subject: Best Massage: Which One Is Right For You? [print this page] People in search of the best massage technique to suit their needs often find the task to be very daunting. The wide range of massage therapy methods available can make finding the best massage confusing, to say the least. Add to that the fact that many massage therapists integrate several techniques into one session with a particular client, and finding the best massage suddenly becomes even harder.
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.
To help you with the process, below are some of the best - and most common - massage techniques available today.
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.
Relaxation massage is the best massage method for people in search of complete relaxation. It is administered with slower, more rhythmic pressure than the Swedish massage.
Infant massage is the best massage for parents learning how to work on their own infants; it offers a great bonding experience and teaches parents how to relieve colic and help their babies sleep better.
Reaching your golden years and need some assistance in dealing with the changes taking place in your body? Geriatric massage therapy is the best massage choice for you as it can boost your metabolism and relieve pain.
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.
