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Hey everyone!
Today I wanted to talk a little bit about massage.
I know I’m biased being a Licensed Massage Therapist and all but I truly believe that getting a massage is one of life’s greatest pleasures AND for some people absolutely essential in managing pain or a chronic condition.
If you’re new to massage and not sure what type to get, just keep reading!
The most important thing to consider when choosing a massage is how long of an appointment you need. If you would like your whole body addressed I’d suggest at least an hour if not 90 mins. This allows the therapist to take their time and address any issues they find along the way. If you only need a specific area of your body worked (like your hips or your neck) then you can probably get away with a shorter time frame of 30-45 minutes.
But really, more is better......
Next, you want to consider the type of massage you might need to address your reason for coming in. If you're looking for a relaxing experience with maximum stress relief or are new to massage you’re fine with choosing a basic Swedish-Based Massage. However, if you're like the majority of humans and have aches and pains that need to be considered I’ll run you through a few of our most popular add-ons to give you an idea of what to pick.
If you would rather jump right to our Massage Services Page click HERE
Let's say you've been experiencing chronic muscle tension, soreness or muscular imbalances due to your posture at work, overusing muscles during exercise or if you're job is very physically demanding.
If this is you I would suggest choosing Neuro-muscular or Myo-fascial based work. These involve more pressure but please don’t confuse this with more pain. The goal is to relieve muscular and fascial tension. During a deep tissue massage, your massage therapist will use slow strokes and deep finger pressure to relieve tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues.
If you’re feeling like you’re tight all over or you have decreased mobility in your joints and tendons I would suggest adding in either cupping or Graston Technique. Both of these also address the fascia but can help with assisting the body to eliminate tissue congestion. Graston Technique specifically uses Stainless Steel tools to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.
For athletes you might choose a sports specific or orthopedic massage to help stretch and prevent injury. Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries because it can be used to help prevent them. You may also use sports massage to increase flexibility and performance. Additionally, sports massage can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, and muscle tension.
Retaining fluid or in need of a detoxifying treatment? Lymphatic drainage which doesn’t focus on the muscles but the lymphatic system to help disperse excess fluid and boost immunity could be just what you need.
Lymph massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase the flow of lymph and reduce toxins in your body. The lymph system is part of your body's immune system and helps fight infection. This can be a quick 30 minute stand alone treatment or added onto any length of massage.
Other specialities include Pre-Natal Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Migraine Relief and Ashiatsu.
Ashiatsu is massage using the bare feet and Oliver is amazing at this type of work I highly recommend trying it!
Whether you come in for pain or relaxation your therapist will do their best to meet all your needs during your session and I know you will leave feeling much better than when you came in!
Massage may be a way for you to feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Experiment with different types of massage and with different massage therapists to find the type and provider that is most ideal for you.
Always communicate your expectations and intentions with your massage therapist and speak up if there is something with which you aren’t comfortable. Talk to your doctor before getting any type of massage if you have any health concerns or conditions.
We look forward to seeing in our office soon!
You can always book online at www.salveocr.com or give us a call!
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As always,
Here's to your health!
