Before you can answer the question, you need to know a little, at least, about the different types of massages therapy treatments. For the purposes of this article, we’ll cover: trigger point therapy, swedish massage, deep tissue, and sport and reflexology techniques.
A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may reduce referral pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or just a dull ache.
Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage, the recipient actively participates through deep breathing as well as identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
The results and benefits of trigger point massage are releasing constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain; you can experience significant reduction in pain after just one massage. Receiving massage with trigger point on a regular basis can help, in a natural way, manage pain and stress from chronic injuries?
Swedish massage is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massages is to relax the entire body.
This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the same direction of the blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage goes beyond relaxation as Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility whilst easing tension.
A study published in the New York Times, found that volunteers who received a forty five minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin which is a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol.
The volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells that are part of the immune system) and a boost in the cells that may help fight colds and the flu. Additional massage therapy techniques include circular pressure applied by the palms of the hand, firm kneading, and percussion type tapping, bending and stretching.
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but, the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus here is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscle, bones and joints).
A study published by the journal of alternative and complementary medicine found that people’s blood pressure fell after a single forty five to sixty minute session of deep tissue massage. Massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate whilst boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
The massage therapy program is rewarding for individuals interested in pursuing a career that is growing at a rapid rate. For more information on this exciting medical career opportunity, contact the best massage therapy school in your area today.