Swedish Massage is a hands-on technique designed to relax the muscles by applying gentle or deep pressure on muscles. These smooth and rhythmical techniques have relaxing effects on the body and mind.
The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the blood flow, oxygenate the muscles, and release the toxins in the muscles.
Don't eat a heavy meal before your massage session. Drink lots of water after your session.
Benefits
It will have many other benefits such as
Increase in:
- coetaneous circulation
- lymphatic drainage
- the elasticity of scar tissue
- cell metabolism
- the flexibility of ligaments and muscles
- stimulation of sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
- flexibility
- endorphin release
Decrease in:
- pain
- muscle spasm
- trigger points
- stress
- edema
Individuals with chronically tight muscles in neck, low back, and shoulders will benefit from deep tissue massage.
Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage therapy focuses on releasing muscle tension and knots, freeing locked up energy areas, and realigning muscles and connective tissues of deeper lying muscles.
Individuals with chronically tense and tight muscles in areas such as neck, low back, and shoulders will especially benefit from deep tissue massage.
How does deep tissue massage work?
During the session, the therapist localizes muscular adhesions (tender and tight muscle tissues that block the energy flow, blood circulation, limited range of motion and increase inflammation).
Then the therapist releases and breaks down these adhesions manually with slowly applied deep pressure or friction across the muscle.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
If performed with caution and patience, one should not feel pain during a deep tissue massage session. However, the adhesions are tender points by nature and applying pressure to them may result in some discomfort. Therefore communication between the patient and the therapist is essential to determine the amount of the pressure applied.
Nevertheless, throughout the session the tenderness should ease up, the tension should cease, and the locked up energy should be released.
What conditions will benefit from deep tissue massage?
Unlike the Swedish massage, which is for relaxation, deep tissue massage focuses on specific issues. Some of the conditions it helps to ease up are:
- Chronic pain
- Limited mobility
- Tension headaches
- Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
- Piriformis syndrome
- Postural problems
- Scoliosis related pain
- Muscle tension or spasm
- Osteoarthritis
Highest Ranking
34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescribed medications, chiropractic, acupuncture,
diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs (Consumer Reports, 8/2005).
Don't eat a heavy meal before your massage session. Drink lots of water after your session. Pregnant women and individuals with heart disease, osteoarthritis should consult their doctors before getting a massage.