Massage is one of the most natural methods of healing and stress reduction. While many people choose to reduce stress with prescription medications, many others visit a day spa every week to relax after a hard week of work. In addition, massage can also be very healing. Many athletes undergo massage treatment for sore muscles, twisted ankles, and torn ligaments.
All day spas offer massage treatments. However, not all offer a wide variety of massage types. This article explains the different massage techniques available in different spas:
Swedish massage
A Swedish massage is intended to relieve muscle tension and loosen aching joints. It is performed all over the body. There are five major strokes used in Swedish massage. The first is effleurage, or caressing. The second is petrissage. This is grasping and lifting the muscles. The third is friction. Here, the massage therapist massages the thickest parts of the muscles by working with her fingers and thumbs in a circular motion. The fourth is tapotement, or tapping and slashing blows. The last major stroke used in Swedish massage is vibration. This is where the massage therapist puts their fingers flat on a muscle and then shakes it quickly to create a vibration.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that targets the parts of the muscles that lie well below the surface. All muscles in the human body have many layers, and the lower levels cannot be reached with normal massage techniques. Deep tissue massage therapists use their fingers, thumbs, and sometimes elbows to reach the deepest layers of muscle. Deep tissue massage generally involves quite a bit of pressure and friction.
Neuromuscular massage
Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep tissue massage used to increase blood flow in individual muscles, reduce pressure on nerves, and reduce pain. Neuromuscular massage therapists look for knots in muscles that can cause pain not only in that individual muscle but also in other unrelated parts of the body.
Sports massage
A sports massage isn’t just used to relieve pain-it’s often used to prepare muscles for activity. Using techniques similar to Swedish massage, a sports massage can prepare muscles for activity and increase an athlete’s energy. A sports massage can cool the muscles and prevent injuries after an activity.
Rolfing
Rolfing is a massage technique designed to restore a person’s posture. Rolfing massagers use their hands and elbows to massage the connective tissue around muscles. The end result is a noticeable improvement in posture.
Hellerwork
Hellerwork is a massage technique that builds on the postural improvement that Rolfing offers. In addition to improving posture, Hellerwork uses techniques that teach a person’s body to break bad posture habits. Many people say that people who have done the 11-week Helenwork session have even grown taller as a result.
Lomi Lomic
Lomi Lomi is the most common stress-relieving massage technique. Lomi Lomi massage therapists use large, broad strokes, often involving hands, forearms, and elbows. Often, Lomi Lomi massage therapists say a prayer before starting the massage that relates to the kind of healing the patient is hoping for.
Thai massage
Thai massage is another popular European massage technique as it targets circulation and pressure points. Through peripheral stimulation, Thai massage promotes internal health and muscle flexibility. Thai massage therapists use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet.
Shiatsu
A Shiatsu massage consists of a finger pressure technique that uses acupuncture points. Shiatsu massage is performed with the client in a supine position. The massage therapist then applies varying degrees of pressure with their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, or knees. A Shiatsu treatment relaxes the body and stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow.
The massage techniques mentioned above are the most common types of massage offered in day spas. However, there are many other massage techniques, and many have alternative names. To determine which massage technique best suits your needs, discuss what you’re looking for in your massage treatment with your spa of choice.