Different types of massage therapies are used to treat several problems of the body. Each massage therapy is different from each other as they focus on the treatment of different problems. You should talk to your massage therapist in order to know which massage therapy is suitable for you. People can improve both emotional and physical strength by undergoing massage therapies. Massage therapies help to relieve stress, provide relaxation, improve posture and blood circulation, increase mobility and flexibility, reduce blood pressure and recovery time, and enhance the immunity system.
Deep tissue massage
Deep tissue massage is a kind of therapy used to realign the muscles situated deep inside the body. This massage focuses on deep layers of muscles, fascia and tendons. Deep tissue massage reduces chronic pain, lower back pain, tightness of leg muscles, soreness of shoulders, and stiffness of upper back and neck. If you’re suffering from chronic muscle injury or strain, there will be rigidness in muscles, ligaments and tendons. Muscle adhesions will block blood circulation resulting in limited mobility, inflammation and pain.
Deep tissue massage will break down the adhesions to get relief from pain and restore mobility. In order to reduce pain and improve mobility, the therapist employs massage oil on the body by using deep pressure. The deep pressure will help to relax the muscles as the massage reaches the muscles located deeper. Message therapists use knuckles, elbows, hands, forearms, and fingertips to massage the body. While massing, the therapist will ask the patient to breathe deeply. The patients may feel slight discomfort or soreness during deep tissue massage, which can be reduced by having a warm bath. You should drink water to keep your body hydrated before and after massage.
Gentle Massage
Gentle massage is a lighter type of massage therapy than deep tissue massage. Gentle massage does not cause any discomfort while applying massage on the body. Gentle massage therapy is done by gliding and long strokes towards the direction of blood flow to the heart. Gentle massage is helpful to increase oxygen level in the blood, improve blood circulation, flexibility of muscles, and decrease muscle toxins. This kind of massage includes rhythmic motion than deep tissue massage, but unlike deep tissue massage, gentle massage is performed on the top muscle layers. When this massage is performed, you’ll feel more relaxed and energized. It improves the blood circulation in the body.
Gentle massage uses different strokes such as vibration, kneading, long strokes, friction, and tapping. These strokes help in the stimulation of body, which in turn produce endorphins. Endorphins are also known as happy hormones, which promotes relaxation. Gentle massage is suitable when you’re stressed, suffering from blood circulation problems and tired. Gentle massage helps you to regain positive outlook to life and energy.
Difference between deep tissue massage and gentle massage
Gentle massage helps your body to relax and deep tissue massage gives you a more therapeutic message. If you’re experiencing from tightness of muscles, then you’ll benefit from deep tissue massage. If you’re interested only in relaxation of body, then gentle massage is the better option.
