Types of Massage Therapy and Their Therapeutic Benefits

You can opt for specific types of massage therapy to ease specific symptoms and ailments.

We look at the various ailments that can benefit from appropriate massage therapy as well as the type of therapy that will work best for that ailment:

For headaches and neck pain

This type of massage is also sometimes referred to as Cranial Sacral therapy. This is non-invasive and gentle manipulation of the head, the neck and the spine.

It can help to relieve pain due to injury, due to repetitive motions, stress, poor posture and so on. Neck pain, headaches, migraines, inflammation of the jaw and other ailments can be treated as well.

Types of Massage TherapyFor athletes

Athletes not only have to be highly skilled and fit, they also have to be injury free in order to participate in their chosen sporting arena and to remain in the contention.

This means that injury prevention as well quick healing are both vitally important.

Several types of massage therapy can help athletes improve performance, endurance and flexibility. Short and specifically targeted massage sessions before, during and after events can help performance.

Studies have shown that massage improves athletic range of motion and reduces soreness and stiffness.

It isn’t just professional or competitive athletes that may benefit from massage. Even those of us who regularly workout or play sport for fun or fitness may benefit.

For blood pressure management

Certain types of Swedish and deep tissue massage can help people control hypertension better and with fewer medical interventions. The deep layer of muscle tissues, tendons and the protective tissue around muscles and bones (fascia) is targeted with this type of massage.

Studies have been able to demonstrate that massage not only can lower blood pressure it can also lower cortisol levels in the body while improving levels of serotonin and oxytocin.

For pain management

Many types of massage therapy can help: Swedish massage, reflexology massage, and so on can help alleviate chronic pain in the joints, back pain, pain in the arms and legs. Trigger point therapy can help reduce pain in other, corresponding parts of the body.

For seniors

Certain types of massage therapy are aimed at reducing pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion due to old age. It can also help provide comfort to touch deprived patients and reduce some of the stress of old age. Geriatric massage is light and gentle, aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.