What Are The Best Techniques Used By Massage Therapists?
 

In this article, we'll explore the best massage techniques that have been proven to help with specific symptoms or injuries. To get started let's take a look at what research has uncovered about these five popular techniques: Swedish massage, Prenatal massage, Shiatsu massage, Aromatherapy Massage Therapy, and Trigger Point Therapy.

 

• Swedish Massage
   

Swedish Massage involves long strokes, kneading, and friction techniques that focus on the relaxation of muscles and improving circulation. Pressure can be firm or gentle depending on your preference. Massage includes effleurage, petrissage, tapping, and circular movements intended to improve the flow of blood and release muscle tension by applying rhythmic pressure to the body's soft tissues -- primarily muscles but also tendons, ligaments, and joints. Swedish Massage is also referred to as "classic massage."

 

• Prenatal massage 
   

Is considered a gentle form of Swedish Massage that takes into account the mother's ever-changing body. Massagers will use very light pressure (or even no pressure at all) and small, soft strokes to help provide comfort for a woman during pregnancy. Massage is designed to help relieve soreness in the shoulders as well as regain mobility in some joints. It can also be used to help the mother's back pain, stretch muscles, and improve circulation. Prenatal Massage does not focus on relieving tension or stress, unlike Swedish Massage techniques, but rather focuses on relaxation and helping the expecting mothers feel rested and energized through massage therapy sessions.

 

• Aromatherapy Massage Therapy
   

Aromatherapy Massage Therapy is also referred to as Aroma Massage and the focus of this type of therapy is on healing through the sense of smell. Massagers use specific oils that have been blended with certain scents and massage strokes to bring about a state of calmness, relieve pain, improve circulation, and increase overall health by stimulating the body's natural ability to heal itself.

 

• Trigger Point Therapy
   

Is a form of Massage that utilizes an oil-based lubricant in combination with deep pressure to alleviate pain from Trigger Points. These trigger points (also known as "taut bands") are areas within the fascia and muscles that are prone to develop knots or adhesions. Massaging these spots helps stimulate healthy circulation around the muscle fibers -- which promotes healing and reduces pain caused by tenderness and stiffness.

 

Trigger Point Massage can be used for chronic low back pain, headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, whiplash injuries, and other types of soft tissue damage associated with repetitive stress injuries (RSI's) such as tendonitis.

 

Massage therapy has been around for centuries, but it’s only recently that the profession is becoming more mainstream. With franchised clinics and spas popping up everywhere, many people are beginning to explore affordable massage as a way of boosting their health and well-being. If you haven't already tried our services or products, feel free to check out some of our other informative blogs on this page!