Choosing the right massage for you

• Are you confused about which type of massage you should get?
• Is one massage modality more appropriate for your body today than another day?
• Is there a difference between Therapeutic, Sports and Deep Tissue massages?
• Do you feel like you should be the one to decide what type of massage is right for you, but you’re confused about the differences between the various modalities?  You are not alone.   

Rather than describe the various modalities themselves, let’s approach this issue from a different perspective, taking into account your symptoms first:

You play sports, but don’t cross-train and have specific trouble spots

Recommendations:  Deep Tissue or Sports Massage.  Why?  Because you don’t cross-train you probably have chronic patterns of tension in areas of your body.  Deep tissue can release that chronic tension, while Sports Massage can retrain your muscles to reduce the likelihood of redeveloping those areas of chronic tension.

You work out religiously, but aren’t as good about stretching

Recommendations:  Sports Massage.  Why?  Sports Massage identifies and addresses problem areas before they develop into injuries, increases range of motion, increases/restores suppleness and elasticity, frees muscle adhesions.  It also increases body awareness so you may be moved to add stretching to your routine.

You work at a computer all day and your shoulders, neck and upper back are chronically sore

Recommendation:  Therapeutic or Swedish massage.  Why?  Therapeutic massage borrows from various massage modalities to correct problem areas, at the same time, you need relief from the stress of your job.  Your choice of Swedish vs. Therapeutic will depend on the size of the boulders in your shoulder girdle, your overall posture, your sensitivity and various other factors.

There are many, many different modalities of massage, the most often request is for a combination of the following modalities that Muriwaimassage offers:

Deep Tissue Massage is a massage technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber’s of the muscles, tendons and fascia, to “unstick” the fibers of a muscle while releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle. It is both corrective and therapeutic.

Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage. However, if the massage is done correctly you should feel better than ever within a day or two.

Swedish Massage refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being.

Sports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

The main purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break them down quickly and effectively. Sports massage helps prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries. Sports massage can help prevent those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether a person is an athlete or a once a week jogger.

Sports massage has many benefits. In addition to FEELING GOOD, it reduces the heart rate and blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and relieves pain.  Sports Massage can also include maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance, lessen chances of injury and reduce recovery time.

Therapeutic Massage is a sort of blanket term—all massage is therapeutic; however, this term generally refers more specifically to a form of massage that borrows techniques from other modalities to accomplish it’s therapeutic goal.  Very often, the practitioner will borrow from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, and even incorporate the use of energywork to correct biostructural imbalances.

Relaxation massage helps de-stress and loosen up your body and is great for those who have had a hard working week or feel like treating themselves to some TLC! The treatment consists of flowing strokes, kneading and gentle manipulations of the muscles performed at your chosen pressure. It is a pain free way to relax both your muscles and your mind.