What Is A Sports Massage
A sports massage, on the other hand, differs in it being more area-specific, focussing on larger and older knots that have built up over longer periods of time due to high training volume, trauma, muscle imbalance or poor biomechanics. The objective with sports massage is either to aid the recovery from injury, the prevention of injury, or to assist performance through helping boost power production and the range of motion.
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What These Therapies Treat
Which is the better option for me: neuromuscular massage vs deep tissue massage? Both of these treatment techniques are technically designed to alleviate muscular pains. However, one method might provide better results for certain aches, pains, and conditions.
Deep tissue massage is best for treating aches and pains that are rooted in your connective tissues. Deep tissue massage is best used as a treatment for:
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Limited mobility issues
Should You Feel Pain Or Any Soreness During A Massage
Some massages such as a deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, Rolfing soft-tissue manipulation, or acupressure can leave you feeling slightly sore afterward. These massages rely on the therapist working deeper into the tissues, which helps release toxins that can lead to minor soreness for one to two days. However, the pain should be minimal and go away within about three days.
If you have prolonged pain for up to a week — especially if the pain increases rather than decreasing over time — then that’s a sign that this therapist may have created a misalignment in your body. You should see a chiropractor to correct any postural damage done. You can file a complaint with them, or you can also report them to the Better Business Bureau for malpractice.
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What To Expect At A Massage Therapy Visit
There are no typical therapeutic massages routines, Segall says. Your massage therapist will tailor the massage to your needs, depending on the areas of issue.
When you first call to make your appointment, its important to explain to the massage therapist exactly what youd like worked on. Talk to the therapist about what your specific needs are. For example, why did your doctor recommend you have a therapeutic massage? What are the areas of concern, and why or how did it happen?
The more info you provide, the better, she says. And if the massage therapist is unfamiliar with your issues, you may be referred to a colleague who can better serve your specific needs.
During your visit, your therapist may have soft lighting and music playing, just like with a relaxation massage. Instead of a whole-body treatment though, a therapeutic massage session tends to focus on your targeted area of concern for an extended period of time.
If you schedule a 60-minute massage , the massage therapist will dedicate most of the time to your areas of concern, but may also include other muscle groups to support a more comprehensive outcome.
The Difference Between Deep Tissue And Sports Massage
Massage therapy involves the use of touch and manipulation of soft tissues within the body to treat pain, relax the body, and prevent injury. There are several different types of massage therapy, each offering different benefits. However, two of the most common types of massage are deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy. Although both types of massage techniques are similar, choosing which one is best for you depends on your personal lifestyle, goals and needs.
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What Exactly Is A Deep Tissue/therapeutic Massage
Deep Tissue Massage is also known as Therapeutic Massage. This type of massage uses special techniques that are not used in a Relaxation Massage session. In order to release the tightness in the soft tissue, the massage therapist needs to work deeper into the tissue and will use whichever therapeutic technique is most effective for the condition. In working deeper into the tissues, it requires a more firm pressure and an expected level of discomfort.
Throughout a Therapeutic Massage session, the massage therapist must “check in” with the patient on the amount of pressure being used so that only as much pressure as is needed in each area is used. Therapeutic Massage does not need to cause intolerable or excruciating pain to get results. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. The pressure will generally be more intense than a relaxation massage. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as “adhesions.”
Oriental & Thai Massage Prices
An average Thai Massage costs $30 for 30 minutes and up to $150 for 2 hours in Los Angeles. By comparison, a Thai massage in Boston can average around $60 per hour or up to $230 for a 2-hour Thai massage package, including a foot scrub or another additional treatment.
The term “Oriental massage” is a broad definition that can apply to any modality that came from a country in Asia, including:
- Acupressure based on Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Qigong meridian treatments
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How Much Do You Tip A Massage Therapist
In the United States and parts of Canada, most people leave a tip of up to 20 percent. However, you wouldn’t tip if your massage is at an all-inclusive spa where they automatically include a tip for their services on the total bill.
If you’re in doubt about the tipping practices at your location, then you can always call ahead and ask the receptionist if they include a tip automatically in the bill, or if it’s not expected.
What Happens During A Deep Tissue Massage
Before a deep tissue massage, you will discuss your problem areas with your therapist. A deep tissue massage can be full-body or focused only on one area. You will begin lying on your back or stomach and under a sheet. Its up to you to determine your level of undress.
Deep tissue massages begin as a more traditional relaxation massage. After the muscles are warmed up, your massage therapist will begin to work deep into your problem areas.
In addition to their palms, finger tips, and knuckles, your therapist may use their forearms or elbows to increase pressure.
Its important to be open with your massage therapist about the level of pressure and discomfort you wish to endure. This may be different for certain areas and throughout the massage. Feel free to communicate with your massage therapist before and during the massage.
Some massage therapists find pain to be counterproductive to the process and expect you to speak up if the pain is too much.
You should expect a fair amount of soreness in the days following your deep tissue massage. Your therapist may recommend treating with:
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Deep Tissue Massage Cons
- Time consuming. For best results, a deep tissue massage should begin slowly to avoid straining any muscles or causing pain and should work across the body methodically.
- Dehydrating. Receiving a deep tissue massage is a dehydrating experience, even if it doesn’t seem like a workout. Be sure to drink lots of water following the massage to avoid pain and cramps.
- Risk. There is a risk of causing injury if using powerful at-home products incorrectly or if the massage is performed by an inexperienced person. Some health issues, like a bleeding disorder or fractures can be worsened by a massage, while open sores and cuts should be avoided.
Should You Request A Deep Tissue Or Sports Massage
If, after reading this, you still feel unsure about what or not you require a sports massage or deep tissue massage, then do not worry. All appointments start with a discussion around the pain or discomfort youre currently experiencing, your current levels of exercise and activity, and your future health-related goals and ambitions, followed by an initial assessment of areas affected.
From this starting point, our highly experienced physiotherapists and massage therapists are able to determine the best course of action to undertake, which we will talk you through in plenty of detail.
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What Is Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique thats mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscle and tissue.
It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Read on to learn more about deep tissue massage, including how it stacks up against Swedish massage and what to expect during a session.
Deep Tissue Massage Versus Neuromuscular Therapy
We get this question all the time: How is Neuromuscular Therapy different from Deep Tissue Massage? As the name suggests, Deep Tissue Massage is a form of massage that works the general muscle tissue, accessing deeper layers of tissue. The treatment is usually listed on a resort or day spa menu, and described as a massage that is deep in pressure, in comparison with a lighter Swedish Massage. This is not necessarily the case as there are many massage modalities that access deeper layers of tissue withough being deeper in pressure . Deep Tissue massages in a spa setting are usually full-body treatments with emphasis on a few bothersome areas, with relaxation of muscle being the goal. Deep Tissue massage also does not require any additional training or Certification from basic massage therapy education.
We also do not require gratuity for sessions the way that regular massage therapy offices or spas do. Even though we are licensed massage therapists, when it comes to payment we fall into the same category as physical therapy or a doctor . We would prefer that you use your money for the treatments you need, and not be concerned about service gratuity. If you insist on giving a gratuity, we will gratefully accept it, but it is by no means a requirement as a part of your treatment with us. Your therapy is our number one priority!
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Some Benefits Of Massage
- Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow
- Assists with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays
- Exercises and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
- Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts
- Increases joint flexibility
- Reduces fatigue, depression and anxiety
- Improves energy, concentration and circulation
- Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion
- Promotes tissue regeneration, reduces scar tissue and stretch marks
- Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs which improves circulation
- Relaxes and softens injured, tired, and overused muscles
- Releases endorphins
- Relieves migraine pain
At Many Lives Chinese Medicine we have always had different types of well vetted massage therapists to address particular concerns. We are not a massage superstore/mill, where clients are run through every 50 minutes.
We are thoughtful about matching a particular therapist to the needs of our patients and clientele at large.
Currently Gladys Wong provides Integrative Body work and Heidi Smith provides therapeutic massage, both offer comprehensive relaxation.
We are eager to see you in the office for an Integrative or a Therapeutic massage!
Types Of Therapeutic Massage
There are several different types of therapeutic massage in addition to deep tissue massage, such as:
- neuromuscular massage
- trigger point therapy
Many therapists will use a combination of techniques depending on what your body needs. In addition, therapists will often take additional classes in different techniques. You can see our therapists specialties by clicking their bios.
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What Is A Thai Massage
A Thai massage is based on the principles of energy balance, relaxation, and preventative medicine. It is often referred to as the ancient art of healing.
They are typically performed on the floor, using pressure and finger strokes on various areas of the body. Often, Thai massages also include a variety of stretches.
Traditional Thai massage is done by a masseuse who uses her hands, elbows, knees, and feet to stretch your muscles.
This is said to help improve flexibility, circulation, and energy flow.
Sen lines, or energy lines, are also worked on during a Thai massage.
Traditionally, it lasts a lot longer than a Western massage sometimes it can last for up to two hours!
Who Shouldnt Get A Thai Massage
If you have very tight muscles, you might want to think twice about this kind of massage
As its meant to loosen up these muscles, if youre really stiff you could find it uncomfortable especially as it lasts so long.
That said, if you can tough it out, youre likely going to feel a lot better for it!
Additionally, if you have a lot of scar tissue or bruises should not get a Thai massage as it can be difficult for the therapist to find specific spots that can be treated without causing you discomfort.
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Benefits Of Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy can help the body relax, which in turn can help you let go of anxious and fearful thoughts. Massage can relieve muscle pain and tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. As a relaxation technique, massage therapy can work to help manage the fight-or-flight response, or stress reaction, that is typically overactive among people with anxiety disorders.
The fight-or-flight reaction is responsible for causing fearful thoughts and reactions that often far outweigh any actual threat in the environment. For example, people with agoraphobia often fear having a panic attack in a large crowd or a confined area where it would feel embarrassing or be difficult to escape.
The fight-or-flight reaction commonly leads to uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, accelerated heart rate, excessive sweating, and chest pain. Massage therapy can have an opposing effect on the body by eliciting the relaxation response, reducing tension, lowering heart rate, and generally making a person feel calmer.
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Lower tension and more feelings of calm
Sports Massage Vs Deep Tissue Massage
Ever wondered what the difference is between a sports massage and a deep tissue massage? Well, stay tuned!
Massage therapy relieves discomfort, relaxes the body. It also prevents injury by manipulating soft tissues throughout the body through touch and manipulation. Massage treatment comes in a variety of forms, each with its own set of advantages. Deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy are two of the most frequent forms of massage.
What is a sports massage?
To treat the effects of tight muscles and muscular strain, a sports massage employs a combination of deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. From the outset, it was used on athletes to assist them with loosening up after a hard workout. Having said that, athletes and non-athletes alike can benefit from sports massage treatment on a physiological and psychological level.
Depending on the sport you engage in or the location of your discomfort, sports massage may include a fast-paced massage, stretching, and other muscle manipulation techniques. It may be customized to be utilized as a pre-workout stretch and warm-up opportunity, or as a post-workout massage to decrease stiffness and enhance flexibility. Massage is commonly used to release tension, but it may also be used as a warm-up for manipulative treatments of the spine or peripheral joints.
Benefits of a sports massage
What is a deep tissue massage?
Benefits of a deep tissue massage
So, what is the difference?
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Are Massages Tax Deductible
In some instances, you can itemize your massages as tax deductions. Generally, your total medical expenses need to be at least 7.5 percent of your income to qualify as a tax deduction, though some exceptions may apply. Your doctor should also prescribe massages for your condition as part of a physical therapy program.
What Is A Deep Tissue Massage
As the name suggests, a deep tissue massage consists of a therapist using firm pressure to manipulate the deeper tissues of the body, including the muscles. There are a number of reasons why someone might want or need this particular type of massage therapy, such as helping relieve muscular tension, reducing stress, breaking down knots, reducing the build of toxins and increase blood flow to the muscles. Deep tissue massage tends not to focus on a specific injury or one particular area of the body, instead being administered as a full body massage or focussed on lower limbs or the upper body.
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Sports Massage Vs Deep Tissue
For many people, these two massage treatments seem very similar, but depending on your lifestyle, you may benefit from one more than the other.
Unlike the deep tissue massage, the sports massage technique mainly focuses on the areas most vulnerable to injury or stress as well as older and larger areas of built-up tension. For example, runners may need more work on their legs, while baseball pitchers may benefit from a shoulder and arm focus.
The main difference is that with the deep tissue massage, you receive full-body therapy to relieve new areas of pain in your muscles and tissues.
However, both massages apply deep and firm pressure, which may cause slight discomfort.
How Therapeutic Massage Is Different From Relaxation Massage
The massage work in a therapeutic massage may feel deeper than a relaxation massage. You also may experience more tenderness as the therapist works through the tissue.
For that reason, its important to let your therapist know if the pressure feels too deep or uncomfortable, Segall advises. Dont be afraid to communicate.
The therapist may use various techniques during your treatment session. Depending on their training, they may incorporate deep-tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point work, various movement therapies or passive-resistive stretching techniques.
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