Massage can be a powerful instrument to assist you in taking control of your health and well-being. Check out whether it’s right for you.

Massage was previously available only in spas with luxury and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in clinics, offices hospitals, airports, and even clinics. If you’ve never had the pleasure of massage, learn about its possible advantages for health and what you can expect during a massage session.

What exactly is massage?

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing or manipulating your muscles, skin, tendons and ligaments. Massage can range from gentle stroking to deep pressure. There are a variety of types of massage, such as these commonly used types:

Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, slow circular movements vibration and tapping. It makes you feel calm and refreshed.
Deep massage. This massage technique utilizes gentle, forceful strokes that are slower in order to target the more dense layers of connective tissue and muscles. It’s typically used to help those who suffer from muscle injuries.
Sports massage. This is similar with Swedish massage, however it’s designed for people involved in athletic activities. It can help prevent or treat injuries.
Trigger point massage. The massage targets the areas of muscle fibers that are tight that could form within your muscles following injury or repetitive use.

Benefits of massage

Massage is typically thought to be part of integrative medicine. It’s now being used in conjunction with traditional treatments for a wide range of medical ailments and circumstances.

Massage benefits can be:

Reducing stress and increasing relaxation
Reducing pain and muscle soreness and tension
Improving circulation, energy and alertness
The lower heart rate can reduce blood pressure
Enhancing the immune function

Although more research is required to prove its benefits, there are studies that have suggested that massage may also be helpful for:

Anxiety
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Insomnia related to stress
Low back pain
Myofascial pain syndrome
Pain in the nerve
The strains of soft tissue or injuries can be caused by
Sports injuries
Temporomandibular joint pain
Upper back and neck discomfort

Beyond the benefits associated with specific ailments or conditions, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connections.

However, despite its many benefits it’s not intended to be an alternative to medical treatment. Tell your doctor you’re considering massage therapy and be certain to follow any regular treatments you’ve had.

Massage is a risk

Most people can benefit from massage. But, massage might not be the best option if you have:

Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
Burns or wounds healing
Deep vein thrombosis
Infections
Broken bones (fractures)
Obesity that is severe
A very poor number of platelets (severe thrombocytopenia)

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of massage with your physician, especially if you are pregnant or suffer from undiagnosed pain or cancer.

Certain kinds of massages can leave you feeling a bit stiff the next morning. But massage shouldn’t ordinarily be uncomfortable or painful. If a part of your massage feels like it should or is uncomfortable, speak up right away. Most serious issues arise from too much pressure during massage.

What to expect during a massage

You don’t need any special treatment for massage. Before your massage therapy session starts your massage therapist needs to discuss any symptoms, your medical history and what you’re hoping to get out of massage. The massage therapist will explain the kind of massage and the methods he will use.

In a typical massage therapy Vancouver session you will either undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Dress only so that you’re at ease. You generally lie on a couch and cover your body with a towel. Your massage therapist will leave the room after you have removed your clothes prior to the massage, and when you dress after it. You can also have a massage while you are sitting on a stool, completely covered. Your massage therapist will do a touch-based assessment to locate painful or tense areas , and then determine the amount of the pressure should be applied.

Depending on preference, your massage therapist may employ lotion or oil to decrease irritation to your skin. Let your massage therapist know if you have an allergy to any ingredients.

A massage session can last between 10 and 90 minutes, based on the type of massage that you prefer and the amount of time you are allowed. No matter what kind of massage you pick it is important to feel relaxed and calm both during and following your massage. Relax and breathe normally during your massage.

Your massage therapist might perform a music session during your massage or talk to you however, you are able to tell them that you prefer silence.

If the massage therapist pushes too hard, request lighter pressure. There’s a chance that you’ll experience an area that is sensitive in your muscle that feels as if it’s knots. It’s likely to feel uncomfortable as your massage therapist tries to get it out. But if it becomes painful you should let them know.

Finding the right massage therapist

Consult your physician or someone who you trust for advice. Many states have massage therapists regulated through registration, licensing or certification requirements.

Don’t be intimidated to ask your potential massage therapist such questions as:

Are you certified, licensed or registered?
What was your education and experiences?
How many massage sessions are you thinking I’ll need?
What’s the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?

Massage is a take-home message

Put aside any misconceptions that massage is just an enjoyable way to relax or indulge yourself. On the contrary, massage is a potent tool that can help you take control of your health and well-being, regardless of whether you have a specific medical condition or simply seeking a stress-relief. You can also learn to use self-massage on your own or to massage with a partner at your home.