The Top 3 Massage Techniques

The Top 3 Massage Techniques

Massage is probably the oldest and simplest existing form of medical care that has been applied for relaxation fitness and other health purposes. Basically massage therapy is a therapeutic technique that involves manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. It is the calming therapeutic process of kneading stroking and pressing the different areas of the body to alleviate pain relieve stress and tensions or relax stimulate and tone the body.

The techniques and strokes vary widely from the most delicate touch with the fingertips to more focused deep tissue work. These techniques may even vary in speed as well as in pressure.

Below is a list of the top rated massage techniques. 

Deep Tissue Massage - The deep tissue massage on the most basic is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It involves a number of slow movements but generally the pressure is more intense as it aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body. The most common target of these movements and deep finger pressure are the contracted areas either following or going across the muscles of the fiber fascia and tendons. Usually in this kind of massage the therapists use their thumb fingers and even elbows to apply the needed pressure.

Swedish Massage - Also included in the line of the top rated massage techniques is Swedish massage. This technique involves the use of kneading tapping or calming strokes applied to the entire body to loosen sore joints and relieve muscle tension and pain. What sets Swedish massage apart from the other massage techniques is that it involved five major beneficial strokes: effleurage petrissage friction tapotement and vibration. Although each of these strokes differ according to their movements and target points all of them are developed to promote an ultimate feeling of being pampered.  Swedish massage increases the flow of oxygen in the blood and release toxins that were trapped in the muscles. With this purpose alone the Swedish massage works to shorten the recovery time from muscular strain.

Sports Massage - Sports massage is the technique of kneading and manipulating the soft tissues in the body to help athletes improve their performance prevent and treat sports injuries. As athletes look for effective ways to boost their performances, sports massage is one of the best solutions they've ever discovered.

You can call my office to make an appointment at 865-223-2362 and if you have questions, we can discuss which technique will be best for you.

Some of the Health Benefits Of Massage

With experts estimating that nearly ninety percent of disease is stress related now more than ever it's imperative that Americans make the most of selfcare options available today to help decrease and manage stress levels. The application of soft tissue manipulation techniques to the body has shown to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. 

Massage helps to decrease anxiety, enhance sleep quality, provide energy, improve concentration and more. For the everyday American who sufferers of chronic conditions this translates into a proven method for managing pain and stress. There are more than 80 types of massage therapy and in all of them therapists apply pressure and movement with the use of their hands, forearms, elbows and fingers. 

One of the most popular and well known is Swedish massage. This technique  uses long strokes kneading and finger pressure on tight or knotted muscles. 

Trigger point massage utilizes deeper more focused pressure on knots that form in muscles. 

My favorite is deep tissue massage which is an excellent technique to increase circulation and flexibility. 

Increased circulation in between the muscle fibers allow nutrients to reach the cells and for toxins to be carried away more efficiently. Dehydrated muscle fibers also cause a lack of circulation which leads to a decrease in oxygen to the muscles. Professional massage combined with adequate hydration 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can revive areas of pain and increase flexibility.

How often you get a massage depends on why you're seeking massage. In dealing with the general tension of everyday commutes, computer work, and time demands, a monthly massage may be enough to sustain you. On the other hand, if you're seeking massage for chronic pain, you may need regular treatments every week or two. Or if you're addressing an acute injury or dealing with high levels of stress, you may need more frequent sessions. Your situation will dictate the optimum time between treatments, and your practitioner will work with you to determine the best course of action. In general, experts say "regular" is preferable, but how regular depends on your situation. While daily massage would be delightful, practical considerations such as cost, time, and physical need likely determine the frequency of treatments. Whether you get a massage weekly, monthly, or just every once in a while, the following habits can maximize and extend the afterglow of treatment. One bit of advice you'll hear over and over again is to drink plenty of water after a massage. Massage -- no matter the particular modality -- releases toxins, such as lactic acid and carbonic acid, that need to be flushed from the body. Massage also promotes circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen and stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of pathogens. After-massage hydration supports these functions, helping to eliminate released impurities, sooner rather than later. You can follow this blog at BodyWorksMassageGroup.com. BodyWorks Massage Group is located at 1101 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville TN. I can be reached at 865-223-2362.