Could you use a massage? Many people are in the same boat, but are in the dark about which techniques may be available to them. Three options are discussed in this post.

More Benefits than One

1. You don’t have to travel to the Scandinavian country of Sweden, just to enjoy the benefits of a Swedish massage. And, you may take particular comfort in knowing that the most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy.

How is Swedish massage therapy made possible? It involves long, soft, kneading strokes and light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. The aforementioned is also combined with movement of the joints. Because Swedish massages relieves muscle tension, it can be energizing and relaxing, too. Plus, this invigorating massage also can help sooth one’s body after an injury.

Swedish massages also:

• Promote lymph movement and circulation movement;

• Are good for stress-related conditions and chronic pain;

• Uses light to medium pressure.

2. Deep-tissue massage, anyone? A deep-tissue massage is a certain kind of massage therapy that focuses on the deep layers of muscle and fascia (a sheet of connective tissue covering or binding together structures in the body). By using deep finger pressure and slow, firm strokes, a deep-tissue massage is used to treat a variety of physical ailments, so this massage technique comes highly recommended by doctors.

Many universities give their take on what can be beneficial to individuals; the University of Maryland Medical Center, for instance, reports that a deep-tissue massage is more effective and affordable for relieving chronic pain than conventional medical remedies.

Why? Deep-tissue massages are said to increase the flow of blood throughout the body, it helps reduce the inflammation that causes pain. Deep-tissue massage also can alleviate muscle tension, a condition that everyone may experience at some point in time.

Deep-tissue massages also:

• Loosens scar tissue and lengthens muscles;

• Provides deep pain relief;

• Works as an excellent method for overuse injuries and chronic injuries.

3. A sports massage is designed to….yep, you guessed it, help trim the incidences of sports-related injures. This form of massage utilizes specific strokes to help athletes obtain maximum performance; in other words, it helps athletes to be their best.

What’s even more, it specifically alleviates muscle tension and inflammation after the injury occurs. What else are sports massages known to do? They provide a warm-up to loosen muscles for both professional athletes and amateur athletes before an event. Sports massages also help release any pent-up tension and lactic acid in the overworked muscles. As this happens blood and oxygen can return to the muscle and promote muscle repair.

Sports massages also:

• Improves endurance;

• It can reduce post-workout recovery time;

• Offers balance to training regimen.

Choosing and Using

The above is only a sampling of the massages that may be available to you. The best part is that a reason is not need to take advantage of them. Your next off day may have just turned into a spa day. Enjoy!

Web Links:

http://www.massageenvy.com/mobile/default/types-of-massage.aspx;

http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/fascia;

http://www.livestrong.com/article/88911-benefits-deep-tissue-massage/;

http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits;

http://www.massagetherapy101.com/massage-techniques/sports-massage.aspx;

http://www.olympic.massagetherapy.com/sports-massage

-Kimberly Williams