Massage Therapy
There are several types of massage therapies that focus on different parts of the body or healing approaches. This is our guide to the right massage therapy for you and your needs.
What is a Massage?
Never had a massage? In essence massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, your massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain, stress and tension.
A massage therapist is a person trained in giving massages, and in this case, it is Andrea from AP Therapies.
In this guide we will show you the types of massage and which ones might be right for you.
Jump straight to: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Myofascial Release, Remedial Therapy, Sports Injury Massage, Swedish Massage.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Description
- Lymphatic drainage massage is a light technique designed to stimulate the removal of lymphatic wastes from all over the body.
Treats
- detoxification
- chronic fatigue
- obesity
- arthritis
- neurological disorders
- improved wellbeing
- sore throats
- colds
- infections
- excess fluids
- low immunity
- swollen nodes
- for the physically inactive
Type
- light touch
- gentle massage
Myofascial Release
Description
- Massage therapy involves steady movement, like kneading and stroking, on the muscles to bring relief whereas myofascial release uses sustained pressure to stretch and lengthen the fascia.
- It gives the benefits of a deep tissue massage without the pain of hard pressure.
- Focuses on pain believed to arise from myofascial tissues — the tough membranes that wrap, connect and support your muscles.
Treats
- softens fascia
- lengthens fascia
- re-aligns fascia
- releases fascia
Type
- sustained pressure
- kneading manipulation
- safe and effective
Remedial Therapy
Description
Incorporates a number of styles of massage, stretching and exercise
relieves muscle tension, inhibit muscle spasms, increase flexibility and help break down scar tissue to address a wide range of soft tissue problems.
It helps to treat and prevent musculoskeletal imbalances and promotes the body’s own healing systems and to address tendon and ligament complaints.
It’s popular with people who suffer from any type of debilitating joint disorder that causes pain.
Treats
- strains
- sprains
- spasms
- muscle soreness
- increased performance
- increased vitality
- improved sleep
Type
- deep tisuue massage
- heavy pressure
- some discomfort but not painful
Sports Injury Massage
Description
Specifically tailored to different sporting and recreational sports injuries.
Strenuous massage that works by stretching tight muscles, stimulating inactive muscles and improving the condition of the soft tissue.
Treats
- shin splints
- tennis elbow
- sprains
- strains
- corked thighs
- knots / lactic acid
- Achilles’ tendons
- Hamstrings
- and more
Type
- deep tissue massage
- heavy pressure
- some discomfort but not overly painful
- kneading
- stretching manipulation
Swedish Massage
Description
Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered massage techniques.
promotes rest and relaxation
- can include aromatherapy oils
Treats
- aches
- pains
- tension
- stress
Type
- relatively gentle touch
- slow
- nurturing
- promotes relaxation
- effects can last for days