We have heard these terms when it comes to massage: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology, Pre-natal and Hot Stone. How do we know which one suits our needs and exactly what are these different types of massages?
Swedish Massage therapy is the modality that most people associate with massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.
Yet Swedish Massage therapy delivers added benefits beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Deep Tissue Massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints).
Sports Massage therapy is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the Sports massage technique are specific to the athlete's sport of choice. This type of massage focuses on areas of the body that are overused and stressed from repetitive and often aggressive movements.
Aspects of Sports massage therapy are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage therapy can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time to result in maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that customized Sports massage promotes flexibility, reduces fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares their body and mind for optimal performance. For anyone participating in regular physical activity, Sports massage therapy every week or two may be a great addition to your normal regimen.
Foot Reflexology Massage can be a deeply relaxing and therapeutic modality for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, ankle injuries, or even everyday work and play. At Massage Envy Spa, your massage therapist will combine traditional Swedish and Sports massage techniques to the foot, calf and upper leg. This will not only help relieve toe pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis and common forms of arthritis, but can also decrease stress and anxiety in the entire body. In addition, a variety of stretches can be beneficial. Be sure to communicate your pain and sensitivity levels in your foot, heel and calf areas with your massage therapist during your treatment. It is also a good idea to rest after receiving a reflexology massage.
Trigger Point Massage therapy. A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may produce referral pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache.
Trigger Point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain by combining cycles of isolated pressure and release. In this type of massage, the recipient actively participates through the use of deep breathing and identifying the exact location and intensity of the discomfort. The results and benefits of Trigger Point massage are releasing constricted areas in the muscles, thus alleviating pain. You can experience a significant decrease in pain after just one treatment. Receiving massage with Trigger Point therapy on a regular basis can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries.
Prenatal Massage therapy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension -- which aids in better sleep -- and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
During the Prenatal massage, our therapists take extra care to ensure our pregnancy massage clients are comfortable. Sideline positioning with supportive, soft cushions is used to alleviate the extra strain on the lower back and pelvic areas when the pressure of massage techniques is applied. Extra strain in these areas can cause unnecessary back or abdominal pain, so naturally we want to avoid any potential discomfort.
Through the second trimester, you may prefer to lie on your back with a small, cushioned wedge placed under one hip to provide a slight elevation. Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, your therapist may utilize such massage techniques as Reflexology, Swedish massage or certain techniques that address your specific requests and needs.
Massage for pregnant women offers a number of benefits, and it's always a good idea to discuss any everyday symptoms you'd like to see relieved with your therapist. These might include:
Headaches, which can be relieved by massage focusing on the head, neck and shoulders. In addition, maintaining optimal levels of stress relief through massage reduces the chances of migraines or tension headaches by relaxing trigger points and muscle spasms.
Muscle tension created by carrying the extra weight of a baby, which can be relieved by encouraging blood flow to the afflicted areas. This provides more nutrient-rich oxygen and also increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, which sweeps away toxins and metabolic waste.
Fatigue, backaches, leg cramps and swelling/edema, which can all be relieved through various types of massage for pregnant women.
The ordinary aches and pains of pregnancy, which are countered by the release of serotonin, your body's natural anti-pain chemical, which is stimulated by massage.
While a massage can't promise that your newborn will sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night's sleep both during pregnancy and afterwards. Regular Prenatal Massage therapy not only helps diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well. This ultimately can lead to improved sleep patterns.
In addition, the serotonin, endorphins and dopamine released by your body in response to massage provide an extra helping of those natural chemicals. "Massage is very effective at increasing deep sleep," says Touch Research Institute director Dr. Tiffany Field.
Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from the variety of massage techniques offered by a Massage Envy Spa professional massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult their doctor or midwife before beginning one of our massage therapy programs. If you experience discomfort at any time during the pregnancy massage, tell your therapist immediately.
Hot Stone Envy®: Our signature service melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness and increases circulation and metabolism. Each 1½ -hour Hot Stone massage therapy session promotes deeper muscle relaxation through the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body. Our professional massage therapists also incorporate a customized massage, with the use of hot stones which offers enhanced benefits.
The premise behind Hot Stone massage therapy is that the direct heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist access to their deeper muscle layers. Combining hot stone protocols with a full body massage provides a very healing and effective experience. The hot stones also expand blood vessels, which encourages blood flow throughout the body. The hot stones have a sedative effect that can relieve chronic pain, reduce stress and promote deep relaxation. Benefits of Hot Stone Envy®: Provides relief from pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other chronic conditions; Decreases pain and muscle spasms;Reduces chronic stress and tension; Increases flexibility in joints, aiding in easier mobility and movement; Relieves pain and tension created by strained and contracted muscles
Massage Envy Spa Modesto Briggsmore provides all these different types of therapeutic massage techniques – and more. Great care and special attention are given to everyone, particularly those with injuries, ailments, the elderly and pregnant women, to see to it that they are comfortable and cared for properly and safely.
The importance of licensed therapeutic massage specialists is an essential part of achieving the benefits of these various massage therapies. Properly trained therapists must receive over 500 hours of intense training, and pass a rigorous written and practical examination in order to earn licensing and certification in California. Massage Envy Spa employs only professionally trained massage therapists who meet all state and local requirements. In fact, we’re proud to say that Massage Envy Spa therapists are held to the highest Standards of Practice at our Spas, and are required to have had at least 500 hours of intense training with hands-on practical experience, must possess a valid CAMTC license, must pass Massage Envy Spa’s oral interview, practical examination and pass an extensive background check prior to their joining our team.
If you enjoy or would like to discover the benefits of therapeutic massage, you should know that the benefits are compounded when utilized as a frequent therapy. The more you go, the healthier you feel. With a Massage Envy Spa membership, you can enjoy these benefits as often as you'd like. Monthly dues include a one-hour massage session and unlimited additional one-hour sessions at the low membership rate. To make things even easier, there are hundreds of Massage Envy Spa locations nationwide, so when you’re traveling, you don’t have to give up your massage regimen. So you can relax, rejuvenate, and continue to grow healthier wherever you go.
So come experience therapeutic massage at Massage Envy Modesto Briggsmore, conveniently located in the Safeway shopping center, and discover what you’ve been missing. Visit our Facebook page for exciting news, updates and special offers.
Call us today at 209-529-8080 to book your massage and receive the pampering you deserve.
