Time to brush aside those thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself on special occasions. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. Here are some of the different types of massage and some of the amazing benefits.
Different Types Of Massage
Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient peoples – including the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Indians – were convinced of the therapeutic properties of massage and used it to treat a variety of ailments.
The term ‘massage therapy’ is used to describe a wide variety of techniques that vary in the manner in which touch, pressure and the intensity of the treatment is applied. Some different types of massages available include:
Remedial
Focuses on the treatment of soft tissue injuries, muscular aches and pains and postural imbalances. The main aim of this treatment is to find and treat the cause and symptoms of your condition.
Relaxation
A gentle, smooth, flowing style whole-body massage, that is both deeply relaxing and invigorating. This massage will ease away stress, fatigue and tension, increase circulation, improve sleep and promote wellness. This is a pain-free massage that you can enjoy at your chosen pressure.
Lymphatic Drainage
A gentle whole body treatment which relaxes the nervous system and aids the body’s immune system.
Deep Tissue
Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. The aim of this massage is to release patterns of tension in the muscles, through slow deep strokes through the muscle fibres. A deep tissue massage will loosen muscle tissue, release toxins from the muscles and assist blood and oxygen to circulate properly.
Hot Stone
Remedial Hot Stone Massage blends traditional Remedial Massage techniques with the use of hot (or sometimes cold) stones to help manage and treat a variety of conditions and ailments. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. The heated basalt stones allow the therapist to work deeper into the muscles if needed to help release muscle tension.
Pregnancy
A nurturing treatment for expectant mothers. This massage is a comforting and gentle way to alleviate pregnancy aches and pains such as back pain, leg cramps, tension, fatigue, headaches and stress. Massage is applied to feet, legs, neck, shoulders and entire back, and is completely safe during pregnancy.
Sports
This is an application of massage, not a particular massage technique. The type of technique or treatment applied is dependent on the nature of the stage of training or competition, sports injury or condition and the assessment of the remedial massage therapist. Sport massage is a blend of techniques that aim to enhance performance and help overworked muscles to recover quickly.
Seated
This mini massage is the perfect solution for fast relief of neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches. Performed on a special massage chair using Acupressure techniques, the seated massage offers an alternative when you just need a little pick me up.
6 Benefits of Massage
Helps If You Sit For Too Long
Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress. More often than not it tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck. More advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the low back and glutes caused by prolonged periods of sitting. Massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting. This means you can keep your desk job as long, as you schedule a regular massage.
It Eases Muscle Pain
Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. Massage increases and improves circulation which may help to relieve the pain and can be an effective method for the treatment for chronic back pain.
Helps Stress, Anxiety And Depression
Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. People are much more relaxed and happy and have reduced stress levels after massage.
Improves Sleep
Massage promotes relaxation and sleep and can be beneficial in helping those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.
Boosts Immunity
Studies have found that massage can boost white blood cell count, which plays a large role in defending the body from disease. It can also improve immune function.
Relieves Headaches
Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. Massage decreases the frequency and severity of tension headaches.
SPHC Massage Services
Massage focuses on muscles that are damaged, diminished, knotted, immobile, strained or stiff. At Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we provide a wide variety of massage services that include essential massage treatments, as well as, speciality massage treatments. Our Massage Services Include:
- Remedial Massage
- Sports Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Hot Stone Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- Relaxation Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Seated Massage
Find out more about our massage services or make an appointment with one of our specialist massage therapists.