Different Types of Massage 101


Different Types of Massage 

There are many different types of massage. Wether you're looking for a relaxing spa-like massage or you have specific aches and pains that you're looking to relive, you can find the right type for you here at Jupiter Massage & Pilates. Not only do we have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists, our therapists are also capable of many different types of massage. What type of massage is right for you? Below are three of the most popular massages that we offer here at Jupiter Massage & Pilates. 

Swedish Massage:  Swedish massage is the most common and best-known type of massage in the West. If it's your first time or you don't get massage often, Swedish massage is the best place to start.  The Swedish body massage is the combination of many different  techniques rolled into one session. During this therapy session the therapist will work with the soft tissues and muscles in the body to help restore balance and health.The end result will relax all of the muscles in your body and to release any pain that  tension may exist. A Swedish body massage is the perfect way for anyone who is overly worked and stressed out to relax their body and mind. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.
What Happens During a Swedish Massage? In a Swedish massage, the therapist lubricates the skin with massage oil or lotion and performs various massage strokes. These movements warm up the muscle tissue, releasing tension and gradually breaking up muscle "knots" or adhered tissues, called adhesions. Swedish massage promotes relaxation, among other health benefits. Before the massage, the therapist should ask you about any injuries or other conditions that he or she should know about. Things you would want tell a therapist include areas of tightness or pain, allergies, and conditions like pregnancy. You can also tell them up front if you have a preference for light or firm pressure.

Health Benefits of Swedish Massage The Swedish massage helps to improve the function of your lymph system by relaxing your muscles. The lymph system works to move nutrient-filled fluids and waste around your body. The fluid is moved only through voluntary movements from the muscles. Anyone who has problems from muscular strain will benefit from a Swedish massage. As the therapist relaxes the muscles the lymph system will have the ability to flush out all of the metabolic waste from the muscles. This will help you to heal faster. The Swedish massage can also be used as therapy for people who suffer from any type of debilitating joint disorder that causes them pain. This benefit of the Swedish massage works to increase the elasticity in the tissues, flexibility, and to reduce the paint that they feel. After the Swedish massage many of these people will find that they are able to use their joints more than before and with little to no pain.

Personal Benefits of Swedish Massage While a Swedish massage works great to help people who suffer from health conditions it also works wonders on people who suffer from everyday troubles and concerns. There are many things in our life that can cause us to be stressed and worried on a constant basis. The more that we stress the more our muscles became tense and we find it hard to relax them. The pressure used during a Swedish massage therapy help to relax the muscles and relieve all of the tension that has built up. The touch of the skin also helps to relax the person and to clear their mind of anything that might be bothering them. Therapists suggest a Swedish massage to anyone who is feeling run down or suffering from mild depression. Because it will help to give youthe energy that you need and to relax your whole body it also enables you to put things into perspective. Another benefit of the Swedish massage is its ability to help you sleep. With sleep your mind will be able to rest and reset.

Hot Stone Massage:        Hot stone massage incorporates heated stones as part of the therapy.  The therapist will uses the smooth stones as either an extension of their hands or by placing them on the body.  The stones are typically very smooth-surfaced basalt stones, in which the high iron content in basalt helps the stones retain heat during the massage. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help to warm up tight muscles that will allow the therapist to work more deeply, more quickly and with less pressure.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?Muscle RelaxationThe heat from the stones helps your muscles relax, allowing the massage therapist to manipulate your deep tissues more effectively. Overly tense muscles can hinder the massage procedure, so if your muscles are extremely tight or stiff, the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in releasing tension and easing sore muscles. Pain ReliefWhile all types of massage can help relieve pain caused by tense muscles, stiff joints or injuries, a hot stone massage may provide greater relief due to the intense nature of the massage. Because the hot stones allow the massage therapist to penetrate deeper, you may find that a hot stone massage leaves you feeling physically better than a Swedish or deep-tissue massage that does not incorporate heat. It is important to let your massage therapist know if you feel any discomfort from the heated stones. Pain or discomfort during the massage process can cause more harm than good after the massage is over. Improved CirculationTypically, a massage therapist allows the heated stones to rest on trigger points in your body before beginning the actual massage. As the heat from the stones penetrates into your deeper body tissues, your blood vessels open, resulting in improved circulation. Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, which tenses the muscles, and a buildup of fluid and lactic acid in the muscles. Increased circulation delivers more oxygen to the muscles, which can help ease aches and pains. Mental BenefitsMassage therapy can result in mental benefits as well as physical ones in many people. You may find that the relaxation afforded to you through a hot stone massage helps ease some of your mental stress and tension. A hot stone massage may also help you combat some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression. While massage therapy is not a substitute for traditional medical or psychiatric care, it can be an integral part of your treatment plan. Who Shouldn't Get Hot Stone Massage?Hot Stone massage is not appropriate if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or are on medication that thins your blood. You shouldn't get a hot stone massage if you are pregnant or have a sunburn. You also may want to reconsider if you are menopausal, as it may trigger a hot flash.

Deep Tissue:
Deep tissue massage is a massage technique that’s mainly used to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure using slow, deep strokes to target the inner layers of your muscles and connective tissues. This helps to break up scar tissue that forms following an injury and reduce tension in muscle and tissue. It may also promote faster healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What are the benefits of deep tissue massage?Deep tissue massage offers both physical and psychological benefits. Unlike other massage techniques that focus on relaxation, deep tissue massage helps to treat muscle pain and improve stiffness. But it can still help to you unwind mentally, too.A 2014 study involving 59 participants found that deep tissue massage helped to reduce pain in people with chronic low back. The authors likened its effects to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil).People have also reported that deep tissue massage helps with:
  • sports injuries
  • high blood pressure
  • sciatica

How does it compare to Swedish massage? Deep tissue massage and Swedish massage are two different types of massage therapy. Both use some of the same strokes, but they have different uses and vary greatly when it comes to the amount of pressure used.Here are the key differences between deep tissue massage and Swedish massage:
  • Intended use. Deep tissue massage is primarily used to treat chronic pain and muscle and sports-related injuries. Swedish massage is mainly used to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension caused by everyday activities, such as sitting at a computer.
  • Pressure. Swedish massage is a gentler form of massage that uses far less tension than deep tissue massage. Both types involve use of the palms and fingers to knead and manipulate your tissues, but the elbows and forearms may also be used to apply increased pressure during a deep tissue massage.
  • Area of focus. Deep tissue massage targets the inner layers of your muscles. It’s used to treat muscle and tendon injuries, pain, and stiffness in your major muscle groups and joints. Swedish massage targets the superficial layers of muscle and focuses on the parts of your body that tend to hold the most tension, such as your neck, shoulders, and back.

Now that you've learned a little bit more about massage types and the different benefits they offer, give us a call today to book your appointment! Even if you're still lost on what you should get, please contact us and we would be happy to have you talk one on one with a therapist to figure out what type of massage is right for you! Call us today at 561-529-2093 or email us at jupitermassage@gmail.com for more info today! 
Jupiter Massage and Pilates 
125 W. Indiantown rd, Jupiter FL, 33458
561-529-2093 


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