What is a massage?
Massage therapy is a therapeutic practice that entails the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, which encompass muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Its primary objectives are to induce relaxation, alleviate tension, mitigate pain, and improve overall well-being. This manual technique is generally administered by a skilled massage therapist who employs a variety of methods, pressures, and movements to address particular areas of the body. The intensity of massages can vary, ranging from a gentle and calming touch to a more vigorous and pinpointed approach, tailored to the individual’s preferences and therapeutic aims.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a method aimed at addressing knots and tension in the deeper layers of your muscles, going beneath the surface muscles.
To draw a comparison, think of the white tendons found in chicken meat. These tendons serve as connective tissues, connecting muscles to bones, similar to the tendons in our bodies.
In a deep tissue massage, firm pressure is applied with slow, deliberate strokes. This approach allows access to the deeper layers of fascia, making it particularly effective for managing chronic pain. The technique also promotes improved blood circulation, helps break down scar tissue, and reduces swelling.
Therapeutic massage
This therapy will revolve around stretching and manipulating the muscles with the goal of addressing a particular ailment. If you’re experiencing issues like muscle soreness or the sensation of knots in your back, therapeutic massage techniques are designed to specifically address these discomforts and bring your body back to a state of relaxation, free from tension.
Massage therapy can effectively target trigger points, which are tender and painful areas, often referred to as knots, within muscles. These knots are sensitive, and when pressure is applied to them, they can produce pain in other parts of your body. A trigger point massage is designed to alleviate these knots and alleviate the associated pain.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of trigger points, I recommend reading our blog posts. They delve deeper into the significance and nature of these sensitive spots within muscles.
Benefits of Massaging:
- Decreased muscle tension
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system
- Lowered levels of stress hormones
- Promoted relaxation
- Increased joint mobility and flexibility
- Enhanced skin tone
- Accelerated recovery of soft tissue injuries
What to do after your massages?
These are steps you can take to prolong the effects of your massage and prevent post-treatment soreness:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial. Massages release toxins and waste from your muscles, and adequate hydration helps your lymphatic system efficiently flush them out.
- Avoid Immediate Activity: After a massage, especially a deep tissue one, your body needs a cool-down period. Avoid strenuous activities and consider taking a short walk to keep your muscles from tightening.
- Warm Shower or Bath: A hot shower or bath increases blood flow and relaxes muscles. Adding essential oils like lavender or Epsom salts can enhance the experience.
- Use Self-Massage Tools: Foam rollers or lacrosse balls can help maintain the benefits of your massage with minimal effort. Dr. Wendy Brackeen can guide you on the best techniques.
- Stretching and Exercises: Incorporate stretches and exercises into your routine to address stress points and improve your overall well-being.
Additionally, it’s wise to schedule your next massage appointments in advance, even before you feel the need for one. Regular massages (e.g., monthly) can be more effective in addressing your specific needs and ensuring continuous progress toward a healthier, pain-free life. Don’t forget to book your next appointment!