| Have you ever wanted to go for a massage | | | | probably the most relaxing and luxurious massage |
| therapy session but didn't know what type of | | | | being given today. Heated basalt stones are added |
| massage to get? Massage therapy is a very | | | | to the massage and are used by the massage |
| diverse field of work and there are many types | | | | therapist to perform a mini heat treatment as |
| of massage to choose from that range from | | | | well as gliding massage strokes that seem to melt |
| full-body stress relief to highly targeted methods | | | | away stress and tension. |
| that relieve muscular pain and dysfunction. Five of | | | | 4. Sports Massage - just like it sounds, Sports |
| the most popular types of massage are Swedish | | | | Massage is geared toward athletes at every level |
| massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone | | | | from professional to the "weekend warrior" and |
| Massage, Sports Massage, and Neuromuscular | | | | those who strive for a higher level of fitness. |
| Therapy. | | | | Rather than a specific form of massage, Sports |
| 1. Swedish Massage - this is the most common | | | | Massage is generally a combination of massage |
| type of massage in the United States and | | | | techniques tailored to the athlete's needs. The |
| perhaps the world. Swedish massage is known for | | | | Sports Massage might be applied to one area to |
| its long gliding strokes, kneading strokes, friction | | | | relieve pain or might be more general in nature to |
| strokes, and percussion as well as joint | | | | assure overall performance. |
| movements that feel great while improving range | | | | 5. Neuromuscular Therapy - also called "NMT" or |
| of motion. It's most often thought of as a "spa" | | | | Neuromuscular Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy |
| type of massage but it's much more than that. | | | | is a well known massage technique for relieving |
| Swedish massage is great for reducing stress, | | | | muscular pain, and muscle spasm throughout the |
| improving circulation, improving range of motion of | | | | body. Neuromuscular Therapy is effective with |
| your joints, and helping you actually feel better in | | | | myofascial trigger points causing "referred" pain |
| your own skin. Swedish massage can range from | | | | that originates from someplace other than where |
| light pressure to a heavier pressure depending on | | | | it's felt. This technique uses very targeted |
| your comfort level. It's more than just a "feel | | | | compression and friction massage techniques, |
| good" massage it is very therapeutic. | | | | positioning, and stretching to release the |
| 2. Deep Tissue Massage - right behind Swedish | | | | myofascial trigger points in muscles as well as |
| massage in popularity and availability, Deep Tissue | | | | restrictions in tendons, muscular attachments, and |
| Massage is one of the best known and most | | | | sometimes fascia surrounding the muscle. |
| often requested types of massage. This massage | | | | All of the massage techniques described here can |
| shares some strokes and techniques with | | | | help you receive the health benefits of massage. |
| Swedish massage and is used to root out chronic | | | | Of course there are many more massage |
| tension in the deeper musculature and connective | | | | therapy techniques available that are relaxing, |
| tissues that contribute to pain and loss of range | | | | stress reducing, and that relieve chronic tension |
| of motion in joints. While some massage therapy | | | | and pain. You actually don't have to know what |
| practitioners use a heavier, sometimes | | | | type of massage to ask for, you just need to |
| uncomfortable pressure in Deep Tissue Massage it | | | | know what you want to achieve. Do you just |
| should be noted that a more moderate pressure | | | | want to relax? Reduce muscle soreness? Relieve |
| can reach deep tissues and achieve great results | | | | pain? Improve posture? Ask your massage |
| with little discomfort. | | | | therapist what they recommend for your |
| 3. Hot Stone Massage - this type of massage is | | | | particular health needs and get massaged today. |