If you want muscle tension relief, massage therapy is your best option. Massage therapy is the practice where certified massage therapists use their hands to manipulate soft tissues in your body. They do so by using different degrees of pressure and movement. Below are some types of massage that can help you choose the massage that suits you.
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is gentle and works on the whole body. It is ideal for individuals who want a gentle massage, are new to getting massages, and want tension released from their muscles. The massage helps your whole body relax.
You may need to undress, but you can remain in your underwear for the massage. Your therapist will cover you using a sheet as you lie on the massage table. They will uncover the areas they will be massaging throughout the session.
Your massage therapist will combine different techniques, such as:
- Kneading.
- Deep circular motions.
- Tapping and vibration.
- Passive joint movement.
- Flowing long strokes towards your heart.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage uses a lot of pressure compared to a Swedish massage. It helps when you have muscle issues, such as:
- Chronic pain.
- Injury.
- Tightness.
- Imbalance.
Your therapist will relieve tension from your deepest muscle layers and connective tissues. They will use finger pressure and slow strokes. You can be completely nude or have your underwear during the massage. The session will take half an hour to 90 minutes.
Sports Massage
A sports massage is beneficial if you are prone to getting injuries as it helps prevent them. The massage increases your flexibility, reduces anxiety, and relieves pain. It also helps improve your athletic performance and release tension in your muscles.
Your therapist can do the massage on specific body parts or your whole body. They will do so by alternating deep pressure and gentle strokes. You can have a sports massage with clothes on or be fully undressed. You can wear a tank top and a pair of shorts.
Trigger Point Massage
Individuals who have specific conditions, issues, injuries, or chronic pain are fit to get this type of massage. Trigger points are the areas in your muscle tissue that are tight and have tension. Your therapist can relieve your pain by focusing on the trigger points.
Trigger point massage alternates pressure levels on the area of interest to help alleviate the tension causing your pain. The massage works on your whole body as your therapist focuses on the areas that need tension release.
Prenatal Massage
Expectant mothers can also get massages to reduce muscle tension, stress, and body aches that come with pregnancy. You may not get your prenatal massage in your first trimester to reduce the risk of getting a miscarriage. It is essential to consult your doctor before getting a massage while expectant.
Prenatal massages are like Swedish massages as they use mild pressure that is safe for both the mother and the baby. Your therapist will focus on your lower back, legs, and hips. If you have pain in parts of your legs and your calves, see your doctor first before getting your prenatal massage.
For more about massage types, call Oropeza Chiropractic Wellness Center at (305) 294-1036 to reach our office in Key West, Florida.