Swedish Massage is a hands-on technique designed to relax muscles by applying gentle or deep pressure. These smooth and rhythmical techniques have relaxing effects on the body and mind.
The primary 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 neck, lower back, and shoulder muscles will significantly benefit from deep tissue massage.
How does deep tissue massage work?
During the session, the therapist localizes muscular adhesions (tender and tight muscle tissues blocking energy flow, blood circulation, limited range of motion, and increased inflammation).
Then, the therapist manually releases and breaks down these adhesions by slowly applying deep pressure or friction across the muscle.
Is deep tissue massage painful?
One should not feel pain during a deep tissue massage session if performed with caution and patience. However, the adhesions are naturally tender points, 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 pressure used.
Nevertheless, the tenderness should ease up throughout the session, the tension should cease, and the locked-up energy should be released.
What conditions will benefit from deep tissue massage?
Unlike 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 or osteoarthritis should consult their doctors before getting a massage.