| Massage therapy is an ancient healing art dating | | | | Swedish Massage forms the initial set of practice |
| back thousands of years. So it may come as no | | | | techniques massage therapists learn – it’s |
| surprise that there is an extremely diverse | | | | also a great head-to-toe experience for first time |
| selection of massage styles. This is also why | | | | massage recipients. During a basic Swedish |
| massage therapy is so effective at helping people | | | | massage, oil or lotion is typically used to facilitate |
| live healthier in mind, body and spirit. For any type | | | | long, smooth strokes called effleurage. Other |
| of affliction you have, there is probably a perfect | | | | types of strokes, including kneading, friction, |
| type of massage therapy designed specifically to | | | | stretching and tapping are also used to facilitate |
| relieve it. | | | | relaxation and circulation. |
| Just imagine easing fatigue, stress and chronic pain | | | | Sports Massage techniques are named for their |
| without the usual remedies. Imagine not | | | | use with athletes to assist in their performance |
| ‘needing’ that strong coffee to rev you | | | | and recovery. The focus of the sports massage |
| up or those regular doses of ibuprofen to ease | | | | techniques, sometimes used in tandem with other |
| your aching back. Yes. It can be done. | | | | treatments such as electrical muscle stimulation, |
| Las Vegas Massage Therapy - Western Massage | | | | cold laser and hydrotherapy, aims at rehabilitation |
| Western massage therapy includes some of the | | | | of injury, relieving chronic pain or easing restricted |
| better known and more popular massage | | | | range of motion. |
| techniques available. As a category, Western | | | | Deep Tissue Massage uses movements similar to |
| massage relies upon various strokes used to | | | | Swedish massage but is aimed at the deeper |
| manipulate soft tissue. Many massage types are | | | | structures of muscles and fascia. With this |
| basic to the Western massage family but four | | | | Western massage technique, the therapist works |
| – Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and | | | | on underlying tissues by applying pressure and |
| Neuromuscular Therapy – are the most | | | | focused strokes to release chronic tension and |
| common. | | | | knots. This type of massage can be useful in |
| Neuromuscular Therapy also known as trigger | | | | easing pain caused by tight muscles. |
| point massage, “triggers” points that | | | | How to Select a Massage Therapist. |
| cause a painful response. A trigger point is located | | | | Any technique is only as good as the practitioner |
| in a taut band of muscle fibers and is the | | | | who performs it. Massage is so personal that first |
| tenderest point in the band. Massage therapists | | | | and foremost it is important to trust and like your |
| locate and deactivate trigger points using finger | | | | therapist. You will probably see them again and |
| pressure. Neuromuscular therapy can also be used | | | | again. You can research online or a friend may |
| along with other types of massage techniques to | | | | recommend someone to you. |
| promote relaxation and pain relief. | | | | |