Types Of Massage Techniques And Their Benefits

Posted by Sooraj Suresh on November 25th, 2020

When we think of massage by closing our eyes, we get a picture of relaxation with soft music playing in the background while a massage therapist rubs our back and shoulders. There are different types of massage with a variety of benefits like pain relief, muscle relaxation, increase in the range of motion, reduction in anxiety, and ease of mental stress. People who are going through stress at work are recommended to take up massage on a monthly basis to help take care of their body. Stress can build up tension in the muscles and lower our immunity which will result in constant worrying, and inability to focus. Let's check out different types of massages that are common,

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is said to be the foundation of many other types of massage as it promotes relaxation while releasing joint tension and increasing the flow of blood circulation. While performing this technique, massage therapists apply soft and long kneading strokes to warm up the body to provide relaxation and rejuvenate sore muscles. 

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is similar to Swedish massage but it involves applying deeper pressure to specific layers of muscle, tendons, and soft tissues in order to effectively release muscular tension. Athletes who are preparing for upcoming events usually take up deep tissue massage to break down muscle tension and increase their flexibility around specific muscle groups.

Stretch Massage

People experiencing tightness in shoulders and neck feel difficulty in bending down and tying their shoes. Stretching is a better way to keep the muscles supple with assistance from massage therapists to enhance flexibility, range of motion, and improve posture. Stretching can be very effective in increasing the blood circulation, loosening the muscles and tissues to keep joints mobile.

Sports Massage

Athletes who train intensively experience chronic tension, loss of flexibility, stiff and sore muscles. This is when sports massage comes in handy as it helps in reducing recovery time, ease muscle strains, and promote flexibility. A professional sports massage therapist will also recommend some changes in the diet to promote proper nutrients which will help in improving the daily performance. 

Trigger Point Massage

Daily movements like lifting weights, and running, or walking long distances can irritate delicate soft muscle tissues. When these soft tissues remain contracted for a longer period of time, it becomes hardened and creates small painful nodules called ‘trigger points’ which often leads to chronic pain. During the treatment, trigger point therapists check specific areas of the body to locate nodules and then apply pressure to release the irritated tissue. People who sit for extended hours at a desk all day experience stiffness in their body, they can benefit from trigger point therapy as it helps in reducing pain, relieving tension, and increasing the range of motion.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is a traditional type of massage which involves the use of essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds to promote health and well-being. Massage therapists apply oils to specific pulse points on the body to uplift the senses while balancing and purifying the body. There are many types of essential oils and each of them has unique healing properties, uses, and effects. Aromatherapists combine these essential oils to create a blend that has even more benefits.

Cupping Therapy

This method involves pulling blood to the surface of the skin to improve circulation and promote healing. The massage therapist positions a suction cup over the specific treatment area and produces a vacuum effect to reduce inflammation for a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Even professional athletes are using cupping therapy to release tension in the structures of the body without the discomfort of force or compression. 

Remedial Massage

This natural therapy focuses on manipulating the muscular system to promote rehabilitation and relaxation. This treatment method eases the pain and discomfort while allowing the body’s natural healing process to work at its best. It is said to be very beneficial in dealing with anxiety, hypertension, stress-related conditions, headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, and lower back pain. 

Myotherapy

Myotherapy deals with treating muscle and joint-related pain and dysfunction. It is an extension of remedial massage and focuses on manipulating the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance functioning, release muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Myotherapists have a deeper understanding of human anatomy and physiology along with a host of other manual therapy interventions. 

The above mentioned massage techniques have their own unique properties and benefits. Learning massage to make a career can be very fruitful as more and more people have started to understand the benefits massage therapy brings into a person's life. If you are someone passionate about becoming a professional massage therapist, the Australasian College of Massage & Myotherapy (ACMM) is a better place to consider as they offer dedicated training rooms for students to practice a range of massage techniques with the guidance of experienced practitioners. The massage training provided by the college invites students from all over the world to come and learn the latest offering in the field of massage. Apart from that, the government is offering VET student loans for those candidates who are eligible under specific criteria that are mentioned on the official website of ACMM.