Massage Therapy

Description, benefits and types

What is it?

It is a form of manual therapy that involves the manipulation of soft tissues, in pursuit of improving client health and/or well being. This involves varying pressure and movement to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. It can be used in a rehabilitation setting to treat acute and chronic injuries, as well as a preventive measure.

Why seek treatment?

Some of the main benefits include pain management, improvement in joint mobility, reduction of muscular tension, increased circulation , stimulation of the lymphatic system and headache reduction. Research has shown it to be beneficial in treating soft tissue injuries, anxiety/stress, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), high blood pressure, insomnia and chronic diseases/illnesses such as cancer.

Types

There are a number of different types of massage, with varying focuses and techniques. Here  are a few commonly used: 

Deep tissue - Deep pressure applied to soft tissues, to help restore range of motion and improve posture. Helps to break up scar tissue built up in muscles.  

Swedish - A variety of massage strokes performed to stimulate blood circulation, warm muscle tissue, relieve tension and break up scar tissue. Focus is on relaxation and re-energizing the body. 

Trigger point therapy - Therapeutic massage that focuses on releasing trigger points throughout the body. Treatment is directed at the fascial layer to absolve tension at theneuromuscular junction.

Sports massage -  A combination of techniques aimed at performance enhancement, injury prevention and treatment.  

References

Gwinnet Colleges & Institute. (2018, April 17). Different Types of Massage Therapy Explained. https://www.gwinnettcollege.edu/the-many-types-of-massage-therapy-explained/ 

Prime Physio Plus. (2019, November 11). Different types of massage therapy and its benefits. https://www.primephysioplus.com/different-types-of-massage-therapy-and-its benefits/ 

Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario. (n.d.). Benefits of Massage Therapy. https://www.rmtao.com/massage-therapy/benefits-of-massage-therapy 

Victoria State Government. (2017, July 19). Massage. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/massage