Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Medical Massage
What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage uses a firm, but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.
Swedish massage applies five different techniques:
- gliding superficial strokes
- kneading of individual muscles
- hacking or tapping
- friction
- vibration
The therapist generally uses massage oil (creams) to help making long, smooth strokes over the body. Massage is done with the person covered with a sheet, a technique called "drapping". One part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up again before moving on to another part of the body.
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia (also called connective tissue). Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tensions or knots (also known as adhesions).
Will a deep tissue massage hurt? It shouldn't hurt, but it's likely to be more uncomfortable than a classic Swedish massage. You should always feel free to speak up if the pressure is too much for you.
What is medical massage?
Medical massage is sometimes defined as medically necessary massage, which is usually prescribed by a physician. Medical massage is generally applied in relation to a specific goal focused on improving health of patients.
Medical massage is outcome based massage. It is primarily the application of specific treatment protocols targeted at the specific problem(s) the patient presents with physician's diagnosis and administered after a thorough assessment/evaluation by the massage therapist. It is nothing like a relaxation massage.
Medical massage is helpful to individuals who suffer from an assortment of health conditions, including:
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - TOS
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - CTS
- Chronic headaches, migraines
- Whiplash
- Muscle spasms
- and soft tissue injuries as well.
How fast will I get results with a massage?
It's important to be realistic about what can be achieved with one massage session. Many people ask for more pressure, thinking that if the therapist presses hard enough, that they can get rid of all their knots in an hour. This just won't happen. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension build up over a life time is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, working on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.
