Ahh, a massage . . . Very few things can relax and restore your body and mind as quickly or effectively as massage therapy. Plus, it offers a number of scientifically backed health benefits. A massage from a professional therapist can reduce pain and stress, decrease headaches, improve your blood flow, and help you stay limber, among other advantages. That said, there are several different types of massage therapy available. Take a look at a few of the most popular styles to see which can benefit your health the most.
Types of Massage Therapy
Swedish Massage
In the U.S., Swedish massage is one of the most common types of massage therapy. It’s considered a “basic” massage and is great for first-timers. That said, it still has plenty of health benefits. During a Swedish massage, massage therapists use light to medium pressure and smooth, long strokes to relieve tension and improve circulation. It also boosts the oxygen levels in your muscles while reducing your body’s stress hormones. Swedish massage’s main goal is to leave your entire body feeling fresh and relaxed, as if you hit your muscles’ reset button.
Prenatal Massage
Although pregnancy is one of life’s most beautiful experiences, it may not always feel beautiful to the pregnant woman. Carrying a child can put a lot of stress on the body and cause a number of aches and pains — sometimes mild, sometimes intense. That’s where prenatal massage comes in.
A prenatal massage helps with both your physical and emotional health during pregnancy. Its job is to relieve back and joint pain, decrease muscle tension, and improve hormone regulation. Furthermore, a prenatal massage can help you sleep better and have fewer headaches. As every pregnancy is different, however, you should check with your primary care physician to make sure a prenatal massage is a good choice for you.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massages are characterized by slower, deeper strokes and friction techniques. With this kind of massage, the pressure is firmer. Your massage therapist will target your muscles tissue’s deepest layers for a more intense relief. Deep tissue is often compared to Swedish massage. Although the two styles share some similarities, they’re for far different purposes. Again, Swedish massage is for individuals looking for general health benefits. Deep tissue, on the other hand, is for those with specific muscular issues. This could mean chronic back pain, posture issues, or an injury. If you’re thinking about getting a deep tissue massage, we recommend consulting with a professional massage therapist first.
Hot Stone Massage
This is another common style of massage therapy. During a hot stone massage, your massage therapist will place smooth, heated stones down your back. The heat helps to relieve tension and relax muscles, so the massage therapist can reach deeper layers of muscle tissue. A hot stone massage can relieve back pain, improve your circulation, and decrease muscular spasms.
Precision Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT)
Out of all the types of massage therapy, NMT is the one you may not have heard of before. And while it’s not as widely known, it has many health benefits to offer. NMT is a soft-tissue massage therapy technique. It’s designed to reduce pain, boost strength, and increase flexibility by reducing the body’s trigger points. For individuals with certain health conditions, this form of massage therapy is an excellent choice. Those with back pain, stiff shoulders, sciatica, whiplash, and other conditions will find relief in precision NMT.
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Different types of massages will work best for different individuals. Discuss your goals with your doctor or a massage therapist to determine which type is best for you. No matter what kind of massage you receive, you’ll come away feeling fresh and relaxed, like you’ve taken another step toward great health. Your body will thank you!
Are you interested in one of these types of massage therapy? Or do you need help determining which type would work best for you? If so, get in touch with Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Springfield, Missouri. At our facility, we offer many different types of massages, including Swedish, prenatal, deep tissue, and NMT. If you would like more information or are ready to book a massage today, contact us via phone at 417-887-8075 or by email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
