Massage therapy has been traditionally used around the world for relaxation and stress relief. Ancient Chinese Egyptians and Indians used it as a therapeutic art of wellness. Today, it is often used alongside therapy for managing stress and pain.
By definition, massage is a practice that involves the manipulation of the soft tissues in your body using specific techniques. A massage therapist applies pressure by rubbing, stroking, and kneading different parts of your body, which helps improve your blood circulation. Moreover, it also promotes the release of serotonin, a natural relaxation hormone.
Several types of massages are recommended for managing pain. Some of the most common types of massages that can effectively manage pain include the following.
Remedial Massage
Remedial massage is the most popular type of massage used to treat tense, tight, knotted, immobile muscles, and tendons. Using specific pressure techniques, remedial massage aims to enhance the body's natural repair process by improving blood circulation and increasing joint mobility. This type of massage is popular for treating painful joints and muscles because it aims to identify the cause of the pain and treat the symptoms. Very often, remedial massage is used alongside other treatments for pain management.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is specifically designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts for strengthening muscles and improving flexibility. It is a form of preventive therapy that is used to improve athletic performance and reduce recovery time in case of an injury. But it can also be used as a treatment following a sports injury. Sports massage also aids in reducing stress and tension in the muscles that build up during a high-intensity workout. Moreover, it improves blood circulation, heart rate, and blood pressure.
This type of massage may lead to discomfort, so it is best to have a detailed discussion with your therapist.
Deep Tissue Massage
Like the name suggests, deep tissue massage features a massage therapy that goes deep into the muscles. The therapist intends to go as far deep as possible through the muscle to release scar tissue. The idea is to relax the tightly knotted muscles, which is often the cause of neck and back pain.
If you have chronic pain that affects your quality of life, then deep tissue massage is the type of therapy you need. Again, it may be offered alongside treatment for managing pain, so make sure you discuss your medical conditions with both the therapist and your primary healthcare provider. You may feel sore for a few days following deep tissue massage; however, the condition will soon subside, and your body will feel lighter and relaxed.
When considering massage therapy for managing pain, it is best to look for a registered therapist trained to provide the right kind of treatment. To find out more about which type of massage is best for treating your pain, get in touch with our team now.