Firstly, what is a massage?
There are several types of massage that focus on different parts of the body or healing approaches. Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension. A massage therapist is a person trained in giving massages.
When you book a full body massage or back, neck and shoulder massage, there are usually different options which the therapist will discuss with you before starting. They will ask you a series of questions so that they can assess what would be best for you.
Swedish Massage
For those of you who are new to massage, hold a lot of tension in the body or are a little more sensitive to touch, a Swedish Massage is likely to be the best option.
It can help release muscle knots, and it’s also a good choice for when you want to fully relax during a massage.
The massage therapist will use a combination of:
kneading
long, flowing strokes in the direction of the heart
deep circular motions
vibration and tapping
passive joint movement techniques
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It’s a good option if you have chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, injury, or imbalance. It can help relieve tight muscles, chronic muscle pain, and anxiety.
During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues.
While deep tissue may be more intense, you shouldn’t feel any pain or soreness.
Trigger Point Massage Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By focusing on relieving trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain.
Trigger point massage uses broad, flowing strokes that are gentle and relaxing combined with stronger, deeper pressure.
The massage will include work on your entire body, though your therapist will focus on specific areas of your body that need to be released.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is best for people who have muscle pain and tension or who simply want to relax. This type of therapeutic massage is similar to a Swedish massage, only the massage therapist uses heated stones in lieu of or in addition to their hands. It eases muscle tension, improves blood flow, and relieves pain by using heated stones. Hot stone massage may help:
ease muscle tension
improve blood flow
alleviate pain
promote relaxation
relieve stress
During a hot stone massage, heated stones are placed on different areas around your whole body. Your therapist may hold a stone as they massage different parts of your body using Swedish massage techniques using gentle pressure. Sometimes cold stones are also used.
Bamboo Massage
This is a deep tissue massage designed to relieve stress, muscle tension, aches and pains. The bamboo cane replaces the therapist’s hands, allowing a deeper, firmer massage. The cane is rolled over the muscle to effectively roll out any knots and tension. Muscles will be encouraged to strengthen through this process and inner wellbeing is restored as reflexology points are activated throughout the massage, leaving you feeling energised both inside and out.
Reflexology
Reflexology is best for people who are looking to relax or restore their natural energy levels. It’s also a good option if you aren’t comfortable being touched on your entire body. Reflexology uses gentle to firm pressure on different pressure points of the feet, hands and ears.
If you still aren't sure, don't worry, your therapist will be there to advise you, or feel free to get in contact for further information.
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