Who Is It Best For
Swedish massage is a lighter form of massage. It may be best for people who simply require stress relief.
2016 study investigated whether Swedish massage could reduce symptoms of GAD in people who were not receiving treatment for the disorder.
Over 6 weeks, some participants received Swedish massage twice a week, while a control group received light touch only. In comparison with the control group, the participants who received the Swedish massage had significant reductions in their anxiety scores. The researchers concluded that Swedish massage might be an effective treatment for GAD.
Swedish massage may also be beneficial for people with circulatory issues. A 2013 study found that a 4 week course of weekly Swedish massage sessions reduced heart rate and blood pressure in women with hypertension.
During deep tissue massage, the therapist applies slow, forceful strokes. These help release knots and strains in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
The overall aim is to realign the muscles and release chronic muscle tension from ailments or injuries.
Deep tissue massage can be slightly uncomfortable at times, especially when the therapist is working on a knot in the muscle. However, deep tissue massage should not be painful. Forcing very tight muscles or knots may do more damage to the delicate areas.
What Does A Massage Therapist Do Day
A massage therapists job is to relieve the stress and tension of a clients body by manipulating muscles and soft tissue with different types of massage therapy techniques. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a massage therapist will communicate with clients to understand their symptoms, medical histories and massage goals. They will evaluate the clients body to better understand which massage technique will help relieved muscle pain and restore range of motion. The massage therapist will help educate clients in between appointments to stretch, strengthen and relax their bodies and improve posture. They will also document the clients condition and record the progress of the massage therapy treatment.
A massage therapist may work in a spa or resort, open up their own business location or travel to clients residence and commercial buildings to offer massage to their clients. After graduating from an accredited vocational school that offers a massage therapy program, the massage therapist will work to pass the licensing exam. Once the massage therapist is licensed, they may start seeing clients for massage therapy sessions.
Thai Massage Versus Swedish Massage: Modalities And Physiology
Thai massage, also known as hard massage or lazy yoga massage, has been taught and practiced in Thailand for thousands of years. It is based on the Eastern understanding of anatomy and physiology. The principles are based on the body’s energy paths. Thai physiology believes that disease is the result of blocked energy pathways associated with spiritual beliefs. Therefore, Thai massage is mainly aimed at improving the energy flow in your body. The better your energy flows, the better your body works.
Swedish massage, which is most commonly seen and popular in the West, often known as classic massage, relaxing massage, or soft massage, is based on the Western understanding of physiology and anatomy. The aim is to promote relaxation and, to some extent, heal the body.
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Deep Tissue Vs Swedish Massage: Which Is Better
As you can see, the goal of both types of massage is to decrease stress and muscle tension while improving circulation and range of motion. One isnt better than the otherit really depends on what you need on the treatment day.
Speaking of what your body needs, what are some specific health issues that massage can help you with? These include:
- Acute and chronic pain relief
- Improved nervous function
- Eases side effects of cancer treatments
- Eliminates toxins
Whether you choose deep tissue or Swedish massage, these are just a few of the many benefits youll experience.
How To Find A Massage Therapist
You can get a personal recommendation for a massage therapist from a doctor, friend, or an online directory. Or you can book a few massages with different therapists to see which one you prefer. Make sure its someone with whom you feel comfortable so that you can fully relax.
Make sure your massage therapist s properly trained and has certificates and state licenses that are up-to-date. You may wish to have a brief conversation with your therapist before beginning your sessions so that you can communicate your expectations and ask any relevant questions.
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The History Behind Swedish Massage
Swedish massage was invented in the 1830s by a Swedish fencing instructor called Per Henrik Ling. Ling suffered from a number of illnesses, including rheumatics, lung disease, and arthritis. Ling wanted to pursue fencing, so he could improve his health and ease his chronic pain. He soon realized that fencing alone wasnt enough to relieve him of his pain.So he developed a program called medical gymnastics. He reportedly cured his elbow injuries by using percussion strokes around the affected area Later, he developed the technique now known as Swedish massage.This technique was brought from Sweden to the United States by two brothers, Drs. Charles and Dr. George Taylor in the 1850s. Involves the application of long glancing strokes, friction, kneading and tapping motions on the soft tissues of your body. Passive or active joint movements are sometimes used as well.Ling was considered the father of Swedish massage because he combined his knowledge of gymnastics and physiology from Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures to create a technique or a system of physical rehabilitation.
Why Do Deep Tissue Massages Hurt
Because these strokes are typically firmer and focus on breaking up adhesions in deeper areas of your body, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage. That said, it is crucially important to communicate with your massage therapist about any pain you are feeling.
If you are in too much discomfort, you may tense up, making it impossible to access the areas of your body the masseuse is attempting to reach. Small adjustments in technique may help you relax and can make this type of massage much more effective.
Following a deep tissue massage, you may experience some initial tightness or soreness in the areas being addressed. Typically these symptoms last for a day or two afterward.
Drinking water may help resolve this soreness by flushing metabolic waste from the tissues and muscles that were worked on. Using a cold pack wrapped in a towel on the sore areas may also help. Again, be sure to inform your massage therapist if you have any unexpected pain after getting a deep tissue massage.
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How To Communicate Your Needs For A Massage
If youre not sure what type of massage youll need, ask your massage therapist to make suggestions and ask why they would recommend it. Most therapists blend several techniques into a customized treatment geared towards your specific needs. Trust your therapist to make appropriate modifications, based on your feedback during the session. Speak up if there is any extreme discomfort or if you feel that your concerns are not being addressed. Be specific when it comes to your lifestyle, pain level and what health goals you want to achieve. Maybe youre simply looking to relax, maybe youve been training hard for an event, or maybe youre looking for an alternative to pain medication. All of these can be treated with different types of massage.
If youd like to speak to one of our Licensed Massage Therapists, please call or text 266-0131.
What Is A Full Body Massage
A full body massage is a more general term that refers to any massage that is focused on targeting the entire body.
Any massage that uses the term full body in its name is generally going to be a full body massage. For example, a Swedish massage is usually a full body massage, as is a sports massage.
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Difference Between Deep Tissue Massage And Swedish Massage
Massages can be beneficial for the physical and mental well-being of individuals and with the various types of massages available for you to choose from, it can be difficult to differentiate one from another. Two of the most commonly misunderstood massages are deep tissue massages and Swedish massages. If you are looking to relax your muscles and relieve tension but are unaware of the massage that you want, this guide will help you to distinguish the differences between a deep tissue massage and a Swedish massage.
What To Expect With Swedish Massage:
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Swedish Massage Is Perfect For Relaxation
Developed in the early 1800s by Per Henrik Ling and others, Swedish massage may be the most commonly used massage technique. Swedish massage promotes relaxation with light to vigorous strokes, including:
Swedish massage increases blood circulation and moves metabolic waste out of the body. It boosts the nervous system, which helps relieve pain and reduce tension. Clinical studies show that Swedish massage reduces lower back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness. It lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
For relaxation and stress relief, Swedish massage is the technique to choose.
What Are The Benefits Of Swedish Massage
Swedish full body massage is known for a huge number of benefits related to the correct use of the above techniques. The experience of the therapist in the correct application of these techniques is important because this massage brings visible therapeutic benefits to both the mind and the body. Thus, choosing the right therapist for a Swedish massage session is essential in order to give you a wonderful and unique experience.
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Who Should Get A Cranio
This technique is much more gentle than other types of massage therapy modalities, so it ideal for patients who have experienced a trauma that lead to a shift in their equilibrium. Patients who suffer from spinal cord injuries, PTSD, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain disorders may benefit from cranio-sacral massage.
Thai Massage Vs Swedish Massage: Which Is Better
Lily
What is the difference between a Thai massage and a Swedish massage? They are different in many ways, such as in the techniques used, the philosophies, the use of oil, how clients dress, and the benefits. Knowing the differences between Thai massage and Swedish massage is essential in making a decision about which one is best for you.
In this article, we have listed all the key differences to help you make the right decision.
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Benefits Of A Swedish Massage
The benefits of a Swedish massage are astounding. There are many physical health benefits, and also mental and emotional benefits, as well.
Most people get Swedish massages to relax their minds and body. They may experience headaches, general muscle pain, or back issues that they want to address with their therapist.
Here are some other common reasons to get a massage:
- Relaxation
- Stimulates lymph drainage
- Keeps immune system healthy
It is recommended to stay on a massage regimen every 4-6 weeks, yet there is a lot of people who only come once or twice a year for a special occasion.
If you have never had a massage educating yourself on the different types and how a massage is performed can be all that you need to gain the confidence and desire to schedule one.
Swedish Vs Deep Tissue Vs Shiatsu Vs Sports Massage: Whats The Difference
Aie PaelanoAugust 12, 2016
Have you felt stressed out lately because of pressure at the office? Or you recently suffered an injury by accident and you want to reduce pain? Either way, theres an answer to these problems that often help a massage!
Massage therapy is a manual manipulation of soft tissues in the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. It involves rubbing, manipulating and pressing and may range from light strokes to deep pressure. Massage therapy is considered a complementary and alternative type of medicine which helps in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions.
The techniques used during a massage therapy eases blood flow in congested areas, releases pressure and allows new blood flow to flow. One session could last for 60 to 90 minutes depending on the type of massage to be performed. One should feel relaxed and comfortable during and after massage therapy.
There are numerous reasons why people seek massage therapy and these are: reduce stress and anxiety, decrease pain, rehabilitate injuries, relax muscles and promote the overall well being of a person. Thats why massages are not only offered on spas or clubs nowadays. Hospitals, private clinics and other businesses are now providing this alternative medicine to enhance health and wellness of people.
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Can I Get My Desired Results With Just One Session
Lets be realistic. A single, one hour session of massage therapy wont achieve a long lasting effect.
For example, muscle tension is built over time and undoing it wont happen in a single session. Getting rid of a muscle tension takes time and some lifestyle changes must be made. Aside from having regular massage therapy, postural awareness, exercise and relaxation techniques are helpful in getting rid of muscle tension.
On the bright side, a single session can really make a difference, but we recommend doing it regularly if youre a competitive athlete. Many people experience stress relief and they feel rejuvenated after their session.
No matter what type of massage youre going to have, be open to your massage therapist and speak up. If the strokes are too hard for you, ask for lighter pressure and vice versa.
If youve never tried massage, its never too late to have one. Youll be amazed of its health benefits and will make you keep coming back for more. Massages are not just about pampering yourself, its taking your health and wellness to a whole new level.
Deep Tissue Vs Swedish Massage: Whats The Difference
There are some key differences between deep tissue vs Swedish massage. According to Thompson, this includes what the massage is being used for , the pressure applied and the main area of focus.
A deep tissue massage will work a far greater proportion of the muscle due to the pressure applied, he says.
The deeper pressure also means that a masseuse can release more tension from the muscles, enabling them to move more freely. A deep tissue massage is particularly useful for those who have overworked their muscles, whether through sport, heavy lifting or even inactivity. Inactive muscles can become cold and tense, so a deep tissue massage gets into the depth of the muscle, warming it up and making the whole area more fluid and movable.
In comparison, he says, Swedish massage is a technique that has been around for a long time and is very much focused on the more relaxing elements. This is why you often see Swedish massages listed at spas.
A Swedish massage stimulates the nervous system and helps to relieve tension by the use of long strokes, similar to that of a kneading bread motion. It also uses deep pressure in circular movements to increase blood flow, although less intensely than a deep tissue massage.
For those looking to relax and unwind, a Swedish massage can work wonders.
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What Can You Expect During A Swedish Massage
In addition to stimulating the nervous system, Swedish massage also nurtures the skin, which soothes the nerves and reduces physical and emotional tension. How does it do that? Your massage therapist will use long, kneading strokes and deep, circular movements to increase the flow of oxygen into the bloodstream, which helps flush lactic and uric acids from your body.
Of course, we all have our personal preferences, but overall, Swedish massage is more gentle than deep tissue massage and better suited to anyone whos looking for a pampering indulgence, or full mind-body relaxation.
What Is A Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is not for everyone. And, depending on your therapist, the pressure of a deep tissue massage can vary.
A deep tissue differs from a Swedish massage not only in the amount of pressure used by the therapist but also in the types of techniques used and the way that they are applied.
Instead of slow and long flowing strokes or gentle kneading to relax the body and muscles, deep tissue uses techniques that get to deeper layers of the muscles to break up the tension, knots, and lactic acid buildup in the muscle fibers.
A deep tissue massage is often requested by athletes, people who lift weights and work out regularly, and those who have high levels of stress.
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Differences Between A Deep Tissue And A Full Body Massage
There are a few key differences between a deep tissue massage and a full body massage. Lets start with the obvious one: a full body massage is not going to be as specific as a deep tissue massage. Thats because a full body massage is designed to provide relief, whereas a deep tissue massage is designed to provide targeted relief.
Another difference between a deep tissue massage and a full body massage is in the level of focus they provide. While both are intended to target a persons muscles and connective tissue, a full body massage will generally work on the large muscles and tendons in the area being massaged. A deep tissue massage, on the other hand, will generally work on the more obscure muscles and connective tissue in a specific area.