reducing arm and leg inflammation, and alleviating muscle and joint discomfort. Massage therapy may be especially beneficial at times when medicine and other treatments available are restricted. The massage therapist will assist you in obtaining a suitable position for this sort of treatment by using specially developed massage cushions.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure” in Japanese. Shiatsu massage involves the practitioner applying varying, rhythmic pressure to specific areas of the body. These locations are referred to as acupressure sites, and it is thought that they are critical for the passage of the body’s vital energy, or chi. Shiatsu massage proponents assert that it can assist in relieving blockages at certain acupressure sites.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
When you visit the best massage therapist in Calgary, the following benefits are assured:
Improved posture: When muscles are overworked, they can become rigid, resulting in poor posture. Massage is a natural approach to assist your spine in re-establishing a more advantageous alignment.
Relaxation: If your objective is to just unwind following a hard week, massage is an excellent choice. Following a decent massage, you’ll feel an instant improvement in your stress levels and mood.
Migraine and chronic headache relief: If you are one of the 12 million Canadians who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, massage therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your episodes.
Improved blood pressure: In addition to assisting in relaxation, massage treatment has significantly reduced blood pressure.
Improved circulation: If you do have poor circulation, you may have cold hands and feet and numbness and tingling. Massage increases blood flow, which results in improved biological processes.
Accelerated healing from injuries: By combining physical therapy and massage, you may expedite the rehabilitation process.
Non-invasive: All these effects are accessible without the need for needles or invasive surgery!
What are the key aspects to consider before opting for massage therapy?
If you have a medical problem and are unclear whether massage therapy is appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare professional about your concerns. Additionally, your health care physician may be able to assist you in selecting a massage therapist. It is important to note that massage therapy should not be used to replace routine medical care or as an excuse to avoid seeing a healthcare professional about a medical concern.
Additionally, you can conduct an internet search for published research publications on massage treatment for your ailment.
Before beginning the massage treatment, inquire about the therapist’s education, expertise, and certifications. Additionally, ask about the number of treatments that may be required, the associated costs, and insurance coverage.
