Massage therapy has been incorporated into medical treatments for thousands of years. Recently, the demand for different types of massages has been on a steady rise. Be it a deep tissue massage therapy in Sherwood Park or reflexology massage, massage therapy is increasingly becoming a popular treatment option among patients. This therapy has proven to be effective in alleviating chronic pain, helping people with developmental disorders and reducing the intensity of symptoms of a variety of illnesses like cerebral palsy, and arthritis to name a few. Different types of massages have their own set of benefits. Let’s discuss different types of massage therapy and how they can benefit you.
1) Deep Tissue Massage In Sherwood Park
In deep tissue massage, the deepest layer of muscles is targeted. The therapist will try to release chronic muscle tension with the help of effective massage techniques. The focus is usually on the muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia, which is the protective layer surrounding the muscles, bones, and joints. Deep tissue massage is known to keep blood pressure under control. Numerous studies have shown the positive effects of deep tissue massage in Sherwood Park in reducing high blood pressure.
2) Swedish Massage
This is a popular type of massage therapy and is in many ways similar to deep tissue massage therapy. A typical session of Swedish massage comprises of five strokes - effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Swedish massage is done to relieve muscle tension and to relax and energize the body. Most physiotherapists recommend Swedish massage for people with sports injuries and symptoms of burnout.
3) Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage therapy involves the use of warm stones throughout the therapy session. It is done to relieve muscle tension, stress and relax damaged soft tissues throughout the body. Other benefits of hot stone massage include, decrease in cancer symptoms, relief from symptoms of an autoimmune disease and sleeping disorders. In a typical hot stone massage session, smooth, flat heated stones are placed on different parts of your body. These stones are made of basalt, a volcanic rock that contains heat.
4) Reflexology Massage
Reflexology involves the application of pressure to specific reflex zones like your feet, hands, thumb or finger. Reflexology is different from massage as when the former is used in massage therapy, it is termed as reflexology massage. Reflexology massage can be therapeutic for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries, stress and anxiety.
If you wish to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of different types of massage therapy, then get in touch with our physiotherapists.