Health Benefits of Different Types of Massage

Aside from being a relaxing routine, going for a massage offers so many health benefits. A growing body of research suggests that even a single massage can provide physical and health benefits. Here at Excel, we offer different types of massages for a variety of purposes and results, depending on you individual needs. Here’s a breakdown of each massage and the benefits they offer:

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a very effective way to prevent and treat muscle injuries, pain, and soreness. This massage is beneficial to individuals who are suffering from pain as a result of injuries, such as whiplash, sports injuries, or falls; repetitive strain injuries or RSI; and work-related problems, as well as those who have postural alignment problems.

Most of the pain is myofascial (soft tissue) in origin. Remedial massage is designed to treat both deep and superficial tissues to relieve pain and to correct and normalize the body’s muscles and soft tissues. This type of massage requires knowledge of anatomy and physiology. This ensures that we provide the correct assessment and appropriate treatment to the client. It is recommended that you consult a doctor before going to a massage therapist for specific conditions which may not be related to soft tissue.

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation massage is, as its name suggests, all about relaxing. This type of massage involves rhythmic and flowing strokes, deep relaxing pressure, and gentle manipulations of the muscles. This helps to soothe and relax your muscles and your mind.

Aside from its soothing comfort, there are other benefits that can be acquired from a relaxation massage, such as lower blood pressure, improved peripheral circulation, improved skin tone and appearance, better gastrointestinal motility, relief of muscle tension headaches, and relief from stress-related symptoms.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).  This type of massage treats a variety of physical ailments through deep finger pressure combined with slow, firm strokes.

Deep tissue massage is an effective way to reduce chronic pain, as it increases the flow of blood through the body which helps lessen the inflammation that causes pain. It also provides relief to individuals suffering from chronic stress by alleviating tension headaches and relaxing rigid shoulders and tight muscles. It can also improve blood pressure by easing stress and tension.

This type of massage is frequently used to rehabilitate sports injuries, as it effectively promotes healing of injured muscles and facilitates the movement of toxins from the muscles and helps stretch tight or twisted muscle mass. Another benefit of regular deep tissue massage is it can help break up and erase scar tissue in the body. Scar tissue is usually associated with constant pain and stiffness, and deep tissue massage helps address these symptoms by improving lymphatic circulation and drainage to increase flexibility and range of motion in the affected area.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic treatment from Japan which reduces stress and contributes to overall wellbeing through kneading, pressing, tapping, and stretching techniques. This massage is recommended for those with chronic pain conditions, such as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, PMS, digestive disorders, and musculoskeletal pain, including low back pain, neck pain, and joint pain.

This type of massage is used to treat a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, as well as emotional conditions. It helps restore and maintain the body’s energy, improve circulation, reduces stress and tension, and relieve headaches. This massage also promotes healing from sprains and similar injuries, alleviate arthritic pain, and reduce pain associated with stiff neck, shoulders, and back, including sciatica. It also helps heal coughs, colds, and other sinus and respiratory problems.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage is also known as pre-natal massage. It helps to promote relaxation, soothe the nerves, and relieve strained back and leg muscles in expectant mothers. Massage therapy performed during pregnancy is said to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression. Pre-natal massage also aids in relieving muscle and joint pains. One significant benefit of this type of massage is its ability to help improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Pregnancy massage helps to regulate hormone levels, which brings about better mood and improved cardiovascular health in pregnant women. This type of massage also helps improve circulation and stimulates soft tissues, which is beneficial in preventing or addressing edema. Edema is the swelling of joints during pregnancy. During late pregnancy, when the pressure of the uterus causes sciatic nerve pain, this massage therapy helps to release the tension on affected muscles. Other benefits of pre-natal massage include improved circulation, less back and joint pain, reduced edema, reduced muscle tension and headaches, reduced anxiety and stress, and better sleep.

Sports Massage

Sports massage involves the application of specific massage techniques to an athlete. The goal is to help him or her prepare for or recover from the physical demands of training or competition. This type of massage is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to an athlete’s musculoskeletal system. Regular visits to a sports massage therapist can help prevent injuries caused by constant build up of tension in the muscles as a result of regular physical activity. Our skilled massage therapists will be able to detect variations in the soft tissues and apply the appropriate techniques to help you maintain a healthy physical state.

A pre-event sports massage is a short, specific treatment performed 30 minutes to 24 hours prior a sports event. The goal of this massage is to increase the athlete’s circulation, flexibility, and mental clarity to improve performance. On the other hand, a post-event sports massage provides pain-free recovery after the event. The focus is on the relaxation of the muscles, improvement of circulation, and restoration of flexibility. This enables the athlete to resume training the quickest possible time without the usual stiffness and soreness.

Massage can benefit different individuals with different needs in various ways. Call us today at 1300-650-510 or email us at info@excelphysio.com.au to know which one is best for you.