SWEDISH MASSAGE OR DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE: WHICH FITS YOUR NEEDS?

People who want to get a massage are often confused between the different forms of massages. Even worse, they tend to identify them as the same, when in fact, most massage forms are unique. So to correct some confusion, here are some differentiation factors between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage.

Swedish Massage

a.  Focus. The primary focus of Swedish massage is to increase circulation and promote general relaxation. Consumers should use a Swedish massage to distress from the rigors of everyday life.

b. Technique. In Swedish massage, the muscles are kneaded and stretched with a lifting/kneading stroke and then smoothed, lengthened, and drained of excess fluid with long, firm strokes. Vibration or percussion may also be used to stimulate or release muscles. The limbs may be moved or shaken. The process is repeated on each area of the body for an overall calming and rejuvenating effect.

c. Benefits. Swedish massage may seem simple but it actually gives a lot; it increases blood circulation, easing the tension in the body’s muscles and improving the muscles’ flexibility. It stimulates the skin as well as the nervous system to soothe the nerves, reducing both emotional and physical stress. Also, Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. In fact the massage is a staple in most stress management programs.

Deep Tissue Massage

a.       Focus. The primary focus of Deep Tissue massage is to address specific tight muscles and to correct postural distortion caused by these tight muscles. Deep Tissue Massage aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas and releasing deeply-held patterns of tension, removing toxins, while relaxing and soothing the muscle.

b.   Technique. Deep Tissue massage simply means heavy pressure, this is a misconception. A practitioner may use very deep pressure without really addressing postural distortions. Conversely, a skilled practitioner may sometimes use fairly light pressure in a precise manner to facilitate deep muscle release.

c.  Benefits. Deep tissue massage helps with both small muscle injuries as well as chronic problems. Deep tissue massage is an excellent way to deal with a whiplash or sports injury, postural misalignment, treating spasms as well as muscle tension.

Massage Envy Citrus Park

12865 Citrus Plaza Drive Tampa, FL 33625

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Massage Treatment: The Must- Knows

Most people receive massage treatment in a place that is designated for the procedure. This includes spa, wellness center, or massage clinic. However, massage treatments are also becoming increasingly common in other settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage treatment that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles and the fascia.

WHERE TO START?

Knowing your history allows a therapist to determine if there are any reasons you should avoid massage or a particular technique. The massage therapist will review your health history and ask questions. Because massage can affect multiple body systems, such as the cardiovascular and nervous systems, be honest with the massage therapist about your health. Giving information about medicine intake is also best.

DOES DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE HURT?

Massage treatments generally do not hurt; make sure to keep the lines of communication open in case you feel uncomfortable. However, deep tissue massage may feel significant but not to make you stiffen up.

PRIVACY ISSUES

Generally, you will lie on a massage table, covered by a sheet or large towel. Make sure you are comfortable and let the therapist know if you are not. Tell the therapist if you are cold, want to be covered, don't want an area of your body touched, don't like the music, or are experiencing discomfort with the massage treatment or how it is being applied.

WHAT DO YOU GET FROM DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE?

Massage treatments have been shown to have a range of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure to easing migraines. Massage treatment has the ability to alleviate pain for chronic diseases. Massage can also help lower stress, which is a good thing for your overall health.

Massage Envy Lakeland

3615 South Florida Ave. Unit 56 Lakeland, FL 33803

(863) 646-3689

http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Lakeland.aspx

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Therapeutic Massage Explained for Newbies

It’s been a very tough week at work and you just want to relax on your weekend. You think about getting a massage, which is a great idea to pamper your tired body. But when you start looking around for a good place to have a massage, you come across the different types and you’re not sure what you need.

First off, welcome to the world of massage and it’s guaranteed that it’s a world you’ll love staying in for as long as you can. Next, since you’re new to this, don’t fret. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular therapeutic massage styles out there:

·         Swedish Massage- Swedish massage is the basic therapeutic massage you can have. It is known as a relaxation massage, because that’s exactly what it’s for. The highlight of this massage is the kneading and semi-deep and long strokes on the muscles. These movements allow the tense muscles to be relaxed and thus, become less tight and restricted.

·         Deep Tissue Massage- Amongst the different massage therapies, deep tissue massage is the second favorite. This massage focuses on deep tissue layers as well as connective tissues. It is actually the best massage for people who are very active. Deep tissue massage helps tissues to recover from injuries as well as help the muscles recover faster for training athletes.

·         Reflexology- This therapeutic massage is more commonly done on the feet, but there is hand reflexology being offer too. The concept of this massage is that massaging the right points on the feet will help cure the other tissues in the body. That’s because studies show that every major body system is connected to the foot. Additionally, foot reflexology is great for people who always have tired feet.

·         Shiatsu Massage- Shiatsu massage is often mistaken for the Swedish, but they actually have different techniques. The Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage that focuses on the pressure points of the body. The therapist will hold on to the pressure points so that the energy will be released.

Therapeutic massage styles will have different benefits, but the bottom line is that all of them will be beneficial to your health and well-being. Nevertheless, to get the most out of the experience, find a massage center that offers great deep tissue massage, reflexology, Swedish and Shiatsu massage so you can get to try all of them, depending on your body’s aches and pains. Furthermore, experience the optimal benefits by having them on a regular basis.

Massage Envy Lakeland

3615 South Florida Ave. Unit 56 Lakeland, FL 33803 

(863) 646-3689 

http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Lakeland.aspx

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Deep Tissue Massage: A Good Detoxifier

There are many different styles of massage. The most common, which is the Swedish massage, and there are the others that focus on certain points in your body and are designed to relax the muscles and joints. Plus, the manipulation is a good way to throw out the toxins in your body. To help put you at ease before your first massage, make sure to know the whereabouts of the treatment.

Deep tissue massage is a specific type of massage therapy that concentrates on the deep layers of the muscle and fascia in the body. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, and leg muscle tightness and sore shoulders. The strokes are classic but the movement is slower and the pressure is actually deeper and is concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles and the fascia.

 Deep tissue massage helps ease stress and wash out toxins by improving blood circulation. Plus, maintenance of blood pressure is one of its benefits. People who had a deep-tissue massage are noted to be in the normal range of blood pressure compared to those who do not undergo such massage treatment. It helps increase the body’s production of serotonin, the hormone that promotes happiness and good feelings; and as a result, the person would feel whole and relaxed.

Some people think of deep tissue massage as a procedure with discomfort and pain. It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness and pain is experienced. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so, so if you find yourself feeling weak and in pain even after a few days, it is best for you to consult a doctor.

After undergoing deep tissue massage, always keep a light healthy meal. When soreness occur, application of ice packs is a good way to reduce pain. Avoid strenuous activities after a massage, and stretching can help to prevent muscle aches and pain after a deep tissue massage.

Massage Envy Lakeland, FL

3615 South Florida Ave. Unit 56Lakeland, FL 33803

(863) 646-3689

http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Lakeland.aspx

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Why Should You Get Deep Tissue Massage?

You don’t feel well. Your body is aching and your muscles feel very tired. You know you need a good massage, but what kind? There are different types of massage and the one you should get must be the right one.

A therapist should know what you need when you tell him or her kind the of aches and pains you are feeling. If you are feeling muscle tension, you’ll be likely given a deep tissue massage.

Deep tissue massage is also helpful in eliminating scar tissue from an injury. During an injury, the stressed muscle can cause blockage of oxygen and nutrients. Hence, your muscles won’t get the nutrients they need to completely heal. It leads to inflammation and toxin build-up on the muscle tissue. As a result, you feel pain and muscles stress. 

This kind of massage will target the built up toxins and release it. Once the blockage has been broken down, the blood and oxygen will now flow smoothly like it should. Thus, enabling the muscles to heal better and avoiding any pains and muscle stress.

Deep tissue massage uses more pressure on the deep muscle tissues. It is what makes it different from the Swedish therapy. Also when targeting the deep tissue, the therapist will use elbows, fingers and may use some tools to penetrate deep within the muscles. The strokes are slower too, which is why sessions take longer than usual.

After a deep tissue massage session, you may feel some soreness afterwards. This is because of the pressure applied on your muscle tissues. It can be a little uncomfortable but it’s not something you cannot handle. Plus, the soreness will go away within two days. Nevertheless, even if more pressure is required, do tell the therapist if the pressure is too much for you that it is causing pain already. Severe pain can damage the muscle tissues more than heal them.

For people with chronic knots, it may take several sessions to completely release the knots. Also, there is a need for the patient to exercise, practice correct posture and relaxation techniques to fully recover from chronic knots.

Massage for the deep muscle tissue is very helpful for scar tissues and stressed muscle. It is important to remember that during sessions, you must breathe deeply to help bring more oxygen to your muscles, which will better improve the chances of your muscle tissues recovering after the sessions.

Massage Envy Lutz

17673 North Dale Mabry Highway Lutz, FL 33548

(813) 868-5400

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Is Deep Tissue Massage Just for Athletes?

Do you feel muscle pain? If you want to experience relief from muscle pain, deep tissue massage may be the answer. It’s a natural way to make you feel more comfortable without taking any pain medications, which can also be bad for your health.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that targets the deep layers of the muscles. Trained therapists know how to detect those areas that are in pain. Usually, it is the connective tissues or deep muscle layers that develop serious pain. Regular massage doesn’t target these spots, which will render useless for a person experiencing muscle pain.

When you go to a massage salon and go for deep tissue massage, the therapist finds the sources of pain. He follows a technique. It might be a bit painful at first, but this is the necessary massage to make the aches and pains go away.

This is the same massage that most athletes go for because they tend to suffer a lot of muscle pain and injuries during training, competition and games. But of course, deep tissue massage isn’t just for athletes. Everyone can experience muscle pain on a daily basis. It can be physical stress from work and exercise or it may also be chronic pain.

The therapist applies pressure on the area and use massage strokes to loosen the muscle stiffness. The massage is quite intense. However, if your therapist doesn’t apply that much pressure, do not think that the massage is not working. What’s important is they apply the right pressure to loosen the knots and muscles. Later on, you’ll notice how fast the healing process is.

Other than muscle pain, this type of massage also helps make the muscles more flexible. There is also increased blood flow to the muscles. Athletes find comfort in this massage, especially those who participate in marathons and serious competitions.

Deep tissue therapy is great for healing purposes and helping athletes improve their performance. However, if you have a serious injury, it’s best that you go to a doctor first before going to the massage salon. Sometimes, the muscles are too battered that it may need some resting first before getting a massage. Nothing beats the advice of your doctor.

Just a note though, this type of massage is not recommended to be done on a regular basis, especially if you’re someone who is not really physically active. Nonetheless, getting a shiatsu or Swedish massage regularly will be beneficial for your overall health.

Massage Envy Lakeland

3615 South Florida Ave. Unit 56, Lakeland, FL 33803

863-646-3689

http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Lakeland.aspx

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Eliminate Scars with Deep Tissue Massage

Scabs typically shrink by day ten of the healing process as it focuses on the laying of collagen to strengthen the former site of injury. With deep tissue massage, scars can be almost invisible with the type of healing. Learn how scars are and how they can be eliminated with the help of deep tissue massage.

Scars become hard and non-pliable and can tighten joints, which can compromise movement and flexibility. When it becomes dry, they become painful and may also result to numbness. Deep tissue massage can help primarily by increasing blood circulation.

The techniques used in deep tissue massage help in producing and improving the movement of red blood cells throughout the body.

• Strokes -deep tissue massage start with gentle strokes to warm up the body and as the therapist works on the scar, congested vessels and lymph fluids are drained . This technique in deep tissue massage should feel gentle on the skin and will not redden.

• Myofascial release - easing up the constricted tissue through the use of gentle pressure of deep tissue massage will ensure stretching and repairing of the skin as it follows the normal pattern of skin growth. So as the skin heals, wrinkles appear and dry up.

• Deep transverse friction – a technique in deep tissue massage can prevent adhesion formation and rupture unwanted adhesions. The deep pressure applied directly to the scar can yield desirable results for mature and immature scars.

• Heat application -  an extra technique used in deep tissue massage to relax and helps in improving pliability and flexibility of the scar.

Deep tissue massage is a good way of improving scars and healing injuries. However, there are precautions to be taken before having a deep tissue massage in this case.

• Radiated skin or wounds are fragile, so it is least recommended to undergo deep tissue massage.

• Deep tissue massage can be an intensive treatment as the friction can result in pain and redness. Deep tissue massage for fresh injuries or premature scars is a bad idea.

• Make sure to have the right lubricating agent that is hypo-allergenic.

Massage Envy - Lutz

17673 N. Dale Mabry Hwy MM# 20104 Lutz, FL 33548

(813)868-5400

http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/FL/Lutz.aspx

Massage Therapy is Not Only for Muscle Pains

When you feel pain in your muscles, you think about getting a massage. But, do you know that massage therapy is more than just about muscle pain relief? Different types of massage can offer you a whole new world of benefits that you are not aware of.

Massage Options

Massage therapy relaxes, soothes and ease muscle aches and pains. It helps rejuvenate the body and restore its balance. Massage centers know that the aches and pains of each individual are different. Hence, professional massage therapists can customize the massage for each person.

Among the different types of massage is Swedish massage. This massage focuses on whole body relaxation. There is deep tissue massage that focuses on loosening tied or knotted muscles. Deep tissue massage is also helpful in relieving muscle tension. There is sports massage for athletes who need muscle relaxation. In addition, there is Reflexology, a massage that applies pressure on specific ‘zones’ in the body. Reflexology is often performed on the feet, hands and ears without the use of any lotion or massage oils.

The Other Benefits of Massage

• Massage therapy helps alleviate lower back pain. At the same time, it can improve the body’s range of motion and joint flexibility.
• Deep tissue massage can help athletes who undergo strenuous workouts. This can help their muscles recover faster.
• Massage helps in enhancing the body’s immunity to health sickness and diseases. It can lessen anxiety and depression.
• For women who suffer from menstrual cramps, massage can lessen the severity and occurrence.
• Reflexology is great for people who are really stressed out. Putting pressure on pressure points will relieve stress.

Adding regular massage to your regular health regimen should make you healthier and happier. Deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, Reflexology and other types of massage can improve your concentration, focus, energy levels and sleep quality. Moreover, it can reduce fatigue, migraine, improve air flow for the asthmatic, lower blood pressure and less joint pain from arthritis.

More Visits, More Benefits

Regular visits to the massage center will do your body good. Regular massage helps improve your body’s blood circulation which can hasten your body’s ability to heal. If you feel rejuvenated and energized, you will feel more motivated to get up every morning and make the best out of your day. Do not let muscle aches and other pains get you down, be happier and stress-free with massage therapy.

Massage Envy Citrus Park
12865 Citrus Plaza Drive MM# 19430, Tampa, FL 33625

(813) 341-1900

http://www.massageenvy.com