The massage was once only available in luxury spas or upscale health clubs. Massage therapy can now be offered at many locations, including hospitals, clinics, and airports. Learn about the health benefits of massage and what you can expect from a session of massage therapy.

So what is a massage?

Massage refers to the general practice of pressing, rubbing, and manipulating your skin and muscles. You can use light to heavy pressure during the process. These are just a few of the many types of massages available.

• Swedish Massage: This gentle massage uses long strokes and circular movements, vibration, tapping, and vibration. This massage can help you feel relaxed, energized, and refreshed.
• Deep massage: This technique uses slower and more forceful strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscle, connective tissue, and connective tissues. This massage technique is often used to treat muscle injuries and damage.
• Sports massage: This massage is similar to Swedish massage but is geared towards people who are involved in sports activities to prevent or treat injuries.
• Trigger point massage: This massage targets tight muscles that may form after injury or overuse.

Massage benefits

Massage is increasingly being offered in conjunction with standard treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Some massage benefits include:

• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Reduce pain, muscle soreness, and tension
• Improved circulation, energy, and alertness
• Lowering your heart rate and blood pressure
• Improved immune function

Although more research is required to confirm the benefits, studies have shown that massage can be beneficial for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Stress-related insomnia
• Low back pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Nerve pain
• Soft tissue injuries or strains
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular pain in the joint
• Neck and upper back pain

Massage can be used to treat specific diseases or conditions. However, it can also be enjoyed for its connection-building benefits.

It is also not meant to replace regular medical care, despite its many benefits. Be sure to let your doctor know that you are considering massage therapy, and follow any treatment protocols you have.

Massage can pose risks

Massage can be beneficial for most people. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, It might not be right for you.

• Blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders
• Burns and healing wounds
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infections
• Broken bones (fractures).
• Severe osteoporosis
• Low platelet count (severe hemoglobinemia)

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of massage, especially if it is a pregnancy or if there are any unanswered pains or cancer.

You might feel a little sore after some type of massage. This shouldn’t be painful or bothersome. Do not hesitate to tell your doctor if you feel something is wrong or painful. Too much pressure during massage can lead to serious health problems.

What to expect from a massage

No additional preparation is needed. Your massage therapist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and what you want from massage therapy. They should also tell you what type of massage he or she uses and the techniques that he/she will use.

A typical session of massage therapy requires that you don’t wear tight-fitting clothes or undress. You should only be comfortable. You will usually lie down on a table, and then cover your body with a sheet. The massage therapist will ask you to change your clothes after the massage. A massage can be done while you are fully clothed and in a chair. The massage therapist will perform a touch assessment to find any areas that are painful or tight and determine the pressure to be applied.

Your massage therapist might use oil or lotion depending on your preference to reduce friction. If you are allergic to any ingredient, tell your massage therapist.

A massage session can last between 10 and 90 minutes depending on what type of massage you choose and how long you have. Whatever type of massage you choose to have, you need to feel relaxed and calm during and after the entire process. Breathe normally at all times.

You can request that your massage therapist play music or talk to you during your massage.

Ask for less pressure if a massage therapist pushes too hard. Sometimes, a tender spot may form in your muscle and feel like a knot. While your massage therapist works out the problem, it’s likely that you will feel uncomfortable. If it becomes unbearable, you can speak up.

Locating a massage therapist

Ask your doctor for recommendations. Massage therapists are licensed, registered, or certified in most states.

Ask potential massage therapists questions like:

• Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
• What are your qualifications and experiences?
• What number of massage therapy sessions do I think I will need?
• How much does it cost and is it covered under your health insurance?

Massage: The take-home message

You shouldn’t think that massage is a way to pamper or indulge yourself. Massage can actually be an effective tool to take control of your health and well-being, regardless of whether you have a particular health condition or just want to relax. You can learn to self-massage, or to partner up with someone at home.

Luckily Unique Rehab which is located in North York, Ontario offers Massage Therapy for individuals in the Greater Toronto Area, contact the clinic to book your appointment.