Massage Therapy Techniques

So here you are, you've met your massage therapist, your on the massage table and you have a few questions about which of the massage therapy techniques they offer will help you the best. Going to see a massage therapist for the first time is very much like seeing your doctor; what are you going to do? Is it safe? Will it hurt much or at all? Will you stop the treatment if I want to? Your therapist is used to patients asking these types of questions and will explain exactly which massage therapy technique he or she feels you will benefit from. You could feel a bit awkward or embarrassed at first,

A massage therapy technique that you might not even notice at first is that of creating a relaxing environment. The massage room will be softly lit, maybe some candles will be used and some soothing music will be playing. Many therapists incorporate aromatherapy into their massage. You may notice a nice calming perfume in the room; lavender, rose, sandalwood, orange blossom and chamomile are all aromatherapy oils that relax both the body and the mind. Your practitioner will use an oil or lotion that contains aromatic properties for your massage to prevent any friction.

The practitioner will probably leave the room, giving you time to undress and put on the soft gown that as been provided for you. Once you are laid on the table, your therapist will explain that never, at any time, will your "private parts" be exposed or touched; you will be covered with a towel and the practitioner will explain exactly what area he or she is going to massage and why. After putting you at ease, your therapist will begin to work on your body.

Massage therapy techniques: Swedish massage.

This style of massage first originated at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was designed to relax your muscles, stimulate blood circulation, soothe your skin and nerves, make your tendons and joint more flexible, and helps eliminate toxins from your system as long as you remember to drink lots of water after your massage. The therapist will use a series of five strokes using his or her hand and thumb. This is a very popular massage therapy technique because it has so many benefits and gives the patient a sense of well-being.

The deep connective tissue massage therapy technique.

As the name suggests, this massage technique aims to work with deep connective tissues and muscles. This technique is very successful when treating ailments like neck strain, lower back pain and whiplash. Deep tissue massage helps by increasing circulation and blood flow to the damaged areas and helps to give a better oxygen flow throughout your body. Your therapist will firmly manipulate your connective tissues, but will not use to much pressure that you're uncomfortable with; he or she will often ask "Is this pressure okay?" or "Is this to painful?"

Massage therapy techniques: craniosacral therapy.

This is one of the best massage therapy techniques for the treatment of chronic pain from spinal cord injuries, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, neck pain and back pain. This gentle style of massage identifies areas on your body that are blocked and inflamed, causing you to feel a lot of pain in these areas. Since the craniosacral system of membranes surrounds the central nervous system, any reduction or blockage of blood flow causes chronic pain, your therapist will focus on these particular areas of your body. He or she will place their hands gently on your body and feel for the blocked areas, and then gently massage the area until it feels loose and flexible.

These are just a few of the massage therapy techniques that are available; they are the most commonly used and very effective. Your therapist may also suggest some types of therapy that may sound strange or you have never heard of, but he or she will explain fully the purpose of each technique.

Some other techniques you may want to try are, active release techniques, the Bowen technique, deep muscle therapy, thai massage, and aquatic massage therapy are all types of massage that are available to you. However, there are many more.

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