By Amy Williams, Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician at Vitality Unlimited Spa
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage is increasingly being offered along with standard treatments for a wide range of medical and other conditions. A common misconception about massage is that it is only intended for pampering yourself. While this may be true for some people, it is frequently used as a tool for stress reduction and pain relief.
Some specific conditions that massage can help with include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Soft tissue strains and injuries
- Temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders
There are different types of massages to choose from and each have their own unique benefits. Those benefits include helping to treat medical conditions and chronic pain, as well as relaxing and taking care of your mental health through the healing power of touch.
1.) Swedish Massage:
This massage involves different techniques and strokes. It can be done by vibration, long kneading towards the heart, tapping rhythmically, and sliding with firm movements. The focus is to release pain and tension and to help relax and de-stress.
2.) Deep Tissue Massage:
This type of massage uses relatively greater pressure as it focuses on the deeper tissues under superficial muscles. This technique involves slow and firm movements on the skin with pressure applied by a forearm or open fist. This will help relax deep muscles and connective tissues, relieving pain.
3.) Prenatal Massage:
Prenatal massage is a safe way for pregnant women to enjoy the benefits of a massage. It helps lower stress and aids in loosening stiff muscles that accompany a growing belly. It is not recommended during the first trimester or if the pregnancy is high risk.
4.) Sports Massage:
The prime focus is on a certain area of pain, an injury or it can involve a full-body massage. Different types of strokes and stretches are alternated to facilitate proper tension release. It is common for sports therapy to include trigger point work and myofascial release.
5.) Hot Stone Massage:
Warm stones are applied with pressure onto the body to give complete tranquility. This technique also involves the methods utilized in Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage, as the stones can be used with gentle strokes or firm pressure.
At Vitality Unlimited Spa, one of our Licensed Massage Therapists can help assess your needs and find the right massage for you. Call the spa at 314.968.1808 or feel free to drop in to make an appointment. We are located at 29 West Moody Avenue in Webster Groves.