Massage therapy: evaluating your options
Feeling stressed out, overworked or tired? It might be time to treat yourself to a massage, don’t you think? The only problem with getting a massage is that there are literally dozens of kinds of massage therapies that you can get for yourself. So how do you know which one is going to be the best one for whatever you’re presenting with?
For example, if you’re stressed out, which kind of massage should you get? And if you’re in dire need of some all-over stretching, what kind of massage should you get? Or if you’ve pulled a muscle in your back or body while running, is there a better kind of massage to get for yourself? I wanted to clear up the different types of massages that there are available, in the hopes that you’ll be able to land yourself the perfect massage for the next time you’re in dire need of some rest and relaxation! Recently, I was getting a massage in Bentleigh and wasn’t sure who to turn to and had to do some serious researching online - so I decided to create this list to clear up any potential confusion.
Thai Massage
This kind of massage originates from Thailand (well, obviously) and it’s best known for the vast array of stretching and movement that occurs in this kind of massage. The massage therapists who practice this kind of massage are not afraid to jump up onto the table and to walk on your back, either, so be prepared for that if you do plump for this kind of massage next time. The traditional style of Thai massage uses no oil or lotion, and you stay clothed throughout the treatment. There is ongoing and consistent body contact between the giver and the receiver of the massage. When you are getting one of these massages you’re going to be placed in a variety of different and yoga-like positions which will be combined with static and rhythmic positions. The full Thai massage lasts for two hours or more and includes pressing and stretching of the entire body, cracking knuckles, pulling toes, ears and fingers as well.
Swedish Massage
This is one of the most common types of massages in today’s world, with one of the primary aims of this type of massage being to relax the body. The body is rubbed and stroked with long gliding movements, with the aim being to stroke in the direction of blood returning to the heart. This kind of massage is also great for increasing the oxygen levels in your blood and for decreasing the toxins that build up in your muscles.
Lomilomi (Hawaiian massage)
The word Lomilomi refers to a Hawaiian type of massage where the practitioner uses their hands, palms, knuckles, feet, elbows and even sticks and stones. It can be performed with or without lubrication and it varies from family to family, region and island. In western use, it is a soothing and calming massage designed to promote relaxation across the body.
Deep Tissue
The deep tissue massage is quite similar to the Swedish massage but the harder pressure is designed to help to reduce and release chronic muscle tension which can plague the body. The massage therapist will focus on the layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia to promote a release.
Sports Massage
This kind of massage is helpful to any kind of athlete - from world class sportspeople to the recreational joggers amongst us. The sports massage can focus on rehabilitating and rejuvenating a tight or sore area or spot in the body. Sports massage is recommended as part of a healthy training routine to ensure that areas of the body don’t get injured from overwork or stress. A good massage routine will help you to reduce fatigue, to improve your endurance, to prevent injuries and to prepare you mentally and physically for your optimal performance.
I hope this has been an illuminating article on the different types of possible massage that you can get for your body!