Massage therapy is not solely a luxury endeavor but a proactive, health choice. As we collectively begin to understand this, misconceptions surrounding massage become more apparent. Since massage therapy is a key modality at The Wellness Center, we thought who better to help set the record straight than us?
How many types of Massage Therapy are there?
A common misconception is that there are only two types of massage: Deep Tissue and Swedish massage. In fact, there are dozens of techniques encompassed within the massage therapy wheelhouse… CranioSacral Therapy, Trigger Point, Sports, Reiki, Myofascial, Neuromuscular and Prenatal are just a handful of these beneficial treatments. The therapists at The Wellness Center are skilled in a wide range of modalities and these specializations lead to greater outcomes for our clients. When we have more tools to work with, we have more specialized resolutions for issues and ailments.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep Tissue massage, which The Wellness Center refers to as therapeutic massage, denotes an accessing of the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Gratefully, it does not take a lot of pressure to delve more deeply into the muscle groups. This is particularly true when the therapist works with the muscle to go deeper instead of forcing their way in. We do not practice a “no pain, no gain” mentality. This type of deep work can be harmful to not only the client but can put the therapist at risk of injury.
Effective Deep Tissue massage is not an act of digging in to create discomfort, pain or even soreness afterward. It typically involves a slow, methodical yet progressive style that includes holding a spot where a knot or muscle adhesion exists, cross-friction techniques to help break up “sticky” areas and gentle yet sustained pressure to stretch and release the surrounding connective tissue (fascia). Deep tissue work usually focuses on a specific problem, such as: chronic pain, limited mobility, recovery from injuries and repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis pain. Proven benefits of Deep Tissue massage include:
- improved flexibility
- faster recovery after strenuous activity
- reduced inflammation and swelling
- breaking down scar tissue
- improved blood pressure
- detoxification
Swedish Massage
At a glance, it would seem Swedish massage (also known as Relaxation massage) refers solely to a relaxing, superficial type of bodywork that puts one to sleep or into a calm state of being. However, Swedish massage provides much more benefit by simply settling the nervous system. The muscles and tension in the body are more fully relaxed by the nervous system moving from a sympathetic state (fight or flight) to a parasympathetic one (rest and digest) opposed to the therapist applying more and more pressure. Swedish massage also offers the following benefits:
- improving circulation
- reducing stress carried in the body
- enhancing flexibility
- boosting mood by increasing feel-good hormones
- supporting the immune system by promoting lymphatic drainage and the movement of white blood cells
- alleviating headaches
- improving sleep
- developing better posture through muscle balance
Experience Massage Therapy in Glendale, CO
At The Wellness Center, our team of practitioners have more than 400 YEARS of collective experience! They believe in the work they do and their experience level far surpasses the industry average of 3-5 years career length. We live our lives with the intention necessary to be of service to others. If you have short-term or long-term health and wellness goals, we are here to support you. We have been offering effective and therapeutic care in a welcoming environment for 25 years! The Wellness Center’s amazing team of therapists is only a click or call away.
Sources:
“Fascial Plasticity—A New Neurobiological Explanation, by Robert Schleip. (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapists, April 2003.)