Daily activities involve repeated use of the same muscles— muscle overuse results in tension and stress. Fortunately, a massage can ease tension, calm your nervous system, and make you more relaxed.
However, a common misconception is that massage is part of a spa day treatment and should be to pamper yourself. However, massage therapy is much more. A massage therapist discusses your symptoms, medical history, and desired results before prescribing an appropriate type of massage for you.
This article discusses the types and benefits of massage therapy in Barrie, ON, and the conditions that benefit from this treatment.
What is Massage Therapy?
Massage is a general term for applying pressure and rubbing the skin, muscles, and tendons to relieve tension and provide relaxation. A licensed massage therapist assesses and treats the body’s soft tissues to improve blood circulation and provide immediate relief from pain and injuries.
Types of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is more than just rubbing your body and relieving pressure. The type of massage for you depends on your needs and physical condition. The types of massage therapy in Barrie, ON, include;
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is a full-body massage especially suitable for people new to massage. With this type of massage, massage therapists use long, kneading, and rhythmic tapping strokes to calm your nervous system. In addition, this type of massage targets the uppermost layer of your muscles to relieve stress, pain, and muscle tension.
Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-tissue massage targets tight muscles. Usually, repeated activities like sitting, hunching over your phone, or driving can tighten your muscles. But with deep tissue massage, your therapist can target the muscles and tendons to release tightness and prevent chronic muscle pain.
In this type of massage, your therapist will use firm pressure and slow strokes to massage the deep layers of your muscle and the connective tissues. Deep tissue massages also break up scar tissue, lowers blood pressure, and relieve stress.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is similar to deep tissue massage, but they target the muscles you often use during sports. Athletes, dancers, and anyone who regularly exercises can benefit from a sports massage. A massage therapist uses compression, vibration, rocking, and shaking techniques to target your muscles and ease tension.
Getting a sports massage results in an increased range of motion, flexibility, and a sense of well-being. It also decreases muscle tension and the risks of injury.
Lymphatic Massage
Lymphatic massage relieves painful swelling in the arms and legs. In addition, the lymphatic fluid maintains fluid levels in the body and removes waste products. And a massage therapist uses techniques that let the lymphatic fluid flow freely in the body.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and people who have undergone mastectomies can benefit from a lymphatic massage.
Myofascial Release
The fascia is a web of connective tissue underneath the skin that supports the muscles and allows free movement. A massage therapist uses techniques targeting stiff and fixed fascia areas to loosen the restriction.
A massage therapist uses gentle, constant pressure during a myofascial release. This type of massage increases blood flow, reduces soreness, and decreases the effects of stress on the body.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger points are tight areas that restrict blood flow and cause pain. These points are always very sensitive and cause severe pain when applying pressure. Massage therapists use different techniques to loosen trigger points.
These techniques improve circulation in those areas and release them. Suppose you have chronic pain or ailments, including arthritis, herniated discs, or TMJ disorder. In that case, you can benefit from a trigger point massage.
What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy in Barrie, ON?
Massage therapy offers both physical and mental benefits. Some of the benefits of massage therapy include the following;
- Better sleep quality: Massages ease muscle tension and release serotonin and dopamine. These hormones stabilize your mood and decrease cortisol (stress hormone). With reduced stress and anxiety, you enjoy better sleep quality, especially if you have insomnia.
- Improved circulation: Your massage therapist will use techniques that involve pressure. This pressure then stimulates blood flow through congested areas, improving circulation.
- Improved digestion: Massage releases tension in the abdominal muscles to prevent constipation. In addition, the therapy stimulates liver and kidney activity, aiding waste elimination.
- Improved focus: Massage therapy slows down your nervous system and reduces your heart rate. This then helps you pay more attention and be more focused.
- Decreased muscle stiffness
- Improved flexibility
- Suick recovery between workouts
- Improved mood
What Conditions Does Massage Therapy Treat?
Massage therapy treats several conditions, including;
- Frozen shoulder
- Sports injuries
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Tendonitis
- Fatigue
- Repetitive stress injuries
Get Massage Therapy Today!
Massage therapy relieves several conditions, including anxiety, stress, and soft tissue injury. A licensed massage therapist at Concept of Movement Physiotherapy in Barrie, ON will discuss with you and evaluate the tight areas in your body to know the best type of massage therapy for you.