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.

Massage therapy is a personal body treatment that is gaining popularity as a method of helping people feel naturally energized, healthy and stress-free. Several popular types of massage therapy are practiced worldwide including:

Acupressure

An acupressure massage utilizes firm pressure, slow motion kneading, hard fast rubbing, and gentle finger or hand taps applied along a person’s body. The massage targets areas of the body where energy is being blocked, thus effectively eliminating pain, illness and stress.

Balinese

Balinese massage therapy uses a combination of techniques including acupressure, gentle skin massaging and scented aromatherapy oils to help increase blood, energy and oxygen circulation within the body. The massage helps damaged areas heal quicker and promotes internal peace, wellness and deep relaxation.

Chair Massage

A chair massage uses acupressure techniques, which are focused on a person’s spine, back, shoulders, neck and arms to increase energy, alertness, and relieve stress and work-related injuries. This massage is also referred to as a seated or on-site massage.

Deep Muscle

Deep muscle massage therapy utilizes steady direct acupressure by pressing, rubbing or kneading various parts of a person’s body to relieve deep-seated pain. This massage relieves chronic tension deep within the core of the muscle and tissue, providing deep relaxation, improved personal wellness, posture and increased oxygen flow.

Facial Massage

A Facial utilizes light finger and hand pressure along a person’s face to relieve headaches, stress, sinus pressure and also promote smooth younger looking skin.

Geriatric

Geriatric massage therapy utilizes light skin rubbing and kneading in combination with joint movement to help improve a person’s blood circulation, relieve pain and increase pain-free range of motion. This type of massage is designed and primarily used for the elderly.

Jamu

Jamu utilizes acupressure techniques such as pressing, rubbing and kneading a person’s skin in combination with fresh flowers, scented oils and soft soothing music in a dimly lit secluded room. This massage provides complete relaxation and increases inner harmony and energy circulation.

Medical

A medical massage utilizes multiple techniques with the goal of resolving a person’s discomfort due to diseases and other afflictions. This massage technique is often necessary to improve painful medical conditions.

Oncology

Oncology massage therapy utilizes acupressure techniques along various parts of the body to aid in the recovery process for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Sports

A sports massage uses forceful pressure applied to a person’s muscles and deep tissue using elbows, fingers, fists, hands and knuckles. This massage enhances sports performance through injury prevention and recovery.

Therapeutic massage has countless benefits, and more people are choosing to take advantage of the relaxation it can bring, along with the relief of tension, stress, and pain. Even an occasional massage can do wonders for both your physical and mental well-being.

Some of the benefits that therapeutic massage is most commonly associated with are:

1. Relaxing Muscles – Muscles that stay tense for any amount of time can cause knots and pain that end up spreading from the original location. Massaging helps relax the internal muscles while training the body to relax. When done regularly, this can help the individual be conscious of stress levels and know what it feels like to be relaxed. Eventually, the body can restore that relaxing sensation automatically before the stress takes over again.

2. Improving Flexibility – One of the many things that happens to the body with age is the tightening of joints and loss of range of motion. This all has to do with changes in the connective tissues due to loss of fluids. A therapeutic massage that works on not just the muscles, but the tendons, ligaments and joints can trigger the body to begin producing more of its own natural lubrication – the result being a body that moves and stretches better.

3. Improving Posture – Years of bad posture caused by slouching over a desk, not standing up straight, and any number of things can bring on aches and pains. Regular massage therapy can loosen tight and painful spots in muscles and free up the joints, allowing the body to attain a more natural posture.

4. Relieving Stress and Anxiety – Therapeutic massage has been proven to provide individuals with peace of mind, mental acuity, and relief from stress. There have been studies that show that when students were massaged before an important test, their respiratory rates and anxiety were appreciably reduced.

Regular therapeutic massages can provide benefits other than the relaxation and loosening of tight muscles. It can improve circulation because the pressure used in a massage helps to move blood through areas that have poor circulation. When the pressure is released, new blood flows in.

Therapeutic massages after an injury or surgery can significantly speed up recovery and rehabilitation time. With an injury, when the circulation is improved and the muscles are relaxed, the body can get more oxygen and vital nutrients into tissues and organs.

Regular therapeutic massage can help those who live with chronic conditions. A massage can bring about physiological and chemical changes in the body that decrease the aches, pains, and stiffness of arthritis; increase lung function and airflow in asthmas patients; and reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.