TOP 10 POPULAR TYPES OF MASSAGE
- Remedial Massage Therapy
What is remedial Massage?
Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and treatment of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues of the body to assist in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. It aims to treat the original cause of customer’s pain as well as the symptoms by using a range of specialised techniques that include deep tissue release, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilisation and stretching or strengthening exercises.
What is included in remedial massage?
Remedial massage has two parts, the assessment and treatment of soft tissue dysfunctions that cause pain and restrict human movement. The assessment information involves the recording of a comprehensive history, palpation, static postural analysis, dynamic postural analysis, gait analysis, general musculoskeletal screen, range of motion testing and special orthopaedic tests. These tests help identify the most likely cause of pain or injury. The treatment will then depend on the pain or injury found. The treatment goal is to “remedy” a client’s problem and optimise normal recovery.
A remedial treatment will therefore be focused and require participation by the client.
2. Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish massage is the manipulation of the superficial layers of muscles and soft tissue. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. The treatment to involve:
- Long smooth gliding strokes that are both rhythmic and flowing
- Pressure that is deeply relaxing, but not painful
- Designed to relax and soothe the body, but not to relieve chronic pain or other underlying conditions
- A combination harmonious stimulation of different senses – soothing music, warm towels, and essential oils to enhance both the environment and the effects of the massage
3. Deep Tissue Massage
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is very similar to Swedish massage but involves deeper pressure, which is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The treatment for soft tissue injuries focusing on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
Sports massage is designed to help athletes before, during and after training. It is useful for anyone who exercises to increase flexibility, prevent injuries and help with healing after a sports injury.
Beneficial for:
- Chronic muscle pain
- Injury rehabilitation and athletic recovery
4. Acupressure
Acupressure is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with a history of over 2,000 years. It’s a method aiming at turning on the body’s self-healing and regulatory mechanisms. Similar to acupuncture, which uses tiny needles, acupressure stimulates certain meridians or pressure points of a body.
It is believed there are invisible channels flows vital energy — or a life force called qi (ch’i) that circulates through natural pathways in the body called meridians. It is also believed that these 14 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian. Accordingly, there are special acupoints, or acupressure points, that lie along these meridians, or channels, in your body. Once any of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure helps to correct functional imbalances and restore the flow thus returning the body to a more natural state of well-being.
5. Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Stone therapy combines the human touch with a taste of nature to restore balance and vitality through massage. In ancient times, a hot stone massage was used as a spiritual healing ritual to cure many illnesses. You will experience relaxation and healing at the deepest level with hot stone relieving stress, tension, and stimulating circulation. Stones will be placed on the body while the therapist continues the massage on other areas.
Benefits of hot stone therapy:
- Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes sleep
- Boost immunity
- Encourages blood circulation and energy flow
- Releases toxins and assists body in self-healing
- Aids in faster injury recoveries
6. Pregnancy Massage
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many physical changes which can cause stress, back pain, and discomfort. Pregnancy massage is one type of massage that is adapted to suit expectant moms. Apply pregnancy massage can help to eliminate and relieve some symptoms and reduce stress hormones. This let the mom-to-be enjoy the positive sides of pregnancy.
7. Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage
What is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?
In the Japanese language “Ashi” means foot and “Atsu” means pressure . It is a barefoot massage technique in which a therapist uses supportive bars for support & balance to apply deep, broad, consistent pressure utilizing their feet and body weight by using mainly bare feets. Its roots dating back thousands of -years across Asia, India, Africa & the Pacific Rim cultures.
Why get an Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?
This massage is especially for those who never feel enough pressure with regular massage. Ashiatsu offers a unique experience as the therapist stands straight up, combining gravity, and swiftly coordinating the thigh, knee, and leg to work up the lumbar and the erectors, that can feel like a beautiful six-hand massage.
8. Traditional Thai Massage
Thai Traditional Massage is a dry massage which combines acupressure and passive stretching techniques to harmonise the body, loosen blockage and improve flexibility. Far beyond pampering or relaxation, this treatment will truly reawaken the body’s energy flow.
Thai massage originated over 2,500 years ago as part of the ancient healing traditions of Ayurved. It is firmly embedded in the Buddhist philosophy and is practised and taught in Buddhist temples. It was embraced in Thailand following the spread of Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia. Thai massage views illness as the result of imbalances between mind, body and spirit. It aims to rectify and balance any disharmony by working on the flow of life energy known as “prana”. Like ki, prana circulates around the body through channels called “sen”; there are 10 main channels.
9. Reflexology
The feet are a map in miniature of all organs, glands, and parts of the body. A balance is achieved by applying pressure to points on the feet and hands that correspond to every organ in the body. By pressing these “reflex points” a stimulation or sedation is implemented in the nerve pathways, linking the points to the corresponding organs.
The most therapeutically effective massage for the feet! Commence with a foot bath and exfoliation, moving into reflex points of the feet that correspond to every organ & gland in the body.
10. Aromatherapy Massage
The aromatherapy massage is based on Swedish Massage combine with essential plant oils. That is extracted from flowers and other plant parts.
The aroma can relax and bring pleasing scent which is believed increasing healing process.
The soothing effects of aromatherapy massage can be beneficial a variety of conditions such as depression, insomnia, digestive disorders and pain.