Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy: Time to Relax

Massage therapy is becoming more popular and known as a way to strengthen and elongate muscles, while improving blood flow and relaxing the body and mind. Particularly for those who play sports or who participate in strenuous activities, the massage can offer multiple benefits as a form of healing.

Virtually everyone experiences some kind of pain through their spine, whether it is from sitting at a desk all day or doing laborious jobs; or from playing sports. Atlantic Spine Center has dedicated massage therapists who have been trained to work the soft tissues and muscles on your neck, back, head, legs, arms, or wherever you feel stress and tension. When combined with physical therapy and chiropractic services, the massages give you a better chiropractic experience. That is because the adjustments last longer, due to having more pliable muscles and soft tissue to work with.

The physical therapists also collaborate with the masseuse to bring a patient greater range of motion, flexibility and coordination, while strengthening and rebuilding the muscles. Want more physical endurance on the playing field? You will notice a tremendous advantage after beginning massage therapy sessions.

Chiropractors focus on the joints and bones, while physical therapists stick to the strengthening and improvement of movement. Adding massage therapy to the mix is a great way to bring your body to the pinnacle of success.

Choosing a massage therapist is an important decision, as the therapist you choose will be responsible for providing a safe and effective treatment for your specific needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the right massage therapist:

  • Research different therapists. Look for therapists who are licensed and have received proper training in their field. You can check with your local massage therapy association or do an online search to find therapists in your area.
  • Consider the therapist's experience. It's important to choose a therapist who has experience working with clients who have similar needs to yours. For example, if you have a specific health condition, look for a therapist who has experience working with clients with that condition.
  • Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Look for reviews online or ask friends, family, or your primary care doctor for recommendations. This can help you get a sense of the therapist's reputation and whether they are a good fit for you.
  • Consider the therapist's approach. Different therapists have different approaches to massage. Some may focus on relaxation, while others may use a more therapeutic approach to address specific issues. Make sure to choose a therapist whose approach aligns with your goals for massage therapy.
  • Ask about the therapist's policies. Make sure to ask about the therapist's policies on things like cancellation, payment, and privacy. You want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident with the therapist's policies before booking a session.
  • Trust your instincts. Finally, trust your instincts. If you don't feel comfortable or confident with a therapist, it's okay to look for someone else. Your massage therapist should make you feel safe and respected, and you should feel comfortable communicating with them about your needs and concerns.

What is Massage Therapy Used For

Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves the use of various techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Massage therapy is often used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Musculoskeletal pain: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness, and improve range of motion and flexibility.
  • Stress and anxiety: Massage therapy can help to relax the mind and body and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Headaches and migraines: Massage therapy may be helpful in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.
  • Insomnia: Massage therapy may help to improve sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of insomnia.

Massage can be a good therapy for many people, it’s a way to improve wellness, reduce pain, muscle tension, and more. However, you should first consult with your general medical care provider to make sure there are no risks for you personally. Another thing to keep in mind is choosing a good massage therapy specialist, such a doctor should have proper education, years of experience and additional training.

If you’re not sure, which type of therapy to choose, you can ask your therapist to mix techniques to address your needs.

Types of Massage Therapies

There are many different types of massage therapies, including:

  • Swedish massage: This is a gentle form of massage that uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and improve circulation. This technique is a classics, and many people can start their massage therapy with this one. Also, patients can benefit from this massage, as it helps with mental health, reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation.
  • Deep tissue massage: This type of massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue and is used to treat muscle tension and pain. It is helpful to reduce muscle tightness after sitting hunched over, making repetitive movements, etc. It’s also beneficial for people with injuries.
  • Hot stone massage: This type of massage uses heated stones to relax the muscles and promote deep tissue relaxation.
  • Thai massage: This is a type of massage that involves a combination of acupressure, stretching, and gentle rocking to help improve flexibility and relaxation.
  • Sports massage: This type of procedure is similar to deep-tissue massage. But this one targets muscles that are mostly used to play sports or participate in other physical activities.
  • Trigger point massage: This technique is used for tight spots in the muscle tissue known as trigger points. It’s a spasm that can be released by pressure. The massage increases blood flow to the spot, helping it release. It is also helpful for those suffering from chronic pain.
  • Myofascial release: This massage is designed for connective tissue under the skin that supports the muscles and allows us to move. During a procedure, the muscles and the connective tissue are kneaded and stretched to reduce tension and tightness. This can be used for upper back muscles, neck, shoulders, as well as lower back muscles.
  • Prenatal massage: Prenatal massages are the part of prenatal care. It can help mothers-to-be relax and reduces swelling in legs and feet. It can also help reduce some pain, especially in the lower back.
  • Lymphatic massage: Lymphatic massage is gentle, it helps lymphatic fluid flow, which has several important functions, including maintaining fluid levels and removing waste products from the body. It can be especially beneficial for people with inflammation, for example, with conditions like arthritis.

Benefits

Massage therapy has many potential benefits, including:

  • Pain relief: Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle pain, stiffness, and soreness. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of massage therapy for back pain. Massage is also highly beneficial for headaches.
  • Relaxation: Massage therapy can help to relax the mind and body and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Improved circulation: Massage therapy can improve blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
  • Improved flexibility and range of motion: Massage therapy can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the muscles and joints.
  • Improved sleep: Massage therapy may help to improve sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of insomnia.
  • Osteoarthritis: Patients who join massage therapy have a number of improvements in pain and stiffness.
  • Depression: As massage helps reduce anxiety and other mental health states by promoting relaxation and pleasure, it can be a great mean to deal with depressive thoughts.
  • Cancer: Massage therapy can be a great additional treatment for patients with cancer.

It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of massage therapy with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Here are just a few of the health problems that may benefit from massage. Ask your doctor before using massage for any health condition, though.

Other treatments

Acupuncture - How it work, Benefits, Risks and Uses

Acupuncture is a procedure common in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily used to treat pain, as a stress-management technique and other conditions. During this procedure, a doctor inserts…

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy: Time to Relax Massage therapy is becoming more popular and known as a way to strengthen and elongate muscles, while improving blood flow and relaxing the body and mind. Particularly…