subject: What Is The Best Massage For You? [print this page] Feeling a bit overwhelmed by trying to find the best massage therapy for your health goals? Don't worry ... you're not alone. Deciding on the best massage to suit your personal wants and needs is not an easy task, given the large number of choices available. And with an increase in the clients who massage therapists treat with a combination of different techniques, the choice is even more difficult.
So what factors do you need to consider when choosing the best massage for your personal goals? First ... the length of the massage ... the most popular massages usually last from 60 minutes to 90 minutes and are targeted to relieve stress and rejuvenate the body. Next ... you and your massage therapist will need to choose the right technique. Because there are so many to choose from, seek the advice of a professional to determine what the best massage technique is for the results you desire.
The most basic massages are: cranial sacral therapy, reflexology, deep tissue massage, sports massage, Swedish massage, prenatal massage and trigger point. Let's take a look at some of the most recognized types of massage therapy in the quest for the best massage for you.
If you are a busy executive who frequently suffers from pain in your shoulders, neck and head, the best massage choice for you is probably the Swedish massage. It's similar to traditional massage methods and uses a combination of short and long - choppy and smooth - strokes with varying pressures.
Athletes often take advantage of the sports technique, which is the best massage choice for them both before and after a competition in pursuit of the best possible performance. It adds stretching to the basic techniques of a Swedish massage.
Trigger point massage therapy is the best massage for relieving pain and is typically integrated into Swedish massage treatments to assist in warming up and stretching the tissues.
Another type of massage - relaxation massage - utilizes slower and more rhythmic strokes than traditional Swedish massage. This is the best massage for people seeking total relaxation.
If you've just given birth, both you and your baby will benefit from the infant massage, which you administer yourself in helping to relieve the effects of colic and create better sleep habits. It's the best massage for you and your baby, as it nurtures a wonderful bonding experience.
Seniors who want assistance in dealing with the changes their bodies experience later in life feel the geriatric method is the best massage for their age group.
Women in varying stages of pregnancy are confronted with different symptoms to deal with. A prenatal is the best massage for you, as it provides relief for the systems associated with the changes in your body during each trimester.
The best massage technique for those seeking a deeper level of pain relief turn to the deep tissue massage, which mimics the Swedish massage, but with more pressure to target the deeper levels of tissue.
Cranial sacral massage therapy - which targets the area around the head and spinal cord - is the best massage for those seeking relief from workplace stress, to relieve pain in the neck and shoulders, induce deep relaxation and provide a better night's sleep.
Your massage therapist can help you to choose the best massage therapy for you after discussing your health history and goals.
