Everything Regarding Massage Therapy You Should Know

You might believe that the only thing you can do to get through your day is to take some over-the-counter painkillers if you’re stressed out and sore. However, Victoria Bodner, LMT, a qualified massage therapist, says you don’t have to put up with it.

Massage therapy: What is it?

Massage treatment, when administered by a certified massage therapist, involves a variety of pressures, motions, and methods to modify the body’s muscles and other soft tissues. Massage treatment can help relieve stress and tension, relieve symptoms, mend injuries, and promote wellbeing by slowing down your nervous system.

Mesage treatment types

There are many different types of massages. These are a few options that you may see on a menu for massage treatment.

Swedish bodywork

Are you under stress? For serious relaxation, a Swedish massage is the traditional go-to. Swedish massages are usually performed on the entire body with a light touch. For those who are new to massages, it’s a great option. It may aid in nervous system relaxation. According to Bodner, Swedish massage is an excellent way to promote a calm, emotionally balanced frame of mind that will have a direct effect on your muscles.

Deep tissue work

Repetitive usage of your muscles can cause them to become tense, even from less strenuous activities like driving, sitting, or stooping over your laptop. According to Bodner, “deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to release that tightness.” People with persistent muscular discomfort, general muscle tightness, and injuries can benefit from it.

Massage for sports

Similar to deep-tissue massages, sports massages concentrate on the muscles that are overworked during sports or other repetitive physical activities. According to Bodner, “dancers and athletes use their bodies differently than the average person.” “To release tight muscles and treat sports injuries, a massage therapist with expertise in sports massage can come in.”

Massage using trigger points

A trigger point is a constriction, such as a knot in your neck or a tight area in your back. According to Bodner, “a trigger point is a tiny muscle spasm or tight spot in the tissue.” The massage therapist applies direct, concentrated pressure to those specific places during a trigger-point massage. This facilitates the regions’ release by increasing blood flow to them. Those who suffer from chronic pain may also benefit from this kind of massage.

Release from myofascia

Beneath the skin lies a network of connective tissue called the fascia. According to Bodner, “it supports the muscles and allows us to move freely.” Your massage therapist will knead and stretch the muscles and fascia during a myofascial release to alleviate tension and stiffness. It’s a type of deep stretching that’s frequently combined with other healing massage methods, according to her. “It’s excellent for relieving tension in the shoulders, upper and lower back, and neck.”

Massage with lymph

Lymphatic fluid is essential for several bodily processes, including regulating fluid balance and eliminating waste. A light touch is used in lymphatic massage to promote more open movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. “Those who have inflammation, such as those suffering from arthritis or those recovering from mastectomies, which frequently involve the removal of the lymph nodes, benefit greatly from lymphatic massage,” states Bodner.

Massage for expectant mothers

Prenatal massages can help relieve the aches and pains associated with developing a baby and are a terrific way to help expectant mothers unwind. “Massages during pregnancy are great for relieving pressure on the hips and can help reduce swelling in the legs and feet,” explains Bodner. Additionally, “the baby benefits too when mom is at ease and feeling good.”

The health advantages of massage

While massage therapy may be helpful for anybody, people with a variety of illnesses, including fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, and stomach issues, have been shown to benefit from it. Before your first appointment, you should be sure to discuss any medical concerns with your therapist. The following are a few advantages of massage treatment.

Decreases tension and fear

According to a research, the sense of serenity that follows a massage might help lower tension and anxiety. The parasympathetic nervous system, which is focused on daily functions that promote relaxation and rest, and the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers your body’s “fight or flight” reaction in stressful conditions, are the two nervous systems in your body. It’s believed that receiving a massage may heighten your parasympathetic reaction, hence reducing anxiety.

Enhances slumber

Having a massage can raise your levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are known to calm your mood, and lower your levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Research has indicated that massage treatment can be helpful for those with congestive heart failure and menopausal insomnia.

Muscle strain and discomfort in the lesions

Numerous studies have examined the potential benefits of massage in reducing acute back pain, neck discomfort, headaches, and knee pain. The findings indicate that alleviation can be more transient than permanent, and in certain situations, getting several 60-minute massages a week had better outcomes than getting fewer or shorter massages.

Boosts the immunological system

Is it possible for a massage to strengthen immunity? According to a research, getting frequent massages may boost your body’s production of white blood cells, which fight infections.

Minimizes constipation

A study reveals that an abdominal massage may facilitate bowel motions for patients experiencing constipation following surgery.

Lessens the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Studies on the effects of massage therapy over a five-week period on symptoms of fibromyalgia—a chronic condition that causes fatigue, discomfort in the muscles and joints—have revealed improvements in sleep, memory, and mood.

Reduces discomfort from cancer

The physical and psychological effects of cancer therapy are severe. Numerous people have resorted to massage as a way to boost relaxation, lower cancer discomfort, and enhance quality of life. Numerous studies have been conducted; some claim that massage treatment has little effect on cancer pain, while others have shown benefits.