You may think that all you can do when you’re feeling stressed and sore is take over-the-counter pain relievers and keep going. There are ways to cope with chronic pain, says massage therapist Victoria Bodner.
According to Bodner, massage is excellent for relaxation, pain relief, and muscle relaxation. Here are some types of massage and their benefits.
Massage therapy is what it sounds like.
Massage therapy is the practice of manipulating muscles and other soft tissues in the body by means of different pressures, movements, and techniques performed by a licensed massage therapist. Massage therapy can be used to reduce stress, release tension, heal injuries, and support overall wellness by slowing down your nervous system.
Different types of massage therapy
There are many types of massage. Below are some of the massage services you might find on a massage therapy menu.
Swedish massage
Are you feeling stressed? Swedish massages are a classic way to relax. Swedish massages use a soft touch and are typically full-body massages. They are an excellent choice for people who have never received a massage before. Getting a massage can calm your nervous system. Moreover, Swedish massage encourages a relaxed emotional state of mind, which has a direct effect on your muscles,” states Bodner.
Massages that target deep tissues
Using your muscles repetitively can lead to them becoming tight – even doing something less active like sitting, driving, or hunching over your laptop. Bodner says deep tissue massage releases tight muscles and tendons. People with injuries, general muscle tightness, and chronic muscle pain may benefit from this therapy.
Sports massage
Similar to deep-tissue massages, sports massages focus on the muscles that take a beating when you play sports or engage in repetitive physical activity. Bodner says that athletes and dancers use their bodies differently than the average person. It is important to break up muscle tension and address sports injuries with a massage therapist who has experience in sports massage.
Massage trigger points
A trigger point is a knot in your neck or a tight spot in your back. Trigger points can be defined as tiny muscle spasms in a tissue. A massage therapist targets these points with focused, direct pressure. Trigger points can be relieved by increasing blood flow to affected areas. Chronic pain sufferers can also benefit from this type of massage.
Massage benefits your health
Studies have shown that massage therapy is helpful for people with cancer, heart disease, stomach problems, fibromyalgia, and a variety of other conditions. Prior to your first session, you should speak with your therapist about any medical concerns you may have. Below are some benefits of massage.
Reduces anxiety and stress
A study found that the feeling of calm after receiving a massage may help reduce stress and anxiety. There are two nervous systems in your body: A sympathetic nervous system that drives your “fight or flight” response in stressful situations and a parasympathetic nervous system that controls routine and day-to-day activities that lead to relaxation and rest. Massages are believed to increase your parasympathetic response, which decreases anxiety.
Do you know anyone who should try massage therapy?
Massages are a wonderful way to improve wellness, ease pain and more. Your doctor and massage therapist should discuss your medical condition if you have one. It is possible to reduce swelling and pain during pregnancy with a prenatal massage.
“Massage therapy has so many benefits,” Bodner says.
Need help choosing the right type of massage? Booking a massage appointment doesn’t have to take a lot of time
Choose the appointment you want. As a matter of fact, massage therapists often mix and match techniques to address each client’s individual needs.
Bodner says that the different types of massage don’t compete with one another. In addition to helping you relax, a massage therapist can get rid of tight muscles and address other concerns.
