| Though there are many methods available for the | | | | sports massage specialists to safeguard against |
| relief of stress and pain, few are as universally | | | | such injuries before they occur. With the sports |
| acclaimed as the ancient art of the body | | | | massage, the body massage is provided prior to |
| massage. Long renowned for its ability to relieve | | | | the sporting activity, and is usually a precursor to |
| muscle tension and provide soothing relaxation, | | | | the warm-up period. In addition, most athletes |
| various forms of massage therapy have grown in | | | | who use this type of body massage also receive |
| popularity in recent years as new generations of | | | | a massage after the sporting event to ensure |
| people are introduced to the calming and healing | | | | that their muscles and ligaments remain free of |
| effects that this hands-on therapy offers. | | | | injury. This type of massage is primarily done with |
| However, deciding what type of massage to get | | | | two goals in mind: enabling better circulation and |
| can sometimes be confusing for newcomers to | | | | preventing injuries. |
| the discipline. To help make your decision easier, | | | | Swedish Massage |
| here is an overview of three of the more popular | | | | Of course, no overview of body massage |
| body massage techniques. | | | | techniques would be even remotely complete |
| Deep Tissue Massage | | | | without at least mentioning the Swedish massage |
| One very popular form of body massage is | | | | - perhaps the most well-known of all massage |
| known as the deep tissue message. Because of | | | | techniques. The Swedish body massage makes |
| its focus on muscles lying underneath the visible | | | | use of a number of different types of strokes to |
| surface muscles, deep tissue massage therapy | | | | relieve tension and reduce or eliminate pain. |
| has the ability to provide relief that goes beyond | | | | Though there has been a mystique surrounding |
| the superficial surface skin massages with which | | | | Swedish massage, the fact is that the underlying |
| most people are familiar. Some of the more | | | | strokes and kneading techniques are simple |
| common uses for this form of massage are | | | | enough for anyone to learn. This fact, perhaps |
| sports medicine and pain management, particularly | | | | more than any other, has helped to maintain the |
| in cases involving injuries to muscles and other | | | | popularity of Swedish massage in the world. |
| tissue. Because this type of massage reaches | | | | With each passing year, it seems that |
| muscles of which most people have little | | | | researchers are continually learning new ways in |
| awareness, most deep tissue massage specialists | | | | which body massage helps those who receive it. |
| will insist upon continual communication during the | | | | As scientists and doctors alike learn just how |
| massage to ensure that the process is as painless | | | | powerful the benefits of body massage can be in |
| as possible. | | | | increasing the physical, mental, and emotional |
| Sports Massage | | | | health of those who regularly receive the therapy, |
| With the growth of various sporting activities has | | | | massage therapy in all its many forms is sure to |
| come a corresponding growth in the number of | | | | become an even more important part of our |
| sports-related injuries. As a result, more and more | | | | lives. |
| athletes and sporting teams have turned to | | | | |