Stiff muscles can slow down most of the hardworking population. The need for professional massage is in demand with the Canadian population that it has been institutionalized as a profession.
The Canadian Massage Therapist Association sees to it that members in the field are not just skilled but are also educated and adept in the different massage techniques that are fit for various kinds of pains and injuries. They see to it that they can be of great help to patients who are suffering from muscle stiffness due to posture and even slip and fall incidents.
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What is a massage?
A massage is the practice of rubbing and applying pressure using the hands, elbows, knees, or feet. All registered massage therapists (RMTs) in cities like Kitchener and Waterloo will apply pressure to the muscles and joints to relieve pain and tension.
Are there risks in getting a massage?
Getting massages is generally safe. Experts acknowledge that there can be minor side effects but these are no cause for worry. Some can experience soreness and (in a few instances) bruising especially if you did not specify your preferred pressure. In a 2007 study of 100 clients, only 10% of those surveyed said they experienced minor discomforts. Majority loved the benefits experienced after getting a massage.
Popular Massages
Tense muscles can slow you down. They are uncomfortable, painful, and can persist for years. On your next spa trip, make sure that you get the best massage. Here are the massage therapy treatments you can avail for better health:
- Swedish Massage Therapy
Swedish massage is a gentle full-body massage for people who are either of the following:
- new to massage
- feel plenty of tension
- sensitive to touch
- want to release muscle knots
- want full relaxation
What to Expect:
You will be asked to remove your clothes. You will be covered in a sheet while lying on a massage table. Only the area to be massaged will be uncovered. Expect that the therapist will use this combination:
- Petrissage or kneading
- Friction or deep circular motions
- Effleurage or long, flowing strokes
- Tapotement or percussion
- Vibration or rocking and shaking movements
A session of Swedish massage will last for 60 to 90 minutes.
- Aromatherapy
An aromatherapy massage is a Swedish massage that uses scented plant oils to make the session more relaxing. It is believed that the scent of oil from flowers and other plants makes the experience more relaxing.
These are also believed to have healing properties. A common oil used is lavender as it is believed to encourage relaxation.
It is believed that using aromatherapy can help people with depression, digestive disorders, insomnia, and pain.
What to Expect:
An aromatherapy massage is a combination of soft pressure with the use of essential oils. You can request for the type of essential oil to be used depending on your issues – like lavender if you wish to sleep better. The massage therapist will also use diluted oil.
A diffuser will be used to help you inhale the essential oils. Your therapist will only focus on your back, shoulders, and head. This session will also last for an hour to an hour and a half.
- Hot Stone Therapy
If aromatherapy uses oil, this type will use hot stones to help ease the muscle. Like Swedish massage, you will experience the different strokes but aside from the hands of the therapist, hot stones will also be placed on specific points on the body. Most stones used for this treatment are basalt or volcanic rock.
Heated stones can help relax and ease tight muscles so it is easier for the therapists to release the tensions in these areas quickly. This makes hot stone therapy a good alternative to ease aches and pains. It is also believed that this therapy can help people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and varicose veins.
What to Expect:
Do not wear clothes during a hot stone massage. The therapist will cover you with a sheet. You can also ask for them to adjust the temperature of the stones to a tolerable level if you are sensitive to heat. The massage will last for 90 minutes.
- Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage focuses on targeting the muscle knots in the body. One of the biggest problems of adulthood is having a muscle knot, especially in the shoulders and neck area.
The therapist will use deliberate, slow strokes and friction across the muscle grain. This is the recommended massage for people who complain about chronic tight or painful muscles, postural problems, repetitive strains, and injuries.
What to Expect:
Like a Swedish massage, you will have to take your clothes off and the therapist will use a sheet to cover other parts of the body. The difference between the two is that there is more pressure in deep tissue massage so if you are sensitive to pressure, you may have to tell the therapist first.
- Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage originated from Japan. The therapist uses the fingers, hands, or elbows to apply localized pressure in a rhythmic sequence along the body. Each of the points will be held for 2 to 8 seconds.
The goal of this massage is to stimulate the acupressure points of the body to help a person’s energy flow and regain balance. It is believed that this is good for treating nausea, insomnia, and pain.
What to Expect:
You will have to wear loose clothing because the therapist will not use oil and lotion. You will lie on a mat on the floor or on a low massage table.
- Thai Massage
Thai massage is a combination of assisted yoga, stretching, and pressing movements. This is considered the most energizing form of massage. With the help of a therapist, you will be stretched into different postures on a mat.
Thai massage is also believed to promote healing and aligning of body energies. The therapist will use rhythmic compression along the energy lines of the body to reduce stress.
What to Expect:
You will be fully clothed in a Thai massage session. Talk to the therapist about restrictions to movement there are any.
Reducing the stress and tension felt by the body is part of caring for it. Eating well is a part of keeping a healthy body, but a nutritionist in cities like Oshawa, Hamilton, and Windsor will help you understand that taking care of your muscles and joints is also important.
