Soothing Moves: Working Out The Kinks Regarding Massage Therapy Treatments

by Mia Bolaris-Forget (Staff Writer NYCityWeddings)

Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day, standing on your feet or chasing after a toddler, chances are your body is paying the price and you’re paying the toll of a host of “unexplainable” aches and pains. And, it’s likely that, like most of us, you look forward to unwinding and relaxing, including a nice hot shower, soak in the tub, and a muscle- relaxing rub down.

In fact, living in our fast-paced world of tensions and stresses the art of relaxing, has become something we need to often set time aside for and teach ourselves to do. And, it’s given way to hot spots such as day spas and spa vacations.

But, when it comes to the art of R & R (rest and relaxation), each of us has different likes, different wants, and different needs. And, each of us can have all our needs met through the variety of treatments and therapies available, it’s just a matter of knowing what each one offers and targets.

· Back Massage: Probably the most common massage for many of us, popular for both those who sit all day as well as those who stand all day. In fact, its’ so common that there are even stations in many malls that offer “mini-back-massages” for those shopping or taking a lunch break. And, even many nail salons pamper the clients to a mini-back-massage while they wait for their nails to dry. This, in addition to massage chairs targeting the back, neck and legs while you get your pedicure. According to experts even spas are now getting in on the action, offering 30 or 40 minute treatments, instead of the standard 1-hour massage, that focus only on your back.

· Swedish Massage: When it comes to “standard” massages, this is among the most common and the type most of us are most familiar with. And, it’s commonly referred to as only massage therapy. This massage allows the therapist to penetrate your tissues using long, fluid stokes, kneading and circulation motion focusing on the outermost layers of your muscles using special lotions and oils. Swedish massage is further known for being among the most relaxing and gentle treatments, ideal for those who are sensitive or are going for a first-time massage.

· Deep Tissue Massage: As implied by the name, this type of massage is meant to penetrate more deeply into more recessed layers of muscle and connective tissue. In this type of massage the therapist works out kinks for chronological tightness, pain, strain, problems with posture or pains from injury using slower strokes that focus on friction that target the grain of the muscle. However, with deep tissue massage some people may feel slight tenderness or soreness for a few days.

· Shiatsu Massage: A common type of Japanese massage that works the whole body using concentrated finger pressure applied in rhythmic sequence focused on acupuncture points. Each meridian is treated for two to eight seconds to help improve blood flow and help the body regain balance. According to experts, its one of the most relaxing and preferred penetrating massages but with no accompanying soreness.

· Thai Massage: A popular massage therapy for realigning the body and its blood and energy flow using subtle pressure in specific meridians, incorporating compressions and stretches as well. With Thai massage, your therapist does more than just “work on you” but instead stretches and moves you into a variety of positions and postures, helping to reduce your stress levels and improve your flexibility and range of motion. According to experts it is among one of the most invigorating types of massage.

· Hot Stone Massage: Considered to be among the most comforting massages because of the warmth of the hot stones. With a hot stone massage your therapist applies smooth, heated stones to various key pressure points warming and loosening tense muscles and realigning your energy and improving blood flow. He or she may also apply gentle pressure to your back and other areas using the hot stones. This type of massage is highly recommended for those who experience muscle fatigue and tension but prefer a lighter, gentler massage.

· Aromatherapy Massage: A simply “scentsational” massage: This type of massage combines more “traditional” massage therapy with specific scents of plant oils and lotions geared at helping your release tension, clear sinuses, and relax. Among the most common oils/scents used is lavender, known for it’s many “healing” properties. Note that aromatherapy massage is frequently used for those looking for a stress-releasing treatment that is also gentle, soothing, and emotionally as well as physically relaxing.

· Sports Massage: Considered “THE” massage for intensely active and physically active individuals; and it focuses on enhancing athletic performance and preventing and treating (activity-induced) aches, pains, and injury. A sports massage uses a variety of techniques, including facilitated stretching, to work your body and your muscles, but strokes are typically more “abrasive” and quicker than those used in a Swedish massage and helps loosen muscles and improve flexibility.

· Reflexology: This specialty foot-massage gets to the sole of your aches and pains literally. Using pressure points on the feet which are linked to specific organs and systems in the body, it’s geared at offering all-over relaxation, especially for those who are on their feet all day.

· Pregnancy Massage: Commonly referred to as a prenatal massage, they are gaining in popularity with moms-to-be. Performed by therapists who are certifies in pregnancy massage, this procedure is meant to help reduce stress, swelling, anxiety and depression, and alleviate aches and pains. And, it is tailored to each individual woman’s needs.