Most people think of massage as something strictly found in a spa setting as a recreational or relaxing activity akin to going to the swimming pool or the movies. For some people, massage is something much different. Therapeutic massage is an important treatment for medium to severe health conditions such as back pain, headaches and joint injuries.

The differences between relaxation and therapy massage are numerous. Relaxation massage is an enjoyable experience in which the receiver has a lot of input on how or where it is to be performed. A licensed massage therapist uses varying degrees of light and medium pressure to induce a state of physical and mental relaxation. Massages of this sort are often performed in a spa or at a resort. Short, one-time relaxation massages can also be found at a mall or even some natural food stores. The relaxation massage could be as short as ten minutes or part of a full-day package that includes other pampering services such as a facial, manicure or hair styling.

Relaxation massages do have some therapeutic benefits such as improved circulation and stress reduction. Also, some of the massage techniques of relaxation massage are similar to those of therapeutic massage. The recipient of the relaxation massage lies on a specialized table or chair and is usually covered with only a thin sheet. Swedish massage is the most popular type of relaxation massage and can be accompanied by aromatherapy, hot stones and hydrotherapy.

Therapeutic massage, on the other hand, is used for the specific purpose of pain relief and usually takes place in a clinic or physical rehabilitation center. In some cases the massage may take place in a hospital setting. The first session will often include a full disclosure of past medical history and current conditions. As with relaxation massage, elements of therapeutic massage may be extremely relaxing. But the advanced techniques for rehabilitation of chronic pain are deeper and can approach the realm of slight pain. Whereas relaxation massages are often only one session in length, therapeutic massage may be as frequent as three times per week for a period of several months.
Therapeutic massage may be recommended for:

• Chronic pain
• Cancer
• Sports injury
• Strains and sprains
• Whiplash
• Arthritis
• Spinal conditions
• Pregnancy

Types of therapeutic massage can include trigger point, myofascial release and deep tissue. Both relaxation and therapeutic massage offer numerous health benefits to a patient suffering from pain and stress.

Shiatsu massage therapy, also known as acupressure, is a massage and healing technique that focuses on the meridians of the body to support the flow of energy, or ki. The technique originated in Japan and does not involve needles, only the use of pressure from the palms of the hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, and even knees and feet. Since its introduction to the Western world it has grown in popularity and many people have benefited from it.

The culture in which Shiatsu developed believed that one of the keys to health was the proper flow of energy, or ki, throughout the body. Energy flows through the body on specific pathways known as meridians. The goal of Shiatsu massage is to clear any energy blockages and restore a healthy flow of energy. Shiatsu is a licensed type of medical therapy in Japan, and modern Shiatsu consists of a combination of Japanese traditions, Chinese medical practices and modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

A typical Shiatsu massage session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and is performed while the patient is fully clothed and does not incorporate massage oils. The patient will typically lie on a padded mat, a couch, or a Shiatsu chair, which many find to be the most convenient position. Prior to beginning the massage, the practitioner will interview the patient to learn about their medical history and symptoms. With this knowledge they will determine the points of the body that need to be focused on and use a variety of massage techniques to manipulate the meridians including rubbing, tapping, stretching and applied pressure. Throughout the massage at least one of the practitioner’s hands, known as the mother hand, is in contact with the body.

Patients claim many benefits from the massages and often continue to receive them even after their symptoms have subsided. A paper published by Andrew Long of the University of Leeds School of Healthcare reported that many patients showed a statistically significant improvement of stress levels and muscle and joint problems. Other benefits include increased energy levels, increased circulation, reduced stress, relaxed joints and increased flexibility. Some patients report muscle soreness or mild headaches after a massage, but these are normal occurrences and generally go away after a couple of hours. Many people continue to return is simply because it feels good and helps them go through each day with improved energy and well-being.