Massage Therapy: Learn All About it's Healing Properties
Who doesn’t love a good massage, right? But massage therapy is not just a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation. It’s a powerful tool for healing the body and promoting physical and mental health. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. If you’ve never tried it, learn about the different types and how it can benefit you.
What exactly is a Massage?
“Massage therapy is systemically and strategically manipulating the soft tissues of the human body to produce a relaxed state, as well as alleviating things like pain, discomfort, anxiety and fatigue,” says Christopher Deery, a licensed massage therapist who is board-certified for therapeutic massage and bodywork.
A common misconception about massage is that it’s an indulgent treat and only intended for pampering yourself. This is because massage used to only be available at luxury spas, hotels and high-end health clubs. In the last 20 years, that has shifted dramatically and massage is now considered part of integrative medicine.
There are several different types of massages:
1. Swedish massage is a more gentle massage that helps you relax, the Mayo clinic explains. During the massage, your therapist might use repetitive circular strokes to help increase circulation.
2. Deep Tissue massage is commonly used to help with muscle damage from injuries. The therapist applies lots of pressure and uses more forceful stroke to target the deep layers of muscle and connective tissue.
3. Hot Stone massage uses smooth, heated stones to heal damaged soft tissues throughout your body. The stones are most commonly made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, hot massage stones are heated between 130 and 145 degrees.
4. Prenatal massage is performed by a certified prenatal massage therapist, and is very similar to Swedish massage. The therapist uses sweeping strokes and minimal pressure to ensure the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby. It relaxes tense muscles, improves circulation and mobility.
5. Trigger point massages focus on areas of tight muscle fibers that can form after overuse or acute injuries.
Some physical conditions that massage can help include:
· Anxiety
· Depression
· Digestive disorders
· Fibromyalgia
· Constipation relief
· Myofascial pain syndrome management
· Headache
· Insomnia
· Nerve pain
· Scar tissue
· Soft tissue strains and injuries
· Sports injuries
· TMJ
· Improving immune function
· Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
· Reducing stress
Here’s what you can expect during a massage:
You don’t need to do any special preparation before your appointment. Before the massage begins, you enter the room alone and undress to your level of comfort. Once you get on the table underneath the sheet, the therapist will enter. He or she should ask you about your medical history, and if you have any specific symptoms you’d like to target. The therapist should explain the technique he or she will use. Let them know if you are allergic to any ingredients, as they will likely be using oils and lotion to reduce friction on the skin.
The session may last anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours. No matter what kind of massage you choose, you should feel calm and comfortable the whole time.
Most everyone can reap the benefits from a massage, however, check with your primary doctor beforehand if you suffer from the following:
· Bleeding disorders or take blood thinners
· Burns or healing wounds
· Deep vein thrombosis
· Infections
· Broken bones (fractures)
· A very low platelet count (severe thrombocytopenia)
ZZ Day Spa has a friendly and knowledgeable staff of licensed massage therapists. If you’re interested in booking a massage or would know more about the services, call 212-909-1552.
Come visit us at either of our locations:
120 East 56th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10022
7 West 36th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018
We look forward to welcoming you. ♡
