Nowadays, many people are choosing therapeutic massage to maintain a healthy body and mind. Although many spas or centers offer massage services, it is important to remember that only physiotherapists are trained and licensed to administer this type of therapy correctly and safely.
If you are looking for a relaxing massage, a massage therapist may be sufficient. However, if your goal is to recover from an injury or treat a specific health problem, it is best to consult a physiotherapist.
In this blog, we will highlight the different types of therapeutic massage, their benefits, and which massage may be right for you based on your body’s needs (especially around the city of Rugby). Our goal is to provide you with clear and effective information, enabling you to understand therapeutic massage better and maximize its benefits.
What is therapeutic massage therapy?
Therapeutic massage is a therapeutic technique used to alleviate physical and mental health issues. It helps your whole body feel better, rather than just treating one area of pain.
This therapy is effective in relieving chronic pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, etc. It differs from a typical relaxation massage, as therapeutic massage employs deeper and more targeted techniques that work on muscles, soft tissues, and joints.
The physiotherapist applies pressure to specific points using the hand, elbow, or forearm. The therapist usually applies oil or lotion to make the massage strokes smooth and reduce friction. The patient’s problem determines the type and depth of massage for example, “Deep Tissue Massage” may be used to address chronic pain. At the same time, “Lymphatic Drainage Massage” is often employed for relaxation purposes.
Sometimes, therapists may also use infrared light, radio frequency, or other modern methods. Therapeutic massage helps restore balance in the body, eases pain and tension, improves blood flow, and supports mental well-being. It improves physical performance, reduces fatigue, and improves sleep quality. It can also be used as a complement to other treatments, as directed by a doctor.
Therapeutic massage techniques
Therapists employ various massage techniques to target specific areas of your body, promoting relaxation and overall well-being. Below are some common and effective techniques:
Stroking: This technique is used at the beginning and end of each massage session. The therapist slowly and evenly slides his hands over the area to warm up the tissues. Sometimes, a little more pressure is applied to reach deeper muscles.
Friction: This technique involves rubbing the top layers of the skin against the muscles. By applying pressure in a circular or elliptical motion, it helps reduce pain and work into the deeper tissues.
Percussion: Rhythmic tapping with the hands helps increase blood circulation.
Hacking massage method: Similar to percussion, but with quick and light strokes using the edge of the hand. It is especially used to reduce muscle tension.
Massage: This technique involves squeezing, sliding, lifting, and rotating the muscles to separate them, thereby increasing blood flow and promoting relaxation. This helps relax your muscles and improves blood flow.
Compression: In this technique, the therapist does not move their hands but rather compresses the area by applying pressure to specific points. This relieves pain and relaxes the muscles.
Vibration: Massage is done by shaking the hands rhythmically. It brings a feeling of relaxation to the nervous system and increases blood circulation.
The application of therapeutic massage requires adequate training in the use of various techniques, as well as a deep understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology.
Physiological effects of therapeutic massage
Therapeutic massage is not just about superficial comfort it has a profound effect on the body and mind. Below are some of its important physiological effects:
- Mechanical action on tissue
- Warming up, stimulating, and developing muscles
- Stimulate or calm the nervous system (analgesic effect)
- Relaxing and stretching muscles
- Improving adhesion, making tissues more flexible
- Improve blood circulation, eliminate organic waste
- Have a reflexive effect on the nervous system
- Improving mental well-being
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage helps both your body and mind feel better in many ways. Below are some of the important benefits:
Pain relief
Therapeutic massage helps reduce muscle and joint pain. Applying specific pressure and friction to tissues increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation, which can provide relief to individuals with chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Reduce stress
One of the primary benefits of therapeutic massage is that it helps reduce stress and promotes a sense of relaxation. Massage calms the body, which helps lower the stress hormone cortisol. As a result, you feel more peaceful both mentally and physically.
Improved blood circulation
Therapeutic massage stimulates blood circulation, which can accelerate the healing process of injuries and contribute to overall health improvement. Healthy blood flow helps flush out toxins from the body and delivers vital nutrients to your tissues.
Flexibility and mobility
Therapeutic massage helps increase the flexibility and mobility of muscles and joints. It is especially beneficial for athletes and those with active lifestyles, as it reduces the risk of injury and improves physical performance.
Improved sleep
The deep relaxation achieved through therapeutic massage can improve sleep quality. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes more restful sleep, and helps combat problems like insomnia.
Strengthening the immune system
Therapeutic massage can boost the immune system by reducing stress and improving blood circulation. A strong immune system helps the body fight off infections and maintain overall health.
Ultimately, therapeutic massage is an effective method for promoting health and well-being. Therapeutic massage helps you live better by easing body aches, calming the mind, boosting blood flow, making movement easier, supporting deeper sleep, and strengthening your immune system.
Differences between therapeutic massage and other massages
Therapeutic massage differs from other types of massage due to its clinical approach and specific treatment goals. The main differences are detailed below:
Therapeutic massage
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- Purpose: Pain relief, increased mobility, and treatment of specific health problems.
- Techniques: Specific techniques are used, such as deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, myofascial massage, etc.
- Professional: Conducted by university-trained and certified physiotherapists.
- Benefits: Increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle tension, and helps control feelings of pain.
Relaxing massage
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- Purpose: To provide enjoyable experiences and reduce stress.
- Technique: Smooth, long strokes are used, similar to those employed in Swedish massage.
- Professional: This is done by massage therapists trained in relaxation techniques.
- Benefits: Reduces stress, increases physical and mental relaxation, and improves overall well-being.
Sports massage
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- Purpose: Injury prevention, physical performance improvement, and rapid recovery after exercise.
- Techniques: Includes techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial massage.
- Professional: It is performed by physiotherapists or trained massage therapists specializing in sports medicine.
- Benefits: Relieves muscle tension, increases flexibility and aids in faster healing.
Aesthetic massage
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- Purpose: Improvement of physical appearance and treatment of aesthetic problems such as cellulite.
- Techniques: Techniques such as lymphatic drainage massage and anti-cellulite massage are used.
- Professional: This massage is performed by massage specialists trained in aesthetic techniques.
- Benefits: Improves blood circulation, reduces excess fluid in the body, and enhances the beauty of the skin.
What to do before and after a session with a physiotherapist
Proper preparation before a massage and taking care of your body afterward can enhance its effects and ensure a more complete experience.
Before the massage:
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- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water keeps tissues properly hydrated and aids in the release of toxins during and after the massage.
- Wear comfortable clothing: This allows the therapist to access the treated areas easily and makes you feel more relaxed.
- Communicate your needs: Let the professional know if you have any specific pain, discomfort, or expectations so that the treatment can be customized to suit you.
- Avoid heavy meals: It is best to eat something light at least an hour before the massage to avoid discomfort during the massage.
After the massage:
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- Continue to stay hydrated: This helps eliminate toxins released during the massage and maintains the body’s natural balance.
- Rest: If possible, rest for a while after the massage. This will help the body absorb the benefits of the massage better.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Allow your body time to recover after the massage, and refrain from strenuous physical activity until it has fully recovered.
- Apply local heat if necessary: Using a warm compress on the treated area can help maintain muscle relaxation.
How often should you get a massage from a physiotherapist?
How often you should get a massage depends on why you’re getting one and your daily routine. Some people deal with chronic pain, while others want to reduce stress.
- If you experience chronic pain or muscle tightness, it is recommended to start with a massage once a week. Once the pain subsides, you can repeat the process every two to three weeks.
- If you are recovering from an injury, you may need a massage once or twice a week at first. Later, a monthly maintenance session is sufficient.
- For individuals who experience high stress in their lives or wish to maintain a healthy body and mind, a monthly massage can be beneficial. However, if there is a lot of stress in a week, getting a massage twice is also a good decision.
- If you are an athlete, it is essential to receive regular massages both before and after your sports activities. It helps you perform better and reduces your risk of injury.
Finally, remember that the frequency of massage is not the same for everyone. Only a professional physiotherapist can accurately determine which routine is best suited to your body’s needs.
What can I expect from a therapeutic massage?
A therapeutic massage often feels deeply relaxing and is effective in easing tension and discomfort. You may experience different sensations depending on the type of massage and the techniques your therapist uses.
Therapeutic massage eases tension, boosts circulation, lowers stress and anxiety, and helps your body and mind relax.
During a massage, the therapist employs techniques such as kneading, rubbing, tapping, and stretching to target specific areas of the body. Oil, lotion, or other lubricants are also used to reduce friction. Most people report feeling very relaxed and light during and after the massage.
However, some people may experience mild pain or tightness after a massage this is normal and typically subsides within a few hours. This is called “healthy soreness” and nothing to worry about.
To achieve the best results after a massage, follow the physiotherapist’s advice carefully. For example:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Taking a warm bath
- Using ice packs on the affected area if necessary
Be sure to follow the instructions given by the massage therapist to get the best results.
Contact our clinic to find the therapeutic massage that’s best suited for you in Rugby – book an appointment today!
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