Therapeutic Massage: An Overview
Part one of a three-part series on the science and sorcery of therapeutic massage.
What is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is different from other types of massage because:
It’s focused on facilitating recovery and healing
It’s about noticeably improving the functioning of the tissue of the muscle
It’s meant to bring lasting change to muscle functioning, strength, and range of motion.
Therapeutic massage stands out for its therapeutic focus. It addresses issues with the ways your muscles function (or aren't functioning). Therapeutic massage helps with chronic muscle pain, tightness, and inflexibility. It's sometimes called deep tissue massage, which can be a bit of a misnomer because it doesn't focus only on deep work. It doesn't have to be deep or painful, and can include many different techniques. Therapeutic massage is different because the goal is not relaxation -- although feeling relaxed is often a side effect.
What's the difference between regular massage and therapeutic massage?
Deep tissue massage is different from other modalities. It tackles chronic conditions directly. It provides real benefits, such as pain relief, improved flexibility, and increased mobility. Clients feel a deep connection with their bodies. This builds awareness and helps positive, lasting changes that go beyond the massage table.
In my seven years practicing massage therapy in Minneapolis, I’ve met many clients who were dissatisfied with massages they've had in the past. Usually, they're disappointed with the intensity, precision, or effect of past massage work. It didn't do what they wanted it to, and they left their massage feeling about the same as they did walking in. The massage work I do tends to be very helpful or even transformative for these people. I try to provide a different experience, one that is tailored to your specific needs. Each person’s body is different. Therapeutic massage is about finding what your body responds well to.
Deep tissue massage has many approaches. It's not only about intensity. It's about tailoring the experience to fit individual bodies and preferences. Your average massage is just that -- an average massage. The same approach is used for all bodies regardless of what you come in with, because the goal is just general relaxation. Conventional massage methods lack precision and efficacy, a need my specialized approach fulfills.
What does a therapeutic massage session involve?
Therapeutic massage techniques involve many things. These span from trigger point release to breaking down scar tissue. They can also include releasing fascial tension and fixing muscle imbalances. Each method serves a unique purpose and is targets what's happening in your body.
These techniques aren't always comfortable. But, it's worth it because you actually get something out of the experience. You walk away feeling better and you can still feel the effects after only one session.
What are the benefits of therapeutic massage?
Reducing chronic pain. Therapeutic massage gets tension out of your body better than any other approach. Techniques used in the session help to relax stubborn muscle knots. This can release other tight muscles or ligaments that are causing pain. Massage also activates and supports the body's natural healing processes. It helps directs the body's healing efforts towards problem areas.
Greater mobility and range of motion. Breaking up adhesions and undoing built up postural habits helps to open the body. It frees your muscles to move with more ease and less restriction. This means your muscles can move as they should and better support your body's daily functions.
Being more in tune with your body. Deep tissue massage can help you become more connected and aware of what's happening in your body. A typical relaxation massage might turn your muscles into jello. This can make you feel disconnected. Instead of tuning out, therapeutic massage helps you tune in. It helps you notice what's happening.
Feeling empowered. When you have awareness and knowledge of what's happening in your body, you can begin to make change. Feeling relaxed is nice, but it doesn't do much once you leave the massage appointment. Therapeutic massage gives you information about your body you can take with you. We may not figure everything out after one appointment. But, together we can grasp the magic of how your body works and find what you need to heal and feel better.
Therapeutic massage isn't just for relaxation. It's about empowering people to make lasting changes in the way their bodies feel. Book an appointment today and learn how therapeutic massage can help you.
