Yoga >> Articles >> Alternative Therapy and diseases

Therapeutic Massage: Types of Massage And Massage Therapist Techniques - Swedish, Deep Tissue Massage, Benefits Of Therapeutic Massage

Submitted by Kevin Pederson on December 31, 2009

Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic massage is an ideal way to deal with stress and health disorders naturally. A massage provides both physical and emotional wellness. The massage sessions can vary from single sessions to a regular massage for a short span, over a period of time. Therapeutic massage is usually rendered to treat certain health conditions, boost overall immunity or as a distressing mechanism. Therapeutic massage provides varied benefits such as improved blood circulation, release of endorphins that reduce pain, speedy recovery from injuries or chronic illness. Massage is known to help de-stress and minimize instances of depression and anxiety by relaxing tensed muscles and stimulating increased blood flow. Therapeutic massage can also treat inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis. Therapeutic massage also improves the rate at which the body recovers from illness or injury.

Massage Therapist Techniques And Types Of Massage
Therapeutic massage employs various features such as use of essential or aromatherapy oils, different types of strokes and massage technique to help the person receiving the massage achieve the expected benefits from massage. Massage techniques vary from a single type to a combination of strokes.
The key movements in massage are effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), percussion, friction and vibration techniques to relieve the stressed muscles. The pressure applied varies from light, moderate to heavy depending on the objective of the massage and type of massage. Certified and qualified massage therapists can provide 200 odd techniques in therapeutic massage. Each session of therapeutic massage is evaluated on the basis of the qualification or certification of the masseur, type of massage and objective of the massage. Such evaluation helps one know the type of massage and benefits
beforehand.

Swedish And Deep Tissue Massage
The various movements or techniques used in massage therapy physically stretch muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. The therapist’s hands can also boost blood circulation through the tissues inhibiting muscular spasms. The most popular types of therapeutic massage are deep tissue massage, shiatsu, Swedish massage, Thai massage, craniosacral massage and sports massage. Different types of massage address different health concerns. The sports massage specifically addresses sports injuries and muscular spasms while deep tissue massage works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Massage therapy can also classified as kinds of massage and are broadly categorized as back massage, neck and shoulder massage, chest massage abdomen massage, massage for babies and massage for pregnant women. The back, neck and shoulder are most prone to stress and everyday wear and tear. A specific massage to relax the tense muscles and tissues can work wonder for a stress ridden body. Overall, therapeutic massage promotes health and wellness and is usually suitable for all ages.