Now that you’ve met your massage therapist, you’ll have many questions about how massage therapy techniques can help you. Seeing a massage therapist for the first time is very much like seeing your physician; what are you going to do to me? Will it hurt? Can I stop the treatment if I want to? Your therapist is accustomed to patients asking these questions and will explain exactly which massage therapy technique he/she feels you will benefit from. You’ll feel a little awkward at first, having a strange man or woman touch your body, but your therapist will soon put you at ease.

A massage therapy technique that you may not even notice at first is to create a relaxing environment. The massage room is dimly lit with soft, soothing music playing. Many therapists incorporate aromatherapy into their practice. You may notice a calming smell in the room; lavender, rose, sandalwood, neroli orange blossom and chamomile are all aromatherapy oils that relax both the body and the mind. Your therapist will use a light oil or lotion that contains aromatic properties for your massage to prevent friction.

The therapist will leave the room, giving you an opportunity to disrobe and put on the soft gown the therapist provided for you. Once you’re settled on the table, your therapist will explain that never, at any time, will your “private parts” be exposed or touched; you will be draped and the therapist will explain exactly what area he or she is going to touch and why. After putting you at ease, your therapist will begin to work.

The Swedish Massage Therapy Technique

This form of massage originated at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was designed to relax your muscles, stimulate blood circulation, soothe your skin and nerves, make your tendons and joint more flexible, and helps eliminate toxins from your system as long as you remember to drink lots of water after your massage. The therapist will use a series of five strokes with his hand and thumb. This is a popular massage therapy technique because it has so many benefits and gives the patient a sense of well-being.

The Deep Connective Tissue Massage Therapy Technique

As the name suggests, this technique aims to affect deep connective tissues and muscles. This massage therapy technique is very effective in treating conditions such as neck pain, lower back pain and whiplash. It helps by increasing circulation and blood flow to your painful areas and provides better oxygen flow throughout your body. Your therapist will firmly stroke your connective tissues, but will not use pressure that you’re uncomfortable with; he will ask often “Is this pressure okay?”

The Cranio-Sacral Massage Therapy Technique

This is the premiere massage therapy technique for the treatment of chronic pain from spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, back pain and neck pain. This gentle, non-invasive technique identifies areas on your body that are constricted and inflamed, causing you to feel constant pain in these areas. Since the cranio-sacral system of membranes surrounds the central nervous system, any constriction or blockage of blood flow causes chronic pain, your therapist will target these specific areas of your body. He will place his hands gently on your body and feel for the constricted areas, and then gently massage the area until it feels loose and flexible.

These are but three massage therapy techniques; they are the most commonly used and very effective. Your therapist may also suggest types of therapy that may sound strange, but he will fully explain the purpose of each technique. Active release techniques, the Bowen technique, deep muscle therapy, myofacial release techniques, and aquatic massage therapy are all familiar to your therapist. He will suggest the massage therapy technique that’s best suited for your recovery.

Bookmark to: