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The Different Ways Massage Works for Pain Management

Therapeutic massage delaware

Massage therapy is one of the most popular and effective techniques for pain management. A therapeutic massage can do wonders for the body. It is no surprise that millions of people return week after week for a full body massage for pain purposes. The massage therapy for pain actually works in a few different ways to decrease pain levels. This is what makes it so great for the treatment of so many different types of pain conditions.

Release of tensed muscles
There are many activities that we do throughout the day that lead to a tightening of muscles. We sit at a desk with our necks craned over a computer for many hours of the day. We sit on the couch throughout the evening, with little movement. We also spend a lot of time in commute, cramped in the same position, sometimes for hours. When these muscles become cramped, they cause pain on the surrounding muscles. Massage therapy for pain can reduce the tension in these muscles, allowing them to recover and take the strain off of the surrounding muscles.

Reduces stress and anxiety
Stress can negatively affect your health in many ways. You have probably noticed that you get sick easier and more often during times of high stress. Then, the illness or injury adds further stress to your life, and it seems to be a never ending cycle. Approximately 23% of massage consumers had a massage for relaxation and stress reduction between July 2013 and July 2014. Many massage techniques can physically and mentally reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.

Prevent recurring injuries
If you were ever severely injured, you might have noticed that that area remains sensitive and more prone to further injuries. Massage therapy for pain can not only reduce the pain in that area, but can also help to strengthen those muscles, encouraging them to heal for good. An area of the body that does not effectively heal is prone to arthritis and an increase in injuries. In July 2014, more than fifty four million American adults had discussed massage therapy with their doctors or health care providers in the previous year. You are likely to find that your physician is on board with a massage therapy specialist to effectively heal injuries.

Prevent hypertension
Some medical conditions, like hypertension can actually cause physical pain. Hypertension can be caused by poor diet, medical conditions, and stress. Considering that deep tissue massage therapy is so effective in the treatment of stress, it can also help with hypertension problems. In a recent study in the International Journal of Preventative Medicine, researchers concluded massage therapy could serve as an effective intervention in controlling blood pressure in pre hypertensive women. The study showed that the immediate results of lowered blood pressure lasting up to 72 hours after massage.

Increase energy and exercise
Every year, many people make it a resolution to begin a strict workout plan. Every year, many people fail. Working out can be difficult, especially if you are not used to it. It can bring on unfamiliar aches and pains and improper work out habits can actually cause injury to the body. Massage therapy for pain can actually help to increase your energy levels, also increasing your ability to work out regularly. The massage can reduce your tension levels, also releasing tightened muscles that are more prone to injury during exercise. The increased energy will help you stick to work out plans.

According to the AMTA 2014 consumer survey, an average of 15% of adult Americans received at least one massage between July 2013 and July 2014. Massages are so common among Americans for a variety of reasons, with pain management and pain reduction as the top reason. Massage therapy for pain has shown to be extremely effective, working in a variety of different ways to both reduce pain levels and prevent further pain and injuries from occurring.

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Deep tissue massage Deep tissue massage delaware Therapeutic massage delaware

6 Types of Massage Which Should You Get?

Benefits of massage therapy

Massage has a lot more benefits than just relaxing your muscles. Well the health benefits of therapeutic massages are very important to do from time to time there are other types of massage therapy that can be very beneficial to your health as well. Let’s go over a few different types of massage therapy to help you understand which massage might be best for you. There are many different types of massages including prenatal, sports massage and other types of therapeutic massages but these six will give you an idea of your options.

  1. Deep tissue massage therapy
    Deep tissue massage therapy is the type of massage that uses much deeper pressure in order to release muscle tension. The focus of this deep tissue massage therapy is on the layers of muscle tissue and tendons that lay deepest. There have been studies that show that after just one of these types of massages people with high blood pressure found that their blood pressure fell. Another analysis found that deep tissue massage reduced stress levels and heart rate while triggering oxytocin and serotonin which boosted happiness and relaxation.

  2. Swedish massage therapy
    Swedish massage therapy is much like deep tissue massage therapy and it’s technique but deep tissue massage requires a much deeper pressure than Swedish. The goal of this therapeutic massage is to relax the body. Long gliding strokes are used going in the direction of pushing blood to the heart. Sometimes circular pressure can be used in Swedish massage also. Other methods like kneading, tapping, bending and stretching are also common. The study was conducted that found that Swedish massage actually boosted the production of white blood cells which caused an increase in the immune system to help fight colds and the flu.

  3. Shiatsu massage therapy
    This type of massage therapy is done with the thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or even sometimes feet. The focus is on the pressure points in the body moves like rotating and stretching of the limbs and joints is done. Shiatsu massage is known to improve circulation and even bring relief from headaches once the pressure is off nerves and joints. This type of massage therapy is used many times when someone has a stiff neck or shoulders or even suffers from anxiety or depression.

  4. Hot stone therapy
    This is done by placing smooth heated stones in specific areas on the body. The idea is that because of the direct heat from the stones and how it relaxes the muscles, after the stones are removed the therapist can access deeper muscle layers. Benefits from hot stone therapy include relief from certain types of pain even from chronic conditions, reduction of stress and tension as well as promotion of flexibility. Most people find this relaxing but thee have been reports of the direct heat being uncomfortable.

  5. Reflexology
    Reflexology focuses on the hands and feet and using oil or lotion, the therapist will apply pressure to specific areas using hand techniques. The idea behind reflexology is that the heads of the feet are connected to all different parts of your body and by triggering the correct pressure points can cause relief in other areas of the body. No studies as of yet support the premise that reflexology is effective treatment for medical conditions, however there are personal testimonies of people having gotten successful reflexology. If nothing else, it feels great to have that hand and foot massage!

  6. Thai massage therapy
    This type of therapy is a lot more rigorous than most forms of massage. The therapist moves the patient into different yoga like positions in order to stretch out the body. Muscle compression and acupressure maybe used during the session also. This is probably the most different type of massage because it is done fully closed with no oil or lotions. The only request is that you wear comfortable clothing. Many people that receive Thai massage stated that it causes less stress, more energy, relaxation, more flexibility while improving circulation and focus.

Overall, massage therapy is a very effective form of pain relief and what type of massage you get just depends on what type of pain you have. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or even a massage therapist before looking into any kind of surgical medical treatment.