Massage is a form of manual therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia (connective tissue around organs). Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions used by many ancient peoples including the Ancient Greeks, Chinese, and Indians who used massage to treat a variety of ailments.
Today, many people still use different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-related purposes including:
The term “massage therapy” is used to describe a wide variety of techniques used that vary in the manner of touch, pressure, and intensity of the treatment applied. This article will look at the difference between two different techniques; therapeutic massage and relaxation massage.
This treatment will center around the stretching and manipulation of the muscles to focus on healing an ailment. If you suffer from sore muscles or the feeling of knots in your back, therapeutic massage techniques specifically target this discomfort to restore your body back to a tension-free state. Most therapeutic massages are performed in a clinical setting rather than at a spa, unlike relaxation massages. The goal of a therapeutic massage is to treat a health issue, rather than simply helping you to relax. Many people describe therapeutic massages as uncomfortable but a “good pain” that helps relieve the ailment they are suffering from. You may experience tenderness as your therapist works through your tissue. They may also use different techniques depending on their experience and training. They may incorporate some aspects of deep tissue massage, trigger point work, and passive or resistive stretching techniques.
A relaxation massage is a smooth, gentle treatment that relieves muscular tension, increases circulation, and promotes a general sense of relaxation. This massage is performed using Swedish techniques consisting of long, rhythmic strokes and small circular movements which help to break down adhesions and promote better circulation. Unlike deep tissue massages, a relaxation massage does not address the connective tissue of the muscles. It is not intended to treat sports injuries or other discomfort and is instead used to reduce muscle tension while bringing the body back to a relaxed state. Many people seek relaxation massage treatments after a long week at work or to help improve their mental health.
Massage therapy is considered part of integrative medicine. It used to be only offered in luxury spa centres or upscale health clubs, but today, massage is available in clinics, hospitals, and even airports. It is increasingly being offered along with standard treatments for a variety of medical conditions and has grown in popularity to become a mainstream wellness service. There are many different types of massage therapy techniques, all of which address a number of different ailments or help with relaxation.
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our massage services, and how our team at Glo Skin & Medspa can help you relax and feel rejuvenated, contact our Edmonton medical spa today at 780-481-9772 or fill out our online contact form.
Q: What are some other massage therapy techniques?
A: Other popular massage therapy techniques include:
Q: How long is a massage treatment?
A: Glo Skin & MedspaMassages offers a 30 minute and a 60 minute relaxation massage. Massage can also be incorporated into a spa package for the ultimate spa experience.
Q: What spa package includes massage?
A: Our Head-To-Toe Glo package includes :
