What is Massage?
The phrase “massage therapy” is used to refer to a broad range of approaches that differ in how touch, pressure, and treatment intensity are performed.
One prevalent myth regarding massage is that it should only be used as a self-care activity during a spa day. While this may be the case for some, it is mostly used as a painkiller and stress reliever.
Before, only upscale spas and health clubs offered massage services. Some individuals believed it to be a privilege reserved for the wealthy or a cover for illicit activity. Nowadays, massage is widely accessible and recognised as a valuable technique for fostering both physical and mental wellness.
During a massage, your skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be pressed, rubbed, and otherwise manipulated. Deep pressure to gentle stroking may be used during a massage. It is typically seen as a component of integrative medicine.
What can you expect during a Massage Therapy?
Regardless of the type of massage you are receiving, the therapist should inquire about your general health, lifestyle, and medical history.
In a private space, clients typically receive massages on a massage table or bed. Your massage therapist will likely use their feet or elbows in addition to their bare hands when giving you a massage. To make it simpler for them to move their hands around your skin, they might use some massage oil. Depending on the type of massage and the parts of the body being massaged, the pressure intensity will change.
Sessions might be of different lengths. Depending on the type of massage you receive and the precise locations being rubbed, treatments might range anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day. Whatever it is, make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare, settle in, and then wind down.
Types of Massage
Swedish Massage
Do you feel stressed and need deep relaxation? A Swedish massage in Gold Coast is the traditional option when you want to completely unwind during a massage because it can aid in the release of muscle knots.
You will undress for this massage, though you are free to wear your underwear. A sheet will be placed over you as you lay on the massage table. To reveal the areas they are working on, the massage therapist will move the sheet. Swedish massage is a full-body massage that typically involves a soft touch. It’s a great choice for people who have never received a massage. It could help to relax your nervous system. This type of massage is an effective method for fostering a relaxed emotional state of mind, which can benefit your muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage
Static activities like sitting, driving, or hunching over a phone or laptop also cause your muscles to become stiff over time. Deep tissue massage gets into your muscles and tendons to alleviate that stiffness. It helps those who have persistent muscle discomfort, generalised muscle tightness, and traumas.
To release tension from the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues, your massage therapist will utilise gentle strokes and intense finger pressure.
Sports Massage
If you have a muscle injury caused by repetitive use, such as what you could acquire from playing a sport, sports massage in Gold Coast is a suitable alternative. It can be used to assist prevent injuries, so it’s a smart alternative if you’re prone to them.
A sports massage can be performed on the entire body or just on the body sections that require the most attention. Depending on your needs, deep pressure and gentle strokes may alternate.
Couples Massage
Trigger Point Massage
The greatest candidates for trigger point massage are those with injuries, persistent pain, or a particular problem or condition.
Other portions of the body may experience discomfort from trigger points, which are locations of stiffness in the muscles. This kind of massage might lessen discomfort by concentrating on releasing trigger points.
Your entire body will be worked on during the massage, but your therapist will concentrate on particular tension points. People with persistent pain may also benefit from this kind of massage.
Myofascial Release
Another form of bodywork called myofascial release therapy involves releasing stiffness in the fascia, the connective tissue system that surrounds each muscle in the body. Any tight spots will be lightly massaged and stretched by your therapist.
A network of connective tissue under the skin is called the fascia. During a myofascial release, your massage therapist will knead and stretch your muscles and fascia to release tension. It is a type of deep stretching, frequently used in conjunction with other therapeutic massage techniques. It works wonders for loosening up tension in the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back.
Lymphatic Massage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), commonly referred to as lymphatic drainage massage, is a mild massage technique that promotes the movement of lymph fluids throughout the body. The goal of lymphatic massage is to improve the body’s ability to move lymphatic fluid more easily.
Lymphatic massage is beneficial for those who have inflammation, particularly those with conditions like arthritis and those who have undergone mastectomies, which frequently entail the removal of lymph nodes.
Prenatal Massage
Women who are expecting can have a massage safely using prenatal massage. It can relax tension in the muscles, lessen stress, and lessen physical aches associated with pregnancy.
Prenatal massage uses light pressure, much like Swedish massage. The therapist will concentrate on parts of your body including your legs, hips, and lower back. Depending on how comfortable you are, you may be partially or completely undressed.
Health Benefits of Massage
Therapeutic massage can be used to treat and relieve a variety of problems in different forms. It is especially effective in reducing the symptoms of stress, including anxiety and panic attacks as well as asthma, constipation, and high blood pressure. Chronic pain, back discomfort, and even arthritis can be effectively treated with it. Additionally, it is being utilised increasingly frequently with dementia patients, cancer patients, and stroke victims. Here are other health benefits a massage can give.
Decreases tension and stress
The calm that comes after a massage can aid in reducing tension and anxiety. The sympathetic nervous system, which regulates your "fight or flight" response in stressful situations, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of daily activities that encourage relaxation and rest, are the two neural systems in your body. A massage is thought to increase your parasympathetic response, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety.
Enhances sleep
A massage can lower your levels of the stress hormone cortisol and raise your levels of the mood-stabilising neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Studies have demonstrated that massage treatment is helpful for people with menopausal and congestive heart failure-related sleeplessness.
Reduces discomfort and muscle tension
Numerous studies have examined how massage therapy may reduce pain, including severe back pain, neck discomfort, headaches, and knee pain. The findings suggest that alleviation can be transient rather than long-lasting, and in certain circumstances, getting many 60-minute massages a week was more effective than getting fewer or shorter massages.
Enhances immunological response
How can a massage affect the immune system? According to a study, regular massages boost your body's production of white blood cells, which fight illnesses.
Relieves soreness and tension in the muscles
Numerous studies have looked into the potential pain-relieving effects of massage therapy, especially on chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and knee pain. According to the research, relief may be momentary rather than long-lasting, and in certain cases, receiving many 60-minute massages each week was more beneficial than receiving fewer or shorter massages.
Increases immune response
What impact does massage have on the immune system? A study found that regular massages increase the body's production of white blood cells, which are used to fight diseases.
