Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has existed for almost 4,000 years and is known to be one of the oldest methods of healing. It is a widely accepted and effective treatment for reducing stress and decreasing muscle pain and stiffness. It is also used in aiding rehabilitation and postural realignment.

Massage therapy primarily consists of hands-on manipulation of the body’s soft tissue, specifically muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints, for the purpose of optimizing health.

There are almost 80 types of massage therapy, as well as a variety of techniques that help facilitate improved health and well-being.

Massage therapy has a therapeutic effect, and it acts on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems of your body. It helps to develop, maintain and improve physical function. It also relieves pain and prevents the effects of stress.

The different types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation. Help your practitioner understand your condition better in order to devise the treatment plan that’s best suited for effective and faster recovery. Many health problems can be dealt with through massage therapy.

Regular therapeutic massage from a registered massage therapist can be a part of your regular health maintenance.

Before a massage therapy session starts, the registered massage therapist should ask you about your symptoms, your medical history and what you’re hoping to get out of the therapy. The massage therapist should explain the kind of massage and techniques that will be used and how they will work on your condition.

In a typical massage therapy session, you are required to undress or wear loose-fitting clothing. Undress only to the point where you’re comfortable. You can also have a massage while sitting in a chair, fully clothed. Your massage therapist should perform a physical evaluation through touch to locate painful or tense areas and to determine how much pressure to apply.

The massage therapist may use oil or lotion to reduce friction on your skin. It is important to let your therapist know if you might be allergic to any ingredients.

A massage session may last from 10 to 90 minutes. You should feel calm and relaxed during and after your massage session.

If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally, you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It’s likely to feel uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, let the therapist know.

Longitudinal gliding massage:  This technique involves strokes in the direction of your blood flow. It effectively reduces inflammation and swelling and also relaxes tight muscles.

Compression massage technique:  This technique involves putting pressure on the muscle areas that need to be treated. The tissues are pushed down with pressure, which varies from light to deep. This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes relaxation.

Transverse friction:  This technique involves the process of moving the skin with the fingers. This breaks up the adhesion and muscle knots, which improves flexibility and circulation.

All of these techniques work together to relieve stiffness and promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

While most people benefit from massage, it may not be the correct course of treatment if you take blood-thinning medication or have:

Discuss the pros and cons of massage with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or suffer from a long-term illness.

Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn’t be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of the therapy doesn’t feel right or is excruciatingly painful, speak up right away.

Massage therapy generally results in the breakup of adhesions and muscle knots and improves blood circulation. You will be relieved of stress and will start performing better in any physical activity.

While many patients are relieved in one session and experience immediate relief from chronic pain, others require ongoing treatment to see significant improvement of symptoms. Since medical treatments improve through relationship building, you can expect that each time you return, your therapist will learn your preferences and move your body closer to experiencing the long-term benefits of massage therapy in Toronto.

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