Therapeutic Massage: Benefits, Types, Contraindications

Massage therapy at a spa using essential oils can simply relax and soothe you. Some techniques can also help treat specific health conditions.

Article Contents:

• Types of therapeutic massage
• Swedish massage: a relaxing, pain-free technique
• Deep tissue massage
• Sports massage: prevent injuries and improve performance
• Mechanical massage
• Shiatsu: acupressure
• Thai massage: for joint mobilization
• Lymphatic drainage: prevention of cellulite and swelling
• Hot stone therapy
• Myofascial release: working on muscles and fascia
• Prenatal massage for pregnant women
• Gua Sha: the trendiest technique
• Benefits of therapeutic massage
• What conditions and pathologies can be treated by a massage therapist
• What else to consider: contraindications, possible side effects
• How to choose a good massage therapist

therapeutic massage is a form of physical therapy. It may be prescribed by a doctor to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Psychotherapists prescribe courses of massage therapy to treat mental and emotional issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Types of therapeutic massage

Experienced massage therapists Spa Afimoll are proficient in several techniques at once. There is also a trend: 10–15 years ago, everyone loved Swedish massage; today, gua sha is popular. However, every technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. This does not mean that one method is better than another. Good therapists choose their own technique based on their clients’ needs.
Some techniques involve the use of oils or medicinal ointments, while others are “dry.”
Most types of massage require the client to undress, but some massage therapists work “through clothing.” When choosing a specialist, it is essential to check their certifications and understand which methods they use. A good massage therapist listens to every request, assesses your condition and any contraindications, and develops personalized treatment plans.

Nevertheless, it’s important to understand the purpose of each technique so you know what to expect from the session.

Swedish massage: a relaxing, pain-free technique

If you’ve never had a massage before, start with a relaxing, painless technique. The Swedish technique involves gentle, long, kneading strokes and light, rhythmic tapping movements on the upper layers of the muscles. In addition, passive movements of the limbs are performed.
A Swedish massage course relieves muscle tension while simultaneously relaxing and energizing the body.
The four most common Swedish massage techniques:

• Effleurage: smooth, gliding strokes applied to soft tissues to fully relax them;
• Petrissage: a squeezing, kneading motion that can be alternated with effleurage;
• Teparmo: deep, circular friction movements that help stimulate blood flow and break down fibrous tissue;
• Tapotement: palms pressed together, short, alternating tapping motions with the fingers.

Swedish massage completely relaxes the body and helps relieve stress.

Deep tissue massage

A fairly painful technique that helps release deep muscles, eliminate muscle knots, and address joint issues. The massage therapist’s movements are slow but very intense. The specialist literally “pulls out” the muscles and locates them deep within the tendons, fascia, and skin.
Deep tissue massage is not relaxing. However, it is precisely this technique that has a genuine therapeutic effect. A course of massage therapy usually does not last long, but it can relieve chronic stress, treat sprains, and speed up recovery from injury.

Sports massage: prevent injuries and improve performance

This type of therapy is specifically designed to assist professional athletes. Individual techniques are used for each type of physical activity.
The massage therapist employs different approaches for injured athletes and for those undergoing injury prevention treatments. This technique also helps increase flexibility and improve athletic performance.

Mechanical massage

Modern methods involve the use of special equipment as well as the hands. In modern salons, you can undergo Princess Therapy and use vacuum clinical equipment to remove cellulite.
Some people buy special chairs and perform relaxing self-massage at home. However, it is important to understand that such treatment is too superficial and has no real therapeutic effect.

Shiatsu: acupressure

Shiatsu translates from Japanese as “finger pressure.” The massage therapist applies pressure to points associated with the health of various organs. The rhythmic pressure is not very painful, but it can improve the body’s overall condition and relieve tension.
Those who prefer alternative medicine will be pleased to know that a course of acupressure restores the flow of vital energy and strengthens not only the body but also the mind.

Thai massage: for joint mobilization

Massage therapy is suitable for both muscles and joints. The therapist works with the client using their entire body.
Thai massage does not require undressing. During the procedure, the patient changes into a loose-fitting cotton robe. The specialist gently moves the client’s limbs so that the body assumes various positions. This mobilizes the joints.

Lymphatic drainage: prevention of cellulite and swelling

Lymphatic drainage massage is necessary to restore normal lymph circulation in the body. Lymph is a fluid that flows through specialized blood vessels and absorbs bacteria, viruses, and toxins from throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the collected fluid and remove impurities.
The massage is usually painless and involves light pressure with the palm and smooth movements of the skin.

Hot stone therapy

In this type of massage, the therapist applies heated stones to specific areas of the body, such as acupressure points. Smooth pebbles can be used as massage tools. Stone therapy is designed to promote deep relaxation and healing. Hot stones are also used to relieve muscle tension, as they are able to transfer heat deep into the skin.

Myofascial release: working on muscles and fascia

Fascia is a type of connective tissue that supports muscles and allows the body to move freely. This type of therapeutic massage is most often performed by a manual therapist.
Even after just one session, the patient feels completely relaxed, with tension and stiffness relieved. Myofascial release is ideal for relieving tension in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and lower back.

Prenatal massage for pregnant women

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes. With the help of a special massage, the body can quickly adapt to new functions and cope with the negative effects of childbirth. Experienced specialists can reduce swelling in the limbs and relieve back pain without harming the fetus.
For women who cannot take medication, massage may be the only option. The main thing is to make sure in advance that the massage therapist has a table specifically designed for working with pregnant women.

Gua Sha: the trendiest technique

The massage is performed using a special flat scraper. The practitioner applies a generous amount of oil to the patient’s skin and uses scraping motions. This procedure improves blood circulation and tightens the skin. Gua sha can be painful and may leave marks on the body after the session is over.
This technique has been known for centuries and offers “the removal of energy blockages and stagnation” in addition to physical health benefits.

Benefits of therapeutic massage

Even if you have no health issues, it is recommended to visit a massage therapist at least once a week. This procedure helps you relax and get rid of anxious and obsessive thoughts. A specialist will relieve accumulated muscle fatigue.

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After a series of 10-step massage sessions, you’ll notice:

• Overall improved blood circulation (a healthy glow appears on your cheeks, and your extremities aren’t always cold);
• Disappearance of muscle pain;
• Increased flexibility and range of motion in the joints;
• Normalization of heart rate;
• Reduction in anxiety;
• Elimination of stress symptoms.

In most cases, massage is comfortable and painless. Don’t deny yourself this pleasure. Find “your” therapist on 7hands.com. Relaxation-style massage techniques have no contraindications and do not require a prior consultation with a doctor.
If you are planning to undergo a course of therapeutic body massage, it is recommended that you consult with a therapist. The doctor will help you choose the optimal technique and provide all necessary referrals for the massage therapist.
A course of therapeutic massage goes beyond simple relaxation. Massage therapists can help address the following issues.

1. Back pain, sciatica, herniated discs. Hot stones and deep muscle work can help restore range of motion;
2. Headaches, migraines. Acupressure on trigger points can alleviate symptoms and improve sleep;
3. Arthritis. This study showed that patients who received one hour of Thai massage twice a week required fewer painkillers and experienced increased range of motion;
4. Cancer. Massage (especially lymphatic drainage) is strictly prohibited for certain types of cancer. However, patients who do not have metastatic cancer and have already completed their primary course of treatment may consult a massage therapist to speed up their recovery. Swedish massage relieves depression and boosts the immune system;
5. Depression. Psychotherapists often recommend massage therapy to people who are struggling with negative thoughts. Certain techniques are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorders. When combined with regular breathing exercises and yoga, massage therapy can help manage depression and anxiety without medication.

There are additional benefits to professional massage. Simply call an experienced specialist to discuss indications and contraindications.

What conditions and pathologies can be treated by a massage therapist

What else to consider: contraindications, possible side effects

As with any physical therapy, therapeutic massage has contraindications. Massage therapists may refuse to treat patients if they have symptoms of atypical pneumonia, infectious, or inflammatory diseases.
While taking anticoagulants, it is recommended to replace deep massage with superficial relaxation techniques. Otherwise, bruises may appear on the body.
Local contraindications, such as burns, open wounds, etc., are not necessarily a reason to reschedule a planned session. If the patient does not experience pain or discomfort, the specialist performs the massage around the problem area.
In most cases, patients do not report any unpleasant side effects.
However, myofascial release and deep tissue massage may cause body aches and stiffness. This discomfort usually subsides on its own a few days after the treatment.
Some mild discomfort is to be expected during the massage itself. However, if the pain is too intense to tolerate, you should inform the therapist. The specialist will adjust the pressure to the optimal level.
Overall, many studies have confirmed the safety of therapeutic massage. However, you should not assume that physical therapy procedures can replace prescribed medications. Massage does not replace medical treatment but only complements it.

How to choose a good massage therapist

To ensure that a completed course of treatments is beneficial, you need to take the time to choose a good specialist. On the 7hands.com website, you will find a selection of profiles of accredited specialists.
Be sure to conduct a preliminary interview before scheduling your first appointment. In addition to verifying educational credentials and references, it is also important to trust your instincts. Even the most experienced professionals may not inspire emotional trust. Therapeutic massage is most effective when the patient is completely relaxed.
In most cases, clients choose massage therapists of the same gender.
There’s no need to pay for the entire course of treatment right away. You may realize during your first session that the therapist hasn’t fully understood your individual needs. However, the time and money you invest in finding “the right” massage therapist will definitely pay off.